Karnataka urges India Inc to explore setting up a jewellery park near Bengaluru airport

Karnataka Minister MB Patil

Karnataka’s Large and Medium Industries Minister MB Patil has pitched for setting up a jewellery park near the Devanahalli airport and has proposed to provide land to industrialists. He was speaking at the four-day Jewellery Expo at the BIEC exhibition centre on March 21.

Minister Patil urged industrialists to explore opportunities in jewellery export and invest in Karnataka, highlighting the state’s edge in infrastructure and skilled workforce. He also emphasized on the importance of sustainability, and urged stakeholders to establish a net-zero Jewellery Park.

Recognized as the third-largest jewellery expo in the country, the event is organized by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and will run until March 24.

“Karnataka continues to be a preferred destination for jewellery manufacturing and exports, offering world-class infrastructure, future-centric policies, and a skilled workforce. Supporting this growth, the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery in Udupi has been training skilled craftsmen,” the minister said.

He also spoke about the Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Udupi, which has grown significantly from just 55 students five years ago to over 400 students, focusing on imparting various skills, especially to women and youth.

“India’s jewellery trade sees annual transactions worth $32 billion, with key export markets including the USA, UAE, Russia, Singapore, and Hong Kong,” Patil said.

MB Patil said Karnataka has industry-friendly and export-oriented policies, helping the state achieve top rankings in several industry-related indices.

Karnataka ranks first in India for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and second in GST collection. Additionally, Bengaluru is set to have its second airport by 2033, with preliminary work already underway.

Encouraging entrepreneurs from the jewellery sector to invest in Karnataka, the minister assured that the government would provide all necessary support and facilities to promote growth in the industry.