The first jewelry export shipment to the UK under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was flagged off at the Kolkata Air Cargo Complex, marking a historic milestone for Kolkata, one of India’s top hubs for jewelry production and craftsmanship.

The ceremony was graced by Shri Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Industry & Commerce, Government of West Bengal, Shri Yogendra Garg, IRS, Member, Customs, Shri Chandra Kant Mishra, ITS, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Dr. Andrew Fleming, British  Deputy High Commissioner, East & Northeast India, Shri Pankaj Parekh, the Regional Chairman – Eastern Region, GJEPC and Dr. Debjani Roy, Executive Director, SHEFEXIL.

The flag-off in Kolkata is a part of a national celebration of India’s first jewelry exports to the UK under the historic trade deal that is taking place in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, and Chennai.

Leading exporters from Kolkata, including Jais Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., Modern Impex, L. Gopal & Sons (Jewellers), AB Jewels Pvt. Ltd., JS Jewels Private Limited, and Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, are included in the first US$10 million shipment of jewellery that includes platinum, silver, diamond, and gold jewellery.

Dr. Andrew Fleming said, “Today, we are not just sending a consignment out of Kolkata. It is like sending a message to the entire world. The India-UK CETA is a living reality and not just an agreement between the two nations. Inside the consignments are culture and the best ingredients from Bengal. It tells the story of Bengal itself”.

Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Industry & Commerce, Government of West Bengal, said that it was historical and joyful for both countries. He also added that it was a great step for Viksit Bharat and also for Viksit Bengal.

The gem and jewelry industry in West Bengal is anticipated to benefit from the India-UK CETA through increased market access, value-added manufacturing, job creation, skill development, and increased participation from exporters, MSMEs, and artisans. Kolkata is well-positioned to become one of the major beneficiaries of the historic agreement due to its longstanding reputation for fine jewelry craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence.

The first shipment’s flagging off highlights Kolkata’s ongoing contribution to India’s gem and jewelry exports and shows the industry’s exporters’ faith in the opportunities brought about by the India-UK CETA. Kolkata’s producers and craftspeople are well-positioned to contribute significantly to bolstering India’s international jewellery exports as Indian jewellery makes its debut in the UK market with zero-duty access.

Priyanka Dutta