Singapore International Jewellery Show - 2009:

Sri Lanka dazzles

Singapore International Jewellery Show - 2009 celebrated its fifth dazzling year and it has grown in stature to become an excellent international extravaganza,

showcasing the best in jewellery.

It also revealed Singapore as the jewellery design hub of the Asia - Pacific, making the republic the one-stop destination for the industry’s buyers and traders. SIJS 2009 provided a unique platform for leading national and international jewellery associates to showcase their most exquisite products.

This year’s event set records in terms of visitors, exhibitors and exhibition space. The Show had 131 internationally renowned jewellers from 23 countries representing the broadest range of product categories.

Singapore’s jewellery sector is an important component of their retail industry. In the year 2008 it has recorded SGD 5.7 billion worth of jewellery and precious metals exports which is an increase of nearly SGD two billion from 2007.

The organizer of SIJS granted the status of Country Partner to Sri Lanka for the third consecutive year which gave worldwide publicity to the country as the Sapphire Capital of the world.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion at SIJS which highlighted the theme “Sri Lanka - The Sapphire Capital of the World” was organized by National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) for the third consecutive year. The National Pavilion which displayed a glittering array of gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka attracted buyers from Singapore and other leading consuming countries. The members of the National Pavilion were successful in transacting business and establishing its position as the leading producer of fine quality Blue Sapphires to the global market.

Minister of Enterprise Development Mano Wijeyeratne, opened the exhibition with Minister of State for Trade and Industry Iswaran. Minister Wijeyeratne in his speech mentioned that, Singapore and Sri Lanka enjoy a strong and friendly relationship based on cultural and traditional values for years which has evolved into a significant economic and commercial partnership. He said that the environment in Sri Lanka is now very conducive for foreign investment and the Government is ready to offer very attractive incentives for foreign direct investments and is also concerned with the infrastructure development whilst fighting a battle with the world’s most ruthless terrorist organization.

As part of its expanded promotional program the NGJA plans to organize National Pavilions at the following international events in the latter part of this year.

(a) Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch Fair (21-25 September)

(b) China International Jewellery Show (5 - 9 November)

(c) China International Gold, Jewellery and Gem Fair - Shanghai (26 - 29 November)

(d) Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) - India (19 - 22 December )