The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, organized by UBM Asia, reported an 18 percent increase in visitors at its recent event held in June at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. A record 22,452 attendees came from 104 countries and regions, according to company officials.
Among the visitors, 42 percent were based in Hong Kong. The remaining 58 percent were international guests, marking a 30 percent growth compared to the June fair last year.
The largest number of overseas visitors came from mainland China, totaling 5,372. Other top countries of origin included India, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, the United States, Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia.
Celine Lau, director of Jewellery Fairs for UBM Asia, said, “There is no doubt that China and India are currently driving global demand for jewelry. The number of buyers from these two key markets rose by 83 percent and 48 percent, respectively.”
She added, “The fair is attracting a more international group of buyers. We noticed more attendees from South American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Panama. The number of buyers from Canada and the United States also increased this year.”
The four-day event covered 56,000 square meters of exhibition space. More than 1,500 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions participated, which is a 24 percent increase compared to last year. This number also set a new record for the fair.
Jimé Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia, said, “We are pleased to have the continued support of the global jewelry industry. The growth in exhibition space, exhibitors, and visitors shows the strong business value this fair offers.”
Exhibitors praised the event as well. Fredy Hui, a representative from F&A Import & Export in Australia, said, “We have attended this fair more than 10 times. It is an important mid-year event for sourcing products for the fall season.”
Elin Li, director of E & CO Jewellery Pte Ltd in Singapore, said, “We have been participating for over 10 years. This fair is important because it helps us grow our business and connect with new customers worldwide, including those from the Philippines and Malaysia. We are impressed and will definitely return in 2012.”
The next Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair will take place from June 21 to 24 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
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