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| Sunday, 19 March 2006 |
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MoU to boost gem exports to Thailand The National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka (NGJA) and the Thai Gem and Jewellery Manufacturers' Association signed a MoU last week. NGJA Chairman Hasitha Tillekeratne signed on behalf of the NGJA while President, Thai Gem and Jewellery Manufacturers Association Chirakitti Tang President, Thai Gem and Jewellery Manufacturers Association signed on behalf of the TGJMA. According to the MoU the TGJMA will provide assistance to upgrade technology,designs,product development, skills development of members of the Sri Lanka gem diamond and jewellery trade, assistance to explore ways to further increase exports of gems to Thailand from Sri Lanka, assistance to explore the possibility of starting joint ventures in Sri Lanka, assistance to develop the small and medium scale entrepreneur sector in Sri Lanka, assistance to organise a Thai pavilion at the Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show Facets Sri Lanka. Under the MoU NGJA will provide assistance to procure a continued supply of fine quality gems of all varieties found in Sri Lanka, assistance to procure a continued supply of calibrated gemstones, assistance to organise buyer seller meetings under the sponsorship of NGJA, assistance to obtain heat treatment service to further enhance the colour of Corundum, assistance to organise a Sri Lanka pavilion at the Bangkok Gems and Jewellery fair on a regular basis,assistance to procure gem gravel washing machines from Sri Lanka and assistance to train Thai gem miners. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), successfully organised the "Sri Lanka Pavilion" for the second consecutive year at the Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair held from March 1-5 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre. Eight exporting companies participated displaying an array of fine quality gems and calibrated gems from Sri Lanka. This fair is considered to be "Asia's Premier World Event" with more than 3,000 booths by 1,300 companies including 31 Country Pavilions. The "Sri Lanka Pavilion" was opened by J. D. A. Wijewardena, Sri Lanka's Ambassador in Thailand, Ms Hasitha Tillekeratne, NGJA Chairman, Mervyn Wijesekara, Additional Secretary to the Ministry and Ajith Perera, Snr. Manager (Import and Export Promotion) officiated. Thailand is the second largest importer of Sri Lankan gems. In 2005, Sri Lanka exported gems worth Rs. 1.50 billion to Thailand, which amounts to 18.6% of Sri Lanka's total gem exports of Rs. 8,005 million. The government having realised the important contribution, the gem export trade is making towards the national economy, has continued with duty and income tax exemptions for gem exports. The NGJA is doing its utmost to promote and facilitate the gem and
jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, and is scheduled to organise the "Sri Lanka
Pavilion" at the following International events. JCK Las Vegas Show - June
3-7, Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair - September 13-17, Hong Kong Jewellery
and Watch Fair September 19-23, China International Gold; Jewellery and Gem
Fair in Shanghai - November 2-5. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
