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U.S. Jewelry Industry Returns to Myanmar
Oct 10, 2016 11:01 AM
By Rapaport News
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RAPAPORT... Representatives of the U.S. gem and jewelry industry have made their first visit to Myanmar since President Barack Obama said the country will lift remaining economic sanctions.
The delegation was aimed at re-establishing lines of commerce between the two nations, Jewelers of America and the American Gem Trade Association said. It was led by AGTA president Jeffrey Bilgore and chief executive officer Douglas Hucker; JA President and CEO David Bonaparte; and Jim Shigley, a seasoned gemologist at the Gemological Institute of America.
The delegation met with stakeholders in Myanmar from the gemstone industry, government and civil society. Before returning to the U.S., they are scheduled to observe mining conditions and practices in Mogok, an area known for its rubies.
“Our goal in coming here is to demonstrate that the gem sector in Myanmar is as worthy as any in the world, and that responsible commerce can only help all of us improve and make democracy stronger," Bilgore said.
On October 7, Obama revoked U.S. sanctions on Myanmar, also known as Burma, following “historic” democratic elections in November 2015.
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Tags:
diamonds, Jewelers of America, Jewelry, Myanmar, Rapaport News
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