The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has kicked off the 3rd batch of its Exporter Mentorship Programme (EMP) with a one-week Familiarisation (FAM) initiative at IJEX, Dubai, starting with a knowledge-rich first day combining industry insights and hands-on exposure.
Highlights of Day 1:
- Industry Interaction: The programme opened with an engaging session by retail and branding veteran Ajay Pandey, who drew from his 30+ years of experience in luxury jewellery. Having overseen 500+ retail formats and launched several brands globally, he shared key strategies on enhancing return on equity, scaling operations, and achieving brand excellence. A Q&A allowed participants to tackle real-world business challenges.
- Market Tour: Delegates explored Ithra Hind Plaza to understand its infrastructure and opportunities, then visited Dubai’s traditional Gold Centre Building. Acting as mystery shoppers, they examined pricing trends across gold and diamond categories and observed consumer behaviour, noting tourism’s role as the primary demand driver.
- Retail Hub Visit: The day concluded with a cab tour of the New Gold Souq Extension, where participants were introduced to emerging retail and office spaces within the larger Ithra development.
With the third batch in motion, the EMP continues to equip exporters with a mix of experiential learning, expert mentorship, and practical exposure to global jewellery markets.