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.”
GlamBuzz
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels Opens Four Stores in One Day, Takes Network to 20; Targets 30 Stores by March 2028
Four franchise showrooms add approximately 12,000 sq. ft. of retail space, taking the brand’s total retail footprint beyond 90,000 sq. ft.; Bettiah marks its entry into Bihar.
Aisshpra Gems & Jewels, the jewellery retail brand established in Gorakhpur in 1940, today announced the simultaneous opening of four showrooms in Bahraich, Bettiah, Lucknow and Mirzapur. The milestone takes its operational network from 16 to 20 stores in a single day, with three more stores under construction and a target of 30 operational stores by March 2028.




Each new franchise-operated showroom measures approximately 3,000 sq. ft. Together, the openings add around 12,000 sq. ft. of retail space and take the brand’s overall retail footprint to more than 90,000 sq. ft. The Bettiah opening is Aisshpra’s first in Bihar, where Siwan and Gopalganj are also in its expansion pipeline. The Lucknow launch marks its third showroom in the city.
Jewel Story takes centre stage across all four stores
All four showrooms feature a dedicated store-in-store presence for Jewel Story, Aisshpra’s lifestyle jewellery brand. Designed for teenagers, young adults and customers up to around 40 years of age, Jewel Story focuses on lightweight, wearable, modern jewellery across 9KT to 22KT gold purity. The concept seeks to make jewellery relevant to everyday personal style, alongside Aisshpra’s traditional, bridal and occasion-wear collections.





Leadership on expansion and legacy
Atul Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“Since 1940, our most important achievement has been the trust we have earned across generations. Opening four stores together is a proud milestone, and every new showroom brings the responsibility of preserving that trust.”
Anoop Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“As we enter new markets, Trust, Integrity and Ethics remain our guiding principles. We want customers in every city to experience the same transparency, quality and care that have defined Aisshpra for decades.”
Vaibhav Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“Moving from 16 to 20 stores in one day is a major jump in our network. Our footprint now exceeds 90,000 sq. ft., three additional stores are under construction, and we are working towards 30 stores by March 2028. Bettiah opens the door to Bihar, while our third Lucknow showroom deepens our presence in a key market.”
Saumitra Saraf, Director, Aisshpra Gems & Jewels
“Younger customers increasingly want jewellery that feels contemporary, versatile and easy to wear. Jewel Story brings that proposition to every new showroom, with modern designs spanning 9KT to 22KT.”
Inauguration celebrations and opening offers
The celebrations featured Mouni Roy in Lucknow, Adah Sharma in Bahraich and Ayesha Khan in Mirzapur. The Bettiah inauguration took place in the presence of local dignitaries.
Customers can avail inaugural offers of up to 30% off gold jewellery making charges and diamond value, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Offer validity is to be confirmed.
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