Record number of SMEs to participate in ‘FACETS Sri Lanka 2013’

Wednesday, 14 August 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Over 50 small and medium enterprises will take part in FACETS Sri Lanka 2013, the international gem and jewellery exhibition, according to the organising committee. Organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), this year’s event held for its 23rd year, will be held from 29 August to 1 September at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre. FACETS 2013 not only provides ample opportunity for local businesses to showcase their capabilities to participating delegation from around the world, but also creates strong networking, knowledge sharing and skill enhancing opportunities for the SME sector enterprises. Local manufacturers will be able to acquire knowledge on technology, process, best practices and the importance of maintaining industry quality

standards right throughout the event. FACETS 2013 Chairman Juzar Adamaly said, “The SME sector plays a vital role within the entire gem and jewellery industry. It is also a major component to the entire industry with targets to achieve US$ 1 billion export revenue by 2016. The Government has also introduced a loan scheme to the SME sector further understanding the importance of nurturing quality businesses and products.” The organisers have planned to display precious and semiprecious gems as well as an exclusive hall dedicated to jewellery, lapidary and machinery items. Knowledge sharing sessions include a series of seminars conducted by international and local panellists this year. Organisers will be providing Shuttle services from most of the hotels and travel desks to arrange tours for visiting delegation, Customs on site, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Gem testing and assaying facilities and services like clearing and forwarding facilities for exports and individual security to booths through our official security surveillance providers Securo Dynamics. In the 2003 Budget, the Government of Sri Lanka declared Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) as the Apex industry body and charged it with a leadership role to formulate industry-level strategies to increase productivity and competitiveness. Since then, the Association works closely with the Government’s National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board to advocate national policy and give input for the industry’s regulatory framework. Currently, SLGJA has over 350 members who together account for over 75% of the country’s gem and jewellery exports.