Facets to add more stalls this year

Chrisni MENDIS

"It is my belief, that with the prevailing peaceful situation in the country, the conducive business environment and the trade facilities afforded to the gem and jewellery industry, Facets 2011, would contribute largely towards accelerating Sri Lanka's forward march to prosperity," Science and Technology Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha said.

From September 8 to 11, 2011, Facets, Sri Lanka's only international gem and jewellery show, will be held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre for the 21st consecutive year.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), Facets' objective is to showcase Sri Lanka's gem and jewellery products to the global market and to communicate Sri Lanka's position as a leading supplier of gems and jewellery to the international market.

"With the decisive defeat of terrorism, Sri Lanka is beginning a new and exciting period in its history," Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

"With the improvement of the security situation in the country, tourism will definitely get a big boost, with a resultant increased business opportunities for widespread gem and jewellery trading establishments in Sri Lanka", he said.

Organizers target 7,500 visitors and 140 to 150 exhibitors for this year's show. Out of this, 1,000 foreign visitors and 20 foreign exhibitors for Facets Sri Lanka 2011.

Thirteen foreign exhibitors from India, Myanmar, Thailand and Hong Kong have already registered for the show. SLGJA Chairman Macky Hashim said there will be emerging markets from Russia as well as China for promoting this show.

"We note with cautious optimism, the improving global economic environment. "All indications are that the worst is behind us and recovery is underway," stated Chanaka Ellawala, "The government has reiterated the thrust industry status of the gem and jewellery sector" he said.

"All this coupled with a resurgence of tourism and strong national economic performance in the recent past, we have every reason to look forward to a period of sustained growth."

"Sri Lanka is looking forward to expand the gem and jewellery industry into a billion dollar revenue earner with an income of $15 billion by 2015," Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman Janaka Rathnayake said.