It will be business as usual for the upcoming 43rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, according to trade fair organizers.

The global financial crunch and Thailand’s political standoff have not deterred international trade members and frequent fair visitors from attending the event, scheduled, Feb. – March 1, 2009, organizers said.

More than 90 percent of the 1,300 expected exhibitors have confirmed their participation at BGJF, with remaining 3,500 booths in the 1-million-square-foot, column-free hall of the Challenger exhibition center are expected to be booked soon.

BGJF chief executive Somchai Phornchindarak said preparations are proceeding without a hitch, with expectations that the fair will continue to offer values to the business communities at the time when the market needs stimulation.

The fair will also feature the inauguration of Thailand International Jewelry Awards 2009, an international jewelry design contest held in conjunction with BGJF that will host fresh expressions in avant-garde, contemporary, and classical designs by talented and spirited designers.

“A good design has always effectively played a crucial part in enticing buyers in any economic condition, so we think TIJA will go a long way in enhancing the market, especially at this testing time,” Somchai said.

More than 1,400 entries from several countries, including Thailand, the U.K., Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong, India, and Singapore, have been received.

TIJA is also meant to boost Thailand’s stature as one of the world’s leading jewelry design centers as well as contributing to the development of Thailand’s burgeoning gems and jewelry industry.

More contest details are available at www.tija2009.com. Registration for the fair is at BGJF at www.bangkokgemsfair.com.

JCK