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The 54th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) was officially launched under the theme “Power of Free Trade That Connects the World with Free Tax.” The event was applauded warmly by leaders of the region’s gems and jewellery industry from all 10 Asean nations plus 6 important trade partner countries, namely India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA) again collaborated with thousands of international jewellers and powerful buyers to further strengthen Thailand’s leading position as the Asean’s hub of gems and jewellery.
The 54th BGJF was a 5-day event that ran until Saturday September 13th 2014 at the Impact Challenger Exhibition Hall in Muang Thong Thani. This much anticipated trade fair also hosted the 3rd ASEAN Gems and Jewelry Presidents’ Summit.
Ms. Chutima Bunyaprapha-sara, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce presided over the 54th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair grand opening ceremony. She was accompanied by Mr. Vuthichai Duangratana, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), and top executives of ministries and other government agencies.
During the opening ceremony, Ms. Chutima firmly announced on stage that Thailand’s gems and jewellery industry is one of the nation’s most successful industries. The favourable factors which make Thailand a desirable destination for high quality gems and jewellery products are the high quality of the products themselves, neat craftsmanship, and the credible partnership that Thailand has offered to the world.
She added, “The Royal Thai Government has in place a number of policies and plans to promote the gems and jewellery industry from Thailand and retain our status as the “World’s Gems and Jewellery Hub.” And of course, the bi-annual BGJF event is one key strategy that always works wonders in demonstrating the outstanding capabilities of Thailand as one of the world’s major gems and jewellery fairs.”
The Gems Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT), and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association under the leadership of Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, are confident the 54th BGJF illustrates Thailand’s strong image as the region’s leading provider of internationally-recognized gems and jewellery products. At the same time, the Fair promotes the country as the grand arena of world significance for this industry.
The 54th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, with the theme, “Power of Free Trade, Connect the World with Free Tax,” was launched with a strong message. It proclaims Thailand’s unique position as a hub of Free Trade and as a gateway into regional gems and jewellery trade ahead of the AEC. The fair welcomed delegates from the 10 Asean gems and jewellery industries and representatives from 6 important trade partners, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
In close cooperation with the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, the Royal Thai Government continuously exerts efforts to facilitate greater trade opportunities for Thailand’s gems and jewellery industry, according to Ms. Chutima. She also stated that this effort is done in conjunction with eradicating existing obstacles to trade.
“On top of that, the Government gives duty free privilege for traders in this fair as the theme suggests: ‘Power of Free Trade, Connect the World with Free Tax.’ Gems and jewellery products traded here will be exempted from 20% import duties. This is yet another proof of the government’s commitment to increasing the competitive edge of the gems sector, which then contributes to the development of the industry as a whole,” Ms. Chutima said.
According to the permanent secretary, the gems and jewellery industry is one of Thailand’s most successful industries. From January to July 2014, it saw a growth of more than 19% from last year, generating in excess of US$6 billion. Definitely, this is due to the high quality products, the neat craftsmanship, and the credible partnership Thailand has to offer. The remarkable growth of Thai gemstones and jewellery demonstrates the intricate quality and beauty that reflect the rich artistic heritage of the Thai Kingdom.
The BGJF aims to promote the Kingdom as perfect platform to connect the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) to the world. The BJGF features a comprehensive array of precious products from thousands of leading exhibitors in gems and jewellery lines for the upcoming Asean Economic Community, or AEC, in 2015. “The 54th BGJF will illustrate Thailand’s strong image as the region’s leading provider of internationally-recognized gems and jewellery,” the permanent secretary concluded.
Foe the much-anticipated integration of the region under the Asean Economic Community is close at hand. To prepare the region’s gems and jewellery industries for the immense opportunities that will follow, Thailand hosted the 3rd ASEAN Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit meeting. This assembly of the region’s most powerful industry players and beyond aims to build cooperation and further develop trade within the region.
Participants were highly impressed by the remarkable display of jewellery pieces, which reflected the spotlights on one of the longest catwalks Bangkok had ever seen. The day concluded with the AEC Gala Dinner and Elite Model Look Contest final in the Royal Jubilee Ballroom.
Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metals Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, took part in the event with Mrs. Duangkamol Jiambutr, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce. The atmosphere was one of genuine friendship and cooperation. In honour of the 3rd ASEAN Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit meeting, Elite Model organized the final round of the Elite Model Look 2014 in conjunction with the AEC Welcome Dinner. The event was co-organized by the Elite Model Management, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, BEC-Tero, True Visions, The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.
The Fashion Show in the Design Pavilion at the 54th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair displayed the diversity and uniqueness of all the Asean countries by embellishing individual countries’ traditional costumers adorned with jewellery from the designers of The Colorful Ploi Thai Jewelry competition.
The best designs of the 2014 Colorful Ploi Thai Jewelry Creation were awarded by the President of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metals Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak. The winners included the ‘Moon MuayPhom’ by Beauty Gems Factory, which was inspired by the floral hair pieces on Burmese women, exemplifying feminine beauty and grace. The ‘Thailand Centre of AEC,’ by Dhevan Dara, connected all the aspects of Asean in one elegant piece with detailed designs representing all aspects of the Thai culture, economic and social life. The ‘Malai’ design, by Gem Production Co Ltd, exemplifies the welcoming spirit of Thai people to all Asean guests in the upcoming Asean Economic Community.
The Design Pavilion displayed not only the best designs and honourable awards of The Colorful Ploi Thai Jewelry competition, but featured the trending colours forecast for the fall and winter seasons of the year 2015/2016. The colours represent the return to nature. They also address the world, which is a constant source of colour inspirations despite today’s unlimited technology and innovation. It reminds us that we are earth-dependent, and the warmth and natural tone will be eternal.
Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The Gems Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, presided over the grand opening of the Jewel Alliance Exhibition. This special exhibit was put together by the Alliance’s members, and featured diverse products ranging from gems to silver and gold jewellery. It was the first appearance at the Fair by the Alliance and the exhibition comprised 10 booths.
Mr. Suttipong Damrongsakul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the 54th Bangkok Gem & Jewelry Fair, presided over the launch of exhibits by students of the Srinakharinwirot University. Assistant Professor Dr. Kageeporn Wongpreedee of the university and Mr. Pornsit Sriorathaikul, Honorary Advisor to the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, took part in ribbon-cutting ceremony. The exhibit was put together by Srinakharinwirot University’s fourth year students, who embraced the artistic form of “Mokume” to create wood-like patterns on various types of metal jewellery. The exhibit was inspired by the theme “Time of Nature, Colours of Season, the World Never Stop Spinning.”
The 3rd Asean + 6 Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit was a high point of the Fair. The outcome was highly successful as all regional leaders and the high level representatives from governments and the private sector further understood challenges facing each country respectively, and as a regional trading block. All parties came closer to forming working relationships and agreed to continue the Asean Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ platform into the future.
Organized by The Gems Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand, and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, and supported by the Department of International Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce, the 3rd summit meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, and Mr. Suttipong Damrongsakul, Chief Executive Officer of Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 3rd ASEAN + 6 Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit. Present as honorary observer was Mrs. Duangkamol Jiambutr, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion.
The meeting agreed to the set up the Asean Gems & Jewelry Promotional Committee, which comprises Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Shanghai from China, India, Japan, South Korea and Thailand. The DITP agreed to support this measure. Thailand was elected as the Chair of the Committee with Malaysia and Philippines as 1st and 2nd Secretaries respectively.
The 3rd ASEAN Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit is the official convergence of the region’s gems and jewellery industry as well as trade partners China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. It will prepare the industry for the upcoming Asean Economic Community that will take place next year, connecting Asean into a single region with more than 600 million people.
During the summit meeting, all leaders exchanged ideas on how to push forward the industry to prepare for the Asean Economic Community. The Summit deliberated on issues including recent developments in gems and jewellery in each country, benefits of regional standards, and greater engagement by all participating countries. The meeting agreed to set up the AEC Gems and Jewelry Website to provide information on the industry and to foster cooperation amongst member countries.
Dr. Kitcharat Hirunyasiri, Director of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand, explained that at the moment, gems, jewellery and gold in each of the Asean + 6 countries are traded using different standards, resulting in unnecessary expenses and procedures when exporting to external markets. Having common standards for gems, jewellery and gold in the region would not only reduce bottlenecks when dealing with important markets, such as the European Union, but would also improve confidence in the products from the Asean + 6 area. He suggested that the group start with the hallmarking for gold.
Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, President of The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, proposed that since Thailand had been hosting the first three summits, in order to increase engagement, other countries should take turns to host summits in the future.
The meeting commended Thailand for successfully hosting the first three summits and agreed to entrust Thailand to host the 4th summit in 2015. Myanmar agreed to host the 5th Summit, followed by Philippines and Cambodia for the 6th and the 7th summits respectively.
The 54th BGJF was celebrated in style at the Thank You Party that is a long-standing tradition at the BGJF on the second day of every fair. The evening was special because it marked the “Pleasurable Thanks” by Mrs. Duangkamol Jiambutr, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Trade. “On behalf of the government, I would like to express the sincere thanks for the TGJTA significant contributions toward the success of the 54th BGJF. All attention to detail, organization and planning were truly commendable. Every aspect from the good cooperation between the Government, TGJTA and the GJPCT; all were top notch. I also would like to give congratulations for this best event ever,” Ms. Duangkamol said.
Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, the President of The Gems Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association also thanked the many distinguished representatives from the Thai Government and reassured Thai and international traders that he will galvanize BGJF into the perspective of the world. “Again, thank you very much all related partners who share the success of the fair. Every success of BGJF is backed by our distinguished partners who have combined their creativity, diligence, and passion to support Thailand’s position as the “World’s Gems and the Jewelry Hub” and the largest manufacturing centre for such products in the world,” President Somchai stated.
The BGJF app is a totally innovative tool that allows visitors to search, browse and locate exhibitors via products, brands and category on the interactive floor plan, and experience the new Business Matching System via the mobile application and catch up the latest news and promotions at the BGJF on their mobile devices.
The Duty Free Privilege during the BGJF is applicable to all gems and jewellery items that are components for finished products imported and displayed during the fair. This Duty Free Privilege is the strategy to benefit buyers and traders during fair and helps the BGJF to continue being one of the leading gems and jewellery trade fairs in the world.
The BGJF covers more than 100,000 sq m. of pillar-free space in the Impact Challenger Hall 1-3 with full facilities and convenient transportation. The BGJF features more than 3500 booths in 8 categories namely; gemstones, diamonds, silver jewellery, gold jewellery, pearls, equipment and machinery, fashion jewellery and rough stones. Of those, there are exhibitors from 32 countries.
The Design Pavilion is a signature highlight of the BGJF. Visitors can have a glimpse of future gems and jewellery designs by Thai and international designers, and view sensational fashion shows. At the 54th BGJF, the Design Pavilion addressed the new theme Ploi Thai Jewelry Creation The Spirit of Asean 2015 promoting Thai jewellery creation with Asean characteristics to the world. Also, the pavilion officially launched Thailand: Young Designers Award 2016, inviting promising students to present their ideas. Visitors to the pavilion were able to enjoy the glittering masterpieces from promising Thai designers who will rock the global industry with their skills.
Spearheaded by The Gem Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association President Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, the Zero VAT scheme provides great assistance for Thai and international gems and jewellery traders by reducing tax burdens to acquire high-quality raw materials for manufacturing in Thailand.
The Thai government’s Zero VAT initiative exempts the 7% Value Added Tax for all imports of rough gemstones and raw materials into Thailand for manufacturing. This government policy strengthens Thailand’s position as the ‘World’s Gems and Jewelry Hub’ and increases Thailand’s attractiveness as the world’s largest gems and jewellery manufacturing base. This special incentive is enthusiastically promoted by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, the Department of International Trade Promotion and the Thai Revenue Department for all traders to import rough uncut gemstones for manufacturing in Thailand, on which only 1% tax would be paid when the finished product is sold within the Kingdom.
Under the leadership of Mr. Somchai, the Thai gems and jewellery industry has won several successful Concession against rigid bureaucratic regulations that pose barriers to trade. He has been able to convince the Thai government to issue policies that better aid the industry, such as the Zero VAT policy. The latest success was to convince the Customs Department to waive import duties for gems and jewellery products for the duration of the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair with a 15-day grace period prior and after the fair. According to the new measure, all BGJF shows can enjoy Duty Free Zone status. The president said that all products under umbrella of the BGJF will receive exemption of duty.
The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, working in collaboration with the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), jointly organized the seminar “Ruby & Sapphire: GIT’s Threshold (Understanding the Quality Standards for Certification of Rubies & Sapphire)” during the 54th BGJF.
GIT Director Ms. Pornsawat Wattanakul introduced Assistant Professor Dr. Pongchan Chandayot, from the Asian University. Dr. Pongchan worked closely with GIT in research projects focusing on ruby and sapphire quality standards. She delivered extensive knowledge on “no-limit” development and success in this field. The seminar outlined ruby and sapphire, the coloured stone grading project of GIT, plus criteria of grading, clarity and cutting.
Mr. Kasem Nitasnajarukul, the TGJTA secretary-general, introduced “Thailand’s Gems and Jewelry Guide Book 2014,” a significant guide that is an important milestone for the overall Thai gem and jewellery business.
Mr Sttipong Damrongsakul, Chief Executive Officer of the 54th BGJF, considers the fair a great success. “The fair would significantly propel Thailand to become the golden gateway to the gems and jewellery industry of the Association of South East Asian Nation — a region with over 600 million people. The turnout of exhibitors and buyers during this fair has exceeded previous expectations. This was partly due to the picking up of the world economy, as well as the duty exemption scheme at the fair. The waiving of the 20 percent import duty had brought the BGJF to the world’s attention. The scheme had helped to facilitate exhibitors to bring in more interesting products at very good prices, and that has attracted the best buyers,” Mr. Suttipong said.
Looking ahead to the 55th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair in February 2015, The Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association have laid plans to provide “First Class” experience for both observers and visitors.
The 55th BGJF is scheduled to take place from 24th to 28th February next year. According to GJPCT and TGJTA President, Mr. Somchai Phornchindarak, the 54th BGJF marks great success in several ways. Firstly, there was a greater turnout of international visitors. Secondly, the breakthrough in trade discussions in Asean gems and jewellery cooperation was made during the Fair. The theme of the 55th BGJF is “First Class” — Hand Selection of Colourstones That Are Tax-Free That Step Up to Asia’s Marketplace. This combines the very best aspects of the BGJF to worldwide buyers.
The BGJF is now a trade platform for the very best gemstones and jewellery products that enjoy Duty Free Status, which waives the customary 20% import duty. Additionally, import of rough gemstones enjoy Zero Vat Privileges that allow the world’s best raw materials in gemstones to flow into Thailand during the fair.
With the success of the 3rd Asean +6 Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit that was held during the 54th BGJF, the BGJF is capable of propelling Thailand to become a golden gateway to the gems and jewellery industries and markets of Southeast Asia and beyond.
