 BAHRAIN, OCT 8: INDIAN designers took centre stage yesterday with a
national fashion show at Jewellery Arabia 2004.Collections of 42
leading gem and jewellery manufacturers and traders from India were
paraded by models at the Ayoun Al Ghaneda (Mysterious Eyes) show.
A special ladies show was held in the morning, followed by a gala
performance last night.
They took place at the Indian pavilion, which is witnessing its
biggest ever participation at Jewellery Arabia this year.
The Indian delegation has taken 42 stalls at the event, covering an
area of 564 square metres and featuring mass-produced jewellery, as
well as handmade ethnic items.
It is being led by India's Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion
Council (GJEPC).
"India foresees the Middle East as an important destination for
gems and jewellery," said GJEPC chairman Bakul Mehta.
"We share a special bond and the relationship has strengthened over
the years with the sharing of similar tastes and ethnicity."
Mr Mehta said India's participation in Jewellery Arabia is part of
an overall marketing strategy that targets this region in particular.
"The Indian gem and jewellery industry has set a target of $16
billion (around BD6bn) by 2007," he said.
"The Middle East being an important destination, the GJEPC has
planned an aggressive marketing strategy to tap the market potential
and is undertaking various promotional initiatives.
"Participation in Jewellery Arabia 2004 is a step forward in this
direction."
Exports of gems and jewellery from India to the Middle East, which
stood at $265.75m (BD100.4m) between March 1998 and April 1999,
increased to $1.856bn (BD701.568m) between March 2003 and April 2004,
according to official figures.
Jewellery Arabia is open from 4pm to 10pm today and tomorrow for
jewellery manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, traders and retailers
as well as private investors and collectors, by invitation only. | 
