Belgian diamond firms participated in networking program at the May 10-13 Jewelry Shanghai 2013 trade show.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) held three networking events to build up Belgian firms'' relationships with Chinese companies. The initiative was launched together with HRD Antwerp, the Belgian Consulate-General in Shanghai, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and the Gem and Jewelry Association of China.
The Antwerp firms which were at the first-ever Antwerp Diamond Pavilion, enjpoyed the chance to network with 120 Chinese buyers at the Antwerp Diamond Night event.
The AWDC stressed that almost one-third of Antwerp’s polished diamonds were exported to Greater China in 2012 compared with 29 percent the year before.
A broader look at the exports figures shows that exports of rough and polished diamonds from Antwerp to Greater China soared by 73 percent between 2007 and 2012. Meanwhile, imports of diamonds from Greater China to Antwerp rocketed by 70 percent.
Ari Epstein, CEO of the AWDC, said, “The Chinese market has a lot of potential. Driven by the economic developments in China and Hong Kong, diamond demand increased steeply over the past few years. Our import and export figures are testimony to that evolution. We want to make sure Antwerp stays the preferred trading partner of both China and Hong Kong and that is why we decided to organize a complete networking program.”