Over 200 foreign buyers for FACETS 2011

Over 200 foreign buyers are currently in Colombo today for FACETS Sri Lanka 2011, the gem and jewellery show, that begins at the BMICH today.

There is tremendous enthusiasm among foreign buyers for this exhibition and there are over 200 worldwide gem dealers and jewellery manufacturers who have arrived in Colombo, FACETS Chairman Chanaka Ellawela told Daily News Business yesterday.

He said there are two special delegations from China numbering 25, a Russian delegation numbering 16 and an Indian delegation numbering 20 and all have chamber delegates as well.

The countries of the other buyers are: USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

The FACETS Chief said Sri Lanka was going to pursue the emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China, which is referred to as BRIC nations to extensively pursue direct sales and future orders.

"We also welcome Foreign Direct Investment as well though that is not a priority," he said.

He was also bullish on the 2011 exhibition repeating the same numbers as 2010 where there were 1000 visitors comprising trade buyers, tourists, expatriate residents as well. (RL)