THE Israeli Diamond Industry will have the largest presence to date at the Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair this September. This years fair, the industrys central trade show for the entire Far Eastern region, will have separate IDI- sponsored Israel Diamond Pavilions at each of the shows two venues-the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center and Asia World-Expo. The largest Israeli diamond contingent ever boasts 49 manufacturers and exporters at the two Israel Diamond Pavilions, as well as 18 Israeli companies exhibiting throughout the fair.
%%Hong Kong is the second largest market for Israels polished diamond exports, representing about 14% of total sales. Hong Kong has traditionally been the gateway to Asia and Israels exports to this market are on a steady rise. Net exports of polished diamonds to Hong Kong in 2005 stood at $1.8 billion. Industry leaders see the Far East, and Hong Kong as its major entry point, as the major growth market for Israeli diamond exports in the future.%%IDI Chairman Moti Ganz said that Israels diamond sales to the Far East, and especially to China, are on a steady growth curve. "Israels excellent and long standing relations with key companies in Hong Kong is of major importance in growing our exports to these markets," said Ganz.
%%The Israel Diamond Institute plans to open a representative office in Hong Kong, its second foothold abroad. The first representative office has been operating successfully in New York for the past year. According to IDI Chairman Moti Ganz, the establishment of the Hong Kong office is meant to provide assistance to Israeli diamond exporters, especially newer or smaller companies, in reaching out to the Hong Kong and other Asian markets.