Inaugural International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Opens

	The inaugural HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show opened this morning at AsiaWorld-Expo and continues through 7 March. Hong Kong SAR Government Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So was guest of honour at the opening ceremony
	In his welcoming remarks, Benedict Sin, Chairman of the HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee, noted that the “two shows, two venues” arrangement allows exhibitors to showcase a greater variety of products, attracting more buyers and expanding business opportunities
	The Hall of Fine Diamonds showcase carat-size diamonds from around the world
	Treasures of Nature offers precious stones, South Sea pearls and Tahiti pearls
	The fair hosts more than 1,500 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, including the Italian pavilion (left) and eight other group pavilions. Five trade organisation pavilions are also taking part in the new show

3 March 2014 – The first HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened today and continues through 7 March at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Two Shows, Two Venues
The new show, which spotlights loose stones and raw material for jewellery, is part of the “two shows, two venues” arrangement, created by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to meet growing demand from exhibitors. The 31^st edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, emphasising finished jewellery collections, will open on Wednesday and continue through 9 March, at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Together, the two fairs have attracted more than 3,850 exhibitors from 53 countries and regions.

Group Pavilions
The Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show welcomes more than 1,500 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions, including nine group pavilions. Five trade organisation pavilions are also on hand: the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, International Colored Gemstone Association, Israel Diamond Institute, Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association and New York Diamond Dealers Club. The new show features two product zones: the Hall of Fine Diamond, showcasing carat-size diamonds, and Treasures of Nature, displaying precious stones and South Sea and Tahiti pearls.

Pearls, Rubies, Diamonds and More
Together, the two fairs have organised more than 30 events, including jewellery parades and networking receptions. Information sessions on offer at the new show range from this afternoon’s buyer forum, which looks at market developments in Russia and the Chinese mainland, to seminars examining pearl trends (4 March), rubies, as well as coloured gemstones (5 March), and diamond identification and authentication (6 March).

Exports Shine
Exports of loose pearls, precious stones, and semi-precious stones from Hong Kong totalled US$16.6 billion last year, up nearly 12 per cent, year-on-year.

Websites
Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkdgp-en/ 
Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkjewellery-en/

Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:

Joe Kainz   Tel: (852) 2584 4216   Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

About the HKTDC
A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 12 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.