The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) joined the business delegation accompanying Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, during his visit to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 18th–20th September. The Indian contingent featured Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Adil Kotwal, Member, SEZ Panel, GJEPC; Mr. Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman – Jaipur; Mr. Bharat Takhtani, Director, Zar Jewels; Mr. Arpit Narola, Director, Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK); and Mr. Ashish Sakhardande, Head – IJEX, GJEPC.
Day one discussions centered on strengthening and expanding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has been in effect since May 2022.
Since the pact’s implementation, bilateral trade in goods has nearly doubled—from USD 43.3 billion in FY2020-21 to USD 83.7 billion in FY2023-24. Gem and jewellery trade also witnessed robust growth, climbing 35% from USD 20.88 billion in FY2022 to USD 28.15 billion in FY2024. Notably, India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UAE surged over 60%, rising from USD 4.95 billion to USD 8.04 billion during this period.