Gold jewellery exports during April-October this year was to the tune of $408.74 million, a growth of 0.43 per cent only, director general of foreign trade NN Lakhanpal told a workshop on gold jewellery exports here.

"Though after showing a negative (export) growth for first five months, gold jewellery exports has shown a positive growth, this is much below the desired level," he said at the "towards world leadership in gold jewellery exports-vision 2003" workshop organised by the World Gold Council (WGC).

Stating that gem and jewellery was an important commodity in Indian export basket accounting for 15 per cent of total exports, he said diamond accounted for 85 per cent of it in value terms, while gold jewellery made up 12 per cent with colour gem stones making up therest.

Total gold jewellery exports during 1997-98 was $572.30 million and it was a significant rise from $304 million in 1991, he said.