After 28 years in New York, the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has moved its international headquarters to Hong Kong.
The ICA will still “maintain a presence” in a new location in New York but is moving the head office to bring the organisation “into closer touch with the rapidly expanding Asian markets” and to “actively participate in the further development of the colored gemstones and jewellery industry in the region” as well as “better serve” its expanding membership in Asia.
ICA President Wilson Yuen said the decision to move the head office was not “made easily”.
“ followed a great deal of debate,” he said. “After all, our international offices have been based in New York for many years. But we felt that we could not ignore the trends that are sweeping our industry, and the global economy in general.
“Asia in general, and China in particular, is claiming a larger role in international business, and it is imperative that we are based in the heart of the region to enable us to provide a comprehensive service to our membership and to the industry. This is what it is expected of the ICA.”
He said the new office, located in Hong Kong’s gems and jewellery manufacturing district, was staffed with “a highly professional, bi-lingual team providing services to our English and Chinese-speaking members” led by his executive assistant Daniel Leung.
Founded in 1984, the ICA membership is now made up of over 600 gemstone dealers, cutters and miners from 47 countries who are “devoted to advancing and promoting the knowledge and appreciation of coloured gemstones”.
The Hong Kong offices were officially opened at a special in-house inauguration ceremony attended by the ICA board of directors this month.