May 21: Nepali gems and stones are struggling to find a place in the international market. Nepali gem entrepreneurs say that valuable gem stones of Nepal are not getting proper international exposure in lack of support from the government. Lack of modern technology has been another hindrance in the export of gems produced in Nepal, say the entrepreneurs.

The entrepreneurs during the sixth annual general meeting of Nepal Gold, Gem and Jewelry Association on Monday, May 20, requested the stakeholders to support the association for expanding the market of Nepali gems and ornaments in the global market.  

Ramesh Maharjan, chairman of Nepal Gold, Gem and Jewelry Association, informed New Business Age that the ornaments created in Nepal following the traditional process lack sufficient promotion in the global market. He suggested that the country should emphasize on exporting the valuable gems and ornaments produced in Nepal and reduce the import of ornament from abroad.

The private sector is ready to supply gems and jewelry in the international market but the government should work hand in hand to support the this sector, he added.

Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, while addressing the event, said that Nepal holds a good prospect of mining and export of gems but lacks sufficient manpower and technology. 

The entrepreneurs during the event informed that proper mining and processing facility can help the country to collect Rs 2 billion worth of annual revenue from the export of precious stones. The entrepreneurs also informed that they are positive to support the government to initiate the development of this sector.

According to the Trade and Export Promotion Center under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, varieties of precious and semi-precious stones like ruby, corundum, sapphire, tourmaline, aquamarine, topaz, garnet, kyanite, crystal quartz, beryl etc are available in different parts of the country.

Mine owners, cowherds, labourers (involved in road construction works), boatmen and trekkers/porters are the main collectors of rough stones, according to the center.

“Rough stone needs cutting, carving and polishing before it is embedded with ornaments and jewelleries,” the center says on its website, adding, “ But there is no organized provision of gem cutting, carving and polishing training here in Nepal so far.”

However, some mine owners and businessmen dealing with it are involved in cutting, carving and polishing rough stones.