Antwerp World Diamond Centre eyes big prospects in Hong Kong and mainland China
HONG KONG, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Some 86 Antwerp diamond companies are exhibiting in the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion at September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, making it the largest national pavilion at Asia's biggest Jewellery show – now running in two venues.
At AsiaWorld-Expo – where the Antwerp Pavilion is located in Hall 5 – the show presents diamonds, pearls, gemstones and equipment from September 14 to 18. Meanwhile, exhibitors at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre spotlight finished jewellery from September 16 to 20.
AWDC was an official sponsor of the Opening Reception at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 14. On September 16, AWDC Senior Manager Marketing Mia De Dooy spoke about Hong Kong and mainland prospects at a press conference staged by show organisers UBM Asia at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Ms De Dooy explained how the diamond industry accounted for 5% of Belgium's GDP and had become a significant export earner. "Over the first eight months of 2010, Antwerp's exports of polished diamonds to mainland China increased year on year by 50%, and to Hong Kong by 34%, for a total of US$1.65bn," she said. "This now accounts for about a quarter of Antwerp's polished diamond exports, which is starting to approach our exports to the U.S."
Ms De Dooy said Antwerp and China made perfectly matched partners. "China has a booming consumer market and a burning ambition to participate on all levels of the diamond trade, while Antwerp brings over five centuries of diamond trading heritage, leadership and expertise to the table -- making a powerful combination that augurs well for the future."
The pavilion organized by AWDC enables buyers to see a wide range of diamonds Antwerp offers easily and efficiently. With the support of Flanders Investment and Trade, the pavilion offers lounge facilities where exhibitors and visitors can discuss business and relax while sampling Belgian beer and chocolates. It also serves as an Internet café for activities over the run of the show.
Show organisers say more than 3,200 companies from 45 countries will be exhibiting at the fair, drawing a projected 40,000 buyers from over 140 countries.
Participants in the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion in Hong Kong are: AMI Diamonds, Andiamond - AFP Group, Antwerp Cut, Antwerp Diamond Partners, Arjav Diamonds / Blue Star Group, Beladamas, Benelux Diamonds, Centerstone, DHV, Diamant Impex, Diamex Manufacturing, Diaminter / Bhansali & Co, Diarough, Drybooms Diamonds / YAM, Eurostar, Fancy Collection, Fibi - Yondor, Fischler Diamonds, Galaxy Diamonds Co., Gemeraldiam, Genesis Diamonds/ Diacentre, Grossmann Diamond Manufacturing, Grunberger Diamonds, Horizon Diamonds, HRD Antwerp, IGC Group, IGI, Indigems / 5C - HK, Jewelex, Kalpataru - Diaveer, Kay Diamonds/ Gembel European Sales, Luc Vets Diamant, Luminas, M & D Pienica, M.S.D. / Samir Gems, Marjan Diamonds, Mishal Manufacturing, Moguldiam, Montblanc Diamonds, Muller S. & Sons Diamonds, Multi - Future / Excel Overseas, Nipur / Fire Stone, Nordic Fire, Othello diamonds, Paras Gems / Nirgem, Pinchasi & Sons, Pluczenik, Pristine Diamonds/ Kings Diamonds, Raj Gems, Rosy Blue, Royal Gem Fine Diamonds, Rubin & Zonen, Rushidiam, Sagar, Saraff Manufacturer Belgium, SDE, Sage Diamond Enterprises, Simplex Diam, Supergems, Swadip Gems, Sygma Diamonds, Taché, Ultimate Diamonds, Unigems, Vets Alphi Diamonds Manufacturing, Vijaydimon, Viraag, Windiam, Sunview, Diastar/ Kanubhai, D.A. Jhaveri, Primo International, SKD, My Dear Diamonds, Chintamani, Jogdiam, Simoni Gems, Su-Raj Diamond and Universal Corporation.
About Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC)
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) is the official representative of the Belgian diamond sector, charged with managing the relationship between the diamond sector and government, and promoting the interests of the Belgian diamond industry worldwide.
Media contact:
Caroline Germain
Tel: +32 -3-222-05-01
Mobile: + 32-486-49-36-77
