The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council has brought to the city its Preferred Manufacturer of India (PMI) programme for three days from January 8.
With 42 stalls, this business-to-business event is for jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Over 80 visitors are expected.
Anantha Padmanaban, chairman of the Council, told presspersons here on Tuesday that participation in this buyer-seller meet was only by invitation. Manufacturers and wholesalers from across the country, who were selected by the council based on several criteria, put up stalls. Retailers were expected from Coimbatore and nearby places. The event was organised by the Council for the manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to network and grow business. The jewellery on display included handmade, machine made, imported and even Coimbatore jewellery. The retailers would be able to see a variety of designs and different types of jewellery under one roof.
With more business, the small-scale manufacturers would also see an increase in orders, he said.
According to Nitin Khandelwal, the immediate past chairman of the Council, this is the fourth edition of the programme.
Every edition has six events and this is the second time the PMI is held in Coimbatore. There are many manufacturers who are waiting to take part in the PMI. South India is the largest market for gold jewellery in the country. India imports 800 tonnes to 1,000 tonnes of gold a year and recycles nearly 400 tonnes. The industry has not seen growth for the last two years for several reasons.
“We are looking at measures to attract young buyers,” he said.