AGTA & JA Lead Gemstone Delegation in Myanmar

(IDEX Online) – A delegation representing the United States gemstone and jewelry industry is in Myanmar (Burma) discussing bilateral trade between the two countries.

Led by the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) President Jeffrey Bilgore, AGTA's CEO Douglas Hucker, Jewelers of America (JA) President and CEO David J. Bonaparte, and the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Dr. Jim Shigley, the trip’s main purpose is re-establishing direct lines of commerce between Myanmar and the United States.

Also in the delegation is Timothy Haake of Haake/Fetzer, senior counsel to JA.

“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," said Bilgore.

“We are here to share with the people of Myanmar what our U.S. trade associations do to ensure product integrity, increase consumer confidence, and maintain responsible supply chains,” added Bonaparte.

The delegation met with a range of stakeholders in Myanmar from the gemstone industry, government, and civil society. The next stage of the trip will include visits to observe mining conditions and practices in the Mogok area known for its exceptional rubies.

This is the first meeting between U.S. and Myanmar gemstone and jewelry representatives since President Barack Obama announced last month that the U.S. will lift the remaining economic sanctions on the country.