Record number of SMEs to participate in FACETS Sri Lanka 2014

Monday, 1 September 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Over 50 small and medium enterprises will take part in FACETS Sri Lanka 2014, 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 24th year, will be held from 4-7 September at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2014 this year specially highlights the individual exhibitor pavilions from, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and an SME pavilion from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). These moves come as an encouraging and positive sign with the entire industry with targets to achieve $ 1 billion export revenue by 2016. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority will also be providing gem testing and assaying facilities at the event. Upbeat about the participation an SME stall holder sharing his views said: “FACETS 2014 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.” Further encouraging the local industry a gem cutting competition will also be held this year. The objectives of the competitions were to identify and recognise the capabilities of local talent and help promote the gem cutting and lapidary industry to be in par with the required export quality. FACETS 2014 Juzar Adamaly Chairman said: “The SME sector plays a vital role within the entire gem and jewellery industry. The Government has also introduced a loan scheme to the SME sector further understanding the importance of nurturing quality businesses and products. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continuous support by the National Gem and Jewellery Association and the Export Development Board throughout all our initiatives locally and internationally”. The organisers have planned to display precious and semiprecious gems as well as jewellery, lapidary and machinery items. Knowledge sharing sessions include a series of seminars conducted by international and local panellists this year.