Government ready to support gem and jewelry business

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan on Tuesday revealed the government is ready to support the gems and jewelry business, and that a forecast of exports of the products would exceed Bt220 billion this year.

Speaking at a press conference for the 41st Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair which will be held February 27-March 2, he said the government is willing to promote the gem and jewelry business since the Thai products are ranked in the top five for international recognition.

He said this year's gem and jewelry fair serves as a venue to show the potential of a range of Thai products.
 
It is expected that more than 30,000 traders from the world over will participate in the exhibition and that over Bt25 billion would be circulated since the fair had won international recognition.

Last year, he said, Thailand's gem and jewelry exports totaled Bt185 billion in value, which is considered a good response.

This year, the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders' Association pledged to increase the export value of the products to at least Bt220 billion.
 
Mr. Mingkwan predicted that the value of Thailand's exports in the sector would rise to no less than Bt250 billion baht if the government successfully deregulates official procedures, finds source of raw materials, and conduct public relations for product awareness through local and foreign media.
Source: mcot