Topping up the coffers

More than 1,500 people from over 20 countries have registered for a major gems auction in Myanmar opening today, despite calls from human rights groups to block the purchase of precious stones from the military-ruled country. Merchants from China and Hong Kong usually constitute the largest contingents of buyers at the auction. This auction includes some 5,140 lots of jade,274 lots of gems and 259 lots of pearl that will be sold by the government and private dealer.