Issue 61

The DITP is readying for another edition of the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair that is set to reinforce Thailand’s position as the hub of gems and jewelry for the ASEAN region.

The gems and jewelry industry is growing stronger year-on-year, ranking third in the country in terms of export value, generating 435 billion baht (US$12.3 billion) worth of exports from January to October 2016, which represents a 36.2% increase compared with the same period in 2015.

With the government’s twin aim to establish Thailand as the gems and jewelry manufacturing and trading centre of the world and for the fair to become one of the world’s three biggest gems and jewelry fair by 2018, the DITP is focused on promoting Thai jewelry brands, both big and small.

Held in February, the 59th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) will offer new opportunities for medium and small enterprises in the gems and jewelry business to expand their sales at the fair while connecting with buyers and sellers in Thailand and overseas.

“The Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair is a great chance for buyers from around the world to purchase good quality raw materials, gems and jewelry from leading producers and create wider networks with new business partners,” said DITP Director-General Malee Choklumlerd. “We also aim for Thailand to become a trendsetter for the gems and jewelry industry in ASEAN and Asia, as well as to encourage more recognition for Thai jewelry brands on world markets.”

To promote the industry’s growth, the Thai government is providing tax benefits such as permanent VAT exemptions for unpolished diamonds and gemstones, and lowering import taxes for machinery and equipment used for the manufacturing of jewelry.

The fair’s highlights will include zones for up-and-coming Thai jewelry brands as well as a concept showcase for potential markets such as: the 50+Exhibition featuring jewelry for the elderly, Gemstlemen jewelry for men, Pet Parade jewelry for pet lovers, the Moments exhibition that will feature jewelry for special occasions, Culture Club for arts and crafts jewelry, and Spiritual Power for jewelry that corresponds to spiritual beliefs.

The DITP will also ensure that security at the fair is tight by engaging the Royal Thai Police and the Royal Thai Army as well as installing CCTV cameras and other security systems at the venue.
The 58th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair held in September 2016 received a large number of overseas visitors, particularly those from India, China, Myanmar, the US and Iran. Overall sales generated at the fair totalled US$476.85 million (16.69 billion baht). The most popular products were diamonds, silver jewelry, gold jewelry, precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones.

The 59th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair will take place from February 22 to 26, 2017 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, covering an area of 58,000sqm, it will feature 2,500 booths from Thai and overseas exhibitors.

For more information, visit www.bkkgems.com
Words by Pimsirinuch Borsub