NAY PYI TAW, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- A special sale of raw gems and utility jade in local currency Kyat is underway in Myanmar's capital of Nay Pyi Taw.

A total of 96 gem lots and 3,339 jade lots are being displayed for sale under a competitive bidding system at the six-day special sale which began on Monday and is so far attended by 1,186 registered local merchants.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Ohn Win said the event targets merchants with small capital investment.

The special sale is organized by the Myanmar Gems Emporium Central Committee with the support of the ministry.

Myanmar held its 55th annual Gems Emporium in the capital in June, selling 5,259 jade lots worth of 495 million U.S. dollars and 69 gem lots of 1.6 million dollars as well as 341 pearl lots valued at 3 million dollars under open tender system.

Licensed and authorized buyers from both home and abroad included those from China, Thailand, Canada, Australia and the United States.