Hong Kong International Jewellery Show reports record exhibitor numbers
The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has reported a record number of exhibitors at its 2011 show, with jewellery brands hoping to cash in on the lucrative Chinese market and showcase their goods to an international audience.
The show opened on March 4 with a record 2, 800 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions. It runs until March 8 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Permanent secretary for commerce and economic development Andrew Wong, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC) Jewellery Advisory Committee and the Fair Organising Committee of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show Lawrence Ma and HKTDC executive director Fred Lam officiated the ceremony to both local and international press.
Speaking at the launch, Ma said: “With the global jewellery market back on its stylish feet, these are promising times. The upswing is driven, in good part, by the Chinese mainland and its growing appetite for jewellery. Last year jewellery sales on the mainland totaled some $30bn (US). And the mainland is expected to become the world’s biggest market for luxury goods over the next decade. ”
He added: “There is no better place to tap this vast consumer market than Hong Kong. No better time than right now. ”
Ethiopia is taking part in this year’s fair for the first time, and Italy has become the fair’s official “partner country” and has the largest international pavilion at the show with 120 exhibitors. Other pavilions include: Brazil, Chinese mainland, Columbia, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Phillipines, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States. There are also buying missions from leading retailers including Argentina’s Diamonds DC and Jose Peskin e Hijos SA, Brazil’s Amsterdam Sauer, Folic and Vivara; Canada’s Ann-Louise Jewellers and Sears Canada Inc; Japan’s GSTV; Paraguay’s Luxor SA; Saudi Arabia’s Farsi Jewellery; The United Arab Emirates’ Joy Alukkas