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Tuesday, 12 July 2016 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shannine Daniel
The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) recently signed an MOC (Memorandum of Cooperation) with Guangdong Gems and Jade Exchange (GDGJE) in Colombo.
SLGJA Chairman A.H.M. Imtizam stated that the agreement signifies a new phase of development in the trade between Sri Lanka and China by establishing a platform and bilateral long term communication and commitment that will further strengthen ties between Sri Lanka and China and offer more mutually beneficial opportunities.
From left:Sri Lanka Ratnapura Mining and Gem Association Chairman Sarath Ananda, SCG Chairman Armil Samoon, NGJA Director Rohan Perera, SLGJA Chairman A.H.M Imtizam, Associate Council of China state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission representative Zeng Yongfu, Guandong Assets and Equity Exchange Group Chairman Liu Wen, Guandong Gems and Jade Exchange Chairman Zhu Yongsheng, Li Zhiwei
Owned by the Guangdong Assets and Equity Exchange Group GDGJE is the gem and jewellery exchange platform authorised by the Guangdong provincial government and is the biggest gems and jade trading gateway in southern mainland China. It aims to fill in the gaps existing in the supply chain involving the trading of gems and jade products and provides a common trading platform and better consumption platforms for consumers to promote the products.
Guangdong also happens to be the most active out of all China’s provinces in the Gem and Jewellery trade and over 70% of China’s gems are produced there.
Guandong Gems and Jade Exchange Chairman Zhu Yongsheng and SLGJA Chairman A.H.M Imtizam shake hands
“By signing a MOC with the SLGJA in Sri Lanka, we are going to enhance cooperation and to intensify dialogue on our mutual interest and development between the industries in China and Sri Lanka,” said GDGJE General Manager Li Zhiwei.
Following the signing of the MOC, the industries in the two countries will explore joint initiatives to create efficient trading opportunities, such as business matching and exploration tours. In addition, meetings, exhibitions, conferences, training and capacity building programs are expected to be organised more frequently between Sri Lanka and China as a result of the MOC.
The Chinese delegation also visited Ratnapura on their trip to Sri Lanka. With this visit they were able to gain knowledge of local practice and how overseas trading activities could be enhanced through closer collaboration and knowledge sharing in future.
Speaking to the Daily FT, National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Director Rohan Perera commented that the signing of the MOC is a beneficial for the industry within the country.
“China has been one of the important markets for Sri Lanka, even in historical times and today it remains the fourth largest buyer of the country’s gemstones with a trade of $ 19-20 million annually,” said Perera.
