(IDEX Online) - Colin Shah is to step up as chairman of India's Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).He will steer the industry body through what he's described as "acute uncertainties due to the ongoing COVID 19 crisis in India and world over".GJEPC, established by the government in 1966 to promote overseas sales, now represents 7,000 exporters in the sector. Mr Shah (pictured), who is currently vice-chairman, takes office tomorrow for a two-year term. In 1996 he founded Kama Jewelry, which later became Kama Schachter, one of Asia's top 10 manufacturers and exporters of diamond jewelry with three factories employing 800 workers in India."We are confident that we all will work closely with the industry and the government, especially the Ministry of Commerce and industry, to give Indian gems and jewellery market a competitive edge in the world market," he said.The availability of bank finance, fostering MSMEs, and leveraging e-Commerce are among his most immediate concerns.Vipul Shah, CEO & managing director of Asian Star, and a former chairman (2012 to 2015) will be vice chairman.