The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) launched its nationwide IIJS Bharat Retailers Connect initiative in North Maharashtra, holding back-to-back outreach programs in Dhule (27 September 2026) and Jalna (28 September 2026). Conducted in association with local trade bodies—the Dhule Saraf Association and the Jalna Sarafa & Swarnakar Association—the two-city drive engaged over 100+ combined MSMEs, retailers, and artisans. The primary focus was expanding trade participation in IIJS Signature 2027, fostering Tier-2 and Tier-3 export hubs under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) policy, and driving formalization through GJEPC developmental programs.

The GJEPC’s two-day outreach drive across North Maharashtra demonstrated a targeted approach to regional industry growth. Initiated on 27 September 2026 in Dhule alongside the Dhule Saraf Association, led by President Vikram Rathod, the event drew over 75 regional trade members from Dhule, Chalisgaon, and Malegaon. Focus centered on developing an export-oriented silver jewellery cluster under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) scheme, resulting in five local companies pledging space at India Jewellery Park Mumbai and commitments toward Parichay Card enrolments.

On 28 September 2026, the campaign transitioned to Jalna in collaboration with the Jalna Sarafa & Swarnakar Association. Engaging local jewellers, artisans, and MSMEs across adjoining districts, discussions prioritized establishing a general jewellery manufacturing cluster. Led by local trade representatives, the Jalna session drove immediate trade onboarding through spot registrations for IIJS Signature 2027 and high inquiry volumes for GJEPC membership and mentorship programs.

Key Program Pillars & Highlights

1. IIJS Retailer Connect & Sourcing Platforms

Led by Naheed Sunke (Assistant Director, GJEPC), both sessions introduced local businesses to IIJS Signature 2027 as a B2B platform for sourcing new designs, adopting manufacturing technology, and networking.

• Benefits Highlighted: Early-bird visitor registration, association-led group participation, and access to digital entry tools.
• Campaign Launch: Dhule marked the 1st stop in a planned 20-plus-city nationwide outreach campaign aimed at strengthening Tier-2/3 participation.

2. Export Hubs & Market Expansion Opportunities

Mithilesh Pandey (Senior Director, GJEPC) outlined frameworks to transition regional trade members into global exporters:

• Districts as Export Hubs (DEH): Promoted cluster-based manufacturing—focusing on silver jewellery potential in Dhule and general manufacturing integration in Jalna.
• Trade Agreements & Channels: Briefed participants on duty-free market access under the India-UAE CEPA and other FTAs, alongside simplified courier-mode e-commerce exports.
• Global Access Hubs: Presented IJEX Dubai (India Jewellery Exhibition Centre) for international buyer connections and the upcoming India Jewellery Park Mumbai for modernized manufacturing bases.

3. Facilitation Infrastructure & Government Support

Participants were briefed on core operational and welfare schemes:

• Artisan & Worker Formalization: Promotion of Parichay Cards for karigars (artisans) and integration under the PM Vishwakarma scheme.
• Export Infrastructure: Access to Common Facility Centres (CFCs), MSME documentation support, ECGC cover, IEC assistance, and financial support for participating in international trade fairs.
• Mentorship & Onboarding: Introduction to GJEPC’s Niryat Disha, Niryat Protsahan, and the Exporter Mentorship Programme (EMP).

Key Outcomes & Next Steps

1. Space Commitments: Five Dhule-based enterprises pledged to book manufacturing/office space at the India Jewellery Park, Mumbai on Dussehra.
2. Trade Enrolments: Immediate spot visitor registrations were recorded for IIJS Signature 2027, accompanied by high inquiry volumes for GJEPC memberships.
3. Artisan Welfare Integration: Both local associations committed to facilitating Parichay Card enrolment drives for regional karigars.
4. Campaign Continuity: Following the Jalna leg, the nationwide IIJS Bharat Retailers Connect campaign continues across designated Tier-2 and Tier-3 gems and jewellery clusters.