Friday Nov 08, 2024
FT
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Monday, 30 May 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
National Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman/CEO Asanka Sanjeewa Welagedara stated that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority with the assistance of Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia and with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Export Development Board 
and Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association have organised a Gem and Jewellery Trade Delegation to Russia.
The delegation was comprised with the officials of Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association and eight leading gem and jewellery exporters. The main objective of the visit is to make inroads to the Russian market through Sri Lankan gem and jewellery exhibition – ‘Facets Sri Lanka 2016’ to be held from 1-4 September which showcases a wide variety of gemstones found in Sri Lanka and an exquisite collection of gem studded jewellery.
The members visited the gem and jewellery exhibition in Russia – JUNWEX – 2016 and have made preliminary discussion on establishment of a trading platform for Sri Lankan gemstones and jewellery at the event. The commercial section of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia had arranged fruitful business meetings with Russian Gemstones Chamber – Russian Guild and Federal Customs Services of Russia in order to open and facilitate unrestricted support and cooperation to encourage gem and jewellery exports to Russia.
Welagedara has conducted a presentation on unmatched potential of Sri Lanka as the leading producer of best sapphires in the world where he elaborated the gem and jewellery trade liberalisation in Sri Lanka via minimisation of import and export tariff structures to an almost ‘zero’ level, economic, political and commercial stability, highly literate skilled labour force and investor friendly business environment of the country.
Facets Sri Lanka 2016 Chairman Mushtaq Jabir has extended an invitation to the members of Russian Gemstone Chamber for the Sri Lankan international gem and jewellery exhibition – Facets Sri Lanka 2016 which is the 26th edition of the above show. This Authority is the principal sponsor of Facets Sri Lanka exhibition since its inception. Positive responses were received from the members of Russian Gemstone Chamber.
Welagedara further stated that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) as the government regulatory body to develop, promote and regulate the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, considers facilitation of the 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 Russia as a highly potential market to promote Sri Lankan gems and jewellery and accordingly NGJA with the collaboration of EDB and SLGJA has organised this ‘Sri Lankan Delegation to Russia’.
A considerable number of leading gemstones and jewellery dealers from Russia have attended for the presentations and business meeting organised by Sri Lanka Embassy in Russia.
Welagedara added that in its expanded promotional program ‘NGJA’ intends to organise ‘Sri Lanka Pavilions’ at leading gem and jewellery events in USA, United Kingdom, China, Japan, Hong Kong and Norway in the year 2016.
