BANGKOK, Feb 27 – Thailand’s exports of gems and jewellery are expected to grow by at least five per cent this year, despite an unsettled global economic crisis, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported. Somchai Phornchindarak, President of the Thai Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, said at the 51st Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair, which kicked off on Tuesday, that Thailand was last year the world’s 11th largest exporter of gold ornaments, largest exporter of silver ornaments and 3rd largest exporter of polished corundum.
Somchai noted that the fair is an important event for gems and jewellery traders of all scales to demonstrate their potential to the international community and the event also presents the latest international jewellery designs, including those of Italy, projecting that the five-day fair should draw over 30,000 buyers from 125 countries. Meanwhile, Thai Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikuar proclaimed when inaugurating the 51st Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair, held at the IMPACT Trade and Exhibition Centre in Muang Thong Thani of Bangkok’s suburban Nonthaburi Province from Feb 26-March 2, that the Thai gems and jewellery industry has been internationally recognised.
BERNAMA
