"We do not want to see Aceh's jade being exported while it remains a feedstock. In its place, we are keen to see it exported after being crafted, so that it has a high commercial value," Sariat Arifia stated in Jakarta on Friday.
The Indonesian province of Aceh has abundant reserves of beautiful and durable jade, Arifia, also founder of the Association of Indonesian Miners, Craftmen, and Entrepreneurs of Aceh's Jade (P3GAI), remarked.
Despite the abundance of jade sources, the lack of professional and skilled human resources has resulted in Aceh’s jade being exported while it is still a feedstock, so its commercial value reduces, he noted.
To facilitate Aceh’s jade to be sold in international markets with high commercial value, he initiated a collaboration between P3GAI and Taiwan's Jewelry Industry Association (TJIA).
To this end, the representatives of these two associations inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on October 18, 2019.
Arifia affirmed that both parties had concurred on creating sustainable business and bringing mutual benefits to the two associations along with developing the jade market in accordance with the practice and international standard.
Both parties are also serious about promoting Aceh's jade in the global market; developing capacity, capability, and competence of those involved in the business; as well as educating consumers about fake jade products, he stated.
Prior to the signing of this MoU, the P3GAI representatives collaborated with the Aceh provincial administration to participate in a jewelry exhibition in Hong Kong on September 18-22, 2019.
Themed "Jewelry Gem and Fair," the event was regarded as the world's largest jewelry exhibition of international standard.
During the exhibition, the P3GAI representatives showcased their crafted jade products, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, and carved gemstones, he stated.
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Atman Ahdiat, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
