GJEPC’s Eastern Region office organised a high-level industry interaction with Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner for East and North-East India, to discuss opportunities for expanding India’s gems and jewellery trade with the United Kingdom.
Held in Kolkata on 9th September, the interaction was led by Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman – East, GJEPC, and brought together more than 20 exporters from the region, along with prominent Kolkata jewellers. The event spotlighted the six exporters who made their maiden shipments to the UK from Kolkata port following the launch of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on 15 July 2026.
The session opened with participating exporters introducing their businesses and outlining their manufacturing and trading capabilities across different segments of the gems and jewellery industry.
Dr. Fleming highlighted emerging opportunities in the UK market and outlined the support available to Indian businesses through the UK High Commission. Exporters discussed their experience and interest in participating in international trade fairs in the UK, while also exploring avenues for deeper commercial engagement.
Sandip Choudhary, Deputy Consul at the British High Commission, discussed opportunities in the UK market and issues relating to trade bottlenecks and tariff barriers. He assured participants of continued support from the High Commission, particularly for gems and jewellery exporters from the Eastern Region.
The interaction provided a platform for exporters and UK representatives to discuss market access and practical trade issues, supporting efforts to expand gems and jewellery exports from the Eastern Region to the UK under CETA.