India Flags off the first GJ consignment under CEPA

India-UAE CEPA Comes Into Force from 1st May 

The flagging off ceremony of India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held at Customs House/Cargo Complex, New Delhi International Airport. The landmark agreement has come into force by flagging off the first three consignments of Jewellery from New Delhi to Dubai which would be getting zero duty market access. 

The flagging off ceremony was presided by Commerce Secretary B.V.R. Subrahmanyam in the presence of Director General of Foreign Trade, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Vipul Bansal, Joint Secretary, DoC and other senior officials from the Department of Commerce & Ashok Seth, Regional Chairman (North Region), GJEPC represented GJEPC at the event.

Speaking at the event, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said, “The India-UAE CEPA is the first comprehensive bilateral trade agreement in a decade and it will increase the flow of goods, services, investments, technology & work opportunities for our people, bringing strong multiplier benefits across sectors such as gem & jewellery (GJ), leather, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.”  

Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “Congratulations to all our member exporters - Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd, and Malabar Gold Private Ltd, who were fortunate to be part of this historic occasion. GJEPC is also proud to further facilitate this agreement by advising the Govt. of the finer details which will help the gem & jewellery exports to grow to USD 75 billion in next three years from India.”  

Colin further added, “We also understand that the first consignment of gold bullion with subsidised import duty is also being facilitated by DGFT and Customs to be imported from UAE simultaneously. We express our gratitude to the Govt for issuing necessary Gazette notifications and circulars on a time bound manner through Customs and DGFT.  

One of the precautions enacted by Govt is putting gold scrap imports under restricted category to be imported through canalization. GJEPC welcomes such move by Govt which will be of great relief to a major section of the industry.”  

K Srinivasan, Convener, Jewellery Panel Committee, GJEPC said, “The Indian Gem & Jewellery industry will be the most benefited from this agreement. I am sure this strategic pact will boost India’s exports to UAE to the tune of USD 10 billion annually.”  

The following three member companies of GJEPC exported their consignments from Delhi on 1st May, 2022 under India-UAE CEPA, i. Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, Kolkata, ii. Emerald Jewel Industry India Ltd, Coimbatore & iii. Malabar Gold Private Ltd, Calicut.