The Gem and Jewellery industry of India is all set to make its debut in Bangladesh at the India Show to be held at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre, Dhaka. Titled as the “Made In India” Show, this 3 day event being held from December 3-5, 2012 in Dhaka marks India’s ambitious plans in strengthening trade ties with Bangladesh, which is now being hailed as one of the most promising upcoming economies in the South Asian, Indian sub-continent region. In line with the Government of India’s Look East Policy, the India Show is being organized by FICCI with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as well as being promoted and supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh. The show is focused on establishing trade ties between the two countries and aims to bring together leading business enterprises, manufacturers, as well as luminaries in art, academics as well as high level Govt. and ministerial officials through the various programmes that are part of the show in an endeavor to strategize and redefine the existing trade relations that the two countries share.

The show is being inaugurated by HE Dr. Daggubati Purandeswari, Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Govt. of India as well as her counterpart in Bangladesh, HE Mr. G.M. Quader, Minister of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh in the presence of dignitaries and officials from the two countries. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council will lead a team of 18 prominent jewelers who comprise manufacturers and exporters of gold as well as diamond jewellery in the hope to explore business opportunities and establish long term trade relations with jewelers from the country. The product offering from the Indian gem and jewellery trade will include affordable jewellery, medium range as well as high end designer products that are aimed at high net worth individuals.

Trade of gem and jewellery products with Bangladesh in the past, despite not being a major part of the total Indian gem and jewellery exports has been rising steadily over the last 5 years. This can largely be attributed to the opening up of trade relations, push to establish FTA as well as the conscious decisions by the Governments of the 2 countries to establish stronger bilateral relations. Besides, Bangladesh is an important ally for India being a neighboring state and with a GDP of 6.7, the economy of Bangladesh is poised to surpass those of other upcoming South Asian economies. Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman of the GJEPC said, “The two countries have been part of the same history and India and Bangladesh have shared not just history, but faced similar battles and shared similar glories. The two countries have commonalities in tradition and culture and hence the Indian gem and jewellery industry foresees a fairly large demand for Indian products in the country. Participation at the India Show is one of the ways by which India will present its exquisite offering in gold jewellery, which sees the highest demand in Bangladesh as well as diamond jewellery in a bid to present the local buyers the entire spectrum of gem and jewellery products that India has to offer”.

A special Fashion show by invitation will be held on December, 4, 2012 at the Pan Pacific, Sonargaon. An evening gala, the fashion show will feature an exquisite and exclusive range of jewellery designs by the prominent Indian manufacturers. The Fashion will feature leading models from Bangladesh who will be choreographed by ace choreographer Anu Ahuja from Mumbai. The costumes for the show are being provided by leading fashion designer Asif Merchant, who hails from Mumbai as well. Renowned fusion Bangladeshi artist, Armeen Musa will entertain the audience with her soulful renditions.

The theme behind this fashion extravaganza is not only to showcase the premium gem and jewellery offering but also celebrate the confluence of the two cultures. Based along the lines of the birth of two civilizations, both which were founded along the river banks of the Indus and the Padma, the history of these two nations started at a common point to traverse different paths, adapt different cultures and then harmoniously blend into the ocean at a common point. The theme of the show very aptly explores this transition through a poetic and dazzling display of gold and diamond jewellery to the backdrop of an alluring showcase of melody and lights.

Strategic location, low cost and industrious workforce, export-oriented industrial enclaves for EPZ that have excellent infrastructure and logistic support, conducive re-export government policies, proximity by land and sea to India and continuous bilateral trade enhancing talks and exchange between the two countries make Bangladesh an ideal destination for the Indian jewellery