International jewelry show opens in Hong Kong

More than 2,300 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions, a new exhibitor record, are taking part in the 26th annual Hong Kong International Jewelry Show, which kicked off Wednesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. (Xinhua Photo)

HONG KONG, March 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,300 exhibitors from 46 countries and regions, a new exhibitor record, are taking part in the 26th annual Hong Kong International Jewelry Show, which kicked off Wednesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

The fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), continues through March 8, and includes the International Jewelry Design Excellence (IJDE) Award presentation gala.

"We at the HKTDC are working hard to develop business opportunities in emerging markets and to enhance Hong Kong's role as Asia's major sourcing and distribution center," said Lawrence Ma, chairman of the Hong Kong Jewelry Advisory Committee and the Fair Organizing Committee, at the opening ceremony.

Hong Kong is among the world's largest jewelry exporters. Exports totaled 37 billion HK dollars (4.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2008.

Group pavilions come from the Chinese mainland, Dubai, Germany, India, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, China's Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.

The show also includes eight trade pavilions from organizations such as the Antwerp World Diamond Center, the Israel Diamond Institute, the International Colored Gemstone Association, the Japan Jewelry Association and the Platinum Guild International.

The Hall of Fame, a special area set aside to promote branded jewelry, makes its debut at the fair, hosting companies from France, Greece, China's Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Monaco, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.