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
Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse Poised To Transform Global Coloured Gemstone Trade
Backed By Rajasthan Government and CIBJO, The Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse Aims To Become The World’s Leading Hub For Coloured Gemstone Trade, Sourcing and Innovation.
As global demand for coloured gemstones continues to surge, industry leaders are positioning the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse (JGJB) as a transformative initiative that could redefine the future of international coloured gemstone trade, sourcing, and distribution.
Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation, accompanied by Shri Pramod Agrawal, Chairman of the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse and Vice President, CIBJO, met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma. The discussions focused on the transformative role of the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse in strengthening Jaipur’s position as the global capital of coloured gemstones.
During the meeting, Cavalieri thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Government of Rajasthan for their vision and support in advancing the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse, noting that the project will benefit the global coloured gemstone industry by creating a transparent, organised and internationally connected marketplace.
A major driving force behind the project has been the proactive support extended by the Government of Rajasthan, which has played a crucial role in facilitating the development process. The land allotment through RIICO, and continued engagement under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) reflect the State Government’s vision of positioning Rajasthan as a premier global jewellery and gemstone destination.
Expressing his gratitude to the Rajasthan Government, Pramod Agrawal, Chairman of the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse and Vice President, CIBJO, said:

“Our meeting with Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma reaffirmed the Rajasthan Government’s strong support for the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse. The Hon’ble Chief Minister assured us of the Government’s support in providing the infrastructure, policy support, skilling initiatives and investment ecosystem required to realise this landmark project. This gives the industry tremendous confidence as we move towards creating a world-class hub that will strengthen Jaipur’s position as the global capital of coloured gemstones.”
“Through strong collaboration between industry, government and global stakeholders, the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse has the potential to become a catalyst for trade expansion, investment, innovation, employment and sustainable growth across the gemstone value chain,” added Pramod Agrawal.
Jaipur already occupies a unique position in the global gemstone value chain, processing and trading a significant share of the world’s coloured gemstones. The Bourse seeks to elevate this leadership by bringing together manufacturers, traders, international buyers, sourcing offices, laboratories, logistics providers, auction facilities, technology partners and support services within a single world-class platform.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said:

“Jaipur’s unmatched expertise in coloured gemstones has made it a cornerstone of the global gem and jewellery industry for centuries. The Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse will strengthen India’s leadership in the global coloured gemstone trade by creating a world-class ecosystem that connects heritage, craftsmanship and international commerce.”
Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, The Jewellers Association, Jaipur, said :

“The Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse reflects the collective vision of Jaipur’s gem and jewellery fraternity. We are proud to support an initiative that will empower our artisans, traders and entrepreneurs while strengthening Jaipur’s global position.”
Gaetano Cavalieri, President, CIBJO, described the initiative as one of global significance and a timely response to evolving market dynamics.

“The market is requesting increasing quantities of coloured gemstones, particularly quality gemstones, and Jaipur has always been one of the world’s most important centres for the coloured gemstone trade. The establishment of the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse responds directly to this growing demand by creating an organised, transparent and responsible trading environment.”
Emphasising the international relevance of the project, Cavalieri added: “This is not something related only to India. It is something related to the world through Jaipur and through India. The Bourse has the potential to become a reference point for the global coloured gemstone industry by bringing together trade, services, sustainability and traceability within a single ecosystem.”
Cavalieri further noted that the Bourse would strengthen confidence across the supply chain by promoting responsible business practices, transparency, sustainability and traceability — principles that are becoming increasingly important for consumers, brands and retailers worldwide.
Industry leaders believe the project will create significant opportunities for international buyers, jewellery manufacturers, luxury brands and gemstone traders seeking efficient access to high-quality coloured gemstones through an organised marketplace. The concentration of services and infrastructure is also expected to improve business efficiency, accelerate trade flows and foster greater collaboration across the global industry.
The Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse is being developed as the world’s first dedicated bourse exclusively for coloured gemstones and coloured gemstone-studded jewellery. Planned facilities include more than 1,750 trading offices and kiosks, customs facilitation, gem-testing laboratories, auction facilities and a comprehensive range of trade support services.
As the coloured gemstone capital of the world, Jaipur is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of growth in the global gemstone industry. With growing international support and a shared vision among industry stakeholders, the Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse is expected to emerge as the world’s leading destination for coloured gemstone sourcing, trading, innovation, education and industry collaboration.
The Jaipur Gem & Jewellery Bourse, jointly promoted by GJEPC and the Jewellers Association Jaipur (JAJ), is expected to generate around 60,000 additional jobs and create a modern ecosystem that bridges Jaipur’s centuries-old gemstone craftsmanship with modern international trade and business standards.
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