The promoters of the Online Sourcing Project (OSP), namely The Thai Gem and Jewelry Association (TGJTA) and its subsidiary, the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair have taken steps to step up efforts to promote and market its venture for the forthcoming 43rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair. The Fair is slated to be held between February 25 to March 1, 2009. %% The OSP acts as a networking platform for buyers to schedule meetings and provide vital trade information in Thailand. It can be used both during the event and otherwise also. "We have recognised the need for this service for quite some time and we have wanted to offer prospective buyers a tool, a detailed, online roadmap as it were, to finding their way in the Thai gem and jewellery industry," said Somchai Phornchindarak, CEO of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, which is owned and operated by TGJTA. %% "As with all business, time is of the utmost importance and buyers only come to Bangkok for a few days and they want to use their time in our city as effectively as possible. By working with our OSP teams, buyers can select the products they wish to see and contact the vendors in advance to set up meetings and as a result when in Bangkok can meet an impressive number of vendors in a very short time span. Reactions have been very positive," added Mr. Somchai. %% The OSP was offered for the first time during the past September fair, as demand for the service is highest just before, during and after the fair dates. "This is a unique, year-round service that was launched as part of TGJTA's policy to make Bangkok Asia's undisputed trading hub for gems and jewelry and therefore can be used at any time," said Vichai Assarasakorn, TGJTA president. "The service is available for anyone who registers." He emphasized that to lower the threshold for buyers, OSP also offers to coordinate private buyers meetings, has begun selective email info blasting by subscription and has set up a regular OSP news service.