A delegation of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) led by its Vice Chairman Pankaj Parekh is on a visit to Panama from 27th to 30th April, 2015 both to participate in the inauguration of the Panama Diamond Exchange (PDE) and to promote bilateral trade of gems and jewellery products between India and the Latin American countries.

The delegation, which includes Nitin Dhariwal of KGK International; Naresh Jain of Livingstone Jewellery; Ashish Kotawala of GDK Jewels; and K. K. Duggal, Director (Policy), GJEPC was to be led by Shri Siddharth, DG, DGS&D, Ministry of Commerce.  However, due to certain pressing matters he could not undertake the trip.

Prior to the inauguration of the WJH, the delegation held a meeting with Eli Izhakoff, Chairman of the PDE.  Izhakoff also informed the delegation  that he had been in regular touch with the Ambassador of India, HE Shamma Jain who had, during her visit to India in February 2015 met the Commerce Secretary and briefed him about the strategic importance of PDE and suggested that a senior level officer from MoC visit Panama. 

GJEPC VC Pankaj Parekh expressed the hope that PDE would act as a gateway to the Latin American market, and remarked that the diamond traders would be keen to consider setting up a base here. 

Later the GJEPC delegation also met senior officials from the Panama government including Hon'ble Minister of Trade & Industry, Republic of Panama,   Meliton Arrocha, and the Vice Minister of Commerce & Foreign Trade, Nestor Gonzalez.  Both dignitaries praised India highly with regards to its leading position in the diamond industry worldwide.

During the interaction between the delegation and the Minister and other dignitaries, Parekh invited them to visit India and the IIJS in August, 2015.

The Indian Ambassador hosted all delegates to dinner in the evening   During the Dinner, the Ambassador showed keen interest and assured the delegation that her Embassy would provide all assistance to GJEPC members who wished to trade with  Latin America through Panama.

More meetings with government functionaries and trade bodies are expected to take place over the next few days. Subsequently, the delegation will also participate in the CIBJO  World Conference  in Salvador, Brazil from May 4 to 6, 2015.