This year's Hong Kong International Jewelry Show which opens next week is expected to attract 1,360 exhibitors, 15 percent more than last year, said the organizer, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), on Monday.

Over a dozen countries and regions will have their own pavilions to showcase their products from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Belgium, Thailand, the United States, the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the Japan Jewelry Association (JJA) and the Platinum Guild International, according to the TDC.

The four-day expo, with all the trappings of a dazzling affair, is a fitting tribute to the show which is celebrating its 21st anniversary.

The Designer Jewelry Galleria will also take up a significant amount of space to showcase 32 designer labels, while the Watch and Clock Pavilion will display timepieces carrying Hong Kong and Taiwan brand names. Le Salon Extraordinaire, a newcomer to the fair, will be exhibiting high-end jewelry from 12 companies.

Pear and gem exhibitors, too, will be out in force, showcasing an incredible array of exquisite pearls and gems in the "World of Pearls and Gems" section.

Over 40 buying groups from around the world are flying in for the exposition which is expected to see a record turnout of visitors.

Despite the global economic downturn, Hong Kong's jewelry exports recorded robust growth last year, with shipments soaring by 17 percent to around 22.2 billion Hong Kong dollars (US$2.85 billion).

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2004)