September HK fair gears up for new arrangements in 2009 after a successful 2008 edition

The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch Fair will implement clear and precise product sectorisation in 2009, in both AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), owing to the increasing demand for space, both from existing exhibitors and new companies, according to CMP Asia Ltd, the organiser of the fair.

Given the economic instability and the slackening jewellery market, this is a crucial step broaden the fair's reach and impact among both the buyers and the exhibitors, noted CMP Asia. "Given that Asia will soon become the biggest market in the world for jewellery, we believe that now is the time to firmly establish the fair's position as the number one exhibition of its kind in the world. Introducing clear and precise product sectorisation, just as at other large-scale global exhibitions, is one of the strides we should take. We are confident that buyers worldwide will be well informed about the new arrangement and will appreciate what we are doing to facilitate their product sourcing which, in turn, will be beneficial to all our exhibitors too," said Ms Celine Lau, director of jewellery fairs, CMP Asia.

Besides this sectorisation, two brand new pavilions will also be launched in 2009; namely, Hong Kong Premier Pavilion for Hong Kong's leading jewellery suppliers and International Premier Pavilion for new top jewellery companies from across the globe.

The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch fair 2008 concluded with a good response, especially from overseas visitors, which saw an increase of 2 percent from last year's edition, mainly from new emerging markets such as the Middle East, Russian Federation and South America. Although slightly affected by the downturn in global economy and the outbreak of financial crisis on the first day of the HKCEC show, the September Fair managed to attract 37,276 visitors from 133 countries, asserting its significance in the jewellery industry worldwide.