Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe met with President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), Chomphol Phornchindarak to discuss strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewelry industry recently.
The members of the TGJTA Board of Directors and prominent Sri Lankan gem and jewelry traders based in Bangkok were atteended to this meeting..
The TGJTA, a leading organization in Thailand’s gem and jewelry sector, plays a vital role in supporting businesses, promoting trade, and advocating for the industry, solidifying Thailand's status as a global hub for gemstones and jewelry.
During the meeting, Ambassador Edirisinghe highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewelry sector. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s global reputation for its high-quality gemstones, particularly Ceylon sapphires, renowned for their vibrant colors and ethical sourcing. Notably, precious and semi-precious stones have become Sri Lanka's dominant export item to Thailand, further strengthening trade ties between the two countries.
President Phornchindarak warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed TGJTA’s willingness to support Sri Lanka in setting up a jewelry trade center, modeled after Thailand’s successful framework. He also recalled his recent visit to Sri Lanka for the FACETS and Gem Sri Lanka exhibitions earlier in January and assured TGJTA’s assistance to Sri Lankan gem and jewelry companies. Furthermore, President of the Gems, Jewelry, and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand, Somchai Phornchindarak shared details of his personal connection to Sri Lanka, recalling his gem trading journey with the country that began 60 years ago.
Ambassador Edirisinghe requested TGJTA to explore joint ventures in jewelry design and manufacturing, leveraging the expertise and craftsmanship of both countries. She encouraged Thai investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s gem and jewelry sector such as setting up manufacturing and export hubs and to promote Sri Lankan gem and jewelry exhibitions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further enhance the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewelry sector, paving the way for deeper trade and investment collaboration. First Secretary/Head of Chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok, A.W.S. Samanmali and Counsellor (Commercial), Vireshika Bandara also joined the discussion.
