17-07-2020
Initiated by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), an online meeting was held yesterday with presidents of major gem and jewellery associations in Asia to update each other on the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak on the industry, the post-pandemic operation, and future cooperation among the Asean states and supporting regions.
Named the 9th Asean+6 Gems & Jewelry Presidents’ Summit, the online conference was attended by trade organisations in Asean countries including TGJTA, Gems Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT), Federation of Goldsmiths and Jewellers Associations of Malaysia (FGJAM), Myanmar Gems and Jewellery Entrepreneurs Association (MGJEA) and Indonesia Goldsmiths & Jewellers Association (APEPI). Associations from supporting regions such as Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA), Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association (HKJMA), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of Indiaand Gems and Jewellery Trade Association of China (GAC) were also present.
In his opening remarks, president of GJPCT Somchai Phornchindarak took us back to 2012 when the summit made its debut by TGJTA in Thailand. He is well aware of the importance of Asean for the future of the gem and jewellery industry in the region in terms of mutual trade facilitation, resources and information exchange.
HKJJA, as the only invited representative from Hong Kong over the last eight editions, has been playing a significant role in the summit. Ken Lo, HKJJA chairman, recognised the achievement of the summit. He said that it was an effective event in that the participants were able to give pressure to the governments to open up the market. Thailand is a successful example with free duty introduced by the government. Regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, he said: “China is successful in controlling the virus. China market is opening up in all sectors, which is very important for everyone in the coming years. Hong Kong is working hard to be a window to the China market.”
Myanmar was the host of the 6th summit in Nay Pyi Taw. Dr Aung Kyaw Win, vice president of MGJEA, expressed his hope that the Burmese government would allow exports of cut and polished gemstones officially. He said that due to Covid-19, dialogues between the association and the government suspended.
Somchai Phornchindarak said Asean nations have raw material deposits. He hopes members would benefit from effective sourcing. And he would invite more nations with gemstone mines, for instance, Mozambique, to join the summit in future. He hopes all attendees should support each other’s trade fairs. The suggestion received overwhelming supports from the attendees.
Vice president and secretary general of GAC Bi Lijun said there witnessed increasing online sales of jewellery as the pressure from the pandemic is retreating in China. Representatives from Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development (IEDB) gave a brief account on Expo Hainan 2021 which includes a jewellery section.
Concluding the discussion, Atul Gogani, president of Indian-Thai Diamond and Colorstone Association and vice president of TGJTA, said this meeting was to catch up with each other amidst the challenging time. In two to three weeks’ time they will convene another meeting for a thorough discussion on how they survive and how the associations would help their members ride out the storm.
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