Vol.1 2004

Basel World Preview Hong Kong Returns To Basel

Basel World Preview

Hong Kong Returns To Basel

TDC deputy executive director Frederick Lam (seated right) and MCH Basel Exhibition Ltd chairman René Kamm sign the new six-year agreement confirming Hong Kong's participation at BaselWorld

BaselWorld 2004 marks Hong Kong's watch and jewellery industry's triumphant return to the annual event. The reappearance also reflects Hong Kong's indomitable entrepreneurial spirit, which has always turned adversity to its advantage.

A controversial decree last year by Swiss health authorities impeded Hong Kong's participation at the 2003 BaselWorld, requiring the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) to move quickly to limit the impact by striking a deal with BaselWorld organiser, MCH Basel Exhibition Ltd, to ensure Hong Kong's participation on a long-term basis.

To facilitate a more harmonious interaction between fair organisers and exhibitors from Hong Kong, TDC played a pivotal role in the signing of a "Hong Kong Returns to Basel" agreement. The six-year deal sees Hong Kong enjoying a prime exhibiting location in a brand new exhibition building - Hall 6, also called the Hall of Universe - alongside the existing BaselWorld venue and a short walk from Hall 1.

The 6,500-square-metre Hong Kong Pavilion boasts the local industry's largest display space at the annual event, as well as the largest international pavilion, and houses more than 300 watch and jewellery companies.

The pavilion, featuring a wide range of beautifully designed jewellery and timepieces, together with watch parts and packaging, promises to be a must-visit venue for buyers at BaselWorld 2004, which runs from April 15-22.

TDC deputy executive director Frederick Lam, who co-signed the "Hong Kong Returns to Basel" agreement with MCH chairman RenŽ Kamm, notes the "new partnership between TDC and BaselWorld secures Hong Kong's participation for years to come on far more favourable terms".

Kamm affirms that Hong Kong, one of the few territories whose presence has been expanding rapidly at the fair over the last two decades, has a special place at BaselWorld.

Hong Kong's strategic vision at the fair will be realised with the help of "one of the world's best designers [who] has developed the new hall and created the right ambience for Hong Kong and the international pavilions", according to Kamm.

He enthuses that Hong Kong is "not only an attraction for buyers, but has also set an excellent example for other countries in terms of the highest standard in presentation and design of its pavilion and stands".

The Hall of Universe is expected to be a focal point for buyers from more than 100 countries set to attend the fair. Immediately after the BaselWorld opening ceremony, the territory's pavilion will seek to wow visitors with special performances that revolve around the "Hong Kong Returns to Basel" theme.

Industry Leaders Buoyant

Hong Kong's jewellery industry sees the "Hong Kong Returns to Basel" agreement, between the TDC and BaselWorld organiser MCH Basel Exhibition Ltd, as a deal that will give a fillip to the sector's growth prospects.

Charles Chan, chairman of Continental Jewellery (Mfg) Ltd and a regular exhibitor at BaselWORLD feels Hall 6 is a good location, noting, "It is good to have watches and jewellery together as they complement each other."

Lawrence Ma, executive director of Ma Belle Jewellery Co Ltd, says, "The entire industry welcomes the agreement and the TDC's role in forging this remarkable deal which has turned a crisis into an opportunity. With the global economy improving, Hong Kong's exports have picked up too, especially since July last year. This has been reflected in jewellery exports as well."

For the industry, fairs like BaselWorld offer a unique platform to reach out to existing clients, while building up new networks worldwide. Ma feels that the arrangement brings "peace of mind" for at least the next six years. "It is very good for the industry's medium-term outlook," he says.

He concedes that while the new exhibition site is slightly removed from the main venues, "the arrangement is a fair one and the location is the best that we can hope for. The TDC can be expected to work towards ensuring a smooth and successful show."

The modern hall, which will feature state-of-the-art technology and design features, is "a good arrangement in terms of cost, too," he adds.

May Leung, operations manager of Aaron Shum Jewelry Ltd, which has been exhibiting at BaselWORLD for more than 10 years, says: "The new Hall 6 is good news for us. After the difficulties of last year, we expect more buyers to express interest in Hong Kong products this year. It is good exposure and not to be missed." She adds that the company is looking forward to meeting old and new customers at BaselWorld.

Over the years, Hong Kong's jewellery industry has built an excellent reputation worldwide for a wide range of quality products backed by the adaptability and reliability of its customer service. Despite adverse market conditions, the continuing strength of the sector was again amply demonstrated in the export of precious jewellery and metals, pearls and stones in the 11 months to November 2003 (the most recent period for which figures are available), which rose 17% year-on-year to US$2bn.

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