Delegation to promote gems in Russia

A delegation comprising a National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) official and representatives of Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) visited Russia from May 13 to 19, with the objective of exploring market opportunities for Sri Lankan Gems in the Russian Federation and promoting "FACETS' - 2009" the Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show, to be held in September - 2009, said Chairman & C.E.O of NGJA Hasitha Tillekeratne.

Hasitha Tillekeratne said that the delegation had the opportunity of visiting "Yuvelir - Vesna" and "New Russian Style" - two of the leading Gem and Jewellery Exhibitions held in Moscow and gain first hand knowledge on current market trends, designs and pricing on gems, diamonds and jewellery offered for sale, exhibitors at the Yuvelir Vesna Show, according to Chairman, a dinner was hosted by H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, the Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Russia, for the Sri Lankan delegation where Chanaka Ellawala, Chairman, Organizing Committee - 'FACETS' had the opportunity to make a multimedia presentation on 'FACETS- 2009' in particular and the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka in the Gem and Jewellery Sector in general to the distinguished invitees who represented a cross section of the Gem and Jewellery trade & industry in Moscow. (A spot translation in Russian was given by Gamini Zoysa a member of the Sri Lanka delegation).

The delegation and the Sri Lanka Embassy officials met senior officials of Ministry of Finance (Gokhran), Russian Chamber of Commerce, Moscow Chamber of Commerce and discussed matters of mutual importance - particularly the importance of Sri Lanka as a sourcing country for high quality Sapphires for the Russian Jewellery industry.

A nation with rich oil fields, coal mines, mineral reserves, natural gas and timber, Russia has long been an economic power house. Chairman further said, that Sri Lanka has exported Gems & Jewellery worth of Rs. 50.13 million to Russian Federation from 2005-2008, and has identified Russia as a market with high potential for fine quality gems and calibrated cut sapphires of all colours. Tillekeratne mentioned that the 'NGJA' intends to organize a 'Sri Lanka Pavilion' at a leading Gem and Jewellery exhibition in Moscow next year with the participation of a group of selected exporters to show case our products to the Russian market. Chairman added, with the drastic improvement in the security following the victory by the Armed Forces, NGJA intends to increase its promotional programmes in already established markets such as U.S.A, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Japan, Germany & U.K and focus more on new markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The Sri Lankan delegation comprised following members. Ajith Perera - Actg. Deputy Director General - "NGJA" Chanaka Ellawala - Director NGJA and Chairman Organising Committee - 'Facets" Gamini Zoysa - Executive Committee Member - "Facets"