New Delhi, July 15 -- Jewellery exporters hailed the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CETA) for its potential to scale up gems and jewellery exports as the first batch of consignments was dispatched to the United Kingdom.

Speaking to ANI at the India-UK CETA export flag-off ceremony held at the Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ), sector representatives noted that the transition to a zero-duty regime removes a significant entry barrier. Previously, Indian gems and jewellery faced a 4 per cent tariff in the UK, which has now been dismantled under the bilateral agreement.

Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, Development Commissioner of SEEPZ, stated that the commencement of these shipments marks a significant milest...