Bangkok International Gems & Jewelry Fair 2008: Outstanding Showcase of Major Thai Industry
Held twice a year because of high demand, Bangkok International Gems & Jewelry Fair is an outstanding example of Thailand’s ability to host and develop a specialist trade show into a global showcase and trading center for one of Thailand’s major industries. Exports of gems and jewelry in 2007 totalled 186 billion baht. With figures for the first half of 2008 reaching 120 billion baht, exports for the year are expected to surpass 200 billion baht, making the gems and jewelry industry one of the country’s top five export earners, accounting for 2.25% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The industry involves more than 1.2 million entrepreneurs and employs 1.17 million skilled workers in upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. Thailand has earned a reputation as the best producer of colored stones and one of the top manufacturers of jewelry, leading to expectations it will grow into the main jewelry production base in Asia with key export markets in the United States and Europe over the next two decades. Current markets include countries with high purchasing power such as China, India, Russia and the Middle East.
Mr. Somchai Pornjindarak, Board Director for the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association, believes the continuous demand worldwide for gems and jewelry will benefit Thailand, as Thai jewelry products are highly prized for their elaborate settings, exquisite designs and perfect blend of Thai and western styles. Excellent standards in the Thai production process from gem burning to “Bangkok Cutting” add to the quality of the final products.
The gems and jewelry industry is always looking for new strategies to enhance exports and stand out from its competitors in design and manufacturing development, Mr. Somchai explains. One way to achieve this is on-the-job training for students, designers and production staff to become familiar with various areas of production such as gem cutting, setting, metallurgy and computer design aids like CAD/CAM. SMEs and OEM entrepreneurs are encouraged to become manufacturers and build their own brands.
Organized jointly by the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association and the Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Bangkok International Gems & Jewelry Fair was held from 11-15 September 2008 at Impact Muang Thong Thani with the hopes of strengthening Thailand’s economy and tourism industry. It was the year’s largest fair, covering 80,000 sqm with 3,500 booths for both Thai and international exhibitors, zoned into silver, gold, diamonds, gem stones, pearls, specialist equipment and so forth. The presence of many of the world’s top buyers is what gives the show its importance in the international gems and jewelry calendar, ensuring a dynamic market atmosphere that benefits Thai jewelry manufacturers and exporters.
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