The International Colored Gemstone Association said the next ICA Congress will be held in Panyu, China, May 5-9, 2009.

ICA made the announcement at its annual dinner in BaselWorld 2008, which the organization said was its most successful with double the number of expected attendees.

The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Panyu Branch, sponsored the dinner and made a presentation to ICA members on business opportunities available in Panyu, one of the largest jewelry manufacturing and gemstone cutting centers in Guangzhou. CCPIT, along with the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China and the National Gemstone Testing Centre, are the main sponsors of the upcoming Congress in Panyu.

The delegation from China included Li Zhi-Wei, president of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Panyu Branch, Johnny Chan, chairman of Worldmart Jewelry & Gems Emporium (HK) Ltd, Mickey Weinstock, special jewelry advisor to the Panyu Government, and Keane Lau, secretary general of the Guangzhou Panyu Jewelry Association.

ICA president Andrew Cody highlighted the ICA Congress in Panyu and updated members on other ICA activities and projects.

“I believe we are entering a new era for colored gemstones, where in the next decade we should see color move from the support act to center stage” he said in his opening remarks. Cody also focused on the ICA International Gem Show Dubai, scheduled for Oct. 13 to 15, saying the response from ICA members and the trade has been great. 

“The potential in the Middle East market is huge,” he said, “and the tax and duty free status for loose stones granted especially for the show along with the Dubai government’s backing bring added confidence.”

JCK