Issue 35

The 56th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) looks set to cement Thailand’s position at the forefront of the region’s gem and jewelry trade.

To confirm its position as ASEAN’s capital of gems and jewelry, Thailand will host the 56th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) under the theme Thailand The AEC Gems and Jewelry Capital from September 10 to 15 at the IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

Expected to attract over 30,000 visitors from 125 countries, the 56th BGJF will feature 2,313 booths and 802 exhibitors – 688 local and 144 overseas. Visitors will find the most comprehensive selection of gems and jewelry, raw materials and machinery gathered all in one place.

The fair is also a great chance for both buyers and visitors to join the fun and bid for gems and jewelry at the world-class auction, a first time event at BGJF. In addition, foreign exhibitors will be allowed to bring in and sell gems and jewelry from other countries duty-free, while local exhibitors can reduce their selling price due to the lower cost of imported parts and products. Thus, both local and foreign buyers can take advantage of the 20% savings, giving them additional purchasing power.

Another tax-free initiative at BGJF is the Zero VAT Pavilion, where buyers are exempted from the 7% value-added tax imposed on rough gems and raw materials imported into Thailand for manufacturing.

Additional highlights of the event include the design pavilion, gems and jewelry outlets, Ploi Thai jewelry creation, online sourcing projects and business matching.

Somchai Phornchindarak, president of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) and chair of the Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand, has praised the efforts of the government. “It has been working closely with related agencies to promote exports as well as developing overseas markets via trade fairs, road shows and exceptional exhibitions,” he said.

Phornchindarak added that the strength of the industry is built on many factors, including excellent designs, reputed quality, premier craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology and the best possible support services.

Suttipong Damrongsakul, CEO of the BGJF Organising Committee, said the fair would drive Thailand to become the “golden gateway to the gems and jewelry industry of ASEAN, a region burgeoning with a 600-million population.”

For more information, visit: www.bangkokgemsfair.com , http://www.thaigemjewelry.or.th , www.ditp.go.th

Words by: Manisa Phromsiripranee