GJEPC Holds Chaupal for Zaveri Bazar Members to Educate Empower Export

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) recently held a workshop for Zaveri Bazar members to help manufacturers and traders understand the export ecosystem. The session, titled “Chaupal – 3Es: Educate, Empower and Export,” focused on connecting local businesses with government support and international market access. Mithilesh Pandey, Sr. Director at the GJEPC, addressed the crowd and outlined the council’s role in facilitating exporters.

The Chaupal aligned with the BCG-backed “Export Roadmap for $100 Billion Gems & Jewellery Exports by 2040.” It also drew from the Exim Bank–GJEPC report, “Making Clusters Exportable.” Zaveri Bazar is one of 17 high-potential clusters identified under this export-oriented approach. Pandey outlined a three-pronged way forward for the cluster, beginning with “Membership to Market.”

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Members were apprised of the benefits of GJEPC membership, including RCMC, access to international shows, policy advocacy, the Parichay Card for artisans and handholding support for first-time exporters. The discussion centered on BCG’s growth framework, which offers a roadmap for strengthening India’s export competitiveness. This framework includes Global Market Diversification, focusing on studded, lightweight and designer jewellery. It also includes Cluster Scale-up & Competitiveness through Common Facility Centres, design labs and technology upgrades. Ease of Doing Business is the third pillar, which calls for simplification of EXIM procedures, the Risk Management System and AI-based customs appraisal. The framework also highlights Brand India initiatives, such as “Crafted by India” and the IJEX platform for 365-day buyer connect. Affordable Export Finance is the final pillar, which includes concessional credit, interest subvention and ECGC support for MSMEs.

These pillars point to a larger shift—from simply encouraging exports to building the capabilities, infrastructure, market access and financial support required to make clusters more competitive globally. For the members in attendance, the immediate impact of this strategy is practical: the government is now actively identifying Mumbai as a priority district under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative. This designation signals that local authorities intend to funnel resources specifically into the Zaveri Bazar area to boost trade. Alongside this, members were introduced to Niryat Disha, which provides export orientation and documentation training, and Niryat Protsahan, which offers mentorship and handholding for new exporters.

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Preparing For International Trade

A practical element of the Chaupal was its focus on export readiness. Members were introduced to the handholding support available through the Membership/MSME Department and the steps required to move from domestic business to international trade. The session also emphasised the importance of having the necessary documentation in place, including IEC, ICEGATE registration, an AD bank account and Customs KYC—key requirements in preparing businesses to participate in international trade.

The interactive format gave Zaveri Bazar members an opportunity to better understand the export ecosystem, Government schemes and the support mechanisms available to help them expand beyond the domestic market. The session also generated strong interest among members in GJEPC membership and export-related support.