Vasant Mehta is the new chairman of GJEPC

Vasant Mehta has been elected as the new Chairman of Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) while Rajeev Jain has been appointed as the Vice Chairman. The 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GJEPC took place on 30th September 2008 in Mumbai.

Mehta will take on the responsibilities from the ex-chairman of GJEPC, Sanjay Kothari, who has completed his two-year term from 2006 to 2008. Jain, who was Chairman, Jaipur region, GJEPC will be succeeding the post of Vice-Chairman of the Council.

"It is a position of great honour and immense responsibility. I have series of tasks to accomplish in times to come and I look forward to the similar support and cooperation extended to the past Chairman to take the industry to newer heights,” said Vasant Mehta.

The newly elected chairman and vice chairman will hold office for a period of two years from 2008 to 2010.

“I am thankful to the Committee, members; media and Council for providing immense support all throughout which lead the industry achieve great heights. Multiple new projects are in pipeline and I along with the committee and team are ready to provide the same support to the new Chairman which will help continue the growth,” said the Ex Chairman of GJEPC, Sanjay A. Kothari.

Mehta is founder and senior partner of M/S. V. Rameshchandra & Co., Mumbai. After graduating from Calcutta University, Vasant Mehta migrated to Mumbai and joined the newly developing diamond cutting industry in 1966.

He joined GJEPC in the year 1969 as an honorary member and consequently held several important positions including that of Vice Chairman of the Council. Recently, he was re-elected as Vice Chairman, to serve until year 2008. He has also been a convener of the Banking Insurance and Taxation Committee for over 10 years. He has served as a member of the committee of the Bharat Diamond Bourse and has been an Advisor to their Legal Committee. He is currently the VP of the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) and is also a special advisor to China Diamond Industry.

Jain is the Promoter and Director of Vaibhav Gems Ltd, the first ever Public Ltd Company in the Jewellery sector from Jaipur. Presently he is also shouldering responsibilities as Chairman of Sambhav Gems Ltd. Jain has served GJEPC earlier at various positions, including having been the Convener, Colour Gemstone Panel. He has also been the Ex - Chairman of the CII, Rajasthan Sector, Director of International Colour Gemstone Association (ICA), Honorary Secretary of Jaipur Jewellery Show & as the Ex-Vice President of Jewellers’ Association of Jaipur.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council is an all India apex body representing 6000 Gem & Jewellery traders from India. Set up in 1966, it operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and elected representatives of the industry. The Council is a non-profit organization involved with service to the nation.