The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) concluded the Kazakhstan leg of its three-country trade mission to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for Indian jewellery exporters in Central Asia and the CIS region.

A networking event in Almaty brought together more than 45 representatives from the jewellery industry, along with officials from the Embassy of India, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, trade associations and government bodies.

The Indian delegation was led by Sohil Kothari, SEZ Convener, GJEPC, as part of the Council’s three-country trade mission to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan from 13 to 19 July 2026, highlighting India’s strengths as a global jewellery manufacturing hub. The event opened with a welcome address by His Excellency Mr. Y.K. Sailas Thangal, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan.

Among the dignitaries were Aselia Oralbayeva, Counsellor, Representative Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty; Nurmukhamet Roziyev, Acting Deputy Director on International Cooperation and Investments, Almaty Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken"; Dinmukhamed Tabyldy, Chairman of the Board, League of Jewellers of Kazakhstan; and Anastasia Kuzhilina, Chairperson, EAEU Jewellers Association.

The delegation also held meetings with the Embassy of India, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs, the League of Jewellers of Kazakhstan and the EAEU Jewellers Association, discussing market access, logistics, tariffs, investment opportunities and future cooperation.

Meetings with buyers and retailers in Almaty and Astana showed that Kazakhstan’s market is dominated by independent jewellers sourcing primarily from Russia, Armenia and Dubai, with Russian and Armenian suppliers benefiting from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Customs Union.

A retail survey covered key jewellery destinations including Zolotoy Mall, where retailers such as Amina, Elmira, Ozoy and Omorfia confirmed Armenia as their primary sourcing hub; Kazak Yuveliar, known for traditional Kazakh jewellery; Esentai Mall, featuring Nomad Jewellery and Sansi Jewellery; and Dostyk Plaza, home to MiUz Diamonds, Armat Jewellery and several Russian and Armenian brands.

GJEPC identified Kazakhstan as the most developed jewellery market among the CIS countries surveyed, offering strong long-term potential for Indian exporters. While EAEU members enjoy tariff and logistics advantages, India can compete through design, competitive pricing, manufacturing scale and product diversity. GJEPC will deepen partnerships with the League of Jewellers of Kazakhstan, EAEU Jewellers Association, Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs and the Embassy of India, while continuing to invite Kazakh buyers to IIJS and promote Jaipur as a global jewellery manufacturing hub.