GJEPC Export Conclave Targets Global Growth for Surat Jewellers

SURAT: With global trade becoming increasingly competitive, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) brought exporters, manufacturers, policymakers and industry experts together in Surat to address the practical challenges facing Gujarat’s jewellery sector.

The GJEPC Regional Office, Surat, organised the Export Conclave 2026 on September 26, attracting more than 150 participants for a full-day workshop covering export opportunities, government schemes, gold sourcing, eCommerce and international branding.

Welcoming participants, Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman, GJEPC, stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration as exporters navigate a changing global trade environment.

The first session focused on export opportunities, government schemes and India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The GJEPC Executive Director made the presentation, while Abhimaniu Sharma, Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), explained export promotion schemes and related opportunities.

Ashish Borda, Convenor, PMBD, thanked Sharma for sharing practical insights and outlined his vision for strengthening the industry.

Gold sourcing was the focus of the second session. Dinesh Chawda, Assistant DGFT, explained the Advance Authorisation Scheme. Representatives of the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) discussed bullion trading and gold imports under the Qualified Jeweller framework.

DIL explained the process of procuring duty-free gold, while Customs officials provided guidance on export procedures. Abhishek Doodhwal, Appraiser, Customs, presented details of the Duty Drawback Scheme.

The eCommerce session explored ways for jewellery exporters to reach international customers. Nitin Khandelwal, Regional Director, GJEPC Jaipur, shared policy updates, while DHL discussed international logistics. Alibaba representatives outlined strategies for online selling and accessing overseas markets.

The final session shifted focus to branding. The Mindmap team drew on experience with luxury brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. to explain brand positioning, customer experience and communication.

The conclave was held with a ₹500 registration fee, yet attracted more than 150 participants.

The strong response highlighted demand for practical guidance among exporters seeking to expand their international presence and build globally competitive jewellery businesses.