Hong Kong jewellery show attracts record 37,000 buyers

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show attracted a record number of 37,000 buyers in its five-day run at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The show also attracted a record 2,800-plus exhibitors from 46 countries and regions, making it the most international of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s or HKTDC's fairs, as well as the largest in total area.

Buyers increased 16 per cent, with overseas buyers up 23 per cent, led by Hong Kong’s three major export markets for fine jewellery:

the United States, up 22 per cent, Switzerland, up six per cent and France up 30 per cent.

Buyers from emerging markets turned out in force as well, with buyers from the Chinese mainland up 33 per cent, India up 41 per

cent, Russia up 27 per cent and Brazil up 29 per cent. Buyers from Japan were up 16 per cent.

First-time buyer Li Dong Mei, General Manager of the Chinese mainland’s Shanghai First Asia Jewellery Co Ltd, said that she had

been “negotiating with up to 10 exhibitors for the supply of gold and diamond jewellery,” adding that the fair was a great chance to gain better understanding of the latest market trends.

“This is our first visit to the Hong Kong show. We love it, as we can see so many different products from all over the world,” said

Karri Pasqualini, a fashion jewellery and sterling silver buyer for Sears Canada Inc. Sears operates 122 department stores across Canada. “We’ve met many gracious people wishing to do business with us. So far, we’ve established contacts with four potential suppliers. Hong Kong is a valuable sourcing place for us."