Merchant traders educated about entering jewellery export business; industry experts, govt officials share insights

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), in collaboration with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) North Region, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and ECGC, organized an outreach programme on August 29, 2024, in Srinagar. The event aimed to create awareness and educate merchant traders about entering the jewellery export business.
Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner of Industries and Commerce, was the Chief Guest. The event was attended by prominent figures, including KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga, Senior Vice President Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, Secretary General Faiz Bakshi, Executive Committee members Muzaffar Majid Jan and Dr. Tauseef Bhat, President of All Kashmir Gold Dealers & Workers Association Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather, and various gold and diamond jewellery merchants.
In his welcome address, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga described the event as a turning point for the region. He emphasized the importance of holding international and national exhibitions in Srinagar to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs. He also proposed the establishment of a testing lab for gems and jewellery with the latest technology, along with a skill development centre in Srinagar. Additionally, he called for reserving spots for local merchants at national and international exhibitions at special rates.
Mr. Ashok Seth, Regional Chairman of GJEPC North, discussed the council’s journey and its functions. He stressed the importance of membership for merchants already involved in the gems and jewellery sector and those considering entering the export business. He highlighted the significant potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s skilled artisans to foster growth in jewellery exports.
Mr. A.K. Bhushan, Deputy Director of DGFT, provided a detailed explanation of the process for starting a jewellery export business through a PowerPoint presentation, outlining the simple steps prospective traders can follow.
Mr. Sanjeev Bhatia, Regional Director North, presented the functions and activities of the GJEPC. He discussed how merchants can receive support from the council in their efforts to participate in international exhibitions and emphasized the benefits of membership, including access to B2B meetings, foreign delegations, and participation in flagship events such as IIJS Premiere, Signature, and Tritiya Shows. He invited merchants to attend these upcoming shows and consider booth participation.
Mr. Rahul, Manager of ECGC, explained the key policies of ECGC designed to assist exporters.
Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather, President of the All Kashmir Gold Dealers & Workers Association, expressed gratitude to KCCI and GJEPC for organizing the outreach programme. He highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for local merchants in these events and emphasized the need for skill development programs.
Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary, thanked the Regional Chairman of GJEPC and the President of KCCI for organizing this informative outreach programme, the first of its kind in Kashmir. He commended the GJEPC’s efforts and noted the untapped potential of the gem and jewellery industry in the region. Acknowledging the skilled manpower available in the territory, he emphasized that the government would extend full support to local associations and artisans to help them advance in the business.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Faiz Bakshi, Secretary General of KCCI, and the programme was anchored by Dr. Tauseef Bhat.

KR Desk