FACETS expects record SMEs

FACETS 2013 to attract larger crowds this year

Over 50 Small and Medium Eenterprises (SMESs) will take part in FACETS Sri Lanka 2013, the international gem and jewelry exhibition, according to the organizing committee. Organized by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelery Association (SLGJA), this year’s event held for its 23rd year, will be held from August 29 to September 1 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center.

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.

Juzar Adamaly, Chairman FACETS 2013 said, “The SME sector plays a vital role within the entire gem and jewelry industry. It is also a major component to the entire industry with targets to achieve US$ one 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 organizers have planned to display precious and semiprecious gems as well as an exclusive hall dedicated to jewelry, lapidary and machinery items. Knowledge sharing sessions include a series of seminars conducted by international and local panelists this year. Organizers 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 percent of the country’s gem and jewelry exports.