Thailand aiming to become the world’s Gem & Jewellery Hub, surge in gemstones exports

04-Sep-2008

The Thai Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) is actively promoting Thailand to be the world’s Gem & Jewellery Hub commencing with the upcoming & long-running (over two decades) 42^nd Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair (BGJF), the world’s premier jewel fair and the fifth largest trade show to be held in the Kingdom’s capital from 11 to 15 September 2008. TGJTA members have been working closely with the Thai Government’s Department of Export Promotion (DEP) to consolidate the Kingdom’s reputation as the world’s gems and jewellery hub.

Official statistics released by TGJTA saw the exports of gemstones rise 38.55 % in 2007 (over corresponding 2006 figures) to USD $ 371.37 million before jumping 70.85 % in the first five months of 2008 to USD 238.81 million. Similarly, the country’s imports of gemstones moved in tandem with goods worth USD $ 90.14 million were shipped in 2007, up 35.9 % year-on-year, while the January—May 2008 records showed a 48.61 % growth to reach USD $ 133.95 million.