The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Delhi, recently hosted a significant outreach program in the vibrant city of Amritsar. The event marked a pivotal step toward boosting jewellery exports and encouraging broader participation in the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), India’s first international bullion exchange. This strategic outreach, involving key stakeholders from the gem and jewellery sector, aimed to bridge the gap between government initiatives and regional industry players, thereby fostering a more inclusive growth environment for the Indian gem and jewellery trade.
Amritsar, historically known for its cultural richness and craftsmanship, holds a unique position in the jewellery industry. The city, which houses numerous skilled artisans and jewellery manufacturers, provided a fitting backdrop for the GJEPC’s outreach mission. With the aim of furthering India’s position as a global hub for jewellery manufacturing and exports, the GJEPC’s initiative focused on equipping stakeholders in Punjab and surrounding regions with vital knowledge about new opportunities, policies, and infrastructural developments related to bullion trading and jewellery exports.
The highlight of the outreach program was the detailed awareness session on the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), which operates out of Gujarat’s GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City). Industry representatives were informed about the advantages of trading on the IIBX platform, especially for jewellers and bullion dealers who are looking to import gold more transparently and cost-effectively. Experts explained how IIBX is revolutionizing gold import dynamics by allowing qualified jewellers to directly import gold in a transparent and regulated manner, reducing reliance on intermediaries and creating better pricing advantages.
By encouraging jewellers from Punjab and nearby regions to register and participate in IIBX, GJEPC is striving to democratize access to gold bullion and empower even medium and small-scale businesses to engage in global-standard practices. This outreach is particularly timely given the fluctuating international gold prices and the Indian government’s emphasis on formalizing the precious metals sector. During the session, officials addressed the procedural aspects of becoming a Qualified Jeweller under IIBX guidelines and explained the benefits such as lower import duties, better supply chain control, and direct participation in a regulated market.
In addition to discussions on bullion exchange participation, the outreach event also emphasized the various export schemes, financial incentives, and infrastructural benefits available to jewellery manufacturers and exporters in India. GJEPC officials walked the audience through the schemes launched by the central government to promote jewellery exports, such as the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme, the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), and the Duty Drawback Scheme. These schemes have proven crucial in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian jewellery in the global market.
Participants also received valuable insights into the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of the gem and jewellery industry. GJEPC representatives encouraged manufacturers to adopt modern manufacturing techniques and sustainable practices that align with global benchmarks. Additionally, exporters were guided on how to leverage e-commerce platforms and digital trade channels to reach international customers, especially in markets like the Middle East, North America, and Europe, where demand for Indian handcrafted jewellery remains robust.
The event saw an impressive turnout of jewellers, artisans, bullion traders, and policy stakeholders, highlighting the industry’s enthusiasm for expansion and modernization. Attendees praised the council’s initiative to bring key information and updates directly to the local business communities, empowering them to take advantage of national and global opportunities. Many local jewellers expressed appreciation for the knowledge shared on navigating complex procedures associated with bullion imports, export certifications, and international trade compliance.
GJEPC officials also highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and the Mega CFCs (MCFCs), aimed at offering shared resources to small and medium enterprises. These centers provide access to advanced machinery, training, and quality control facilities, thus improving product quality and production capacity without burdening small manufacturers with high capital costs. The GJEPC reiterated its commitment to establishing more such centers in emerging jewellery clusters like Amritsar and Ludhiana, which are rapidly gaining prominence for their craftsmanship and quality.
As part of its outreach, GJEPC encouraged local stakeholders to participate in international trade shows and exhibitions. Representatives explained the process of joining the Indian delegations to prestigious shows like the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), VICENZAORO (Italy), JCK Las Vegas (USA), and the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. They stressed how such events provide networking platforms and serve as important avenues for showcasing Indian artistry and expanding global reach.
The session ended with an interactive Q&A, where stakeholders voiced their concerns, challenges, and expectations from both GJEPC and government policymakers. Issues like GST compliance, export documentation, fluctuating raw material prices, and the need for skill development among artisans were brought up. GJEPC assured continued support in addressing these matters and announced plans for further outreach programs in other parts of Punjab to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the industry.
In essence, GJEPC Delhi’s outreach in Amritsar was not just a promotional event—it was a roadmap for integrating regional players into the larger framework of India’s global trade strategy for gems and jewellery. By focusing on capacity building, digital and trade literacy, and empowering small businesses, the council laid a strong foundation for Punjab’s jewellery sector to scale new heights. The initiative is expected to not only improve jewellery export volumes from the region but also create employment and strengthen India’s overall competitiveness in the global bullion and jewellery markets.
This strategic engagement in Amritsar stands as a testament to the Indian government’s and industry’s joint resolve to elevate the status of Indian jewellery on the world stage while ensuring that the benefits of policy innovations like IIBX and export incentives are accessible to all corners of the country. With more such outreach activities in the pipeline, the future of the Indian jewellery industry, particularly in regions like Punjab, appears bright, inclusive, and promising.