23% growth in gem and jewellery exports in 2006

Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Hasitha Tillekeratne said that total earnings for last year recorded Rs. 4,4902.7 million and it was Rs. 36,558.5 million in 2005.

Total gem exports recorded Rs. 9,852.5 million in 2006, a 23% growth compared with 2005. Gem re-exports had a 46% growth contributing Rs. 644.5 million to the total earnings.

Diamonds re-exports contributed Rs. 31,722.7 million in 2006 and it was Rs.26,156.8 million in 2005. Gem studded jewellery recorded a 34% growth contributing Rs. 1,751.2 million last year. Diamond Jewellery exports recorded Rs. 717.7 million, a 64% growth compared with 2005. Geuda exports too showed a 3% growth, he said.

USA, Thailand, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Japan have been in the forefront as importing countries of our gemstones, he said.

The Government having realised the importance of the gem and jewellery sector has created a fiscal regime through the Budget Proposals for 2007, that recognises the unique nature of this industry.