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The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) today (September 15) announced the official opening of its new laboratory and diamond grading facility in Hong Kong. Officiating at the opening ceremony were the President and Chief Executive Officer of GIA, Ms Donna Baker; the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, Mr Gregory So; and the President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, Mr Lawrence Ma.
The GIA Laboratory in Hong Kong will look after Far East markets including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and the Philippines. GIA's Laboratory Director, Mr Cheng Wai-man, who ran the GIA laboratory in Botswana for last two years, has returned to Hong Kong to lead the operation. GIA trains its diamond graders through a six-month technical skills training programme to learn from experienced GIA instructors using the latest gemological equipment and techniques. In its first year of operation, the organisation will employ about 30 local staff for its diamond grading service.
Ms Baker said, "Asia, in particular Mainland China, is growing as a key manufacturing and retail market for diamonds. Hong Kong is home to a thriving and sophisticated gem and jewellery industry. Companies in the various stages of the value chain, including diamond manufacturers, distributors and retailers have already set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong. From a logistics and servicing perspective, it makes perfect sense for us to establish our lab here to serve the growing market demand in this part of the world. Our lab will make it more convenient for diamond professionals to access our services and promulgate the international gemological standards that GIA has established in its nearly 80-year history.
"GIA has had an educational facility in Hong Kong since 1994 and hundreds of students have successfully completed their Graduate Gemologist education programmes with us, going on to create fulfilling careers in retail, manufacturing and design, among others. We are committed to providing Asian jewellery professionals with the latest gemological research, education and laboratory services."
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, said, "The testing and certification industry is one of the six new pillar industries where Hong Kong has strong growth potential. GIA's commitment to the local market and its presence will further strengthen the scope of testing and certification services available in Hong Kong to serve growing local and overseas demand. It is providing strong support to the industry as it brings in testing and certification technology, provides training and transfers sophisticated technical skills to our city."
About GIA
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is an independent non-profit organisation. GIA translated its expert knowledge into respected gemological education and in 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System which, today, is highly recognised by professional jewellers throughout the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensure public trust in gems and jewellery by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at www.gia.edu.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,000 investment projects creating over 25,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$52 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157624959904960.
Ends/Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:03
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