Int’l jewel fair to open in HCM City

17:15' 02/05/2008 (GMT+7)
The inaugural International Jewellery Viet Nam 2008 (IJV 2008) fair will be held in HCM City from today through May 4.
Co-organised by the World Trade Fair Co Ltd and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Fair Organisation Co, more than 5,000 enterprises are expected to take part, 100 of which are foreign-based.
Catering to the needs of retailers, store buyers, and private collectors, the fair will cover all aspects of the jewellery market, including tools, displays, and packaging.
The fair's organisers see the event as a good opportunity for domestic jewellers to network and establish relations with foreign partners.
"We hope the fair will become the favoured destination for both wholesale and retail jewellers," said BK Chow, director of the World Trade Fair Co Ltd.
Some products to go on display include diamonds, precious stones, clocks, watches and pearls not to mention support services for enterprises engaged in jewellery production.
Attendees will have the chance to gaze at some of the most finely-crafted jewellery from around the world.
Vietnam at present hosts a high-number of jewellery producers and traders. Yet, their market presence and competitive edge is still relatively weak when compared to other nations. Moreover, domestic enterprises' understanding of the global jewellery market barely exists.
According to the Viet Nam Gemstones and Jewellery Association, Vietnamese demand for gold and jewellery products is about 30-35 tonnes per year, while demand for diamond and precious stones is this year forecast to nudge US$300mil.
No doubt, the domestic jewellery market will develop rapidly in the future as more and more foreign-invested enterprises identify Vietnam's firm potential