Jewelers of America praised the advancements that have been made in Burma, especially in regards to the JADE Act of 2008.
In letters to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the trade association applauded U.S. efforts to bring about change in the country.
The 2008 JADE act amended the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to impose import sanctions on Burmese gemstones. Matthew A. Runci, JA president & CEO, believes the JADE act should remain effective until the Burmese government has made independent progress toward reform.
“We believe the JADE Act, along with other diplomatic efforts, has been instrumental in bringing about political and economic changes in the country,” Runci said in a statement. “As long as there continues to be improvement of relations with the U.S. government and further progress on human rights reforms, JA will look forward to the eventual easing of the ban on precious stones.”
Since January, the United States has been working to restore full diplomatic relations with Burma.
At the Tucson gem show, most dealers supported the ban being lifted.
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