The Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair 2000, held Sept. 20-24, recorded a 21% increase in Asia-Pacific buyers and saw sales exceeding US$300 million. Post-fair orders were estimated at around US$685 million.

The fair registered a total of 30,665 visitors from 129 countries and regions. The 21% increase in visitors from the Asia-Pacific region was an indication that the region’s economy is recovering and that demand for jewelry in the region is on the rise. Visitors from the Chinese mainland increased 30%. Other countries with significant increases were India (up 63%), Indonesia (50%), Korea (37%), Taiwan (30%), and Thailand (63%).

The fair attracted 1,774 exhibitors from 47 countries and regions. There was an increase of 13% in the net exhibition space, which spanned more than 26,000 square meters. One special feature of the show was the parade of finalists’ pieces from the Tahitian Pearl Trophy Design competition.

The midyear Hong Kong Jewellery and Watch Fair 2001 will be held June 20-23, 2001. The fall event will take place Sept. 21-25, 2001.