The Jewellery Exporters’ Association of Turkey (JTR) was the host of ASEAN Gems & Jewellery Association Conference 2019 in Istanbul this year to share market information and insight. Coincides with the Istanbul Jewelry Show, the Turkish jewellery sector was given a unique opportunity to showcase its capabilities. JTR chairman of the board Mustafa Kamar talks with Hong Kong Jewellery about the gain in hosting this international event.
HKJM: Hong Kong Jewellery
MK: Mustafa Kamar
HKJM: Why did JTR host the conference this year?
MK: At the 7th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) + 12 Gems and Jewellery Presidents’ Summit held in Shanghai China in 2018, there was a clear consensus that Turkey would be the host of the 8th summit slated for 8 to 12 October with a new title “ASEAN Gems & Jewellery Association Conference”. We decided to host the conference in Istanbul to strengthen our bond with AGJA members met in previous editions as well as to provide them with opportunities to meet our industry players and explore the dynamic of our country development.
HKJM: How did the Turkish government support the event?
MK: JTR is a semi-governmental non-profit organisation that operates under the umbrella of the Mineral and Metal Exporters’ Associations of Istanbul, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce. Our government always encourages and supports us to organise international events in Istanbul.
HKJM: What were the challenges of organising the conference?
MK: All aspects of the event were challenging including event communication with attendees, planning for sharing and panel discussion, speakers and panel discussers selection, activities rundown as well as local sight-seeing arrangement. Nevertheless, it gave us a great opportunity for us to shine in an international level. We are confident about organising international events like this in future.
HKJM: How many associations and delegates from both ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries attended the conference?
MK: Eight ASEAN member countries and around 30 non- ASEAN countries and regions attended the conference. Participants included 131 executives from 34 different countries and regions’ jewellery associations, 44 company representatives and six media.
HKJM: How did the attendees benefit from the event?
MK: Fruitful market information shared by carefully selected speakers, panel moderators and panel participants on the subjects including: responsible gold supply chain, lab-grown diamonds development and jewellery marketing to millennials. Some business-to-business relationships were formed during networking sessions. Equally important, all participants of the conference had offered to see the fascination of Istanbul.
HKJM: How did the conference receive?
MK: We are proud to say we have received no negative feedback. Compliments were given on our smooth arrangement and we have increased the quality of the conference.
HKJM: Did the conference bring business opportunities to the parallel 49th Istanbul Jewelry Show?
MK: The conference was held the day before the opening of the 49th edition of the Istanbul Jewelry Show. This conference brought business opportunities not only to Turkish Jewellers but also jewellers from participating countries.
HKJM: How do you see the role of Turkey in the jewellery industry?
MK: We have a 7,000-year of heritage in jewellery manufacturing. Turkey is one of the most important players of jewellery industry in the world. In terms of mounting and manufacturing, Turkey is in a leading position, comparable with Korea. With over 30,000 gold jewellery retailers, we are in a position to make us one of the most important gold producers in the world.
HKJM: What will you expect from the next conference which will be hosted in Hong Kong?
MK: We wish Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA) will organise a much more successful conference than we did in Istanbul. We are always at their disposal whenever they need help.
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