10 exhibitors and Iranian buying mission miss Hong Kong jewellery fair amid war
While organiser reports only ‘small’ dip in participants, several Middle Eastern exhibitors say they are bracing for weaker sales
About 10 exhibitors and an Iranian buying mission have missed the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show due to disruptions caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, while some Middle Eastern participants are bracing for weaker sales amid the conflict.
The event, which opened on Wednesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is being held alongside the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo. The two shows feature about 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council confirmed to the South China Morning Post that about 10 exhibitors and several buyers could not participate due to flight cancellations in the Middle East.
“As far as we understand, one buying mission from Iran has cancelled their trip to Hong Kong,” the statement said.
The council said it had activated contingency measures, such as helping buyers reschedule flights and accommodation so that they might “come one or two days later”.
Among the exhibitors at the jewellery show was Paritosh Doshi, chief operating officer of United Arab Emirates-based wholesaler Lumex, who predicted that sales for his business at the show would drop by at least 25 per cent.