Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair-09 Now World ’s Number One

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The September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair reaches a number of milestones this year, starting with the implementation of UBM Asia's product sectorisation initiative, and the fair's expansion following the completion of renovation work at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This year, the Fair is 20 percent bigger than last year in terms of exhibition size. The Fair at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) occupies eight halls, making it 80 percent bigger than last year's. Under the product sectorisation initiative, it will showcase raw materials including diamonds, pearls, coloured gemstones, equipment and packaging, while the Fair at HKCEC will showcase only finished jewellery and will make full use of the venue, including the expanded part of the exhibition centre. Altogether, almost 3,000 quality exhibitors from 44 countries and regions are participating in the Fair, making this year's edition the biggest thus far in the world.

The financial crisis that shook the world economy in the first half of 2009 led to a decline in the number of exhibitors and visitors at virtually all international jewellery events worldwide. Thanks to some signs of recovery in the global economy in the second half of the year, the jewellery trade also showed signs of increased activity. The September Fair is expected to benefit from this as buyers are likely to start preparing for the holiday shopping season.

Among overseas participants this year, Thailand has the largest group of exhibitors, with almost 300 companies. Among the European countries, Italy has the biggest contingent of exhibitors. Amidst the US economic downturn, over 125 exhibitors from the US are joining the Fair this year, confirming the fairs drawing power. Among the emerging markets, the number of Indian companies is double that of last year, from 67 companies in 2008 to over 120 companies in this year. In addition, the Fair will feature, for the first time, group pavilions from Colombia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Shenzhen of China.

In addition to over 30,000 buyers badges we sent out in advance, more than 10,000 local and overseas buyers from 118 countries and regions have pre-registered to visit the Fair via the Internet and other means as of 31 August. Moreover, the organiser has invited buyer delegations from China, Finland, India, Iran, Israel and Russia, etc. The encouraging response indicates that jewellers' are regaining confidence and they are ready to actively participate again in the exhibitions to source new products.

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