Surat: The first gem and jewellery consignments from Surat to the UK under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) were flagged off on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Gujarat Regional Office of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at Surat Diamond Bourse.The Surat event was part of a nationwide launch across Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata to celebrate India’s first jewellery exports to the UK under the agreement. Four Surat-based exporters — Gaurav Jewellers, Roy Diamond, Shish Jewels Ltd and Parvati Jewels LLP — are part of the inaugural $10 million shipment comprising gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery.The India-UK CETA grants Indian exporters zero-duty access to the UK market by eliminating import tariffs of up to 4%, giving them a significant competitive edge in Britain’s $4 billion jewellery import market. Industry leaders believe the agreement will boost exports, attract investment, create jobs and encourage value-added manufacturing.Kirit Bhansali, chairman of GJEPC, said, “The first consignment marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s global trade journey.” The India-UK CETA gives Indian exporters a significant competitive advantage in the UK market. With zero-duty access, we expect India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK to rise from about $754 million to nearly $2.5 billion over the next three years. The growth will create new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans and designers while strengthening India’s position as a global leader in craftsmanship, innovation and value-added jewellery manufacturing.”Jayanti Savaliya, Gujarat regional chairman of GJEPC, said, “CETA opens unprecedented opportunities for Surat’s exporters by providing duty-free access to one of the world’s most important jewellery markets. We are confident that the city’s ecosystem of manufacturers, exporters, artisans and entrepreneurs will play a pivotal role in accelerating India’s jewellery exports to the UK.”
