National News
DGFT Summit Explores E-commerce’s Role in Boosting Gem & Jewellery Export Potential
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) hosted an E-commerce Export Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, on 11th March, gathering industry leaders to explore the growing potential of e-commerce in enhancing retail exports. Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC, delivered a keynote presentation on ‘Enhancing Retail Exports through E-commerce.’
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ray emphasized the critical role of e-commerce platforms in driving growth for the gem and jewellery sector. He noted that e-commerce is particularly well-suited to this industry due to the low volume and high value of its products, making it ideal for cross-border trade. He expressed confidence that businesses in the sector will see substantial growth in the near future, driven by the accessibility and scalability of e-commerce.
Mr. Ray also provided insights into recent foreign trade policy reforms introduced by the Government of India. These regulatory changes have significantly eased e-commerce exports, contributing to the sector’s remarkable growth. Currently, India’s gem and jewellery exports total $38 billion, with projections aiming for $100 billion by 2047, largely fueled by the expanding e-commerce landscape.
He advised exporters to focus on identifying key product markets and understanding consumer preferences to secure repeat business. Additionally, he highlighted the recent partnerships formed by the GJEPC with major e-commerce platforms like eBay, Amazon, and DHL, aiming to provide a seamless export experience for its members.
National News
Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) Has Proposed A Two-Track System To Manage Gold More Efficiently
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce gold imports and foreign travel, major Indian bullion and jewellery bodies have submitted a new plan to the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The strategy aims to lower the nation’s trade deficit by tapping into the estimated 30,000 tonnes of gold sitting in Indian households.
This move comes after India’s gold imports jumped 24% to a record $71.9 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, with over 721 tonnes of gold brought into the country.
The New Strategy: Two Separate Systems
The Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) has proposed a two-track system to manage gold more efficiently:
- For Exporters: Imported gold should be strictly saved for jewellery exporters using one-year Gold Metal Loans (GML).
- For Local Buyers: Domestic demand should be met entirely by recycling household gold. This gold would be collected from citizens, refined locally, and sold back through jewellers and retailers.
Under this plan, people who deposit their idle gold could earn 2% to 2.5% interest, while businesses taking gold loans would pay an interest rate of 3% to 4%.
Fixing Why Past Schemes Failed
Previous government gold schemes failed to gain traction primarily because they left out local jewellers and lacked a proper banking structure. Without a joined-up system, institutions faced high financial risks from changing gold prices.
To fix this, trade bodies are calling for a complete system that includes:
- Direct involvement of trusted local jewellers. The schemes did not take off in the past because jewellers were not part of them. About 10% to 20% of family gold is held as bars or coins.
- Strong bank backing and secure storage vaults across the country.
- Tax incentives, such as removing the 3% GST loss when physical gold is converted into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), and offering income tax relief on the interest earned.
Industry Support
Industry experts say a smooth system is already possible. Collection and purity testing centres have confirmed that collected household gold can be processed within 48 hours and safely moved to secure, bank-approved vaults.
Representatives from the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) recently held discussions with RBI officials to fast-track these changes.
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