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    The International Gemological Institute (IGI), one of the world's authorities on independent certification and valuation of gemstones and fine jewellery has opened a 2,600 sq ft laboratory in Central.  The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, paid a courtesy visit to the laboratory today (March 17).

    IGI Hong Kong provides diamond and gemstone identification, certification and grading reports for diamond traders, jewellery manufacturers, retailers and consumers.  The laboratory is equipped with the most advanced screening and identification instruments.  Together with the expertise of its Belgium-trained local Gemologists, the Institute offers independent certification services for its Asian-Pacific clientele.  

    Explaining IGI's choice to set up in Hong Kong, the CEO of IGI Hong Kong, Mr Marc Brauner said, "The absence of an internationally recognised laboratory on the Hong Kong soil was apparently not acceptable any longer to the local trade, thus we responded to the needs of the local trade.  Furthermore, we have established a worldwide network of laboratories in eight major cities.  Hong Kong is a strategic location that we cannot afford to miss on the world map."

    "Hong Kong is a tax-friendly city.  Its multi-dimensional, vibrant and creative elements are conducive to foreign businesses establishing their overseas presence here.  Hong Kong is also the best place to test something new, since people here are open-minded about new products and services.  With Hong Kong's high living standard and the influx of Mainland travelers, the jewellery business in Hong Kong is flourishing.  This favourable situation has created additional demand for internationally recognised services of quality certification for gemstones and jewellery," said Mr Brauner.

    He revealed that the demand for IGI Hong Kong's services to date has exceeded initial expectations since their launch in November 2004.  The existing operation will be enlarged, followed by plans to access the Mainland in due course.

    "CEPA [Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement] has given our Hong Kong operation a competitive edge.  Fine jewellery made in Hong Kong now enjoys duty-free access to the Mainland market.  It offers a big incentive for jewellery traders to engage value-added services here so as to qualify for CEPA's rules of origin.  Hence, CEPA serves as a catalyst to our business development in Hong Kong."

    During the courtesy visit, Mr Galpin congratulated IGI Hong Kong on its success and wished them brighter prospects ahead.

    "Hong Kong is the world's third largest exporter of precious jewellery and has long been renowned for its quality design capability.  Being the luxury retail capital of Asia, Hong Kong offers a huge choice of beautiful jewellery pieces to customers and trade buyers.  Hong Kong also provides quality testing services from professional institutions such as IGI.  While there is a strong cluster of jewellery industry players in Hong Kong, IGI's presence here will further enhance our position as the regional hub for luxury goods and professional services," said Mr Galpin.

    Founded in Belgium in 1975, IGI has over 450 staff serving jewellery industry across the globe.  Its laboratories are located in Antwerp, New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Bangkok, Mumbai, Tokyo, Dubai and Hong Kong.  It can be reached at www.igiworldwide.com.

    Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward direct investment into the city by providing all the support needed to establish and expand a business presence here.  For more information, please visit our website at www.investhk.gov.hk.

Ends/Thursday, March 17, 2005

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