As of March 2014, the show will divide into the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show.
According to fair organiser Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the jewellery show will feature finished jewellery products, jewellery accessories, jewellery display and packaging materials, tools and equipment. It will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 5 March to Sunday 9 March.
The diamond, gem and pearl show meanwhile, will be a specialised trade platform for loose stones and raw materials. It will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March 2014.
As previously reported by Jeweller, the 2013 fair had a record number of exhibitors and buyers. It was attended by about 42,000 buyers from 138 countries and had more than 3,300 exhibitors from 49 countries. More than 800 visitors were from the Australia and Pacific Islands region.
The HKTDC indicated that not only would the new “2 Shows 2 Venues” arrangement cater for the event’s increasing size, it would ensure that it had sufficient space for further development and solidify Hong Kong as a key-trading hub for the industry.
The initiative is said to provide dedicated trade platforms that are more professional and focused on the product categories concerned.
HKTDC deputy executive director Benjamin Chau said the new arrangement of “2 Shows 2 Venues” would allow more exhibitors to participate and feature a greater variety of jewellery exhibits.
“The two shows are perfectly timed and housed to generate a synergistic effect, maximising exhibitors’ exposure and buyers’ sourcing opportunities, and providing a perfect setting for the shows to grow and prosper,” he said.
Following suit
The new arrangement follows a similar format to that of UBM Asia’s annual September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. In 2009, the event organiser introduced a “One Fair, Two Venues” model (that also took place at AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) in response to insufficient exhibition space.
Cashelle Jewellery managing director Arthur Pike, who has been attending jewellery fairs in Hong Kong since 1997, believed HKTDC’s decision to follow a similar arrangement to UBM was necessary based on the show’s increased popularity.
“The March fair this year had a record number of visitors, as well as exhibitors, and their waiting list was still growing faster than they could accommodate all the suppliers,” Pike said.
He added that many long-term exhibitors and buyers were initially against UBM’s model change, and while some may still not be happy with the arrangement, it has been accepted.
“They now understand that they have access to more suppliers from more countries, both for finished and loose goods. So for a little inconvenience they have more choice.
“Most professional buyers have made their arrangements to suit the changes made by UBM and no doubt will cope with the changes being brought forward for the HKTDC March fair.”
According to the HKTDC, Hong Kong’s exports of precious jewellery in 2012 reached US$7 billion (A$7.6b), ranking Hong Kong as the world’s sixth largest exporter of precious jewellery.
The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966. It is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers.
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