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
IBJA, SAARTHI 360 Sign MoU To Launch ‘NextGen CEO: Leadership for the Future’
Executive Education Initiative To Equip The Next Generation Of Jewellery Manufacturers With The Leadership Capabilities, Strategic Perspective and Decision-Making Skills Required To Lead Family Businesses.
The India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) and SAARTHI 360 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch ‘NextGen CEO: Leadership for the Future’, an executive education programme designed to prepare the next generation of jewellery manufacturers for CEO and senior leadership roles in family-owned businesses.
The programme will help emerging leaders move beyond day-to-day operations by strengthening their strategic thinking, leadership judgement and managerial capabilities to improve organisational performance and support sustainable growth.
Building the Next Generation of Jewellery Business Leaders
Centred on ‘NextGen CEO — Becoming the CEO of a Family Jewellery Business’, the programme addresses leadership succession and executive decision-making in family-owned jewellery enterprises.
- Understanding the CEO’s role: Defining a CEO’s responsibilities and expectations in a jewellery business.
- Clarifying leadership and governance roles: Distinguishing among an owner, promoter, director, managing director and CEO.
- Strategic leadership versus daily operations: Moving from routine management to long-term business direction and priorities.
- Decision-making and strategic thinking: Applying structured frameworks to complex business situations.
- Managing stakeholders: Navigating relationships with family members, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.
- Performance measurement: Using a CEO dashboard to monitor performance and support informed decisions.
- The first 100 days as CEO: Establishing priorities for the transition into executive leadership.
- Second-generation leadership challenges: Addressing succession, authority, accountability and organisational change.
- Ethics and integrity: Building trust through responsible leadership, sound governance and ethical decision-making.
Surendra Mehta, National Secretary, IBJA, said:
“Family-owned jewellery businesses play a significant role in India’s gems and jewellery industry. As these businesses grow and prepare for generational transitions, developing capable and confident future leaders becomes increasingly important. Through this initiative, we aim to help the next generation build the clarity, discipline and leadership capabilities needed to take their businesses forward while preserving the strengths of their family legacy.”
Binit Bhatt, Partner, SAARTHI 360, said:
“Becoming a CEO is about much more than inheriting a title. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset—from managing day-to-day operations to setting direction, making informed decisions, building accountability and earning the confidence of family members, employees and other stakeholders. The NextGen CEO programme is designed to equip emerging leaders with practical frameworks and perspectives that they can apply to the realities of their own businesses.”
Hitesh Khandelwal, Partner, SAARTHI 360, said:
“Jewellery businesses are navigating an important generational transition, where preserving a strong legacy must go hand in hand with professional management and strategic thinking. Through NextGen CEO, we aim to help emerging leaders develop the confidence, capabilities and business perspective required to lead effectively, drive sustainable growth and prepare their organisations for the future.”
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