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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

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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.”

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National News

From Legacy Gold to Modern Diamonds: PNGS Taps Markets with Reva IPO

Article by Aditya Modak, Non-Executive Director, Reva Diamonds by PNGS

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For nearly two centuries, P N Gadgil & Sons has been synonymous with trust, craftsmanship, and legacy in India’s gold jewellery market. Founded in 1832, the brand has built an enduring reputation for intricate designs rooted in tradition. Today, it is entering a new phase of evolution by strengthening its presence in the fast-growing diamond jewellery segment through PNGS Reva Diamond Jewellery and its recent IPO.

The shift comes at a time when India’s jewellery market is undergoing a noticeable transformation. Diamond-studded jewellery is growing at a faster pace than plain gold, driven largely by younger consumers seeking more contemporary, design-led and aspirational purchases. Recognising this shift early, PNGS has built Reva as a focused, category-specific brand dedicated entirely to diamonds.

By creating a distinct identity, the company has been able to sharpen its brand proposition, introduce exclusive retail formats, and execute a more targeted expansion strategy. This focused approach allows Reva to operate with agility while continuing to benefit from the strong legacy and consumer trust associated with PNGS.

Since its inception, Reva has steadily built a strong retail footprint, currently operating 34 outlets across India, with a dominant presence in Pune and a growing presence in other markets. A key milestone in this journey has been the launch of exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), including two in Pune, marking a clear shift toward a more independent and experience-led retail approach.

The brand’s financial performance reflects the strength of this strategy. Reva has demonstrated consistent growth, achieving approximately ₹250 crores in revenue along with a profit after tax of approximately ₹50 crores, while remaining profitable since inception. This performance has been driven by a cost-optimised and focused business model, supported by disciplined execution across operations.

Further reinforcing this momentum, the company recently raised nearly ₹171 crores from anchor investors ahead of its IPO. This level of institutional participation signals strong confidence in the company’s overall strategy, its growth roadmap, and its ability to execute effectively. It also reflects trust in the proven track record of the promoter group behind PNGS, which has consistently demonstrated strong operational capabilities across its ventures, including Gargi Fashion Jewellery.

The IPO proceeds are being strategically deployed to accelerate expansion, with plans to establish 15 new exclusive brand outlets across India by FY2028. A significant portion of these stores will be concentrated in Maharashtra, leveraging the brand’s deep-rooted presence and strong understanding of the market. The remaining expansion will focus on key metro cities in North India, particularly in premium retail environments.

Each new store will be supported by targeted marketing investments over the initial 12 to 24 months, ensuring strong local visibility and customer engagement. This reflects a broader strategy of building not just retail presence, but meaningful brand recall in every new market entered.

Location strategy remains a critical component of this expansion. Markets are selected based on their potential for organised jewellery retail, as well as proven demand where both national and regional players have seen success. Within cities, the focus is on premium catchments and retail ecosystems that align with the brand’s target audience. This approach combines data-driven insights with decades of on-ground understanding developed through PNGS’s long-standing presence in the industry.

Maharashtra continues to play a central role in this journey. As one of India’s leading economic regions with strong consumption patterns in jewellery, it offers both familiarity and opportunity. The brand’s deep-rooted presence in the state provides a strong advantage in understanding consumer behaviour, enabling more confident execution and a higher likelihood of strong returns on investment.

Operational discipline has been another key driver of growth. The strong financial performance in FY25, including significant growth in both revenue and profitability, reflects a combination of legacy strength, effective internal controls, and a highly capable execution team. The organisation has maintained a clear focus on optimising resources, particularly in marketing, ensuring that every investment delivers measurable value rather than relying on aggressive cash burn strategies.

As competition intensifies in the jewellery segment, branding and visibility have become increasingly important. Reva’s marketing approach is built on creating relevance rather than just reach. While maintaining a consistent national identity, the brand focuses on localised campaigns tailored to specific markets, ensuring deeper engagement with customers. At the same time, digital platforms are being leveraged not just for transactions, but as discovery tools that allow consumers to explore collections and connect with the brand before entering a store.

The approach to celebrity endorsements and influencer collaborations is equally measured. Rather than prioritising visibility alone, the focus is on credibility and alignment with the brand’s values. Learnings from within the PNGS Group, particularly with Gargi Fashion Jewellery, have demonstrated the impact of choosing the right voice to connect with younger audiences in an authentic manner.

Looking ahead, the company remains focused on expanding through a company-owned and company-operated (COCO) model. This ensures complete control over customer experience, operational standards, and brand consistency, especially as the brand enters new markets. While franchising and strategic partnerships remain a possibility for the future, the immediate focus over the next two to three years is on building a strong foundation through direct ownership and execution.

The evolution of PNGS from a traditional gold-focused legacy brand to a modern, diamond-led retail player reflects a broader shift within the jewellery industry. It highlights how legacy businesses can adapt to changing consumer preferences while retaining the trust and values that define them.

Through Reva, PNGS is not just expanding into a new category, but also redefining its growth trajectory, combining heritage with innovation to cater to the aspirations of a new generation of consumers. In doing so, it is positioning itself at the intersection of tradition and modernity, where timeless trust meets contemporary design and experience-led retail.

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