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Despite the ongoing political unrest in the Kingdom of Thailand and concerns about the looming economic slow down triggered by high oil prices and the US sub-prime mortgage meltdown, the 42nd Edition of the celebrated Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair (BGJF) was an unqualified success. The exhibition vindicated itself as a superbly choreographed, well-conducted bi-annual (twice yearly) exhibition series reinforced with exceedingly good 1100+ exhibitor-participants (from over 35 countries occupying over 3,000 booths) and excellent multi-national, visitor turnout numbering in the tens of thousands.
This extraordinary, ‘Business-as-usual’, five-day (11 to 15 September 2008) Exhibition, sponsored, supported and jointly organized by the Thai Gems & Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA) and the Thai Government’s Department of Export Promotion (DEP) took off flawlessly at the imposing and cavernous Impact Challenger Exhibition & Convention Centre, the 100,000 sq. m., one-floor exposition hall, on Thursday, 11 September 2008. The landmark, high-octane, festival-like event was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Chaiya Sasomsub, Minister of Commerce, to the accompaniment of the ‘Klongsabudchai’, a Thai traditional drum show and a pulsating fashion presentation entitled ‘The Universe of the Jewellery Star’. The ambience was clearly celebratory.
In his opening speech, HE The Commerce Minister noted with satisfaction that the burgeoning Thai gems and jewellery industry has performed well with a 30.0 % increase in the export value in H1-2008 to reach USD $ 3.668 billion, making it the country’s fourth largest export sector. Despite the odds and challenges, the Minister expected the industry to register a growth rate of at least 20.0 % this year.
Present to witness the colourful ceremony several very elite and distinguished high-power dignitaries and especially invited VIP cast that included Khun Somchai Phornchindarak, CEO, Organizing Committee—Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair; Khun Vichai Assarasakorn, President of the Thai Gems & Jewellery Traders Association (TGJTA), Mrs. Prapee Sorakraikitikul, First Vice President, TGJTA and Anthony Brooke, Deputy Director, TGJTA.
Other notable international attendees included Eli Izhakoff, Chairman & CEO of the World Diamond Council; Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri, President, CIBJO (World Jewellery Confederation) and Andrew Cody, President of the New York-headquartered International Colour Gemstone Association (ICA). Interestingly, a daughter of the President of Madagascar, off the coast of South East Africa is also reported to have attended the exhibition. Arabian Watches & Jewellery (AWJ) Magazine was part of the especially invited overseas media contingent, which was present alongside local, national and regional press. (Full report will be carried in the October—November 2008 Edition of Arabian Watches & Jewellery Magazine)
The dates have also been finalized for the next 43rd Edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewellery Fair. The event will be held at the same venue from Wednesday, 25 February to Sunday, 1 March 2009.