Protest over HKK show

The organisers of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair in 2009, are facing a protest from Hong Kong’s jewellery industry, as it introduced reforms in the venue.

Alliance of Concern Hong Kong Jewellery Exhibition Prospect along with over 150 people from the industry, organised a demonstration at the office of the organizer expressing objection to the relocation of the AsiaWorld-Expo in 2009. The industry is irate at the fact that it was not consulted before such a decision was taken, despite a number of exhibitors being old time exhibitors, since the inception of the show 20 years ago. The decision to relocate will affect over thousand exhibitors.

The Alliance opines that the new arrangement will not benefit the industry, as the exhibitors are not only selling their products by are also direct buyers of gemstones, pearl and diamonds at the venue. A relocation of the gemstone, pearl and diamond exhibitors will pose a difficulty for the jewellery exhibitors to approach them. As of now, many manufacturers provide one chain supply service that allows buyers to choose the diamonds, gemstones and pearls of their choice and immediately place design orders. This process would be hindered with two separate venues. Also, the organizers has made it mandatory for exhibitors of finished jewellery and semi-finished products, to rent booths in two venues, which would put a strain on their man power, capital and inventory. Although the organsiers intend to introduce reforms and build the HK Show into an event that brings the Hong Kong jewellery industry on an international platform, the industry thinks the intent is not culminating into profitable solutions.