Chinese Buyers For Sri Lankan Sapphires

Mr. Prasad Galhena, Chairman / C.E.O. of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA) stated that the NGJA with the collaboration of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) and the assistance of the Commercial Section of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing and the Sri Lanka consulate in Shanghai has organized the ‘ Sri Lanka Pavilion’ at the Jewellery Shanghai Show held from 10-13 May 2012 for the fourth consecutive year. The Sri Lanka Pavilion consisted of Thirty Four Sri Lankan Gem and Jewllery Trading Companies.

According to Mr.Galhena, the Sri Lanka Pavilion was ceremonially opened on 10th May 2012 by His Excellency Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda, the Ambassador for Sri Lanka in Beijing. The Ambassador stated in his speech that the Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, National Gem and Jewellery Authority and Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association intend to work closely with the Gem & Jewellery Traders Association of China to build up a strong Platform for the Gem and Jewellery trading community in Sri Lanka. He further stated that the close relationship which the Sri Lankan government has built up with the Chinese government helped them to increase business activities in China.

Mr.Galhena further stated that, China and Sri Lanka enjoy a strong and friendly relationship based on cultural and traditional values for years.  This relationship has evolved in to a significant economic and commercial partnership; under the guidance of our President, His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse, who has introduced new policy initiatives and meaningful fiscal measures which have largely contributed to the healthy growth of the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka.

He added that, Gem Exports to China have recorded  a significant growth during the past few years as shown below.  The initiatives, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority   took with the active participation of Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association to focus on the huge market potential in China, have paid rich dividends.  As a result, more  than one hundred and twenty five Sri Lankan gem & Jewellery companies have ventured successfully  in to the Chinese market in the year 2011.

Gem Exports to China

Year Year on Year varianceon value terms
2010 191%
2011 178%

The exhibition was organized by the Gem and Jewellery Traders Association of China with the collaboration of National Gem and Jewellery Technology Administrative Center. Continuing last year’s success, this year’s event attracted over 400 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions including Sri Lanka,  Thailand, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan with in a space of 23,000 sq.m. to feature their exclusive products.

Boosted by rapid growth in the retail market and in the overall economy in recent years, Shanghai is one of the wealthiest cities in China, one where there is high demand for luxuary goods, fine jewellery in particular. Shanghai, therefore has become the gateway for overseas enterprises to enter the vast China Market., while local enterprises can access the international market via Shanghai. Therefore Shanghai as the Commercial City of China has an amazing consumption market and trading environment for Gems and Jewellery.

A wide variety of magnificent jewellery products of excellent craftsmanship showcased at the four day event included gold jewellery, fashionable platinum and silver jewellery, prestigious pearl, diamond, jade and gemset jewellery, fine diamonds and fine quality gems. Packaging and display materials and related products and services were also displayed, making it a highly professional platform for the jewellery industry.

Mr. Galhena further stated that the NGJA considers facilitation of Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Trading Community for participation in international Trade Fairs throughout the world as its major promotional activity. Due to the importance of Chinese market, NGJA is scheduled to organize “Sri Lanka Pavilion” in two other leading international gem and jewellery exhibitions in China during the second half of 2012.

Mr. Galhena further emphasized that the ‘National Pavilion’ which displayed a glittering array of Gems and Jewellery from Sri Lanka presented by   members of the trade attracted buyers from China and other leading consuming countries. The members of the”National Pavilion” were successful in securing orders for fine quality gems, calibrated sapphires and fine jewellery and establishing its position as the leading producer of fine quality Blue Sapphires to the global market.

His Excellency Mr. Ranjith Uyangoda, the ambassador for Sri Lanka in Beijing visited the ‘Sri Lanka Pavilion’ and inspired the participants, and congradulated ‘NGJA’ for continuing the National Pavilion concept. The assistance given by Mrs Shirani Ariyaratne, Commercial Counselor in Beiging and Mrs. Hasanthi Dissanayake, Consul General in Shanghai helped in no small measure for the success of the ‘Sri Lanka Pavilion’

Mr. Galhena added that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority have identified the market requirements and wish to create a strong platform for fine quality gems and gem studded jewellery of Sri Lanka in China.

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