The sixth HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, the first of the two concurrent jewellery shows organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opens tomorrow at the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), with the 36th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show opening two days later at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The former, which showcases jewellery raw materials, runs till March 2 and the latter, which specialises in finished fine jewellery, will end on March 4, HKTDC said, adding that the combined number of exhibitors at both will be 4,600, covering 48 countries and regions, a new record for the shows.

Together, the shows will have a total of 38 special pavilions, including from countries like India, Australia, Mainland China, France, Germany, Italy, Myanmar, and the US; and from various jewellery organisations, including ACODES from Colombia, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, International Coloured Gems Association, Israel Diamond Institute, New York Diamond Dealers Club, Tanzanite Foundation and the Gem & Jewellery Trade Association of Thailand, among others.

HKTDC Acting Executive Director Benjamin Chau said: “Though the Sino-US trade conflict has been looming large over all sectors and industries, Hong Kong exports of fine jewellery showed healthy growth of 13.3% year on year to reach HK$ 57 billion in 2018. Exports to the United States, Hong Kong’s largest jewellery export market, were particularly robust, growing by 18.1%.”

The picture has changed slightly since December, Chau pointed out, with the total value of fine jewellery exports during the month falling 12% year on year, indicating that the impact of the Sino-US trade conflict on exports is beginning to be felt. Compounded by other unfavourable factors such as escalating geopolitical conflicts, he said that businesses should be ready for a potential slowdown in global economic growth in 2019.

Keeping these challenges in mind, the organisers said that they have organised 120 buying missions, comprising more than 8,200 companies from 75 countries and regions visiting the shows this year, the organisers said. These include department stores, speciality shops, chain stores and online stores, with 700 coming from the US and 5,700 companies visiting from emerging markets.

Pic caption: Visitors at the HKTDC shows in 2018
Pic courtesy: HKTDC