The Surat office of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) recently hosted an awareness seminar to help members familiarise themselves with the advantages and procedures for exporting commodities through the Foreign Post Office system. In his opening remarks, Regional Chairman Dinesbhai Navadiya said that the Council had been informed about issues being faced by many diamond companies while exporting small parcels sold through e-commerce or other platforms. He said that traditional clearing and logistics channels were most often too costly for such small export parcels.  The present seminar was being organised to help members understand other modes that could provide economical solutions. A representative of the Foreign Post Office explained the concept of FPO, its operations, network, SWOT analysis and legal aspects etc. He said that FPO was one of the more trusted as well as economical modes for exporting small parcels. He also stated that FPO can be instrumental in helping to increase e-commerce business for exporters of small commodities. An India Post Authorised Agent also apprised members of the process, export cycle and documentation, role of Customs in clearing of shipments, process of undelivered parcels, charges and transaction days by overseas postal and customs department etc. Additionally, he displayed an illustrative chart indicating the service charges for different scenarios. The seminar was beneficial for the 50+ trade members who attended and deepened their knowledge and understanding of the process.