IJT, is a gateway to expand Sri Lanka's business in Japan and the Asian region is expected to participate with local gem business persons, IJT gathers Presidents and purchasing directors of leading retailers, importers and wholesalers from overseas (1,000 companies from China/ Taiwan/ HongKong/ Korea/ India/ UAE/ Russia/ Thailand, etc.)

A wide variety of products in the jewellery industry gathers under one roof, at the world trend-setting city, Tokyo. Sri Lanka could increase the US$ one billion overall export target in 2016, if the local gem/precious stone exports could be encouraged and developed targeting international markets. Therefore, participating for international trade shows should help to capture new markets.

Participating at this event will help to have proactive business discussions and attract new business into Sri Lanka. Several top gem exporters in the country are expected to participate in this Asian's largest gem and jewelery exhibition.

Sri Lanka exported 330,318 carats of blue sapphire to the value of US$ 53.20 million in 2013. Sri Lanka should market its precious stones through various international exhibitions which will help attract international buyers, its sources said.

The Export Development Board (EDB) targets revenue of US$ one billion from exports of gem and jewellery in 2015 and US$ 15 billion by 2020 from all gem exports. Sri Lanka's export revenue currently is around US$ 10 billion.