Lankan envoy meets with Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand Wijayanthi Edirisinghe met with Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) President Chomphol Phornchindarak to discuss strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewellery industry. The meeting, held on 21 January was attended by members of the TGJTA Board of Directors and prominent Sri Lankan gem and jewellery traders based in Bangkok.

The TGJTA, a leading organisation in Thailand’s gem and jewellery sector, plays a vital role in supporting businesses, promoting trade, and advocating for the industry, solidifying Thailand’s status as a global hub for gemstones and jewellery.

During the meeting, Ambassador Edirisinghe highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewellery sector. She emphasised Sri Lanka’s global reputation for its high-quality gemstones, particularly Ceylon sapphires, renowned for their vibrant colours and ethical sourcing. Notably, precious and semi-precious stones have become Sri Lanka’s dominant export item to Thailand, further strengthening trade ties between the two countries.

President Phornchindarak warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed TGJTA’s willingness to support Sri Lanka in setting up a jewellery trade centre, modelled after Thailand’s successful framework. He also recalled his recent visit to Sri Lanka for the FACETS and Gem Sri Lanka exhibitions earlier in January and assured TGJTA’s assistance to Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies. Furthermore, Gems, Jewelry, and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand President Somchai Phornchindarak shared details of his personal connection to Sri Lanka, recalling his gem trading journey with the country that began 60 years ago.Ambassador Edirisinghe requested TGJTA to explore joint ventures in jewellery design and manufacturing, leveraging the expertise and craftsmanship of both countries. She encouraged Thai investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector such as setting up manufacturing and export hubs and to promote Sri Lankan gem and jewellery exhibitions.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further enhance the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewellery sector, paving the way for deeper trade and investment collaboration. Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok First Secretary/Head of Chancery A.W.S. Samanmali and Counsellor (Commercial) Vireshika Bandara also joined the discussion.