“We are expecting over a 10,000 foot fall this year throughout the four days of the exhibition.
A large number of buyers from China have confirmed whilst over 100 international buyer delegation are expected to attend the show from China, India, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, Russia, Norway and Germany,” said Juzar Adamaly, Chairman of FACETS Sri Lanka.
FACETS is also marking a milestone this year when it commemorates the 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary of the show.
The show will take centre stage at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre from 3rd to 6th September.
New themed pavilions
A value addition to the event this year is the theme pavilions with three new ones - namely, machinery/accessories, service and laboratories.
At FACETS Sri Lanka 2015 this year individual exhibitor pavilions will be hosted by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and an SME pavilion from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
“These moves are encouraging and a positive sign with the entire industry as it targets US$ 1 billion export revenue by 2016,” he said.
The NGJA will also be providing free Gem testing and assaying facilities at the event.
Spotlight on SME
Over 50 small and medium enterprises are also tipped to take part in FACETS Sri Lanka 2015.
"FACETS 2015 not only provides ample opportunity for local businesses to showcase their capabilities to participating delegations / buyers from around the world, but also creates strong networking, knowledge sharing and skill enhancing opportunities for the SME sector enterprises.
Local manufacturers will be able to acquire knowledge on technology, process, best practices and the importance of maintaining industry quality standards right throughout the event".
He added that the SME sector plays a vital role within the entire gem and jewellery industry.
“We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continuous support by the National Gem and Jewellery Association and the Export Development Board throughout all our initiatives locally and internationally”.
Knowledge sharing
FACETS 2015 will also include a comprehensive seminar program during the show at the BMICH which will be conducted by local and international subject experts.
A networking session with the international delegates is also organized for the 4th of September at the Cinnamon Lakeside to further create business collaboration with the visiting international delegation.
This will be coupled with the 25th anniversary gala dinner and award ceremony.
Increasing international profile
In a bid to increase its international profile, producers and wholesalers from the other gemstone producing countries in Thailand, China, Hong Kong, UAE, Russia and India exhibit their gemstone at the show, along with a sizable number of local exhibitors.
The event also attracts a large number of influential individual trade buyers & visitors from around the world,” said Juzar Adamaly, Chairman, FACETS Sri Lanka.
All booths and venue branding will take on a whole new importance at this year’s event.
Meanwhile extensive promotions are being carried out in Hong Kong and various cities in China and USA in order to attract exclusive buyers to the show.
International acclaim
For the last 25 years, FACETS Sri Lanka has always been looked at as one of events that is not to be missed on the industry calendar.
This year is not different, said Ameen Sadik, Chairman of the Local Promotions Sub Committee.
“Extensive media coverage has been planned ahead of the event and will be generated throughout the show.”
Fostering friendships
“In an effort to build on camaraderie, the organizing committee will also be hosting a cricket match to commemorate the 25th anniversary.
A special stamp will also be launched at the show.
It is also noteworthy to mention that all booths in Gems, Jewllery and all other pavilions are sold out, three months ahead of the show,” said Mushtaq Jabir, Vice Chairman for Promotions and Trade Fairs.
Facets Sri Lanka plays a pivotal role in making Colombo a regional gem & jewellery hub and Sri Lanka as the “Sapphire Capital of the World”.
