The All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) recently held their Board of Directors meet on 24th May ‘09 at Hotel Palms, Mumbai. This industry meet was attended by 14 Directors of GJF, from 9 cities in India who met to discuss the jewellery industry issues and plan of action for GJF promotional events & programs. The EGM date and venue was also finalized at this meeting to coincide with the IIJS in august 2009.

The GJF Board came out with many important decisions at this meeting. They resolved to open regional offices in 5 different zones keeping in view the promoting and penetrating of the length and breadth of the country. The board also resolved to add diverse members from Labs and Publications in order to bring more talent into GJF. Thereby, the board expanded by adding 11 new Directors onto their Governing Board.

Primarily on the agenda is developing strong marketing and promotional plans for the industry this festive season for which GJF shall wholeheartedly support and work closely with the diamond promotion of GJEPC. Additionally, the networking program to connect jewelers across India under the CDC (committee of district conveners) was discussed in detail and has now been passed. This will be implemented to bring 1, 00,000 jewelers into the fray.

On this occasion Mr C Vinod Hayagriv, Chairman, GJF said “The GJF’s plan is to bring all the jewellers together to have organized management principles and Quality control measures across the country through a unique store certification program called TRUSTMARK. We have to work closely with government and institutions to increase educational programs and ensure training and development to employees across the country, organize and give recognition to the industry by developing smart card program. We aim to drive growth throughout the length and breadth of India by way of committee of district convener program developed by GJF.”

The education and talent development of the industry shall be the focus for the board and it plans to educate thousands of artisans and jewelers through organizing seminars and workshops across India, starting with the seminars at IIJS, including visits to mines and study of treatments.

The key points for presentation to the Ministry of Commerce-DIPP was finalized and resolved for the formation of the National Council of Gems and Jewellery under the Government of India. The 50% growth target would be pursued under their plans.

The board also shared the experiences of the recent visits by key members to USA, Japan and China and discussions had with the various trade bodies in order to improve their respective activities.