A sigh of relief as Maharashtra allows Export
Uddhav Thackeray’s landmark decisions for GJ Export
Maharashtra State Chief Minister Shri Uddhav Thackeray yesterday in his meeting with the cabinet ministers approved an important appeal made by the gems and jewellery exports fraternity to start operations in Mumbai. The State CM approved operations of designated gems and jewellery export units at Bharat Diamond Bourse and SEEPZ, which are India’s largest and world’s renowned jewellery export zones.
The government however allowed the operations of these jewellery export units with only 10 percent of workforce for fulfilling of import and export obligations during the lockdown period. Also the State government have given instructions to arrange for safe and hygienic work environment for the workforce, including their safe travel to and fro from their house to their workshop’s or manufacturing units.
This landmark decision by the government of Maharashtra has brought relief to thousands of diamond, gems and jewellery exporters in BDB and SEEPZ in Mumbai.
This will be a significant move for the gems and jewellery export operations to commence in Mumbai as the city houses Bharat Diamond Bourse and SEEPZ, two of India’s largest jewellery export designated zones. Also, it is believed that Bharat Diamond Bourse have received export interest applications from the members worth $550Mn from 1673 consignment parcels and SEEPZ is expected to export $10Mn worth of diamond from 50 units.
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), Chairman, Mr Pramod Agrawal, expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and said, “GJEPC and the entire gems and jewellery export community in Mumbai and across the country, are extremely grateful for this to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray ji, for listening to our appeal and taking proactive step towards his pro-business continuity initiative for continuation of gems and jewellery exports from Mumbai.
Due to COVID-19 lockdown, the industry was on a standstill for over 5-6 weeks and the export orders worth $1Bn are pending. This limited but extremely crucial operations permission will help us not only to clear the backlogs but will also prevent the business losing to neighbouring countries like China, Taiwan and Malaysia who are fully functional now.
I also thank the Ministry of Commerce; The Ministry of Finance and Customs department for working relentlessly to gear-up G&J exports amidst COVID-19 lockdown.”
Mr Colin Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The CM of Maharashtra Uddhav ji understands the need of the hour and this initiative will bring cheer not just to the export houses, but also to the labours and craftsman who are the backbone of the industry. Priority will be given to deliver pending export orders and this will bring liquidity to the overall ecosystem. ”
Anoop Mehta, President Bharat Diamond Bourse said, “ This is a significant move for the diamond trade at BDB as the units can commence operations post almost 50 days of lockdown. I extend my sincere thanks to the Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra for considering our plea and allowing trade to commence at Bharat Diamond Bourse.”
Mr Pramod Agrawal further added, “Will take this opportunity to thank Russell Bhai Mehta, Kirit Bhai Bhansali and the entire team of GJEPC who have worked towards a common goal of getting the business back on track and were constantly pursuing with the CM’s office and Govt of Maharashtra State to allow partial operations in the gems and jewellery export units in Mumbai.
It is expected that the Indian gem and jewellery industry will be gaining back its momentum slowly by strictly adhering to the Covid-19 safety guidelines set up by government.
Key: GJ export, India exports, export in Covid-19
