The 58th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) marks a new chapter in the show’s history by featuring fresh initiatives, stronger visitor promotion efforts and a larger international component, according to show organiser, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand.
At a June 28 presentation to members of the Hong Kong jewellery and gem industry, Witt Maneenetr, trade commissioner and consul, Thai Trade Centre in Hong Kong, said the show aimed to establish Thailand as the world’s gem and jewellery destination.
“We also want to use the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair to position Thailand as a hub for the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region and serve as a platform for those wishing to trade with ASEAN markets. After China, ASEAN is one of the most promising markets in the jewellery and gemstone industry,” he added.
The 58th BGJF takes place from September 7 to 11 at the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The DITP is organising the BGJF directly for the first time and has appointed MODE Image CO Ltd as show manager. In the past, the show was organised by the Thai Gems & Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA).
In a statement, Maneenetr thanked the TGJTA for its service over the years and said, “Due to the world’s economic situation and tough competition in the international jewellery industry, all jewellery fair organisers must exert effort to upgrade their shows to become significant platforms. The DITP aims to upgrade the Bangkok Fair to fulfill our ultimate goals and maintain our competitiveness. We have thus decided to retrieve ownership of BGJF. This shall allow jewellery-related associations to focus and offer their help to the local jewellery sector of Thailand.”
“This is certainly a difficult decision. Yet, for the sake of the entire Thai jewellery industry and the BGJF itself, we shall manage the show directly under the Royal Thai Government and target to have BGJF as one of the most significant jewellery events in the future,” he continued, adding that the DITP welcomed all associations and industry stakeholders in Thailand to join forces in ensuring Thailand’s continued competitiveness in the market.
The 58th BGJF will feature around 2,500 exhibitors from Thailand and other parts of the world, said Maneenetr. The DITP has appointed sales agents in various markets to build the international component of the show. The Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association, for instance, has been named the sole sales agent for the Hong Kong market. Thailand will waive import duties on goods brought in for the Bangkok Fair. This zero-tax period lasts from 15 days before to 15 days after the show, Maneenetr added.
According to Tepparat Songkraw, MODE Image’s executive director, the show has invested in building a database of some 100,000 new buyers and is engaging in extensive visitor promotion activities and roadshows to ensure robust traffic at the upcoming show. The 58th BGJF is thus expected to attract some 30,000 visitors from 120 countries. For the first time, business-matching services will be provided for both Thailand-based and international exhibitors, Songkraw said.
Aside from international pavilions and product category zones, the 58th BGJF will feature four special showcases: Men’s Jewelry Zone, Special Occasions Zone, Personal Spiritual Zone and Pet Zone. The latter will be an animal lover’s dream, highlighting matching jewellery for pets and their owners as well as pet-inspired designs and jewellery pieces, explained Songkraw.