Bangkok: Thai government agencies and Presidents from gems and jewelry associations across ASEAN joined the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) to promote the inaugural Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair, which will be held from June 15 to 18, 2017 at IMPACT Challenger 2, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.
Welcoming all the supporting country-heads and trade associations, Mr. Suttipong Damrongsakul, President of the TGJTA said, ““Today we are honoured to welcome our friends from China, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar and Italy who are showing their support for the Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair 2017. We hope to strengthen this fruitful relationship between our associations and members, and to see further cooperation among our industry and our countries in the near future. I believe that together we can make ASEAN+6 a strong base for jewelry manufacturing and trading.”
The gems and jewelry industry in Thailand employs over a million people, with exports amounting to US$14.25 billion in 2016, up a staggering 29.6% on the preceding year. The mid-year fair is expected to stimulate gems and jewelry trading both for domestic and export markets.
“The fair will be a great opportunity for gemstone traders in Thailand to meet overseas buyers. Our partners in Chinese associations from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangdong, Chengdu, and Tianjin will all be seeking coloured stones from Thai producers at the Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair,” said Mr Suttipong. “We also expect to see buyers from Europe and the US who will be looking for quality raw materials and finished products in various styles at the fair.”
Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, announced at ITB Berlin 2017, the world’s largest travel trade show, in March 2017 that the ministry will highlight Thailand as a jewelry shopping destination.
"The Thai Cabinet has approved the project to promote Thailand as the world's hub for gems and jewelry, therefore the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is determined to promote Thailand as the gems and jewelry shopping destination for overseas tourists,” said Ms Kobkarn.
“We have several jewelry streets that are already well-known, such as the Gems Street on Mahesak Road, the Gold Street on Yaowarat Road, and the Silver Street on Charoenkrung Road,” she added.
To support this initiative, the Thailand Gems & Jewelry Fair 2017 will feature the “4 Districts of Gems and Jewelry” Zone to showcase the landmarks in Bangkok which are the sources of different types of jewelry from Mahesak Road, Yaowarat Road, Charoenkrung Road, Khaosan Road, Silom and Surawongse Road, and Baan Mor Area.
Tax Incentives for Buyers & Sellers:
In its continued support of both Thai and overseas gems and jewelry companies, the Thai government has granted tax incentives to facilitate trading. Exhibitors and buyers can enjoy zero import duty on all jewelry and zero VAT (Value-Added Tax) for rough stones.
The Fair for Networking and Innovation:
The prestigious fair will also feature an Innovation Pavilion showcasing new industry trends and innovations, and highlighting Thailand’s strength as a world-class hub for gems and jewelry. Other activities such as seminars and workshops by expert keynote speakers will provide a rare platform for networking across the industry. Fair organizers will provide services such as a free shuttle bus service to and from Bangkok’s major hotels, exclusive VIP areas with snacks and beverages, and free internet access. Moreover, the Cash & Carry Zone will simplify doing business for both exhibitors and buyers.
