Nepal Gems and Jewellery Expo

The Nepal Gem and Jewellery Association (Negja) is scheduled to hold Nepal Gems and Jewellery Expo in Kathmandu from November 9-11. The fair, which is in its second edition, aims to promote Nepali jewellery globally.

The immediate focus of the event to be held at the Hotel Yak and Yeti, Durbar Marg will be the Indian market which has emerged as one of the largest consumers of gold.

The event’s organizer Negja is one of the apex bodies of country’s bullion traders, and its slogan is Taking Nepali Jewellery Globally.

A mega fashion show is being held where Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon will walk the ramp flaunting Nepali jewellery. “We are ready to take jewellery crafted in Nepal to the global market. Tandon will be the show stopper of our fashion event. And we expect to raise enough eyeballs for promoting Nepali jewellery in the global market,” said Manish Pradhan, president of Negja.

Tandon who will arrive Nepal on November 4 to participate in the fashion show scheduled to commence on November 5, has a noteworthy following in Nepal, India and many other countries in South Asia.

According to Pradhan, the event will also give a message that Nepal is among only a few countries that crafts 99 percent pure 24 carat jewellery. “India is among the largest bullion markets in the world. If we can make people in India aware that we prepare 24 carat jewellery, it can give a big boost to the country’s jewellery market,” Pradhan said.

According to Negja, the highlights of the event will be showcasing Nepal’s traditional way of jewellery designing, the latest trend of designing in the country and purity and quality aspects to visitors. The three-day expo is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors and will host a total of 35 companies related to jewellery.

According to Negja, the country’s jewellery market is estimated to have an investment of Rs 20 billion and a market size of Rs 35 billion. Nepali jewellery has an estimated 80 percent of the market share. Including taxes and customs duty, the sector contributes more than Rs 4 billion to the exchequer. “The government should have taken the initiative to promote the sector which has such a big scope,” Pradhan said.

The event is being supported by the government’s Trade and Export Promotion Centre and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

source: the kathmandu post,21 oct 2014