57th BGJF gives an impetus to Thailand as a jewellery hub

The 57th edition of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry cemented Thailand’s position as a jewelry hub while new proposals for 2017 aim to make the Kingdom the ruby capital of the world. It was held at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from February 24 to 28, 2016 with over 30,000 visitors and 2,600 exhibitors.

“I believe that the Thai gems and jewelry industry is on course to become a jewelry hub, not just in ASEAN but of the world within the next few years,” said Mr. Suttipong Damrongsakul, President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA). Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, President of the Thai Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation (GJPCT) of Thailand said, “Today, Thai gems and jewelry is accepted everywhere in the world due to its high-quality and skilled craftsmanship.” The industry experts took the opportunity of the 57th BGJF to launch the Ruby Symposium 2017, which will be held in the Thai capital in April next year.

“We aim to work with the government to hold the Ruby Symposium in Bangkok in 2017 to focus about commercial issues in the world ruby industry,” said Mr. Suttipong. “Keynote speakers will include shareholders worldwide, with over 400 participants joining the event.” Mr. Somchai further added that the Ruby Symposium would discuss ways to ‘establish a transparent and trustworthy supply chain on an international level.’

Mr. Suttipong said that, “Thailand is also a good place to do business in the region compared to Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Our business operation costs and expenses are much affordable for business people. Thailand could be a centre not only for ASEAN but can be ASEAN+6.”

BGJF in 2017 is slated to be held in January instead of February, in a move aimed at distancing itself from the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show. The September BGJF will also be brought forward to August. “This is to ensure that buyers would not need to hurry from our fair to other fairs in the region and that exhibitors will be able to participate at the fair,” said Mr. Suttipong.