A high-level delegation of 18 members from the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Jewellers Association Jaipur, and Sitapura Gems and Jewellery Industry Association visited Thailand from 22nd to 24th February 2025 to explore collaborative opportunities in the sector, reflecting a unified effort to strengthen trade ties between India and Thailand.

The most significant highlight of the delegation was the signing of three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on the opening day of the Bangkok Gem and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) on 22nd February 2025. These landmark agreements were signed in a grand ceremony in the presence of key Thai industry stalwarts and highlighted the commitment of both countries to fostering long-term cooperation in the gems and jewellery sector.

The MoUs were signed as follows:

• GJEPC's Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery Research and Laboratories Centre (IIGJ-RLC) with GIT Thailand.
• Jewellers Association Jaipur with Chanthaburi Gem and Jewellery Traders Association.
• Sitapura Gems and Jewellery Industry Association (SGJIA) with Thai Silver Exporter Association (TSEA).

Talking bout the MoU between GJEPC's Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery Research and Laboratories Centre (IIGJ-RLC) with GIT Thailand, Dr Nawal Agarwal, Chairman, IIGJ Jaipur & Director, IIGJ-RLC, said, "The MoU between IIGJ-RLC and GIT marks a significant step toward harmonizing gemstone standardization, fostering joint research, and enhancing knowledge exchange. By working together, India and Thailand are ensuring higher levels of trust, transparency, and excellence in the global gem and jewellery industry." – Dr. Nawal Agarwal, Chairman, IIGJ Jaipur & Director, IIGJ-RLC.”

Dr. Agarwal also invited Thai associations to participate in the upcoming International Gem & Jewellery Show in Jeddah (Saudijex) this September, proposing a dedicated Thai Pavilion to further strengthen trade ties and foster new avenues of collaboration between India and Thailand.

Commenting on the MoU between Jewellers Association Jaipur and Chanthaburi Gem & Jewelry Traders Association Mr Alok Sonkhia, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur, said, ""The MoU between Jewellers Association Jaipur and Chanthaburi Gem & Jewelry Traders Association will strengthen the coloured gemstone trade between India and Thailand. Through knowledge exchange, expanded trade opportunities, and joint participation in global events, this partnership will enhance market reach, support industry growth, and solidify both nations' roles as key players in the international gemstone sector."

Speaking about the MoU between Sitapura Gems and Jewellery Industry Association and Thai Silver Exporters Association, Mr Arvind Gupta, President, Sitapura Gems and Jewelelry Industry Association said, “"The collaboration between Sitapura Gems and Jewellery Industry Association and Thai Silver Exporters Association will boost the silver jewellery trade by fostering innovation, design excellence, and market expansion. This partnership paves the way for greater global recognition of silver jewellery while creating new business opportunities for artisans and exporters in both India and Thailand."

The delegation focused on establishing long-term ties across multiple areas, including laboratories, institutes, trade, manufacturing, and more. Delegates engaged in a series of productive meetings and site visits aimed at building synergies between the two nations' gem and jewellery industries.

Key meetings were held with leading Thai institutions, including the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), a public organization under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce.

Discussions with GIT centered on streamlining laboratory processes on both sides, achieving mutual recognition of certifications, developing joint skilling courses, and facilitating student and faculty exchange programs. These steps aim to enhance the skill sets of professionals in both countries and promote international standards.

Further, the delegation met with the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) to discuss creating gemstone sourcing platforms, promoting the coloured gemstone trade, and building technological connections to bridge trade between both nations. The collaboration also extended to the Thai Silver Exporters Association (TSEA), where key discussions focused on joint manufacturing ventures, technology sharing, and design innovation. Meetings with the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGTA) explored the possibility of creating a joint conglomerate for coloured gemstones, enhancing collaboration in the global market.

Another significant aspect of the visit was the mutual interest in participating in each other's trade shows. The delegation extended an invitation to Thailand to hold a pavilion at key Indian events such as the IIJS Mumbai, JAS, and JAGS Jaipur, while also inviting a buyer delegation from Thailand to participate in these shows in India.

This visit comes on the heels of a high-level delegation from Thailand, led by GIT, visiting Jaipur in November 2024. The India-Thailand collaboration is now poised to shape the future of the global gems and jewellery industry, unlocking vast opportunities for mutual growth, technological exchange, and the promotion of Indian and Thai gems and jewellery products worldwide.

Courtesy: AOJ Desk News