Higher demand in the Middle-East and South-East Asia could help India’s gems and jewelry export grow this fiscal to about $42 billion, an export promotion body said on Monday. In 2016-17, the export totaled at around $36 billion. According to Anil Sankhwal, Gems and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) northern region chairman, Europe poses a challenge to exporters. “But in the US, Middle-East nations and South-East Asia, demand is growing. We are expecting that our exports will reach about $41-42 billion this fiscal,” Sankhwal told reporters. He also expressed concern over imposition of 5% import duty by Dubai on gold and diamond jewelery. “The move would impact India’s exports. We are discussing measures to deal with the situation as Dubai is an important market,” Sankhwal said. About steps to boost export, he said GJEPC is organizing a buyer-seller meet in the national capital. A three-day event -- India SAARC-Middle East Buyer Seller Meet -- started yesterday. “In this meet, 38 domestic manufacturers and 70 international buyers from South Asia, the Middle-East, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Oman and Qatar are participating,” he said. On display is a wide range of jewelry products by exhibitors. “There is a huge potential in these markets. The event provides a platform to bring traders together and explore business opportunities,” he said.