The 56th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) began with the concept of “Thailand: The AEC Gems & Jewelry Capital.” The 56th BGJF ran September 10-14, 2015 at the Challenger Halls, Muang Thong Thani and aimed to promote Thailand as the world’s gems and jewellery hub.
The 56th BGJF, organized by The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT) and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), with the cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce and the Department of International Trade Promotion, continues to assemble key manufacturers in the world’s gems and jewellery industry.
Mr Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The GJPCT and the TGJTA led the executive members of the BGJF organizing committee consisting Mr Suttipong Damrongsakul, the CEO of the 56th BGJF, Mrs. Apiradi Tantraporn, Minister of Commerce, and Mrs Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion to officially welcome all participants, governmental representatives and the private sector to celebrate the long success of the fair.
Being one of the world’s leading gems and jewellery events over three decades, the BGJF prides itself on being a successful networking platform of thousands of the gems and jewellery industry’s elite buyers, retailers and manufacturers. The fair offers all visitors a great business opportunity with a promising atmosphere to make Thailand the capital of gems and jewellery for the upcoming AEC market and the world.
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- Beauty Gems
H.E. General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister of Thailand stated in his speech for the 56th BGJF grand opening ceremony that he expected to see the expansion of Thailand’s gems and jewellery industry from high-end markets to affordable jewellery products for middle-class customers. He was also willing to support experts and skilled craftsmen working in the jewellery industry, and encourage Asean member countries to unit for equal benefits, Zero VAT and Duty Free policies. Thus the country’s gems and jewellery manufacturers will be able to compete with other countries and put Thailand into the position of “The World’s Gems and Jewelry Hub.”
With last year’s export revenues of gems and jewellery more than 340 billion baht and ranking third among the nation’s exports, the Prime Minister wishes to promote the industry in order to stimulate the economy. He suggested that Thailand needs product diversification in order to find new groups of customers. The Prime Minister points out that there should be products for every class of people, decreasing the gap between each group. And in the AEC (Asean Economic Community), there will be more than 600 million people who can be a big target group for the industry. “If we can find raw materials for the industry, skilled labour and business connections, I believe the Thai gems and jewellery industry can go much further in the global market,” he said.
The premier also appreciated “the fine creation of Thai gems and jewellery products as we merge the inherited skills from our ancestors in enhancement and cut. The designs of Thai goods are magnificent as well.”
Apart from developing craftsmanship and creating an effective system for manual labour in the industry, the government also sees the need to promote everything that helps facilitate the business ranging from the infrastructure to tourism. Although the government has always supported the gems and jewellery industry, it is the private sector that mainly drives the industry. But from now on the government will come in full support.
During the launch of the 56th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, Mr Somchai Phornchindarak, President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) and Chairman of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT) and Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair’s CEO Mr Suttipong Damrongsakul, along with the TGJTA board of directors, led participants to pay tribute to H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the auspicious occasion of her 5th cycle, or 60th birthday, at the Design Pavilion, before opening the exhibition. Accompanying the ceremony was a Thai traditional dance performed on stage for the guests.
The Gems, Jewelry and Luxury Goods Auction Gemopolis Industrial Estate, in support of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT), and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders association (TGJTA) was definitely a key highlight of the 56th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair. The auction’s open bid took place at the Design Pavilion featuring numerous bidders gathered to buy precious items at good prices. The event was chaired by Mr Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The GJPCT and TGJTA who delivered a speech regarding the purpose of this auction, along with TGJTA’s board of directors.
This new activity of a gems and jewellery auction for SMEs attracted more visitors to the fair, especially those who are interested in bidding for luxury items, and generate greater cash flow. On the other hand, the visitors also have an opportunity to get high quality or hard-to-find luxury products from the opening bidding.
Of those 120 items auctioned in the event, highlights was LOT GM-RB017: a set of 17 unmounted oval-shaped Mozambique ruby with AIGS certificate (no indication of thermal treatment) total weight 24.25. They were sold at US$60,000. Meanwhile, LOT AJ-R008: an oval-shaped Burmese blue sapphire weighing approximately 15.10 cts. within a brilliant-cut diamond surround, mounted in 18K white gold 15.75 gm with AIGS certificate (no indication of thermal treatment) sold at US$467,200.
The Gemopolis Auction now becomes the avenue for sourcing rare items and raw materials such as rough gemstones or some exquisite designer jewellery pieces for Thailand’s exhibitors at the BGJF n the future.
Regarding this Mr Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT), and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) expressed his delight on the success.
“It is the first international auction at the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair. Then, it will be a regular event with more and more products. The auction is very successful. We have seen bidders from Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and those from the West.”
Despite the slowdown of the global economy, the BGJF still has received excellent feedback from the visitors, exhibitors and buyers from around the world as the centre of fine quality gemstones and jewel products, exquisite jewellery designs, and a platform of potential business opportunities between regional Asean and global markets.
