Hong Kong's jewellery sector is expected to maintain its competitive edge in the coming years, according to Leung Sik-wah, chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association.
'Hong Kong is the international centre for tourists to buy jewellery, and it remains the centre of jewellery trading in Asia,' Mr Leung said yesterday after the official opening of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch Fair at the Convention Centre.
'It is not expected to lose this position,' he said, despite increased exports of jewellery from the mainland.
Hong Kong had a technological edge and could produce better-quality products.
The local jewellery trade had recovered last year from the economic downturn. It had had exceptional sales growth in the first three months of this year.
Charles Chan, chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers' Association, said local jewellery sales were expected to increase now that the economy had recovered.