The participation of the Antwerp diamond industry in the Jewelry Shanghai 2013 trade fair was indicative of the growing trade turnover between the two states, which has intensified in the last five years, the Diamond World portal reported.
In 2012, about 31.3% of Antwerp diamonds were exported to China (in 2011 this share was 29%). Antwerp's exports of rough diamonds and diamonds to the Celestial Empire jumped by 73% over the period from 2007 to 2012. In addition, imports of diamonds from China to Antwerp have increased by 70% over the past five years. At present, China is the leading diamond export destination from Antwerp.
Ari Epstein, CEO of the Antwerp World Diamond Center, said: "The Chinese market has great potential. Due to the economic development of China and Hong Kong, the demand for diamonds is growing, as evidenced by the dynamics of our trade statistics in recent years. We want to be sure that Antwerp will retain its role as the main trading partner for China and Hong Kong, so we decided to organize within the exhibition a special program aimed at strengthening ties and developing cooperation. "
From 10 to 13 May, representatives of a number of Antwerp companies visited the Shanghai Fair to participate in the four-day event, in which the Antwerp Diamond Pavilion was organized for the first time in the history of the fair, as well as meetings of diamantaires with potential Chinese buyers.