Hong Kong's jewelry exports and domestic sales are expected to grow in 2005, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) Member Christopher Cheng said Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Hong Kong International Jewelry Show.

Those supporting Hong Kong's jewelry industry to perform well include Hong Kong's reputation for style, quality and craftsmanship, as well as strong interest from Mainland consumers, said Cheng.

"Hong Kong is particularly strong in producing fashionable pieces set with small gemstones. We are on par with the best in Europe when it comes to design capabilities and gem-setting skills," said Cheng.

Hong Kong is the world's third largest exporter of precious jewelry, after Italy and the United States Last year, total jewelry exports surged by 19 percent to 2.58 billion US dollars. Exports to Hong Kong's largest market, the United States, increased by 10 percent to 1.3 billion US dollars.

Domestic sales saw a robust growth fueled by an increase in Mainland tourists after the relaxation of visa requirements for Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of TDC's Jewelry Advisory Committee Charles Chan said the fair had expanded to meet demands of exhibitors and buyers.

The four-day fair, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, has attracted a record 1,546 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions. TDC has also organized more than 50 buying missions or 1,381 major buyers from around the world.

The fair has launched a new initiative, "Les Salons Privs", allowing exhibitors to privately showcase their glittering products to buyers.

The fair will host a series of seminars for participants to exchange ideas and to keep abreast of product trends and market development.

In addition, two internationally acclaimed auctions Paspaley Pearl and Robert Wan Tahiti Perles will be held during the fair.

The fair is jointly organized by TDC and four major jewelry associations in Hong Kong.