AWDC and HRD Antwerp at The International Jewellery & Diamond Conference 2020 - Guangzhou

The International Jewellery & Diamond Conference 2020 – Guangzhou was jointly organized by Guangzhou Diamond Exchange and Guangdong Gems & Jade Exchange under the guidance of Panyu District People’s Government, Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China, China Gold Association, and Guangdong Exchange Holding Group, with support from Shanghai Diamond Exchange and Jewellery Industry Alliance of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on October 29, 2020. The central theme of the conference was ‘Keep Up With The Digital Age.’

Connecting participants across the globe through video conferencing and live streaming, the conference was held online and offline simultaneously. Global industry members participated from Belgium, Brazil, China, Colombia, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and other countries. The conference was viewed online by over 10,000 industry professionals.

Guests from Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau, People’s Government of Panyu District, Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China and Guangdong Exchange Holding Group delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. The Diamond Industry of Belgium was represented by Mr Ari Epstein, CEO – Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and Ms Ellen Joncheere, CEO – HRD Antwerp.

Mr Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), in his video speech, emphasized about China and Belgium being partners in the diamond industry chain. He also mentioned about AWDC encouraging Belgian diamond dealers to discuss how to keep up with the digital age and foster bilateral cooperation in diamond trading with their Chinese counterparts.

Ms Ellen Joncheere, CEO – HRD Antwerp, in her opening ceremony video speech, stated about the importance of adapting to the changing trends with the start of the new digital age. She emphasized on the new-age consumers and about the creation of a different business path via digital platforms.  She reiterated about offering apt education courses for those venturing into the digital world.

The conference concluded with a strong message to the industry about how it is imperative to perform digital reform in the jewellery and diamond industry. The mode of video conferencing and live streaming is the new path forward. The industry needs to embrace digital transformation through sharing digital content and online sales campaigns, fostering crossover and international cooperation in the context of the digital transformation of the industry!