Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Management Limited (HML) is celebrating the successful conclusion of the 39th Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 9th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show which utilised all the venue's exhibition halls. It was the first time the “full house” sign had gone up since the pandemic.
Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), 1- 5 March 2023, and organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the twin five-day jewellery shows attracted over 2,500 exhibiting companies from 36 countries and regions – with half of them from overseas – and over 60,000 buyers from 130 countries and regions.
A total of 20 regional pavilions were set up at the twin shows this year, including Mainland China, Italy, Turkiye, Japan and more.
Sophia Chong, deputy executive director of the HKTDC, said: “We are delighted to see the overwhelming support from industry buyers and exhibitors for the twin shows. The vibrant atmosphere, busy traffic and packed booths not only reflected the global jewellery market's pent-up demand after three years and strong buying power, but also reaffirmed Hong Kong's position as the world's premier trade fair capital in Asia which brings the world together to do business and to build relationships.
“Looking ahead, we have many more trade events lined up for different sectors throughout the rest of the year, and with the policy support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, we are confident that trade fairs and conferences will help to re-energise the city’s economic recovery,” Chong added.
In an on-site survey with around 700 exhibitors and buyers, about 60% expected their business to return to pre-pandemic levels in one year, reflecting a positive outlook for the jewellery sector.
Under HKTDC's EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, global jewellers and traders can connect online for another week beyond the physical fair days until 12 March via the Click2Match smart business matching platform. Over 1,800 meetings between exhibitors and buyers have been scheduled.
Qian Yiting, chief operating officer of Wuxi Yinlou from Mainland China said: “The show has staged a strong comeback this year with the relaxation of pandemic policies. I have visited jewellery fairs in Japan and Korea, but the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is definitely the best one showcasing an amazing mix of jewellery from all over the world. I have already met with six exhibitors from Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and Thailand through the Click2Match business matching service.”
Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, commented: “There was no better time to be hosting the twin jewellery shows as the opening followed on the heels of the city’s lifting of the mask mandate. The full utilisation of exhibition spaces by the twin jewellery shows underscored a strong rebound of Hong Kong’s exhibition and convention sector. Since the reopening of borders with overseas destinations and the Mainland, HML has seen a surge in booking enquiries from both overseas as well as local exhibition and convention organisers.”
Lee-Müller added: “HML will continue to proactively promote to global exhibition organisers Hong Kong’s advantages as a strategic city within the Greater Bay Area and its unique strengths in expanding smooth and convenient linkages between China and other international markets. HML has continued to press ahead with our investment plan, upgrading our facilities and strengthening staff competence. These efforts, coupled with our experience and expertise in supporting world-class events, has laid a solid foundation for us to gear up for the return of international events and welcome visitors back to Hong Kong and the HKCEC. We are confident that Hong Kong will reclaim its leadership status as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia.”
The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show together with the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show occupied all exhibition halls, multi-purpose halls and some meeting rooms at the HKCEC.
