Export Development and International Trade Minister, Prof. G. L. Peiris visited the Sri Lanka stand at the International Jewellery Trade Fair (IJL-2008) in London to give a moral boost to the Sri Lankan exhibitors.

This also provided an opportunity to get a feedback from the Sri Lankan exhibitors about their experience and to improve future participation accordingly. It was for the first time that Sri Lanka’s official participation took place at the IJL. Six companies, Amaran Gems Pvt Ltd., De’ Angelo Pvt Ltd, Butterfly Designs, Fredoswiss, Mermaid Jewellers and Ran Ruwan Ltd, in the Small and Medium scale sector, participated with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

While three companies had received confirmed orders, all the Sri Lankan exhibitors were hopeful they could build on the business inquiries they had received at the trade fair. In addition, the exhibitors were able to study the British and European jewellery market trends and make necessary adjustments for their future participation.

The Minister also had a meeting with Geoff Field, CEO, of the British Jewellery Manufacturers Association (BJA), during his visit to the IJL. He explained the opportunities offered under the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement for British jewellery manufacturers to penetrate the vast Indian market by setting up their value added operations in Sri Lanka.