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
Heer by GIVA Launches First Offline Store with ‘Alfaaz-e-Heer’ Poetry Night
An evening of shayari, stories, and celebration featuring Priya Malik
Heer by GIVA, GIVA’s gold and lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, celebrated the launch of its first offline store with ‘Alfaaz-e-Heer’, an evening of poetry, stories, and celebration that brought together creators, fashion enthusiasts, and members of the growing Heer community.

The launch event featured a special Shayari Night with Priya Malik, whose evocative verses set the tone for an evening rooted in expression, individuality, and storytelling, values that lie at the heart of the Heer brand. The celebration also included a lively Trivia Night and launch party, creating an engaging and immersive experience for guests as they explored Heer’s jewellery collections.
Designed as more than a traditional store opening, ‘Alfaaz-e-Heer’ reflected the brand’s philosophy that jewellery is not just an adornment but a form of personal expression. Through poetry, conversations, and community moments, the evening celebrated the many voices and stories that define Heer’s identity.

The new store offers customers the opportunity to experience Heer by GIVA’s gold and lab-grown diamond jewellery collections in a thoughtfully designed retail environment that brings the brand’s contemporary and expressive spirit to life.
On the debut of the store, Resha Jain, Chief Brand Officer at GIVA, said: “Heer has always been about celebrating individuality and the many voices of modern India. With the launch of our first offline store, we wanted to create an experience that reflects the soul of the brand, expressive, personal, and rooted in culture. Alfaaz-e-Heer was our way of bringing that spirit alive, where poetry, community, and jewellery come together to celebrate self-expression.”
The opening of Heer by GIVA’s first offline store marks an important milestone in the brand’s journey as it continues to expand its presence and deepen engagement with its growing community. While the brand has built strong resonance with customers through its digital-first approach, the move into physical retail enables Heer to create more immersive brand experiences and stronger community connections.
As the demand for contemporary fine jewellery continues to grow, Heer by GIVA aims to strengthen its presence through curated retail spaces that bring customers closer to the brand’s design philosophy and storytelling.
The store spans over 815 sq. ft. of retail space, along with an additional 230 sq. ft. dedicated to back-office operations, creating a seamless experience for both customers and the in-store team.
With ‘Alfaaz-e-Heer’, the brand not only celebrated a new retail chapter but also reaffirmed its vision of creating a community where jewellery becomes a language of identity, expression, and modern storytelling.
-
National News13 hours agoNATIONAL Gold, Silver Decline In India On Oil Price Rebound
-
National News13 hours agoHeer by GIVA Launches First Offline Store with ‘Alfaaz-e-Heer’ Poetry Night
-
BrandBuzz13 hours agoNatural Diamond Council Launches World Diamond Day on April 8, 2026
-
National News14 hours agoWorld Water Day 2026: Inauguration of the CIBJO Lake Marks a Powerful Commitment to Water Conservation and Sustainability


