Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said shipments of Thai gems and jewellery excluding gold are forecast to rise 5% this year to US$7.32 billion (256.6 billion baht). Last year, the performance of Thai gems and jewellery exports was poorer than expected, falling 3% to $6.97 billion. The Commerce Ministry originally forecast shipments of gems and jewellery excluding gold to grow by 10% in 2016 to $7.9 billion. In a bid to boost the country's gems and jewellery industry, the Commerce Ministry, through the International Trade Promotion Department, is scheduled to hold the 59th edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair from Feb 22-26 at Impact Muang Thong Thani. Prida Tiasuwan, chairman of SET-listed Pranda Jewellery Plc, said the prospects for Thai gems and jewellery exports remain promising, particularly for items that tap into niche markets such as elderly buyers, pet lovers and environmentally-conscious consumers.

Source: Bangkok Post February 08, 2017 22:59 UTC