" Locals involved in the gem trade have called for reform to the sector after an explosive new report into Burma?s jade industry. Friday?s report, published by Global Witness, estimates the value of the country?s jade trade at US$31 billion in 2014—nearly half of the country?s gross domestic product. It claimed that most of the wealth from jade production flowed directly into the coffers of military conglomerates, well-connected firms and former junta figures, including the family of Snr-Gen Than Shwe. Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association secretary Tun Hla Aung said that the report was a stark reminder of the massive amounts of wealth that had been stripped from the country as a result of black market trade..."