Over 10,000 visitors expected for FACETS 2015

by Rohana Jayalal

Having started in 1991 with just 50 booths at the Hilton, to filling up the BMICH exhibition centre with over 150 booths, the international gem and jewellery exhibition has made a long and successful journey, Chairman, FACETS Sri Lanka 2015, Juzar Adamaly told the launch of the flagship event of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association.

“We thank all who made the FACETS Sri Lanka exhibition a success through the years and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the EDB for the continuous support,” he said.

“We are expecting over 10,000 visitors this year. Over 100 international buyers from China, India, Myanmar, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Norway and Germany have confirmed their attendance at the show,” Adamaly said.

Visitors from China are expected to top the list this year with several high-profile buyers from different regions in China confirming attendance.

Sapphires are the best selling gemstone in consumer markets and Sri Lanka remains a top supplier globally, and China, the fastest growing consumer market, has shown exceptional growth in demand for sapphires and other gemstones from Sri Lanka.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2015 encompasses individual exhibitors from Myanmar, Singapore, Dubai, Myanmar and India, he said. According to Adamaly, FACETS Sri Lanka plays a major role in making Colombo a regional gem and jewellery hub, and Sri Lanka the ‘Sapphire Capital of the World’.

Over 50 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are also billed to take part in FACETS Sri Lanka 2015, with local businesses given ‘ample opportunity’ to showcase their abilities to buyers from around the world, and gain access to technology, processes and best practices.

“As an emerging economy, Sri Lanka looks forward to expand its trade ties in the South Asian region particularly with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. FACETS offers the perfect platform for this. There are minimal opportunities for the local industry to showcase products in these countries. The exhibition is a good opportunity for stakeholders in neighbouring countries to view and buy our products. This is a huge opportunity to develop trade with our neighbours,” he said.

Extensive promotions are underway in Hong Kong, China and the USA to attract buyers to the show, where wholesalers and producers from other gemstone producing countries are also expected to exhibit their products.

The SME sector plays a vital role in the gem and jewellery industry.

Chairman, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), A.P. Jayarajah said, “The country’s main markets, Europe and the US are recovering from a recession. FACETS organisers predict a strong presence of buyers from these markets and countries such as China and Russia.

FACETS is well-known among the global gem industry, particularly in the US, Europe and Japan as the only international gem and jewellery exhibition in Sri Lanka. The SLGJA hopes to promote the show in BRIC countries too, he said.

Buyers look forward to purchasing some of the world’s finest gems and jewellery directly from the source at the event.

“With the industry hoping to reach a target of US$ 1 or 1.5 billion by 2016, the exhibition will help boost sales and improve the brand image of Sri Lankan gem and jewellery globally further enhancing our export market, resulting in reducing the trade deficit and helping economic growth,” the SLGJA Chairman said.

SME Entrepreneur Pubudu Kumari said, “FACETS not only provides ample opportunity for local businesses to showcase their abilities, but also creates strong networking, knowledge sharing and skill enhancing opportunities for SME sector enterprises.”

There will also be competitions to recognise the talent of local craftsmen and help promote the gem and jewellery industry to be on a par with international standards.