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
Namibia Looking At Close Collaboration With India On Skill Transfer, Training In Diamond Sector
Deepening Collaboration With India To Leverage Its World-Class Expertise In Diamond Cutting, Polishing, and Value Addition.
GJEPC hosted a high-level media interaction at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), featuring a visiting Namibian delegation led by Hon’ble Gaudentia Kröhne, Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Namibia.
During the session, the Hon’ble Deputy Minister highlighted Namibia’s vision to cultivate a close, multi-faceted partnership with India, focusing on skill transfer, technical training, and capacity building within the diamond cutting and polishing industry.
Key Takeaways & Strategic Objectives
- Skill Transfer & Training: Deepening collaboration with India to leverage its world-class expertise in diamond cutting, polishing, and value addition.
- Investment Opportunities: Extending an invitation to Indian jewelry manufacturers to establish local operations and manufacturing facilities in Namibia.
- Ease of Doing Business: Implementing single-window “One-Stop Centres” designed to streamline business operations, company registrations, and visa processing for international investors.
- Legislative Reforms: Preparing for the upcoming passage of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill, which will serve as a key economic catalyst across multiple industrial sectors.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade
This strategic dialogue underscores Namibia’s push toward downstream industrial expansion and mineral beneficiation. By leveraging India’s global leadership in diamond processing, Namibia aims to create high-value local employment while offering Indian manufacturers robust growth opportunities backed by modernized governance and infrastructure.
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“Namibia produces the world’s highest-value rough diamonds, while India cuts and polishes 14 out of every 15 diamonds globally. With the proposed 15-year tax exemption for Special Notified Zones, India can now offer producer nations not just manufacturing, but a global trading hub. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Namibia.”
Anoop Mehta, Convener – Diamond Panel, GJEPC, said:
“We have invited Namibia to bring its rough diamonds to India and utilise the new tax framework for trading through the Special Notified Zones. This will give Indian MSMEs more direct access to high-quality rough diamonds without the need to travel overseas. We are exploring this opportunity closely and, if the discussions progress, we would be happy to work towards an MoU with Namibia. We are very positive that, with this new policy, a greater share of Namibia’s diamond trade can come directly to India.”
Highlighting the quality of Namibia’s production, Ms. Gaudentia Krohne, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy said:
“Namibia is having the best quality of diamonds in the world. We do not have the quantity, but we have the best quality. That’s why I am really proud to come from Namibia and talk about the Namibian diamonds in India.”
The delegation also saw a potential role for India’s diamond trading infrastructure in bringing Namibian roughs closer to Indian buyers. “We can bring our diamonds here, showcase them here and even sell them. If this platform created by India is already being used by other countries, why can Namibia not make use of it too?” Ms. Krohne added.
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