EDB to organise jewellery promotion in Eastern Europe

by Anjana Samarasinghe

The Export Development Board will organise a special local jewellery promotion in Eastern Europe, Director (Product Management Division) of EDB Indira Malwatta said at the opening ceremony of Ruhunu Ran Ridee Jewellery show at the Crescat Boulevard yesterday.

Malwatta said that Eastern Europe though not attractive for the jewellery market now opened their markets for luxury goods.

Local jewellery manufacturers can easily cater to these markets.The EDB plans to take support from international consultancy services and experts in local jewellery industry for the promotion.

EDB also made arrangements to introduce local jewellery designer collection for the promotion.

'This year's Ruhunu Ran Ridee show was specially targeted at tsunami effected jewellery manufacturers. Most of them are back to business and our main objective of this show is to find markets for their products, she said.

Last year's Show was successful and although the main objective was to create links among exporters and jewellery manufacturers, exhibitors were able to attract more direct foreign buyers, Malwatta said.

Proprietor of Raju Gem and Jewellery D.Surasena said demand for silver jewellery has increased due to the high prices of gold.

'We need to find more market opportunities and shows like Ruhunu Ran Ridee will be ideal platform to create links,' he said.

Although gold prices increased, silver jewellery manufacturers have to compete with imported accessories said A. De Silva of Feldspar Jewellers. These accessories are made from different metals and much cheaper than silver accessories.

Organising these events is very important. Not only could we meet buyers but also other industrialists and gain more knowledge of the industry and its trends, he said.

Chairman of the EDB Brian Angunawela said the jewellery sector can boost local export market and there is a lot of market potential in this sector.

The show will continue till December 22.