TRADE

Big numbers at HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

South African Consulate General, Hong Kong

3 March 2023

The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show held on 1-5 March 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracted big numbers from locally, in the region and abroad as Hong Kong government ended social distancing measures and lifted the mask mandate effective from 1 March 2023.

Most events were either suspended or hosted at smaller scale due to COVID 19.This meant that Hong Kong is on its way to normality including on business activities. With the borders opened for international travel, both the economy and tourism sector of Hong Kong are expected to be boosted.

In attendance the Consul Generals (CG) accredited to Hong Kong including Mojalefa Mogono of South Africa was highly impressed by the event. According to CG Mojalefa Mogono, the event is a great platform and an opportunity for South Africa to showcase and market its Jewellery products. South Africa is reported to hold the world's largest reserves of gold, platinum group metals, chrome ore and manganese ore, and the second-largest reserves of zirconium, vanadium and titanium. It boasts the world's largest diamond ever found, namely, the Cullinan Diamond. Hong Kong and Asia in general present a good market for South Africa's jewellery and precious stones. South Africa exports largely raw gems and previous stones however there are efforts to promote beneficiation within the country to contribute to job creation as well as exports of finished goods. It is expected that in the next Show South Africa jewellery sector will participate. CG Mogono was accompanied by Consul Stella Sigcau.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event attracted exhibitors from Hong Kong, mainland China and from overseas. Approximately 2,500 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions participated including Japan, Italy and Türkiye. Showcased included fine jewellery, precious stones, watches and clocks.About 20 pavilions were set up – including from the mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Türkiye, Israel, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia and the United States.

A number of seminars, forums and parades were held which served as networking platforms and kept participants abreast of the industry trends. The Show was well attended and a resounding success.