The HKTDC International Jewellery Show 2009, which runs from today to Sunday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, is displaying a comprehensive range of precious stones, antique jewels and South Sea pearls. More than 2,300 exhibitors have signed up and up to 31,300 buyers from 46 countries and regions should attend the fair.
Buyers are in for a treat as prices should be competitive and innovative designs will be unveiled as jewellery designers stretch their imaginations to create a buzz around their products to survive the depressed economic climate.
Lawrence Ma Yung-yi - chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Jewellery Advisory Committee, chairman of Hong Kong International Jewellery Show Fair Organising Committee and president of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China - said that visitors would not be disappointed.
'There will be a record number of exhibitors this year given the downturn in the market as sellers need to be a lot more aggressive and really want to meet buyers. Suppliers will be eager to please so prices will be competitive and there will be many new design lines,' Mr Ma said.
Despite this, visitor numbers are expected to drop slightly from last year and the market has suffered a 10 to 20 per cent reduction in export sales in recent months.
'The turnout may be less than last year, but the critical thing will be the amount of orders placed,' Mr Ma said.