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RAPAPORT... Organizers of Baselworld stated that the number of buyers at the show declined 3 percent compared with 2014. Still, overall attendance was at 150,000, with participants arriving from more than 100 countries. During the eight-day-long event, 1,500 jewelry and watch brands unveiled new innovations and creations.
Shanghai-based Kimberlite Diamond Co. Ltd., which attended Baselworld for the first time, concluded that the venue was of great value for the brand. "We can honestly say this is the one and only show that offers us so many unique opportunities. In the course of the eight days we were able to maximize the effect of our participation as we met with the most important buyers from all over the world and talked to the most significant journalists. All in all, this has been a tremendously successful show for both our brand and our business," said Kimberlite's chairman, Dong Liusheng.
François Thiébaud, the president of the Swiss Exhibitors' Committee, said, "Baselworld is universally acknowledged as the premier event for the global watch and jewelry industry. What makes it exceptional is that Baselworld is the only show that fully reflects the excellence of the industry by uniting everyone from the smallest to the largest brands, representing every sector, and it offers each of these a prestigious platform to present themselves in the best light." Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the co-president of Chopard, said, "Baselworld continues to be the major milestone in the year, allowing us to meet and work with all our major clients around the globe. Our press meetings are equally important and increasing every year." Thierry Stern, the president of Patek Philippe, added that the Basel show is the most important event for the brand where "we get to meet all our partners and the entire global network in a concentrated time." LVMH Group's watch division president, Jean-Claude Biver, claimed that results for its TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith brands were above expectations.
Sylvie Ritter, the managing director of Baselworld, said, "Baselworld is the heart of a whole industry, which spreads throughout the entire world from here. This statement is becoming increasingly true with every year that passes, as Baselworld strengthens its position as the leader year after year. This envied and enviable position has to be defended untiringly; that's why Baselworld moves forward every year, improving convenience and impact, and never ceases to innovate to meet the constantly evolving requirements." Baselworld 2016 will be held from March 17 to 24.
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