ANTWERP AT THE SEPTEMBER HONG KONG JEWELLERY & GEM FAIR

The Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair in September is by far the largest show of its kind in Asia and beyond. With over 3.200 exhibitors from 45 countries, over 40.000 buyers from more than 140 countries and 120.000 square metres of exhibition space it's the biggest trade fair for the gem and jewellery industry in the world. It's definitely a must attend event for the Antwerp diamond companies and therefore AWDC traditionally sets up a large pavilion at the Hong Kong September Fair.

The Hong Kong Fair comprises two venues, the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre for "fine finished jewellery" and AsiaWorld-Expo, for diamonds, pearls and gemstones and equipment, where the AWDC pavilion is located in Hall 5.

As one of the largest group pavilions present, the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion this year again succeeded in reserving a prime location within the fair for the Antwerp diamond dealers. In the 2010 edition, no less than a stunning 84 Antwerp companies exhibit in the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion, contributing largely to what has become the biggest-ever Diamond Pavilion in the world of trade fairs.

Not only the high amount of exhibitors will make Antwerp stand out on this year's edition. In the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion, AWDC set up a cosy Lounge where exhibitors and visitors can talk business or more likely, relax and enjoy a genuine Belgian beer and delicious Belgian chocolates. Visitors that check in with at least 6 Antwerp exhibitors in the pavilion receive an exclusive and genuine box of Belgian chocolates. The Lounge also hosts an internet café and will be the stage for various daily activities and events.

AWDC is proud to be an official sponsor of the Opening Reception at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 14th, marking the start of what promises to be another successful business opportunity to link up with the fastest growing diamond and jewellery market in the world; Asia. To underline the importance of the Antwerp-Asian partnership, AWDC's CEO, Mr Freddy J. Hanard will be one of the guests during a special press conference on September 16th, organised by UBM in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The Antwerp diamond centre is the world's largest hub for trade in diamonds, both rough and polished. In 2009 the trade in rough and polished diamonds amounted to $30.3 billion. Belgium exported 7.28 million carats of polished gems, and 96.5 million carats of rough goods. Antwerp is the diamond industry's primary business centre, serving as the headquarters for about 1,500 diamond firms, which is the largest concentration of companies in the industry. They include rough diamond producers, rough dealers, manufacturers, and polished diamond wholesalers. Antwerp also the world diamond industry's leading service provider, and is home to the industry's leading financial institutions, insurance companies, security, shipping and logistics providers, gem labs, technology companies, professional equipment suppliers, business advisors and management consultants.

Organising the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair is the Marketing Department of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), which is the coordinating body and the official representative of the Antwerp diamond sector. The AWDC Marketing Department is charged with strengthening the image of Antwerp as the world diamond centre, and promoting collectively the interests of diamond, gemstone and jewellery companies based in the Belgian city.