The HKTDC’s decision to split the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show between two venues has paid off with the ‘2 Shows 2 Venues’ fair attracting a record-breaking 3850 exhibitors – 14 percent more than last year’s record-breaking 3340.
According to the HKTDC, the decision to hold the Fair across two venues after 30 years operating solely from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, was necessary to meet the growing demand for space by exhibitors.
Under the new arrangement, finished jewellery products from more than 2300 exhibitors were displayed at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre while raw materials and loose stones from more than 1500 exhibitors were displayed at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo.
Visitors to the fair were able to use a free shuttle bus to travel between the two venues.
Speaking at the Fair’s opening on March 3, Hong Kong secretary for commerce and economic development, Gregory So, said he was confident that the new ‘2 shows, 2 venues’ arrangement would “bring about more business opportunities and further strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a major trading platform for the industry”.
“Hong Kong is one of the world’s premier trading hubs for jewellery,” he said.
“Hong Kong manufacturers’ gem-setting skills and design capability are impeccable and competitive compared with world-class European manufacturers.”
He said these manufacturing skills, combined with “the city’s state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, efficient transport network, strategic location as the gateway to mainland China and Asia, business-friendly environment and reliable and professional services” would ensure the Fair’s continued success.
In 2013, Hong Kong’s exports of fine jewellery totalled US$7.2 billion while exports of loose pearls, precious stones, and semi-precious totalled US$16.6 billion.