Jewelry to shine in Istanbul again

Following the success of the recent Istanbul Jewelry Show, the jewelry industry is organizing another event to help combat the economic crisis. Preparations are now underway for the World Jewelry Confederation's, or CIBJO, 2009 World Jewelry Congress to be held in Istanbul from May 3 to 5.

The host of the event, The Turkish Jewelry Association, or JTR, believes that the congress will be a rewarding experience for the city. According to JTR, the event will draw in hundreds of professionals from across the world and bring business opportunities to a number of sectors in the city, with the hard-hit jewelry sector, at the forefront.

The main aim of CIBJO’s annual congress, according to İman Altınbaş, president of JTR, is to provide a meeting place for the World Jewelry Confederation's General Assembly where they can network and discuss strategies to boost and develop the industry on a global scale. This year’s congress will focus on the impact of the global financial crisis and the consequent action that need to be adopted to fight it. In addition, industry representatives will discuss the issue of cooperate social responsibility. "Since the start of the downturn, one of the fastest hit industries has been the jewelry industry as people have been cutting back on luxury items in order to secure financial security in terms of everyday living costs," Altınbaş said speaking at a press conference at the Istanbul Sheraton yesterday.

Representing East and West

The 2009 World Jewelry Congress will be held at the Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel, which is alongside Ataköy Marina and overlooks the Marmara Sea. Commenting on the location of this year’s congress CIBJO’s president, Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri said, the fact that Turkey is hosting the event is very significant. "Like no other market, the country represents a blend of East and West, and it has helped unlock the fast developing markets in the republics of the former Soviet Union, as well as in the Middle East," Cavalieri said. Turkey also represents a strong jewelry market in its own right and is an economical jewelry design and manufacturing center within just a few hours flying time from Western Europe, he said. According to Cavalieri it is exactly the type of center that the industry needs to look to in such difficult times.

JTR President Altinbas also underlined the importance of the event’s location, saying that the congress will make many foreigners realize the significance of Istanbul’s geographic location. Altınbaş said the congress would play a big part in introducing the highly creative Turkish market to foreigners that are looking to invest in joint projects and promote Turkish products in their own countries. Aştinbaş said that the Turkish jewelry market is currently worth $10 billion, and while it is currently decreasing because of the downturn, the aim of the JTR is to make the Turkish market global leaders in the next 10 years.

Developing jewelry business

A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the rollout project of the World Jewelry Confederation Education Foundation, or WJCEF, which is the body created by CIBJO in cooperation with the United Nations, dedicated to formulating and delivering training programs for all sectors of the world industry about the principles and practices of CSR in the jewelry business. Altınbaş stressed the importance of focusing on education in the jewelry industry at a time when the market is at an all-time low. "The more creative and professional the input the more interest will be shown towards the output" Altınbaş said.

JCR invites members of the jewelry, gemstone, precious metals and related industries to participate in the 2009 2009 World Jewelry Congress in May. Altınbaş announced that it is crucial for all industries in Istanbul to prepare for the congress, as it is a business opportunity for all. "We will host out guests as warmly as we would host those coming to our individual houses Ğ this is the true essence of Turkish hospitality culture and we will insure our guests are greeted in such a way that they will never forget Istanbul and its jewelry," Altinbus said.