The National Gem and Jewelry Authority announces that it will target to increase the annual foreign exchange income of the country generated by exporting gems to 2 billion dollars. Annual income of 0.78 billion us dollars is earned by the country at present. Chairman of the Authority Asanka Welagedara said that the aim is to be fulfilled by 2018. Several new areas have been earmarked to mine the gems. 

The authority also plans to re-export gems of Vietnam after modifications. 

A delegation of the authority will leave for Vietnam to inquire possibilities of re-exporting red gems belonging to Vietnam.