Friday, January 23, 2015

Leading gem firms showcase at Japan's IJT Fair

Daily News - 23/01/2015



Leading gem and Jewellery exporters from Sri Lanka will participate at Japan's largest international jewellery, which begins in Bigcity in Tokyo today. This event is known as IJT International Jewellery Fair 2014.

The wide variety of products in the jewellery industry will be showcased under one roof, which is in the world trend-setting city, Tokyo.

IJT is the largest jewellery trade show in Japan and is a gateway to expand business in Japan and the Asian region is expected to participate with local gem business persons, which will be held from today to January 25 at the Tokyo Big Sight, Gem and Jewllery Authority sources said.

"Sri Lanka could increase the US$ one billion overall export target in 2016, if the local gem and precious stone exports were encouraged and developed targeting international markets. Therefore, participating for international trade shows should help to capture new markets, a top officer of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, told Daily News Business.

"We are now looking at increasing gem exports to China being the biggest buyer in the recent past and intend to promote countries like Japan and USA, which were one time biggest markets for Sri Lanka,"the official said.

The demand for Sri Lankan unheated blue sapphire is very high and Sri Lanka is unable to cater major markets demand.

However, the demand from European Union (EU) countries for gemstones has been shrinking due to the financial crisis. Gem and jewellery exports have increased with Russia, China, Italy and many Middle East countries showing tremendous interest in Sri Lankan gems, its sources said.

The authority is planning to participate for all leading trade shows in the world including China, Japan, USA and many more.

This event will help to have proactive business discussions and attract new business into Sri Lanka. Several top gem exporters in the country are expected to participate at this Asia's largest gem and jewellery exhibition, she said. Sri Lanka exported 330,318 carats of blue sapphire to the value of US$ 53.20 million in 2013.

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