The fourth edition of GJEPC’s Export Mentorship Program (EMP) equips domestic gems and jewellery businesses with the capability to compete in global markets, writes Dr. Rashmi Arora, Economist, GJEPC.

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) commenced the 4th batch of its Export Mentorship Program (EMP) with an orientation session on 19 January 2026, bringing together more than 85 participants for a one-month structured initiative aimed at converting industry members into export-ready enterprises. The programme, comprising 22 sessions, focuses on practical mentoring, policy awareness, and market alignment to strengthen India’s gems and jewellery export ecosystem.

The Orientation session featured a detailed presentation of the programme’s vision and framework by Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, who outlined the need to build a new generation of exporters from within the sector while bridging the gap between policy support mechanisms and industry-level export readiness. Participants were provided clarity on the programme structure, expected outcomes, and the conversion-focused approach adopted by the Council.

From Awareness to Exports

The EMP initiative is designed to move participants beyond theoretical understanding toward actual export conversion, aligned with India’s national objective of achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030. The programme aims to build product readiness, market readiness, compliance awareness, and confidence among participants to enter international markets. It also reflects the Council’s role in connecting industry stakeholders with government policies, trade opportunities, and global buyer platforms.

Program Structure and Training Framework

The EMP-4 program has been structured into multiple modules including product and market selection, export procedures and documentation, payment systems, trade finance, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), policy incentives, digital platforms, and buyer-connecting mechanisms.

The program follows a phased approach beginning with knowledge sessions and progressing toward practical application and handholding for onboarding support for export platforms. Participants are guided through real-time exercises, documentation practices, and market analysis tools to ensure that the learning translates into actionable export strategies.

Details of the One–Month Exporter Mentorship Program

Product Identification and Market Selection

• Identification of export-ready products through structured HSN code mapping and product positioning.
• Access to global demand and import trend data to evaluate real market potential.
• Hands-on training on using international trade databases for product and market analysis.
• Framework to assess competition, pricing, and comparative advantage before selecting export products.
• Guidance on selecting the right product–market combination based on duties, logistics cost, and certification requirements.
• Practical exercises to shortlist target markets and viable product categories for each participant.

Compliance, Documentation, and Finance Training The program provided detailed training on export procedures, documentation, and financial compliance. Participants were introduced to export documentation cycles, GST processes, shipping procedures, and payment security mechanisms. Sessions covered invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, shipping bills, and banking procedures. Training on payment terms, letters of credit, escrow systems, and export finance ensured that participants understand risk mitigation and secure transaction practices. Government schemes, policy incentives, and MSME support frameworks were also explained to help exporters utilise available benefits effectively.

TAs, and  Reaching to Indian Diaspora as Market Entry Strategy

The program also included sessions on leveraging Free Trade Agreements, digital marketplaces, and buyer-connecting platforms. Participants were trained to understand tariff advantages, rules of origin, and pricing competitiveness in FTA markets. Digital export channels, e-commerce platforms, and diaspora-based market entry strategies were discussed to help participants access global buyers. The structured training approach ensures that participants are equipped not only with knowledge but also with pathways to connect with international markets and convert learning into export transactions.

Buyer Connecting Platforms- E-Commerce, IJEX, Trade Shows/BSMs

A focused module on Buyer Connecting Platforms was delivered to provide participants with structured access to international markets through both institutional and digital channels. The sessions covered engagement through IJEX – India Jewellery Exposition Centre, Dubai, highlighting its role in facilitating Middle East market access, buyer-seller meetings, and re-export opportunities. In addition, dedicated sessions on cross-border e-commerce exports guided participants on cargo classification, documentation requirements, AD code registration, shipping procedures, and onboarding on digital platforms. Practical insights were provided on selecting the appropriate channel based on product type, shipment value, compliance norms, and target market dynamics, enabling participants to move from theoretical learning to actionable buyer connection strategies.

Way Forward

Through its structured sessions and mentoring approach, the EMP-4 program is enabling participants to transition from domestic business operations to export-oriented enterprises. The training provides clarity on product selection, market entry, compliance requirements, and financial planning, thereby strengthening export readiness across participating units.

By supporting 85+ participants through a one-month intensive program, the initiative contributes to building a stronger exporter base within the gems and jewellery sector and supports the broader national objective of expanding India’s global trade presence.

source:GJEPC