The 2024 CIBJO Congress has opened in Shanghai with a host of industry leaders underlining the vital importance of building a framework to protect consumer confidence in the jewellery industry.
The Congress was opened by Liu Ping, Deputy Secretary General of the Government of Shanghai, China’s largest metropolitan region, and by Li Dong, President of Donghao Lansheng Group, and a congress host. The other congress hosts are the China Gem and Jade Exchange and the Diamond and Gems Administration of China.
Consumer confidence, said Gaetano Cavalieri, President of CIBJO, is maintained by members of the industry complying with responsible business standards. And creating those standards, he added, are at the heart of the World Jewellery Confederation’s mission.
“We believe passionately in the potential of the products we manufacture and sell, in the timeless beauty of the gems and precious metals of which they are comprised, and in the genius and artistry of the men and women who create the final products,” Dr. Cavalieri said.
“In our hearts we know that these are objects of great value. But we also understand that this value is maintained as a result of an unwritten contract between ourselves and our consumers. If we do not honour that contract, if we do not protect the trust they place in us, then the value of the jewellery – the prices, the revenues and profits – are all worth very little.
“In recent years, the diversification of global trade has become increasingly apparent, with the world economy facing increased multiple, complex, and uncertain challenges,” said Wang Baomin, Chairman of the National Gems & Jewelry Testing Group (NGTC), in his address the gathering.
“As we navigate a critical transformation period in global consumer economics, the CIBJO Congress 2024, focusing on the themes of ‘Industry Standards, Sustainable Development, and Responsible Sourcing,’ is timely and relevant.
The congress encourages the global jewelry community to engage in deep reflection during its expansion process, focusing on how to apply more scientific methods to strengthen industry regulation and how to establish a more robust branding system for achieving high-quality development.”
Ye Zhibing, President, Gems and Jewelry Trade Association of China (GAC), spoke of the commitment of the Chinese jewellery industry to meet the highest standards in the trade. “We are committed to playing a constructive role in the major international agenda of fair competition, synergy and mutual benefit in the jewellery industry, and we are willing to contribute to the sustainable development of the global jewellery industry,” he said.
Senior industry leaders spoke of the need to strive to achieve the highest possible standards to defend consumer confidence in a period of geopolitical uncertainties.
