FACETS SRI LANKA 2009, has not set any sales targets, but was confident of raking in the orders, now that the war has ended, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) Chairman, Macky Hashim, said yesterday.

He told a news conference at the Taj Samudra, Colombo, to announce the 19th Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show - Facets Sri Lanka 2009, to be held at the BMICH from September 3 to 6, that major foreign buyers would be participating and big export orders expected, in an environment devoid of military conflicts and more suited for trade and commerce.

Asked if past experiences would permit him to set a sales target for Facets 2009, Hashim said "We don’t want to make any predictions, but are confident that past performances can be exceeded. Sales figures of over US$ 1 million have been achieved previously."

Chairman of the FACETS organising committee, Chanaka Ellawala, said that this year’s exhibition offers the local gem industry a golden opportunity to venture into new markets such as Russia, China and Iraq, in addition to the traditional gem buying countries such as Hong Kong, United States of America and Europe.

"It will serve as a platform for leading gemstone traders in emerging economies such as Russia, India and China to start sourcing from Sri Lanka, as well as explore trade opportunities in Burma, Iraq, Hong Kong and Thailand."

Secretary SLGJA ,Ziqufi Ismail said that they have already sold 110 of the 150 booths on offer and are confident of a full house by September.

"With the dawn of peace, we are optimistic about the future and continued success of FACETS SRI LANKA for the 19th consecutive year. International participants will be offered a total of 101 free rooms by the Hilton,which is our host hotel for the exhibition."

Appealing to the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery industry for its utmost support, he said that they have collaborated with all stake holders in the country.

Sri Lanka Export Development Board(SLEDB), Chairman Anil Koswatte said that his organisation, has sponsored FACETS SRI LANKA from its inception and will continue to help the industry in a targeted manner aimed at diversifying existing markets.