The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India today organised a focused outreach programme on “Leveraging FTAs for the Gems & Jewellery Sector” in Jaipur, in partnership with the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs and other industry stakeholders participated in the programme.

The workshop is part of the Government’s sustained effort to ensure that exporters—particularly MSMEs and cluster-based enterprises—can fully capitalise on market access gains created through India’s new-generation FTAs.

India’s total exports have nearly doubled over the past twelve years, reaching an all-time high of USD 863 billion in FY 2025–26—up from USD 468 billion in FY 2014–15. Merchandise exports stood at USD 442 billion and services exports at USD 421 billion, reflecting the resilience and competitiveness of the Indian economy.

India’s FTAs have grown broader, deeper, and commercially more meaningful in recent years—covering a wider range of products, services, investment, standards, and trade facilitation. Gems & Jewellery has emerged as a leading beneficiary sector under these agreements.

FTA partner countries collectively import over US$55 billion of jewellery annually. India’s current share stands at US$8 billion—pointing to substantial headroom for growth. Rajasthan, which accounts for 97% of India’s coloured gemstone exports and has a strong presence in silver and imitation jewellery, is uniquely placed to capture this opportunity.

Addressing the gathering, Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, said: “India’s FTAs are strategic instruments for expanding export opportunities. Our objective is to ensure that every exporter, including MSMEs and cluster-based enterprises is equipped to utilise them.”

The programme aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who has underscored that India’s export growth strategy rests on enhanced competitiveness, improved market access, and stronger domestic manufacturing. Achieving the target of USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030 will require industry stakeholders to fully leverage the opportunities created by India’s expanding FTA network.

The Department of Commerce will continue similar engagements across key export clusters to ensure wider dissemination of FTA-related opportunities and help make India a leading global manufacturing and export hub under Viksit Bharat 2047.

Courtesy : AOJ DESK NEWS