Lankan Blue Sapphires to the global market

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Gem and Jewellery Authority Hasitha Tillekeratne said that the National Gem & Jewellery Authority with the assistance of Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai organized 'Sri Lanka Pavilion' at the fifth edition of the China International Gold, Jewellery and Gem Fair, Shanghai held last month for its forth consecutive year. A record number of exhibitors and visitors at the event propelled the event to unprecedented success with both exhibitors and buyers reporting an increase in confirmed orders during the four-day Fair.

Boosted by rapid growth in the retail market and in the overall economy in recent years, Shanghai is one of the wealthiest cities in China, one where there is high demand for luxuary goods, fine jewellery in particular. Shanghai, therefore has become the gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the vast Chinese market, while local enterprises can access the international market via Shanghai. Therefore, Shanghai as the Commercial City of China has amazing consumption market and trading environment for Gems and Jewellery.

Since its launch in 2005, the Fair has established itself as one of the must-attend event in Eastern China. With the international jewellery markets remaining lackluster in the first three quarter of 2009, China has shown its resilience under the global economic downturn.

The 2009 edition was the largest in the Show's five-year history and set records in terms of visitors, exhibitors and exhibition space. Continuing last year's success, this year's event attracted over 200 exhibitors from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States including Sri Lanka to feature their exclusive products.

A vast variety of magnificent jewellery products of excellent craftsmanship showcased at the four-day event included glistening gold jewellery, fashionable platinum and silver jewellery, prestigious pearl, diamond, Jade and gemset jewellery, fine diamonds and fine quality gems.

Packaging and display materials and related products and services were also displayed, making it a highly professional sourcing platform for the jewellery industry. Tillekeratne further said that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) as the government regulatory body to develop, promote and regulate Gem and Jewellery Industry in Sri Lanka, considers facilitation of Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Trading community for participation in international trade fairs throughout the world as a major promotional activity.

The NGJA has identified China as a highly potential market to promote Sri Lankan gems and jewellery and accordingly NGJA has organized 'Sri Lanka Pavilion' in this event since 2006. Due to the importance of Chinese market NGJA have organized three International Gem and Jewellery shows in China during the year with the participation of sixty one (61) gem and jewellery companies from Sri Lanka.

Tillekeratne further emphasized that, the 'National Pavilion' which displayed a glittering array of Gems and Jewellery from Sri Lanka presented by sixteen members of the Trade attracted buyers from China and other leading consuming countries. The members of the 'National Pavilion' were successful in securing orders for fine quality gems and calibrated sapphires and establishing its position as the leading producer of fine quality Blue Sapphires to the global market. Majintha Jayesinghe, Consul, Sri Lanka Consulate in Shanghai, congratulated 'NGJA' for continuing with the 'National Pavilion' concept.