MESSAGE Once again, Hong Kong is privileged to be the centre of attention in the jewellery industry as we welcome the world's leading exhibitors and buyers to the 1998 International Jewellery Show. This year's event is poised to create records in every area, with exhibitor and visitor figures set to register double-digit growth over last year. More than 770 companies from 28 countries and regions are participating, with exhibitors from Australia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and the US having their own pavilions. To accommodate this increased participation, exhibition space has been expanded by more than 30 per cent over last year to 24,360 square metres and the show will be held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre's stunning extension for the first time. As a result of such growth, new elements have been added for the convenience of both exhibitors and buyers. Products have been classified into 16 categories across the three event halls and a computerised exhibitor locator system has been installed to save time in locating any company of interest. We are also proud to welcome the International Coloured Gemstone Association which is participating for the first time. Some 23 members of the association will be exhibiting their products. Another first is the World of Pearl section, which showcases cultured, fresh-water and South Sea pearls and related products. Hong Kong has developed into an important trading hub for pearls and related jewellery. Last year, for example, the SAR exported $90 million worth of natural pearls - a 205 per cent increase over 1996. In fact, total jewellery exports last year stood at a massive $10.5 billion, with all categories of diamonds accounting for some 70 per cent of that figure. Imports grew to $8.2 billion, again with diamonds making up the lion's share. The US remained the SAR's major market for jewellery, with most of the top 10 countries importing from Hong Kong posting gains over the 12-month period. What this means is that the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show is taking place in a city where the jewellery industry and trade are flourishing. I hope that this year's show will be equally rewarding for you. LEUNG SIK-WAH, Chairman, Trade Development Council Jewellery Advisory Committee
