"There has been limited trade between the Pakistan gems and jewelry traders and their Indian counterparts essentially via Dubai,” said Sanjay Kothari, GJEPC’s vice chairman. “The council identified an opportunity to visit the Pakistan Gem and Jewellery trade show as well as present to the local trade Indian talent and business potential, with the objective of enhancing trade and forging links directly between India and Pakistan."

The 12-member delegation, led by Kothari, participated in PIGJE from June 7 to 11, 2012. The group also visited gem and jewelry trade organizations, associations and key retailers in Pakistan to better understand the local trade nuances and to identify potential areas for developing trade.

The GJEPC stated that it realizes the significance of the neighboring country, whose gems and jewelry market is estimated to be around $10 billion. In the fiscal year 2012, total exports to Pakistan were $17.69 million, while imports from Pakistan were about $310,000.

The council extended an invitation to their Pakistani counterparts to be part of India International Jewellery Show (IIJS 2012) and India International Jewellery Week (IIJW 2012), two major events, organized annually by GJEPC.