Sharp Increase in Demand for Participation
in ICA Pavilions
The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) reports that its members are showing a marked increase in interest to participate in ICA Pavilions organized at major trade fairs worldwide.
Demand is highest for shows in Asia where, over the last 18 months, ICA has launched new pavilions in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong (June), Hangzhou, and Mumbai.
“Asian buyers are filling the show aisles looking for quality colored gemstones, especially buyers from mainland China,” stated Capt. Ramji Sharma, ICA director from Japan and chairman of the ICA Trade Show Committee. Sharma commented that buyers from Eastern Europe and the Middle East also have an increasingly strong presence at trade shows in Asia.
ICA executive director Barbara Wheat noted that, “In the upcoming September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the ICA Pavilion increased from 14 to 39 booths, and in next year’s June Hong Kong show we expect to expand from 10 booths to 30, which is good news for our members on the waiting list.”
ICA has also expanded into the GemworldMunich 2011, taking place this October, and the Mumbai Jewellery & Gem Fair in December. Space in the ICA Pavilion in both shows is nearly sold out.
ICA is moving forward to expand ICA Pavilions into other trade shows to keep up with member demand. “Wherever the market is strong, ICA will be working to provide opportunities for our members,” said Sharma.
Look for ICA Pavilions at these upcoming shows:
- Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, September 19 – 23, AWE
- GemworldMunich 2011, October 28 – 30
- Mumbai Jewellery & Gem Fair, December 9 – 11
There has been a huge jump in the number of Israeli companies exhibiting in this year’s September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair to be held September 19 – 23, 2011, greatly exceeding last year’s recordbreaking participation. This year’s Israel Diamond Pavilion, organized by the Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI), will actually host two pavilions and will feature 105 companies, compared to 71 last year. In addition, about 20 additional Israeli companies will exhibit in various locations throughout the show.
The Israel Diamond Pavilions will be located in Hall 7 & 9, as well as Hall 10 at the Asia World Expo, which will house all of the loose stones including but not limited to diamond and gemstone exhibitors. IDI will have an image booth at the heart of each pavilion to provide information on the Israeli Diamond Industry and help guide buyers through the pavilion. According to IDI, the unprecedented participation of Israeli companies in the September fair is due to the enormous importance the industry places on Asia, with Hong Kong at its center. Hong Kong is Israel’s second largest market for polished diamonds representing 27% of total polished diamond exports in the first half of 2011. IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that he was not surprised by the record breaking Israeli participation in the Hong Kong September Fair. “Asia, with Hong Kong as its gateway, represents a tremendous and largely untapped market for Israeli diamonds. There is huge interest in Asia for luxury goods, including gold and diamond jewelry. I’m happy that the Israeli Diamond Industry is able to play an important role in supplying this demand.”
IDI Managing Director Eli Avidar said that the institute was spearheading efforts to enhance Israeli Diamond Industry trade relations with the region. “Our multilevel support includes marketing initiatives, trade shows and outreach to new and developing markets in Asia. Our representative office in Hong Kong assists Israeli diamond companies to bridge cultural and language gaps and advises them on business opportunities. In addition, our portal sites in English and Chinese promote direct ties between Israeli and Asian companies.” Avidar said that he was very optimistic about prospects for Israeli diamonds in Asian markets. “There is tremendous potential for growth in countries throughout Asia. We are working hard to explore this region but we have only begun to scratch the surface,” he said.
Huge Jump in Israeli Participation at Hong Kong September