AWDC Holds Networking Event at Jewelry Shanghai for Antwerp Firms

(IDEX Online News) – Antwerp-based diamond companies took part in a four-day networking program at the May 10-13 Jewelry Shanghai 2013 trade fair which included the first Antwerp Diamond Pavilion.

The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) organized three networking events to strengthen Belgian companies' relationships with Chinese firms 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 had the opportunity to network with 120 potential Chinese buyers during an Antwerp Diamond Night event.

More than 31 percent of Antwerp’s polished diamonds were exported to Greater China last year from 29 percent in 2011.

Overall, exports of rough and polished diamonds from Antwerp to the region increased by 73 percent between 2007 and 2012, while imports of diamonds from Greater China to Antwerp soared by 70 percent.

Ari Epstein, CEO Antwerp World Diamond Centre, “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.”