AOJ E-NEWS: The Thailand Gems and Jewelry inaugural fair is going to happen in June and the dates for the same are 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th of June. The event was launched with fanfare and Suttipong Damrongsakul President of the TGJTA welcomed Wang Haijin, Executive Chairman of GD Coloured Gemstone & Jewelry Chamber of Commerce, China, Ouyang Yangjun, President of Guang Dong Institute of Diamond Jade & Jewelry, China, Peter Xie, President of Guang Dong Golden Jewelry and Jade Industry’s Association, China, Aung Kyaw Win, Vice Chairman, Gem & Jewelry Entrepreneurs Association (Yangon Region), Myanmar, Ermin Siow, President of the Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Association, Malaysia; and Mr Andrea Marcon, Chairman of Palakiss Business and Exhibitions and CEO of Jewelry Virtual Fair SRL, Italy, at the media launch showcasing their full support to the event.

“Today we are honoured to welcome our friends from China, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar and Italy who are showing their support for the Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair 2017. We hope to strengthen this fruitful relationship between our associations and members, and to see further cooperation among our industry and our countries in the near future. I believe that together we can make ASEAN+6 a strong base for jewelry manufacturing and trading,” said Suttipong.

The gems and jewelry industry in Thailand employs over one million people, with exports amounting to US$14.25 billion in 2016, up a staggering 29.6% on the preceding year. The mid-year fair is expected to stimulate gems and jewelry trading both for domestic and export markets.

“The fair will be a great opportunity for gemstone traders in Thailand to meet overseas buyers. Our partners in Chinese associations from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangdong, Chengdu, and Tianjin will all be seeking coloured stones from Thai producers at the Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair,” said Mr Suttipong. “We also expect to see buyers from Europe and the US who will be looking for quality raw materials and finished products in various styles at the fair.”

Meanwhile, the ministry of tourism of Thailand has decided to promote Bangkok as Jewelry shopping destination.

"The Thai Cabinet has approved the project to promote Thailand as the world's hub for gems and jewelry, therefore the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is determined to promote Thailand as the gems and jewelry shopping destination for overseas tourists,” said Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

“We have several jewelry streets that are already well-known, such as the Gems Street on Mahesak Road, the Gold Street on Yaowarat Road, and the Silver Street on Charoenkrung Road,” she added.