Kolkata, July 15, 2026

 

In a significant move regarding India's export journey under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the first jewellery export consignment from Kolkata to the United Kingdom was flagged off today from the Kolkata Air Cargo Complex. The Kolkata shipment, valued at approximately ₹27 crore, forms part of the inaugural nationwide jewellery consignment worth US$10 million being exported to the UK under the landmark agreement.

The flagging-off ceremony was attended by Shri Tapas Roy, Minister-in-Charge, Industry & Commerce, Government of West Bengal; Shri Yogendra Garg, IRS, Member (Customs); Shri Chandra Kant Mishra, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT); Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner for East and Northeast India; Shri Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman (Eastern Region), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC); and Dr. Debjani Roy, Executive Director, SHEFEXIL.

Six leading exporters from Kolkata - Jais Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., Modern Impex, L. Gopal & Sons (Jewellers), AB Jewels Pvt. Ltd., JS Jewels Private Limited and Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers - are part of the inaugural shipment comprising gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery. The flagging-off ceremony also marked the dispatch of export consignments of black tea, Darjeeling tea, coffee and nearly 3,000 kilograms of betel leaves to the United Kingdom under the India–UK CETA, reflecting the growing export potential of West Bengal's diverse product basket.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Chandra Kant Mishra, Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said, the India–UK CETA marks the beginning of a new phase in trade relations between the two countries and is expected to provide substantial opportunities for exporters from eastern and northeastern India. "This agreement will be a game changer for West Bengal and the Northeast. Key sectors such as gems and jewellery, leather, marine products, jute and engineering goods will benefit from duty-free access to the UK market, strengthening the region's integration with global value chains," he stated.

Highlighting West Bengal's export strengths, Shri Mishra noted that the State accounts for a significant share of India's exports of gems and jewellery, marine products and jute to the United Kingdom. He said, the elimination of tariffs would enhance the competitiveness of these sectors while opening new avenues for exporters.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Andrew Fleming, the British Deputy High Commissioner for East and Northeast India, described the ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter in UK-India trade relations. "Today, we are not merely sending a consignment from Kolkata; we are sending a signal that the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement has moved from paper to practice. This agreement will create new opportunities for businesses, generate employment and strengthen prosperity across West Bengal," he said.

Referring to the diverse products being exported from the region, Dr. Fleming said, the agreement showcases Bengal's artisanal excellence and agricultural heritage to a wider global market, with jewellery, premium teas, coffee and betel leaves together reflecting the State's rich export capabilities. "Our hope is that this consignment is remembered not as a ceremonial first, but as the first of thousands, marking eastern India's stronger participation in global trade," he pointed out.

Shri Yogendra Garg, Member (Customs), said, the first shipment under the India–UK CETA symbolises the beginning of new opportunities for Indian exporters. "This is not only the movement of goods but the movement of an opportunity. The agreement opens access to a large, high-value market and will help transform local strengths into global success stories while creating new avenues for growth, employment and shared prosperity," he added.

The India–UK CETA provides zero-duty access for Indian gem and jewellery exports to the UK by eliminating import tariffs of up to 4 per cent, significantly improving the competitiveness of Indian products in the UK's jewellery market.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said the agreement is expected to transform India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK. "With zero-duty access, we expect India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK to increase from around US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years, creating new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans and designers," he said.

Shri Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman (Eastern Region), GJEPC, said, Kolkata's rich legacy of jewellery craftsmanship and manufacturing places the same befittingly to benefit from the agreement. He expressed confidence that the CETA would open new global opportunities for exporters while reinforcing India's reputation for quality jewellery and craftsmanship.

The India–UK CETA is expected to strengthen West Bengal's gem and jewellery sector by improving market access, encouraging value-added manufacturing, promoting employment and enhancing the participation of artisans, MSMEs and exporters. The successful flagging off of the first consignment reflects Kolkata's continuing contribution to India's jewellery exports and marks an important step in expanding the country's presence in international markets.

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SSS/SS....KOL/15.7.26

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