National News
GJEPC Holds “Chaupal – 3Es: Educate, Empower And Export” For Zaveri Bazar Members
The Chaupal Was Aligned With The BCG-Backed “Export Roadmap For $100 Billion Gems & Jewellery Exports By 2040
The Membership Department of GJEPC organised “Chaupal – 3Es: Educate, Empower and Export” for members of the Zaveri Bazar jewellery community, with a focus on helping manufacturers, traders and aspiring exporters understand the opportunities and support available within the export ecosystem.
Addressed by Mithilesh Pandey, Sr. Director, GJEPC, the interactive session highlighted the Council’s role in connecting the industry with the Government, facilitating exporters, opening avenues for international market access and supporting the growth of India’s gem and jewellery sector.
The Chaupal was aligned with the BCG-backed “Export Roadmap for $100 Billion Gems & Jewellery Exports by 2040” and the Exim Bank–GJEPC report, “Making Clusters Exportable”. Zaveri Bazar is among the 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”. 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.
A key part of the discussion centred BCG’s growth framework, which offers a roadmap for strengthening India’s export competitiveness:
Global Market Diversification: Greater focus on studded, lightweight and designer jewellery.
Cluster Scale-up & Competitiveness: Common Facility Centres, design labs and technology upgrades.
Ease of Doing Business: Simplification of EXIM procedures, the Risk Management System and AI-based customs appraisal.
Brand India: Initiatives such as “Crafted by India” and the IJEX platform for 365-day buyer connect.
Affordable Export Finance: Concessional credit, interest subvention and ECGC support for MSMEs.
Together, 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.
The session also highlighted three Government initiatives of particular relevance to Zaveri Bazar members: Under Districts as Export Hubs (DEH), Mumbai has been identified as a priority district; Niryat Disha provides export orientation and documentation training, while Niryat Protsahan offers mentorship and handholding for new exporters.
The discussion also covered the importance of GJEPC membership and RCMC, MSME schemes and Government support, district-level export opportunities, and the role of IJEX in connecting Indian exporters with global buyers.
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.
- Event marks 42 years of Incorporation and 16 years of Operations
- Recently-appointed Consul-General’s first visit to the Bourse helps strengthen a century-old bond
- Long service awards presented to outstanding employees
Bharat Diamond Bourse today marked 42 years of incorporation and 16 years since the commencement of operations at the BDB Complex in BKC with a special programme graced by H. E. Pierre Stverlynck – Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai as Chief Guest and a number of leading diamantaires.
The function was organised to celebrate the crucial roles played both by the visionaries who conceptualised the need for a centralised infrastructure to boost the diamond trade over four decades ago, and the employees who have run the daily operations in a highly efficient and professional manner.
In his Welcome Address, BDB Vice President, Mehul Shah explained the significance of celebrating twin milestones – 42 years of incorporation and 16 years of operations. He said:
“BDB began with a vision and is now the world’s largest operational bourse, and a symbol of India’s leadership in the diamond world and excellence in every aspect of operations.”
He added, “It is significant that the Consul General of Belgium is with us on this special occasion. Antwerp and Mumbai have a very close relationship, going back more than 100 years. Today the two cities have bonds based on trust, trade and friendship. We are committed to strengthening this bond over the next century as well.”
Congratulating the awardees he said that members may be the owners, but it is the staff who run the complex and have helped build it as the “best of the best” centres for diamonds. “Personal integrity combined with hi-tech surveillance have made BDB one of the safest places in the world,” he explained, and urged all present never to forget that “it is the soldiers who fight and win the wars.” Mr Shah offered compliments to all the awardees and congratulated Team BDB.
Speaking on the occasion, Anoop Mehta, President BDB, welcomed Mr Stverlynck who has recently assumed charge as Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai.
“We are sure that this will be the first of many visits to our Bourse,” he said, noting that the Consulate is the nearest neighbour of the complex.
“The BDB leadership has always enjoyed a very special relationship with the Belgian consulate,” he added, “built on the longstanding bonds between the diamond industry in our two countries.”
Mr Mehta said it was heartening that so many employees had remained loyal to the BDB for multiple years, and urged all gathered to reach out through their department heads to put forward suggestions for further changes and improvements
Mr Stverlynck, who was on his first visit to the Bourse after assuming charge as Consul General, said he was extremely impressed with the facilities available for exporters within the complex. Assuring the trade of cooperation and support, he said he was happy to be personally present to celebrate such a remarkable institution as BDB that has become a key pillar of the India diamond industry.
Congratulating the leadership for its role in steering the bourse, as well as those employees who had received long service awards, Mr. Stverlynck said:
“The consolidated knowledge and experience of so many from those at the top to a number of others who contributed in various ways, is an asset to the industry.”
Special long service awards were presented to employees who completed special milestones during the year. These included 30-year, 25-, 15-, 10- and 5-year service awards to a few employees.
Belgian Consul General H. E. Mr. Pierre Stverlynck Graces BDB Annual Day
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