The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is intensifying its efforts to promote Indian jewellery exports by targeting the US market and conducting its first outreach programme in Kashmir.
These initiatives provide Indian jewellers with opportunities to expand into the US and improve export capabilities in the Kashmir region.
Exploring US Market Opportunities for Indian Jewellers
As part of its strategy to increase jewellery exports, the GJEPC hosted a webinar focusing on the US market, which remains a crucial destination for Indian jewellery. The event was designed to provide Indian jewellers with insights into the preferences of US consumers and to highlight the growing demand for personalised and customisable jewellery. The US market’s demand for bespoke services offers Indian businesses a chance to cater to niche consumer preferences.
The webinar featured contributions from Dallas Prince, a renowned designer and television personality, who offered her expertise on US market trends, consumer behaviour, and the challenges faced by foreign jewellers. Additional insights were provided by Ani Khachian, founder of Ani Fine Jewelry, Mia Katrin of Jewel Couture LLC, and Jill Borgerding of Jillian Samuels Jewelry. The discussions focused on sustainable and ethical sourcing, minimalistic designs, and the use of technology to meet US market requirements.
Indian jewellers were also encouraged to consider the growing Indian diaspora in the US as a key demographic for expansion, particularly through e-commerce platforms that make it easier to reach international markets.
First Outreach Programme in Kashmir: Boosting Regional Exports
On 29th August 2024, the GJEPC held its inaugural outreach event in Kashmir, in partnership with the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Jammu, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd. (ECGC). The event, which took place in Srinagar, attracted over 62 jewellery and handicraft merchants and was aimed at bolstering the region’s export capabilities.
Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department of Jammu and Kashmir, delivered a keynote address emphasising the untapped potential of the region’s gem and jewellery industry. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local artisans and businesses.
Ashok Seth, Regional Chairman North for the GJEPC, highlighted the significance of GJEPC membership for exporters and the strength of Kashmir’s skilled artisan community. He expressed optimism about the potential for growth in jewellery exports from the region, given its wealth of craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
During the event, experts from the GJEPC, DGFT, ECGC, and KCCI provided crucial information on export procedures, financing options, and best practices. This knowledge-sharing initiative aims to help local merchants navigate the complexities of international trade and access new markets more effectively.
Implications for the Jewellery Industry
These dual initiatives—the focus on the US market and the outreach in Kashmir—underscore the GJEPC’s strategic approach to boosting Indian jewellery exports. For jewellers, particularly those looking to expand internationally, the US market offers a lucrative opportunity, with growing consumer interest in personalised and ethically sourced jewellery. Meanwhile, for those in regions like Kashmir, the outreach programme provides essential support and resources to enhance their participation in global trade.
