Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Now and now in its 33rd year, the jewellery show attracted more than 49,000 buyers who came to check out the wide variety of products offered by 2500 exhibitors from around the world, including major pavilions for Japan, Italy, Thailand, and the United States. Located near the airport, AsiaWorld-Expo welcomed 31,000 buyers who came to see the gems offered by some 1886 exhibitors at the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show. The majority of attendees and exhibitors at both shows were from overseas, demonstrating Hong Kong’s position as a global meeting point for the gem and jewellery sector.
While visitor traffic was up, reactions from exhibitors and buyers were mixed. Overall, exhibitors seemed satisfied, either with sales or new contacts, although others complained the show was a bit slow, as to be expected in light of attendance at other trade fairs this winter and spring. Reema Keswani, owner of New York-based Golconda, a long-term and regular buyer to the show, summed it up, “The Hong Kong show was a reflection of the world markets struggling to find some clarity for the rest of the year ahead. That being said, there were some irresistible opportunities for those who take a long-term view of the business.”
