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
India’s Consul General To Dubai Visits GJEPC Headquarters
GJEPC briefed CG on the Indian gem and jewellery industry’s scale, global leadership in manufacturing, export outlook and the sector’s roadmap for future growth
Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India to Dubai, visited the GJEPC headquarters in Mumbai on 24th July for an interaction with industry leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the sector and its engagement with the UAE.
The UAE is India’s largest trading partner in gems and jewellery, with bilateral trade reaching US$33.51 billion in FY2025-26.
The Consul General was welcomed by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, along with Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Manish Jiwani, Convenor – MSME; Ashish Borda, Convenor – PMBD; Mital Doshi, Convenor – BITC; Bharat Ghori, Co-Convenor – MSME; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
GJEPC briefed Mr. Reddy on the Indian gem and jewellery industry’s scale, global leadership in manufacturing, export outlook and the sector’s roadmap for future growth. Discussions also covered GJEPC’s role in trade promotion, policy advocacy, international exhibitions and infrastructure development to strengthen India’s position as a global jewellery manufacturing and trading hub.
Given Dubai’s strategic importance to the industry, the meeting focused on the India-UAE gem and jewellery trade ecosystem, evolving supply chains, trade and logistics, banking and financing, and opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. The delegation also outlined policy initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s competitiveness in global trading and value addition.
Reddy said the visit provided him with valuable insights into the industry’s priorities and challenges, and expressed his willingness to work closely with GJEPC and the trade to strengthen India’s gem and jewellery partnership with Dubai and the wider UAE.
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