The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has appointed Kirit Bhansali as Chairman and Shaunak Parikh as Vice Chairman, following the Committee of Administration (COA) Election 2024.
The newly constituted COA will oversee initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s gem and jewellery industry.
Leadership Priorities
Kirit Bhansali, in his role as Chairman, outlined GJEPC’s focus on industry growth, infrastructure development, and international trade expansion. He highlighted key projects such as the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai and the Gem Bourse in Jaipur, alongside efforts to expand India’s presence in global markets, including Saudijex in Saudi Arabia and IJEX Dubai.
“Our vision is to drive transformative growth for India’s gem and jewellery industry through strategic initiatives, innovative projects, and collaborative efforts. From advancing flagship projects like the India Jewellery Park in Mumbai and the Gem Bourse in Jaipur to expanding our global footprint with initiatives like Saudijex in Saudi Arabia and IJEX Dubai, we aim to position India as a global leader in technology, design, and manufacturing. Together, we will strive to achieve the ambitious export target of USD 100 billion by 2047, aligning with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat,” Bhansali said.
He further emphasised the Council’s efforts to strengthen India’s position in the global market: “We aim to sustain India’s global leadership, capitalise on domestic market potential, and advocate for favourable policies while continuing to support our artisans. To boost exports from the sector and support India’s economic growth, GJEPC has identified 17 key clusters based on their size, potential, and strategic location. By nurturing these clusters, we aim to develop them into thriving export hubs.”
Shaunak Parikh, the newly appointed Vice Chairman, highlighted the importance of industry-wide collaboration, infrastructure improvements, and global standards to maintain competitiveness.
“I sincerely thank all the industry members for entrusting me with this responsibility and giving me the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our remarkable gem and jewellery sector. This is a crucial time for the industry, and the challenges before us demand bold vision and decisive action. It is imperative to focus on category promotion across all verticals, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and adopting global standards to ensure our industry remains competitive on the world stage. The Council will continue to collaborate closely with the government to shape policies that not only drive growth but also address the pressing concerns of our exporters in an ever-evolving global market,” he stated.
Chairman and Vice Chairman Profiles
Kirit Bhansali is a partner at Smital Gems, a Mumbai-based diamond manufacturing company. He also serves as Chairman of the India Jewellery Park Mumbai (IJPM) and is a Committee Member of the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB). Bhansali has previously chaired the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ) and has been involved in various industry initiatives.
Shaunak Parikh is a Director at Mahendra Brothers Group of Companies, with over 30 years of experience in diamond manufacturing and marketing. He has been actively involved in strategic planning, finance, and business development. Within GJEPC, he has previously served as Convener of the Banking, Insurance, and Taxation Committee, as well as the Convener of International Exhibitions.
