LOCAL JEWELLERS SECURE SALES AT MIDDLE EAST JEWELLERY SHOW

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- Seven prominent local jewellery companies secured sales of RM973,540 (US$286,926) and a further RM2.43 million (US$716,180) in potential sales at Jewellery Arabia 2009.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) led the team
to Middle East's largest jewellery event, held for five days, in Bahrain from
Nov 17.

In a statement, MATRADE said this was its initial foray to promote
Malaysia's jewellery industry in the highly lucrative Middle East jewellery
market.

More than 600 companies, from 30 countries, took part in the exhibition
which formed the largest display of precious gems, fine jewellery and luxury
watches in the Middle East region.

The event attracted a total of 39,829 jewellery trade buyers and private
collectors of which 23 per cent came from the region's largest jewellery market
of Saudi Arabia.

MATRADE said Jewellery Arabia has proven to be a good platform for MATRADE
to introduce Malaysia's jewellery products and craftsmanship to the Middle East
and also to understand better the consumer market in this region.

Malaysian companies showcased jewellery collection comprising of high-end
diamond, silver, gold and designer gemstone and pearl collections which combined
fine craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.

-- BERNAMA