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
IFSCA Notifies India Good Delivery Gold Framework
GJEPC Seeks Swift Rollout and Global Recognition. The Framework Is Expected To Strengthen Responsible Sourcing, Build Confidence In Indian-Refined Gold and Create Opportunities For Bullion Exports.
GJEPC has urged the Government to expedite international recognition and the implementation of the India Good Delivery Gold framework, following the notification of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) (Good Delivery) Guidelines, 2026. The framework is expected to strengthen responsible sourcing, build confidence in Indian-refined gold and create opportunities for bullion exports.
The guidelines establish a framework for quality assurance, responsible sourcing and traceability in gold refining. IFSCA, India’s unified regulator for financial products, services and institutions operating in International Financial Services Centres, will implement the framework through the Bullion Exchange in the IFSC. Gold from accredited refiners that meets the prescribed requirements can qualify for delivery on IFSC exchanges and for over-the-counter trading.
The framework extends beyond the purity and quality of gold bars to address their provenance. Refiners must trace raw gold to its source, assess supply-chain risks, verify suppliers and beneficial owners, and meet applicable responsible-sourcing requirements. Independent third-party audits will provide additional assurance.
The initiative follows the recommendations by NITI Aayog, a policy think tank, which had called for an India Good Delivery Standard and responsible-sourcing guidelines for refineries. The report highlighted the potential of domestic refining to retain more value within India, generate employment and support exports.
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