National News
CEPA completes 3 years; powering India-UAE trade and economic ties
Bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase
The *Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)* between *India and the UAE*, formalised on 18th February 2022, has profoundly strengthened economic ties between the two nations. As we commemorate its third anniversary, it is evident that CEPA has significantly enhanced trade opportunities, particularly for India’s gem and jewellery industry.
Since CEPA’s implementation, trade between India and the UAE has witnessed remarkable growth. The bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase. India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UAE also soared by over 60%, from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024.
Notably, UAE’s share in India’s total exports rose from 13% in FY2022 to 25% in FY2024, overtaking Hong Kong as India’s second-largest export market. This underscores the transformative impact of CEPA on India’s trade dynamics.
One of the most significant benefits of CEPA has been the duty-free access for all gem and jewellery products, including gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, along with polished diamonds and gemstones.This development has motivated Indian exporters to increase their supply of various gem and jewellery items to the UAE, capitalising on the enhanced market access provided by the agreement.
This policy shift has led to substantial growth in key export categories:
Plain Gold Jewellery: Exports surged by 127.62%, reaching US$ 4,240 million in FY2024.
Studded Gold Jewellery: Increased by over 50%, from US$ 917 million in FY2022 to US$ 1,382 million in FY2024.
Worked Lab-Grown Diamonds: Witnessed a 58.16% growth, reaching US$ 172 million in FY2024.
Platinum Jewellery: Recorded a staggering 820.87% increase, reaching US$ 23 million.
Coloured Gemstones: Grew by 17.19% to US$ 9.34 million
*Kirit Bhansali*, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India-UAE CEPA has propelled our gem and jewellery exports to new heights, growing by over 60% from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024. The UAE now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s total gem and jewellery exports, surpassing Hong Kong. The duty-free advantage has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly in plain gold jewellery, which saw a 127% surge. As we celebrate three years of CEPA, we remain committed to strengthening this vital partnership and exploring new avenues for growth.”
National News
A Tiny Hallmark Number, A Gold Bangle, and A Remarkable Reunion With Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Traces Rightful Owner Through HUID-Enabled Records, Reinforcing Trust, Transparency and Customer-First Practices
Losing a valuable piece of gold jewellery is often accompanied by the fear that it may never be recovered. Beyond its monetary worth, jewellery frequently carries deep emotional significance, representing family memories, milestones and cherished moments that are impossible to replace.
In a heartwarming incident that underscores the power of trust, transparency and technology in modern jewellery retail, a bangle was recently reunited with its rightful owner, thanks to the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system and the robust customer record management processes followed by Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
The journey of the lost bangle back to their rightful owner began when a member of the public handed them over to a local jewellery establishment after finding them. During the verification process, the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number engraved on the jewellery was identified and examined.
Through the BIS hallmarking ecosystem, it was established that this jewellery had originally been hallmarked for Malabar Gold & Diamonds. The information was subsequently shared with Malabar’s HUID and technical teams, which leveraged the company’s technology-enabled record management and traceability systems to identify the original point of sale and trace the customer.
The customer, who is currently residing in the United States, was subsequently informed that her jewellery had been safely recovered. Given her overseas location, arrangements were made for her mother in India to collect the bangle on her behalf from the Malabar showroom.
This incident highlights how technology is increasingly enabling responsible jewellery practices and enhancing customer trust. At Malabar Gold & Diamonds, investments in digital record management, traceability systems and customer-centric processes help strengthen transparency and accountability across the jewellery ownership journey. By combining the assurance of hallmarking with robust technology-enabled systems, the company is able to offer customers greater confidence, security and peace of mind long after a purchase has been made.
Commenting on the incident, Mr. M. P. Ahammad, Chairman, Malabar Group, said:

“At Malabar Gold & Diamonds, trust is the foundation of every customer relationship. While jewellery is often valued for its purity and craftsmanship, it also carries deep personal significance and cherished memories. This incident demonstrates how responsible retailing, transparent processes and technology-enabled traceability can come together to protect customer interests beyond the point of purchase.”
“Technology is increasingly becoming an enabler of trust in the jewellery industry. Our investments in traceability, customer record management and technology-enabled processes are aimed at creating a more transparent and secure ownership experience for customers. This incident is a powerful example of how these systems can help protect customer interests and reinforce confidence in the brand.”
“The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system, coupled with our robust record management processes, enabled us to trace the rightful owner and facilitate the safe return of the jewellery. We are delighted that the bangle has been reunited with their owner and family, reaffirming our commitment to customer-first practices, transparency and accountability.”
Expressing her gratitude, Miss. Murugesan, said:
“When I realised the bangle was missing, I thought they were gone forever. Receiving a call from Malabar informing me that they had traced and secured them came as a complete surprise. The bangle is not just valuable jewellery; they hold precious memories for my family. I am deeply grateful to the Malabar team for their honesty, professionalism and efforts in ensuring they were returned to us. Knowing that such systems and processes exist gives customers tremendous confidence and peace of mind.”
As the world’s fourth largest jewellery retailer, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has consistently championed transparency, ethical business practices and customer-centric innovation. The company continues to invest in systems and processes that enhance traceability, strengthen customer confidence and uphold the highest standards of accountability across the jewellery ownership journey.
For one family, the recovery of the lost jewellery marked the return of a cherished possession. For the wider jewellery industry, it serves as a powerful reminder that when trust, transparency and technology work together, even the smallest hallmark can help bring priceless memories back home.
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