Troubled times didn't keep visitors away from the ever popular Hong Kong International Show which this year attracted more than 9,639 overseas buyers from 104 countries and regions to the fair, a jump of 26.5 per cent over last year, the organiser of the show, the Trade Development Council (TDC), revealed.

The overseas buyers were mainly from North America, Europe and Asia More than 1,180 flew in from the US, 31 per cent up on last year while the number from Europe rose by 31.7 per cent to 1,368.

The four-day Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2003 wound up on Friday (7th March) with visitors vowing to return in 2004.

Chairman of the TDC's Jewellery Advisory Committee Mr. Leung Sik Wah said: "The uncertainties caused by geopolitical tension did not have much impact on the attendance of international buyers.

“They were again greatly impressed by the creative, quality products on display.”

Marketing Manager of Latitude Limited, Lobo Law, said: "We were determined this year to use our designs instead of our prices to compete, a strategy we tested at the show. And the response from buyers was more than encouraging. We must be on the right track!

“The show not only helped us to raise our company profile, it also provided us with a platform to test buyers' response. It gave us the opportunity to further develop our products and adjust our marketing strategy.”

Latitude's main business is fashionable watches and its principal market is the US. It was among near to 50 exhibitors which displayed their products at the fair's new “Watch & Clock Pavilion”. The company plans to take part in the show again next year.

EMA Asia Limited, which showcased its “8 hearts-8 arrows” Israeli diamonds, drew many quality Asian buyers to its booth. The company now plans to expand its retail business in Asia.

EMA's director, Ronen Priewer, said: “We are satisfied with the quality of buyers who turned up to the show. Hong Kong will surely be the springboard for promoting our brand in Asia.”

TDC's senior exhibitions manager, Anne Chick, said: "We made arrangements for 40 buying missions from around the world to come to the show. We invited decision-makers from major jewellery chain stores and department stores such as Les Galleries Lafayette and Synalia in France; Uno a Erre Italia, Shine, Nomination and Mizar from Italy and Damas Jewelry from Dubai.

“Quality of buyers is guaranteed at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.”

Buyers from 23 countries and regions in Central and South America and Southern Europe attended the show for the firs time, Miss Chick said. Their presence provided a good opportunity for Hong Kong manufacturers and traders to establish contact with those emerging markets.

Following are more details of buyer attendance at the show:

 Total number of buyers - 20,145, a 19.2% increase when compared with last year°F

 Buyers from overseas: 9,639, up 26.5%.

 Buyers from major exports markets: US (1,183, up 31.0%); UK (258, up 58.3%); France (92, up 24.3%); Taiwan (837, up 19.4%); Singapore (337, up 36.4%); Australia (397, up 19.9%); Italy (265, up 30.5%); Spain (152, up 78.8%) and Canada (219, up 12.9%).

For media enquiries, please contact Beatrice Lam of the TDC's Corporate Communication and Marketing Department at 2584 4049.



Source: HK Int'l Show media release