BGJF47 to Bolster 10% Growth for Thai Gems and Jewelry Exports This Year

BANGKOK, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 47th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF47) was officially launched today by governmental and industrial leaders who projected that the event is expected boost the export of gems and jewelry by at least 10 percent this year.  

BGJF47 received a grand kickoff today at the Shangri-la Hotel with full attendance by gems and jewelry industry leaders and top government officers. The highlight of the launch was a fashion show of Thai and international models wearing Thai gems and jewelry products under the "Ploi Thai" country brand that will be displayed at BGJF47. The Thai gems worn by the models are of the latest designs in jewelry and fashion items under the project Gem and Jewelry Trend 2012 with the catchy theme, "Extreme Colors of Ploi Thai," also a highlight at the fair.  

The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) are the main organizer of the BGJF47 with support from the Department of Export Promotion (DEP), of the Thai Ministry of Commerce. The BGJF47 will be held from February 25 to March 1, 2011 at the Challenger IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

Currently, the TGJTA is pushing the campaign for Thailand to become "Gem and Jewelry Hub of the World" based on the core strength of the Thai gem and jewelry industry, which is skilled craftsmen and jewelers. BGJF is one of the most important platforms for the campaign as thousands of leaders of the world's gem and jewelry trade travel to Bangkok twice a year to attend the fair. Additionally, the BGJF had been acknowledged as ranking among the top five trade fairs of its kind in the world alongside gems and jewelry trade shows in Italy, Tucson and Hong Kong.

Khun Vichai Assarasakorn, President of TGJTA, stated that global economic indicators point to a very optimistic outlook for the Thai gems and jewelry industry in 2011, especially in new economic powerhouses in Asia.

"Economic statistics by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that the global economic climate has improved significantly compared to previous years," Khun Vichai stated, "especially economic growth figures in China and India, which still enjoy growth rate around nine percent. We project a modest growth would be at least 10%."

Khun Somchai Phornchindarak, CEO of the BGJF and Vice President of the TGJTA, stated that the BGJF has been one of the most important stages that have propelled the growth of Thai gems and jewelry exports to the world. And the BGJF47 is a grand showcase for Thailand to emerge as a trendsetter in world gems and jewelry fashion.

"The core strength of the Thai gems and jewelry industry has always been the expert skills of Thai gemstones and jewelry craftsmen," Khun Somchai said. "The BGJF is the biggest stage for the Thai gems and jewelry industry to show to the world the newest gems and jewelry products to the very top gems and jewelry leaders of the world."

Khun Somchai also outlined the special activities to portray Thailand as the gems and jewelry hub of the world with special focus made on future trends of world fashion jewelry, Business Matching facilities, seminars, regulations and tariff reduction for raw gems import into Thailand:

"The special project by the TGJTA is the Gem and Jewelry Trend 2012 exhibit that display results from special workshops by Thai jewelry designers of future-forward jewelry designs. Furthermore, there will be academic seminars on various aspects of the global gems and jewelry trade as well as the Business Matching service that connects the right buyers with the right resources in Thailand.

"Furthermore, we have prepared very special facilities and amenities to ensure that international buyers would be most comfortable and receive the best convenience at the fair with special Exclusive Lounges.

"Although top TGJTA executives project that the outcome of the BGJF47 would be mostly positive, they also allay concerns regarding potential Thai political unrest that may erupt during the fair."

The Thai gems and jewelry industry last year generated more than US$10 billion for the Thai economy. The industry is regarded as being the third largest foreign income earner for the country. The BGJF is regarded as the top five gems and jewelry fair in the world today and is Asia's largest pillar-free gems and jewelry exhibition.  

The 47th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair will be held from February 25 to March 1, 2011 at the Challenger Halls of IMPACT arena, Muang Thong Thani. Admission is Bt100 for the general public and admission is free for any gem and jewelry operators who will be asked to display their company identification and name card.

More information about BGJF47: http://www.bangkokgemsfair.com

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SOURCE Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair