Facets 2005 attracts over 150 exhibitors

by Irangika Range

The year 2004 recorded the highest ever revenue of US$ 105.9 million through gem and jewellery exports since the establishment of the State Gem Corporation in 1971 presently called as a National Gem and Jewellery Authority, said Facets. Organising Committee, Chairman, Macky Hashim at the opening ceremony of the 15th Annual Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Show (facets) in the BMICH yesterday.

Hashim said this year's show is special for several reasons showcasing some of the finest local and international creations of gems and jewellery at a new venue, the BMICH, in a grander scale with the participation of 150 exhibitors.

"It is encouraging to note that Facets has grown from a mere 50 - booth show in its first year to 150 booths this year. Hong Kong, Myanmar, Singapore and India have participated in a big way in this time and 40 participants from Myanmar have obtained 10 booths," Hashim said.

"This year the Organizing Committee has provided separate pavilions under different product categories for the convenience of buyers visiting the show. It is encouraging to note that five booths have been allocated to small and medium scale enterprises affected by the recent tsunami.

The USAID and the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association has sponsored this worthy cause. For the first time, the NGJA has its own pavilion while it facilitates 10 SMEs to participate in the exhibition and has obtained five booths for them," he said.

The organisers are also planning on presenting a best booth Award and a best gem cutter award at the show. The salient feature of this year is the Facets show celebrated its 15th anniversary which in itself is a remarkable achievement and important milestone.

It is also a special show because we have re-branded the show as "Facets Sri Lanka" and re-launching it at the most prestigious trade show venue in Colombo.

Minister of Advanced Technology and National Enterprise Development, Rohitha Bogollagama said that the Facets provides many opportunities to develop market potentials of the gem and jewellery sector.

"We have taken a number of steps to promote the sector placing greater emphasis on gem and jewellery sector development. Our target is to uplift the country's image as a major gem and jewellery hub in the world by encouraging exporters through our policy planning to create new dimension in the industry.

In order to develop the industry, the government has concentrated on more areas including training, mining and lapidary to be developed. We need to increase this industry's contribution to boost export income by giving more concessions for exporters," the Minister said.