29th June will be recorded as a major initial step towards promoting Thailand as a major cutting center for colourstones of all kinds. Prime Minister Abhisit has declared to waive VAT on importing rough colour stones (HS 7103.10.00). Only items sold will be taxed at 1%, rest can be re-exported without any taxes or formalities.
Also an initiative to promote Thai cut and polished stones as "Ploy Thai" was brought up as a branding strategy for stones cut and polished in Thailand. This can include gemstones mined anywhere else but imported and cut and polished in Thailand.
We at Gandhi Enterprises are very pleased with such initiatives and policies as it will help our stones which are cut and polished in Thailand and also will help other individuals here in Thailand who work together to strengthen the image of "Ploy Thai".
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