Conference discusses gem, jewelry outlook to promote Thai products

BANGKOK, Sept 10 (TNA) -- The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) has opened the 6th International Gem & Jewelry Conference 2018 (GIT 2018) to discuss the outlook of the global gem and jewelry industry and promote Thai gem and jewelry. Opening the conference at the IMPACT convention and exhibition complex in Nonthaburi province, GIT chairman Rachane Potjanasuntorn said the conference would look into the trend of the global gem and jewelry industry next year and Thailand would present its position as the world’s source of highly demanded gems and jewelry. According to him, gems and jewelry form the third biggest category of Thai exports. The export value excluding gold amounted to US$4.32 billion last year, up by 6.92% year-on-year. Mr Rachane expected the gem and jewelry export value to rise by 1-3% this year to US$7-7.1 billion. Promising markets for Thai gems and jewelry comprised Hong Kong, the European Union, the United States, the Middle East, India, China, Southeast Asian nations, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, he said. The 6th International Gem & Jewelry Conference 2018 (GIT 2018) is organized with the theme of “Global Gem Sourcing & Trading” and is part of the 62nd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair 2018. Thailand has been the world’s major source of local and imported gems for decades and the materials and Thai craftsmanship have developed the country into a source of world-class gem and jewelry products and ornaments in general. (TNA)