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Gem fair security expected to sparkle
SHANGHAI: Opening in the wake of a high-profile, daring but ultimately foiled theft last year, the Shanghai International Jewellery Fair kicks off again today - albeit with tightened security. Organizers have upped the security ante this year, spending more than 1 million yuan (US$120,000) to install cameras and hire more staff. "Of course we are concerned about the issue. That's why security is more stringent this year," said a spokesperson for the Shanghai Gem and Jade Association, who declined to be named but spoke on behalf of Secretary-General Miao Liyi. The fair is one of the largest in the continent and attracts dealers and suppliers from around the world as well as buyers from across the country. "It's a very important one. Especially in eastern Asia," said Lucia Lee, of Hong Kong's Neway Trade Fairs, one of the event's organizers. The fair, the fifth to be held in Shanghai, includes participants from 11 countries, from Sri Lanka to Italy. It is being held at ShanghaiMart, in Hongqiao New Development Zone. According to Neway, Shanghai is the largest jewellery market in the Chinese mainland. Last year, however, the fair attracted more than business people. A group of thieves, mostly from South America, made off with a satchel full of stones and cash worth US$690,000. They were caught less than four days later before leaving the country, but not before they tried a similar stunt at the airport, China Daily reported. Some 25 people were eventually arrested, tried and sentenced in Shanghai. They turned out to be the largest gang of foreigners ever convicted in China. Organizers plan to make things more difficult for any potential thieves at this event. They have installed about 160 cameras to cover the exhibition floor as well as hiring a security company that will work alongside police, said Miao in a press release. Other security measures include scanners at the entrances to the fair as well as ID checks and new safes to store display items overnight. China may be on the way to becoming the world's largest diamond market. The world's largest diamond dealer, the DeBeers Group, said in a report that it is already considering the possibility of China surpassing the United States in sales as the idea of using diamonds for wedding bands becomes more ingrained. The ShanghaiMart is expected to host another jewellery fair in November, another sign that the market for diamonds and other precious stones in the city and country is growing. The growth is partly buoyed by the city's rising financial stature as well as a gold and diamond exchange in the city.
(China Daily 05/12/2005 page3) |
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