The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), through its vibrant New Delhi Regional Office, recently spearheaded a highly impactful Export Outreach Programme. This significant event, designed to foster growth and knowledge within the export sector, was a collaborative triumph, orchestrated in partnership with the esteemed Sarafa Association Jammu Province. Further strengthening this alliance were key governmental bodies: the Office of Jt. DGFT Jammu, ECGC, Jammu, and the Office of Director MSME Jammu. The program convened on September 27th, 2023, at the distinguished Hotel KC Residency in Jammu, drawing the active participation of approximately 70 attendees. This gathering underscored a collective commitment to empowering local businesses and propelling the region’s gem and jewellery industry onto the global stage.
A Confluence of Expertise: Welcoming Dignitaries and Industry Leaders
The Export Outreach Programme commenced with a warm and inspiring welcome address delivered by Mr. Ashok Seth, the esteemed Regional Chairman of GJEPC’s Northern Region. Mr. Seth extended his gratitude and greetings to the distinguished government officials, dedicated association members, and enthusiastic participants who had gathered, setting an optimistic tone for the day’s proceedings. The event was further enriched by the presence and insights of a panel of prominent guest speakers, each an authority in their respective domains. These included Mr. A.K. Bhushan, Deputy Director General of DGFT, Jammu, whose expertise is invaluable in foreign trade regulations; Mr. G. Velladurai, Joint Director of MSME DFO J&K, a guiding force for small and medium enterprises; Mr. Debi Prasad Kar, Branch Manager of ECGC, Jammu, providing crucial perspectives on export credit insurance; and pivotal leaders from the Sarafa Association Jammu Province – Mr. Raman Suri, President, Mr. Rakesh Mahajan, Senior Vice President, and Mr. Vijay Verma, General Secretary – all united in their commitment to the region’s jewellery trade advancement.
Navigating the Export Landscape: Key Insights and Opportunities
The core objective of the outreach programme was to demystify the complexities of international trade and provide actionable insights for aspiring and established exporters alike. The expert speakers meticulously elaborated on a spectrum of crucial topics, essential for successful engagement in the global market. Attendees gained comprehensive understanding of vital procedures such as the registration process for the Import Export Code (IEC), a mandatory requirement for any business looking to import or export goods from India. Furthermore, the intricacies of Udhyam Aadhar registration were thoroughly explained, highlighting its significance for MSMEs in accessing various government benefits and support schemes. The session also delved into the key provisions and updates of the prevailing Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), offering clarity on regulations, incentives, and frameworks that govern India’s international trade. Participants were also educated on the myriad schemes available under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), designed to foster growth, innovation, and competitiveness within this vital sector. A significant focus was placed on the invaluable benefits offered by ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India), detailing how exporters can safeguard against payment risks and enhance their creditworthiness in international transactions. These discussions were pivotal in equipping businesses with the knowledge to confidently navigate the export landscape and capitalize on global opportunities.
GJEPC: A Pillar of Support for the Gem & Jewellery Sector
During the program, Mr. Ashok Seth passionately highlighted the critical importance of registration and active membership with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). He meticulously underscored the extensive array of benefits exclusively available to registered GJEPC members, emphasizing how the council acts as a robust facilitator and advocate for the industry. GJEPC membership opens doors to unparalleled networking opportunities, access to vital market intelligence, preferential rates at major trade shows, and a strong collective voice in policy advocacy with the government. Members also gain insights into compliance standards, design trends, and technological advancements, all crucial for staying competitive in the global market. Following Mr. Seth’s address, Mr. Sanjeev Bhatia, Assistant Director of GJEPC (North), provided a detailed and insightful overview of GJEPC’s extensive range of activities and initiatives. His presentation showcased the council’s relentless efforts in promoting and supporting India’s gem and jewellery exports, both domestically and internationally. He elaborated on flagship events such as the IIJS Premiere, India’s largest and most prestigious jewellery trade show, which attracts thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe, as well as the equally significant IIJS Signature and IIJS Tritiya, tailored to specific market segments and seasonal demands. These exhibitions are not merely trade fairs but vibrant platforms for showcasing Indian craftsmanship, fostering business relationships, and driving significant export orders.
Driving Growth: GJEPC’s Multifaceted Initiatives
Mr. Bhatia continued to illuminate GJEPC’s proactive engagement in various other crucial areas. He detailed the council’s highly effective Buyer-Seller Meets, meticulously organized events that bring together international buyers and Indian manufacturers in a focused, result-oriented environment, fostering direct business linkages and reducing transaction costs. He also highlighted GJEPC’s significant presence and participation in major International Exhibitions worldwide, ensuring that Indian jewellery and gemstones receive global exposure and recognition. These international platforms are vital for market penetration, understanding global trends, and building India’s brand image as a reliable and innovative supplier. Furthermore, Mr. Bhatia shed light on the ambitious Jewellery Park project, an initiative aimed at creating world-class manufacturing and trading infrastructure, providing cutting-edge facilities to enhance productivity and competitiveness for the industry. The council’s engagement extends to critical financial and policy discussions through events like the Banking & Gold Summits, which address crucial financing aspects, gold procurement, and regulatory frameworks impacting the sector. To recognize excellence and inspire innovation, GJEPC annually organizes the Export Performance & Artisan Awards, celebrating the achievements of top exporters and honouring the skilled artisans who form the backbone of this heritage industry. These awards not only commend success but also motivate others to strive for higher standards of quality and design. Mr. Bhatia concluded his comprehensive overview by articulating the Council’s overarching role and forward-looking vision in shaping the future of the Indian gem and jewellery industry, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable growth, skill development, and global leadership.
Empowering Jammu: A Strategic Approach to Regional Export Growth
The choice of Jammu as the venue for this vital Export Outreach Programme underscores GJEPC’s strategic focus on empowering regional clusters and integrating them more deeply into the national and global export ecosystem. Jammu, with its rich cultural heritage and burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, holds immense potential for contributing to India’s gem and jewellery export figures. Such programs are instrumental in bridging the information gap, providing local manufacturers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with direct access to government agencies and industry experts. The discussions on MSME schemes, for instance, are particularly relevant for Jammu’s small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to leverage financial assistance, technology upgrades, and marketing support to scale their operations. Understanding the nuances of the Foreign Trade Policy empowers them to comply with regulations, avail incentives, and expand their market reach confidently. Moreover, the emphasis on GJEPC membership is a direct invitation for Jammu-based businesses to tap into a vast network, participate in global trade shows, and benefit from collective industry advocacy. This direct engagement fosters a sense of community and collaboration, crucial for overcoming local challenges and capitalizing on unique regional strengths, such as specialized craftsmanship or access to particular raw materials. By nurturing these regional hubs, GJEPC aims to create a more diversified, resilient, and robust export landscape for the entire Indian gem and jewellery sector, ensuring that growth is inclusive and reaches every corner of the nation.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Momentum for Export Excellence
The Export Outreach Programme in Jammu was more than just an informational session; it was a powerful catalyst for growth, collaboration, and empowerment within the region’s gem and jewellery industry. The active participation of around 70 attendees, ranging from established exporters to nascent entrepreneurs, reflects a strong appetite for knowledge and a keen desire to engage with international markets. The synergy between GJEPC, the Sarafa Association Jammu Province, DGFT, ECGC, and MSME Jammu showcases a holistic approach to export promotion – one that combines industry leadership with governmental support and financial safeguards. By simplifying complex procedures like IEC and Udhyam Aadhar registration, and by clarifying beneficial schemes and policies, the programme directly addressed practical barriers faced by businesses. The comprehensive overview of GJEPC’s initiatives, from facilitating participation in world-class exhibitions like IIJS to recognizing talent through artisan awards, provided a clear roadmap for how businesses can leverage the council’s resources for their own growth. As India continues its ambitious journey to become a global export powerhouse, such regional outreach programmes play an indispensable role in cultivating an informed, compliant, and competitive export community. The success of this event in Jammu serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in fostering sustained growth and excellence in the dynamic world of gem and jewellery exports, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for businesses in the region and across the nation.