H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Alshaali, PhD, Ambassador of the UAE to India, visited the GJEPC head office and the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai on 23rd January 2025. He was warmly welcomed by Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Anoop Mehta, President, BDB; Mr. Milan Chokshi, Convener – PMBD, GJEPC; Mr. Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC among others.
The Ambassador was accompanied by a delegation comprising Mr. Fahad Albashr, Head of Economic Affairs Section; Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi, Senior Economic Affairs Specialist; Mr. Humaid Aldhabahi, Head of Department of Consular and Citizen Affairs; Mr. Geoffrey Flugge, Advisor to the Ambassador; Ms. Gauri Chopra, Analyst from the UAE Embassy; and Dr. Brenton Clark, Project Coordinator, UAE-India CEPA Council.
The discussions focused on leveraging the Indo-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance bilateral trade in gems and jewellery. Key topics included long term and multiple entry visas, investment in the India Jewellery Park, boosting trade volumes, and exploring opportunities for greater collaboration across the diamond and jewellery sectors.
The UAE continues to be the second-largest market for India’s gem and jewellery exports. The visit highlighted the shared vision of both nations to drive sustainable growth and innovation in this vibrant industry, solidifying their roles as global leaders in the sector.