GJEPC To ‘Transform’ Singur Into Export Hub For Fashion, Costume Jewellery

Tatas’ Nano dream for Singur may have eluded Bengal but now the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has come up with yet another golden opportunity that rekindles prosperity hopes, all over again. The Council intends to make Singur a global export hub for fashion and costume jewellery, a decision that comes as music to the locals, craftsmen and the state government. Singur, incidentally, has a skilled workforce of around one lakh Bengali kaarigars, working in manufacturing units located in and around Singur in Hooghly district.

In fact, 20 per cent of the workforce comprises women and the latest proposal will also be a morale-booster to the local cottage industry. Most vendors, who import raw materials, are located in Singur. Imported quality gypsum manufacturing has started in the area only recently. Singur is located centrally and is in close proximity to at least five railway stations, and also to NH-2 that connects to the Kolkata International Airport. Singur has artisanal heritage as Kolkata's renowned craftsmanship serves as a foundation, offering a rich legacy of artistic skills that can be leveraged by the jewellery manufacturers.

Shifting global trade dynamics, with the US directing procurement away from China, present a strategic opportunity for Singur's manufacturers to cater to this vibrant demand and elevate their global presence. Significantly, the Indian gem and jewellery market, currently valued at $85 billion, is poised for rapid growth. It is projected to reach $130 billion by 2030 even as GJEPC is gearing up for giving fillip to growth with a slew of initiatives. Interestingly, the country’s gem and jewellery business has two strengths: the first of which is quality in design and aesthetics and smart-tech for jewellery manufacturing as well as knowledge. The knowledge has to penetrate deeper so that India can become knowledge and skill hub of the global gem and jewellery trade. With unparalleled capacity, advanced technology, skilled artisans, and talented designers, India is poised to excel on the global stage. The sector can also contribute significantly to the dream of Viksit Bharat. The Council has already invested Rs, 150 crore in the global generic promotion of diamonds till date.

To strengthen this effort, GJEPC has teamed up with De Beers, the world’s leading diamond firm, for promotion of diamonds through retail alliance in India. De Beers Group and GJEPC are working on strengthening the natural diamond narrative within the Indian gem and jewellery trade. The collaboration titled, INDRA - Indian Natural Diamond Retailer Alliance, will focus on supporting independent retailers with tools that go beyond the conventional, like leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create customized retailer campaigns.

From multi-lingual marketing assets to immersive storytelling and superior customer experiences, as well as in-depth natural diamond jewellery training in local languages, it will support the country’s jewellery retailers with the tools they need to be assured that natural diamonds resonate deeply with every consumer. Besides, in a move to boost gem and jewellery exports via e-commerce, GJEPC has joined hands with DHL Express, the global leader in international express services, to facilitate efficient shipping of India-crafted jewellery worldwide. Let us hope and pray that Singur won’t miss the bus to global fame!