The forthcoming 43rd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is expecting an enthusiastic participation from the exhibitors and attendees. BGJF chief executive Somchai Phornchindarak said preparations for the 43rd BGJF are proceeding without a hitch, much to the expectation that the fair will continue to offer values to the business communities, both buyers and sellers, especially at the time when the market needs some stimulation.

The global financial crunch and Thailand's political standoff have not dampened the intention of international trade members and frequent fair visitors from participating.

The organisers have received confirmations from more than 90 percent of 1,300 exhibitors for reserving their booths, and the rest of some 3,500 booths are expected to be booked soon. The event is scheduled between February 25 and March 1, 2009, at the 100,000-square-metre column-free hall of Challenger exhibition center.

The inauguration of Thailand International Jewelry Awards 2009 (TIJA) is expected to be a showstopper at the 43rd BGJF and is likely to attract some 30,000 visitors. TIJA, a major international jewellery design contest held in conjunction with BGJF, offers traders, enthusiasts and fair-goers the opportunities to witness a host of fresh expressions in avant-garde, contemporary and classical designs. Altogether 60 design sets under the theme of "Creative of the World" in real production, hand picked by an expert panel, will be unveiled at the 43rd Fair. So far, the competition has received more than 1,400 entries from across the globe.

BGJF, is confident to live up to its repute of being one of Asia's most vibrant jewel marketplaces, a gateway to Thailand, which is the World’s Gems & Jewelry Hub, range of product and service offerings, world-class venue and supporting facilities.