The Export Mentorship Programme (EMP) by GJEPC is translating intent into measurable export growth, with early participants moving from domestic to active global trade. The initiative is beginning to expand India’s exporter base, as new entrants gain the capability and confidence to access international markets and complete their first shipments.
GJEPC’s Export Mentorship Programme (EMP), launched in January 2025, is a focused initiative designed to convert India’s strong domestic gem and jewellery manufacturing base into a wider pool of active exporters.
Conceived as a short-duration, typically 30-day intensive programme, EMP combines classroom learning, guest lectures, and masterclasses with practical handholding to build export readiness across product, market, and compliance dimensions.
The EMP initiative is designed to nurture first-time exporters while strengthening the global competitiveness of existing players, aligned with the Indian Government’s ambition of reaching $2 trillion in exports by 2032-33.
EMP focuses on enabling participants to transition into exporters and supporting existing exporters in scaling their international business through structured training, guidance, and mentoring, enhancing organisation resources readiness, product readiness, market readiness, overall export readiness, and confidence to become exporters.
Exporter Mentorship Program – 6 Stages
By equipping non-exporters with market intelligence, documentation know-how, pricing strategies, and access to global buyer ecosystems, including exposure to platforms like the India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX), Dubai, the EMP programme addresses a critical gap between policy support and on-ground capability, thereby effectively creating a pipeline of new, confident exporters aligned with India’s broader export growth ambitions.
Early outcomes indicate measurable traction at a macro level. Based on an April 2026 survey of EMP participants, extrapolated estimates peg total exports generated by participants at approximately ₹40-50 crore, with around 40-50 out of 400 participants having commenced exports. Initial data from reported shipping bills and consignments indicates activity across e-commerce, direct exports, and IJEX channels, reflecting early diversification in market access and execution. Given the competitive nature of the business and the need to respect company-level confidentiality, these figures represent the best available estimates, with comprehensive EMP-related export data remaining limited.
| No. of New Exporters – Total Exports Value Generated | |
| Particulars | No./Amount |
| Number of New Exporters and Members with Export Orders (Under Execution) | 24 |
| Participated in IJEX 1 Week Fam and 1 Month Program | 55+ |
| Total Number of Reported Consignments by the New Exporters | 104+ |
| Estimated Total Export Value Generated | ₹ 12 Cr+ |
| Mode of Exports | • E-Commerce
• Direct Exports • IJEX |
Source: Survey of EMP participants (No. of respondents 95).
To date, more than 400 individuals have enrolled under EMP, reflecting keen industry interest in reaching foreign shores. Since inception, a total of 5 one-month EMP programmes have been conducted, over 55 participants visited IJEX Dubai, and more than 100 mind-mapping and product review sessions were undertaken to create customised export roadmaps. Continuous query resolution and handholding support further ensure that participants are able to navigate real-time export challenges with clarity. The EMP initiative has been steered under the guidance of Dr Rashmi Arora, Economist, GJEPC.
EMP Course Structure
EMP Outcomes
A survey of 350 EMP participants assessed export-stage progression, with responses from 95 non-exporters. The findings indicate a clear shift from intent to action, with participants reporting a marked Increase in Export Readiness and Increased Confidence to Initiate Exports.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “We see immense untapped export potential among India’s domestic gem and jewellery players. The Export Mentorship Programme is designed to bridge that gap by translating capability into global market access. By combining industry insights with hands-on support, EMP helps businesses move from understanding exports to executing them, thereby widening India’s exporter base and reinforcing our global competitiveness.”
“The Government of India has laid a strong foundation for export growth through progressive measures, ranging from FTAs to ease of doing business and digital trade facilitation. The Export Mentorship Programme builds on this momentum by ensuring that more Indian gem and jewellery businesses are equipped to leverage these opportunities. It focuses on enabling new exporters to confidently access global markets and contribute to India’s export growth story.”
First-Time Exporters: Stepping into the Global Market
Of the participants who have completed the EMP journey and commenced exports, a few shared the following experiences.
Akash Yogesh Mirande of Devichand D Mirande Jewellers, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, said, “The Export Mentorship Programme provided valuable insights into international trade, export procedures, and global market opportunities. I am grateful to the mentors for their guidance, and the programme has been a meaningful step in my export growth journey.”
Vijaykumar Rudakiya of Star Export, Surat, Gujarat, noted, “The EMP played a very important role in my export journey. I gained a clear understanding of the complete export process, from finding international buyers and communicating professionally to managing documentation and handling export logistics.”
Matta H V Narasimha Rao of Sri Vijayalakshmi Diamonds, Vijayawda, Andhra Pradesh, added, “The Export Mentorship Programme has been a game-changer for my diamond jewellery exports. It gave me practical training on market selection, export documentation, FTAs, and buyer platforms like IJEX Dubai, helping me launch my first shipments with confidence.”