Held on schedule despite the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the 65th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) saw a 10-percent increase in exhibitors and a satisfactory number of visitors.
Organised by Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, the 65th BGJF was successfully held 25-29 February 2020 at Impact as scheduled amidst the spread of the novel coronavirus which impelled a number of exhibitors and visitors from around the globe to cancel their scheduled participation.
Nevertheless, the five-day show was still joined by 994 exhibitors occupying 2,086 booths, a 10-percent up from the last February fair. Among the 9,292 visitors received, over a half were from overseas, with India, China, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Russia being the top five visiting countries.
According to DITP, the top product categories at the fair with the highest trade value were coloured stones, machinery, silver jewellery and pearls.
“The number of visitors during trade days was satisfactory as we welcomed nearly 7,000 visitors who participated in trade negotiations, 58 percent of which were from overseas. This demonstrated that buyers were confident in our screening and preventive measures for COVID-19 which matched international standards. However, during the Show, news on the spread of the virus had become more severe both in Thailand and abroad, causing some visitors to delay their travel plans,” said Somdet Susomboon, DITP’s director general.
To prepare well for the next edition in September, the department has assigned directors of the Thai Trade Center to keep pursuing business opportunities and partners in potential markets which were least impacted by the virus while promoting online trade channels, expanding partnership opportunities with key e-commerce platforms in target markets, and carrying out trainings to promote the potential of Thai businesses.
The 66th BGJF will be held 7-11 September 2020 at Impact. (Photo courtesy: DITP)
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