YANGON, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar marked the founding day of the Myanmar Gems and Jewelry Associations as its Gems and Jewelry Day for the first time in Nay Pyi Taw on Thursday.
Present at the event were Vice President U Henry Van Thio and businessmen of the Myanmar Gems and Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Ohn Win called for development of the country's refined gem industry rather than raw one.
The minister also vowed to boost Myanmar's gems and jewelry industry to penetrate the international market by promoting trade sector with ASEAN and neighboring countries.
Myanmar Gems and Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association was founded on Aug. 3, 2009.
Meanwhile, the 54th Myanmar Gems Emporium kicked off in Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday, attracting 4,800 merchants including 3,400 foreign buyers to the event where 6,887 gems and jade lots are being put on sale.
The emporium, also sponsored by the ministry, will last until Aug. 11.
Aimed at promoting cooperation within gems and jewelry industry and relationship between ASEAN member states, as well as partner countries and regions, Myanmar Gems and Jewellery's Day activities will be followed by the 6th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) plus 8 Gems and Jewelry Presidents' Summit to be participated by partner countries and regions including China, India, Japan and South Korea and gemology students from Myanmar.
