Chinese delegation meets with CJA

by eyetee | August 3, 2012 3:18 pm

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The Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) and Shanghai Gold and Jewelry Trade Association (SGJTA) have pledged to co-operate on future issues that may affect both groups.

This follows a meeting at CJA’s offices in Toronto last month. About 15 Chinese delegates—which also included trade commission representatives—travelled to Canada on a fact-finding mission to learn more about the local jewellery industry and the Canadian marketplace in general.

“It was a pleasant meeting with some interesting questions from several of their delegates,” said CJA president and chief executive officer (CEO) David Ritter. “We will share any best practices they may want to discuss, such as how we communicate with our members and consumers. Future collaboration may include a visit to Shanghai with some of our board and industry members.”

Speaking through an interpreter, SGJTA vice-president and secretary Xu Wen Jun said Chinese consumers appreciate Canadian ingenuity when it comes to unique designs.

“We welcome Canadian jewellers to come to China and bring your advanced craftsmanship and designer pieces to our country,” he added.

The occurrence of undisclosed lab-grown diamonds in Canada is one issue in which the delegation took keen interest. The controversy recently made trade headlines following the discovery of 10 synthetics at GIA’s offices in Hong Kong, which Jun said spurred the group to warn its members to remain vigilant.

The scale of China’s jewellery market is one thing Ritter says stood out in stark contrast to Canada’s, as some of SGJTA’s members have more than 1000 stores. “The fact they do not have any anti-money laundering concerns is another,” he added.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/news/chinese-delegation-meets-with-cja/

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