India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has appointed industry veteran Colin Shah as its new chairman, replacing outgoing chief Pramod Kumar Agrawal. 

Vipul Shah meanwhile was elected vice chairman of GJEPC.

The appointments came amid uncertainties in the global gemstone and jewellery trade as a result of coronavirus-led travel and business restrictions.

According to Colin, the Covid-19 crisis demands a “paradigm shift” in the jewellery industry. “The council is focusing on recalibrating itself through digitalisation and exploring new ways to reach customers and create demand,” he noted. “We will work closely with the industry and the government to give India’s gem and jewellery sector a competitive edge in the world market.”

Among the immediate concerns to be addressed include favourable policies to improve ease of doing business; availability of bank financing; support for micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises; and leveraging e-commerce, revealed Colin.