The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has become a crucial market for China's synthetic cut stones, mainly produced in southwestern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

According to statistics from the Gem Association of China, over 40 percent of total output comes from Guangxi's Wuzhou City, the world's largest distributing center for artificial gems. Most go to ASEAN countries, especially Thailand.

So far, over 400 jewelers in Wuzhou have established firm trade relationships with the ASEAN market while more and more Chinese gem enterprises have set up subsidiary companies in ASEAN countries, which now has become China's third largest trading partner.

Last year, an exhibition on Chinese synthetic cut stones from Wuzhou was held in Thailand, attracting dozens of domestic gem makers.

Chinese synthetic cut stones are also sold to the Unites States, India, Mexico and Russia.

Source: Xinhua