Rs 500 cr increase in gem, jewellery exports from India

Jaipur, Dec 20 (UNI) Exports of gem and jewellery from India have risen from Rs 800 crore per year to over Rs 1,300 crore over the period of five years, Jaipur Jewellery Show Spokesman Ajay Kala said here today.

He told mediapersons that gem and jewellery export that was about Rs 800 crore per annum five years ago had increased over Rs 1,300 this fiscal year ending March 31, 2007.

He said Jaipur contributed over 90 per cent to the exports, particularly coloured-stone items, from the country.

Fourth and fifth editions of Jaipur Jewellery Show themed at 'Emerald', a green coloured stone, which helped a lot in its promotion, recording a rise of about 80 to 90 per cent in the export during one year.

On the export business prospects next year, Mr Kala said although devaluation of dollar had rendered a setback, ''we are expecting a rise of about 8 to 10 per cent in exports during 2007-2008''.

UNI