Export drive for gems and jewellery
THE GOVERNMENT yesterday announced its strategy for the gem and jewellery sector aimed at boosting exports. Under the plan, Thailand will be promoted as the new international hub for gem and jewellery trade, according to the Ministry of Commerce's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP). “In 2017, the gems and jewellery industry was ranked the third exporting industry in Thailand after automotive and computers and parts. During the first six months of 2018 (January to June 2018), exports of gems and jewellery (excluding unwrought gold) increased by 7.49 per cent compared to the same period in 2017. DITP is confident that the gems and jewellery industry will see robust growth in the future,” said DITP Director-General Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat. “Key factors for growth in this industry include the improving economies in export markets such as the US and Europe, while neighbouring countries have also been growing steadily in the last few years, adding to demand for more gems and jewelley products,” she said. The major markets are China and Hong Kong, USA, Europe and the Middle East. Chantira said the gems and jewellery industry in Thailand is vital to the development of the country’s economy besides trade, tourism, employment, value-adding of products and services, and innovations. DITP yesterday announced its readiness to host the 62nd edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair (BGJF) under the theme of “Heritage & Craftsmanship” to highlight Thailand’s cultural heritage and the internationally renowned, exquisite craftsmanship of Thai artisans. The 62nd BGJF is expected to welcome over 20,000 buyers and visitors from more than 130 countries across the globe. Trendsetter The 62nd Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair will take place from September 7 to 11, 2018 at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. It will showcase Thailand as a trendsetter in the world’s gems and jewelry industry. The fair is an important marketing channel to promote the industry’s capabilities and support Thai manufacturers, including SMEs, to expand their businesses abroad while networking and trading with partners from Thailand and other countries. Moreover, new brands and designers will receive an opportunity to present their unique creations to target buyers from around the world. It will highlight Thailand’s cultural heritage that perfectly combines beautiful Thai designs with international touches. As a special to this year’s fair, experienced artisans from the Thai Goldsmith Association will be demonstrating their skills in crafting jewellery that is rare to find elsewhere, such as jewellery moulding, invisible setting, jewellery carvings, and stone polishing. Moreover, educational seminars and one-on-one consulting services from experts will be offered as well as a mobile gems analysing unit. DITP is determined to continuously support, promote, and develop the gems and jewelry industry in Thailand. Throughout this year, DITP is holding in-depth seminars and workshops to encourage Thai entrepreneurs to expand overseas. Moreover, DITP carries out strategies to promote the image of Thai gems and jewellery products overseas in order to add value to this industry and propel Thailand to become the world’s next jewellery trading hub. “The 62nd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair offers an opportunity for participants to meet manufacturers, distributors and over 900 leading exporters from Thailand and other countries. It will exhibit all categories of products in the gems and jewelry industry in over 2,200 booths, featuring products from Hong Kong, Turkey, Singapore, Poland, India, and Asean countries. DITP expects the fair to generate over Bt2.2 billion in sales this year, with international buyers and visitors from 130 countries. Moreover, the BGJF is different from other gems and jewellery fairs and many exhibitors have expressed their interest in joining the show,” said Chantira.
