Gem sales top $ 3 m at Hong Kong Fair

by A.G. Piyadasa

Sri Lanka participants at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch Fair 2006 earned over US$ 3 million from direct sales of gems and jewellery, and have secured firm orders worth US$ one million.

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) successfully organised the Sri Lankan pavilion for the 15th consecutive year at the Fair which was held recently at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The participants comprised six upper medium and large scale gem and jewellery exporters.

Local participants exhibited an array of fine quality gems and exquisitely crafted jewellery and they were able to seek many orders from USA, Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea and Japan.

This is the premier Gem and Jewellery Trade Fair in the Asia Pacific region. It has provided many opportunities to develop the market potential of the Gem and Jewellery Sector and it has contributed to the growth of the industry and increased export revenue. Following the success this year, they intend to organise the 'National Pavilion' at the Fair for the 16th consecutive year in 2007.

Local participants were able to obtain first hand information about the market, strengthen business links, develop new trade links and identify new developments in the market. "NGJA" was represented by Deputy Chairman Palitha Gangegoda and Manager (Exports) Rohan Pitigala.