The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India elected Sanjay Kothari as chairman, replacing Bakul R. Mehta. This is Kothari’s second term as chairman, his first was from 2000-2004. Vasant Mehta was elected vice chairman, taking over from Navin D. Mehta. Both will hold office until Sept. 2008.

“I have taken over as chairman of the council with a set agenda which would be to serve the members, achieve growth of this industry and provide avenues for increased employment,” Kothari said. “This could only be achieved through extensive promotion of the gem and jewelry industry as a whole, be it loose, cut and polished diamonds, plain and studded jewelry or color gemstones. The other areas of focus will be concentrating on new markets, sourcing rough diamonds, and bringing heat treatment for colored gems to India.”

Vasant Mehta said his role would be to support and implement the chairman’s vision for the industry.

Outgoing chairman Bakul Mehta said he will continue to work with the council’s diamond panel committee.

JCK