End sought to madagascar stones ban

Deputy Commerce Minister Wiroon Techapaiboon met with Daniel Delevaux, Madagascar's honorary consul, to help resolve a problem with exports from Madagascar, because jewellery- makers are having difficulty accessing uncut stones.

Gem and jewellery exporters have been facing difficulties due to a lack of raw materials. Madagascar is one of the  largest sources of precious stones, but its export ban, intended to stamp out smuggling, has affected their output.

"The government will try to convince the Madagascan government to lift its export ban as soon as possible, in order to ensure that our jewellery industry can grow without any obstacles," Wiroon said.

To solve the shortage problem and tighten trade and investment cooperation with Madagascar, Wiroon will lead a business delegation there from July 12-20.