Story Highlight
– SAJEX2025 launched in Jeddah, strengthening India-Saudi ties.
– Major dignitaries from India and Saudi Arabia attended.
– Bilateral trade reached $42.98 billion in FY 2023-24.
– Event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
– India aims to be global leader in jewellery sector.
Full Story
The Global Gems and Jewellery Exposition, known as #SAJEX2025, commenced today at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, underlining the strengthening ties between India and Saudi Arabia. The inauguration featured notable figures including Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan, Consul General Fahad Suri, and Counsellor Manusmriti, as well as representatives from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC India) and various government officials from both nations. Attendance also included members from InvestSaudi, GAFT SA, KSAMOFA, and leaders from the Makkah, Jeddah, and Riyadh Chambers of Commerce, demonstrating a robust bilateral collaboration.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia took to social media platform X to announce the event’s opening, stating, “The Global Gems and Jewellery Exposition #SAJEX2025, organised by @GJEPCIndia, opened today at @jeddahsuperdome. Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan, Consul General @CGIJeddah Shri Fahad Suri, and Counsellor Ms. Manusmriti joined the leadership of @GJEPCIndia, along with officials from @DoC_GoI, @MISA, @mimgov, @InvestSaudi, @gaft_sa, @KSAMOFA, @makkahregion and business leaders from @MakkahChamber, @JeddahChamber, @RiyadhChamber, and other dignitaries to inaugurate this landmark event.”
India ranks as Saudi Arabia’s fifth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at approximately $42.98 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24, reflecting a thriving economic partnership. As a significant contributor to the global gems and jewellery sector, SAJEX2025 serves as a vital opportunity for business networking and the exploration of new ventures. The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims at economic diversification and sustainable growth.
The Jeddah exposition builds upon the achievements of last year’s India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) Signature 2024, which was inaugurated by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in Mumbai in January. That event, also organised by GJEPC, highlighted India’s central role as a leading supplier of gemstones and jewellery.
During the Mumbai event, Goyal praised India’s influential status in the gem and jewellery industry, noting its evolution into a key player in diamond trading. “India has played a pivotal role as a stone supplier/gem supplier, proceeding to become an important centre for jewellery,” Goyal remarked. He also commended the sector’s dedication and creativity, acknowledging the contributions of designers, manufacturers, marketers, and retailers.
Furthermore, Goyal expressed optimism regarding the sector’s future, remarking, “It is good that we are looking at an organised growth of this sector, we are looking at a formal engagement with customers, with the international world, and I truly believe that under PM Modi’s guidance, India will become the global epicentre of this industry.”
The IIJS Signature 2024, which took place from January 4 to 7 at Jio World Convention Centre and from January 5 to 8 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, showcased over 1500 exhibitors and highlighted the sector’s diverse offerings across more than 3000 stalls. The event established itself as India’s flagship jewellery show, emphasising its international relevance and capacity for personalised engagement with global retailers.
In summary, SAJEX2025 not only signifies a productive collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia but also stands as a testament to the dynamism and potential of the Indian gem and jewellery industry on the world stage. The event promises to deliver innovative opportunities and foster new partnerships, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape.