Expansion of gold jewelry industry urged

RIYADH: Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Mohammed Al-Saud has emphasized the importance of the establishment of a national industry for gold jewelry in light of the considerable increase in the annual consumption volume of up to 55 tons. The prince said this during the launch of sixth Jewelry Exhibition in Al Faisaliah Hotel on Monday.
With the launch of National Economic Transformation Program, which aims to reduce reliance on oil by encouraging domestic and foreign investment, the prince said that Riyadh, with all its recent activities and conventions, is launching new products and designs to cope with the world resource shortage.
He admired the "astounding displays" from 13 Arab and other countries by some 65 exhibitors who showcased the latest designs and rare precious gold and diamond works with the wide participation of prominent Saudi businesswomen and jewelry lovers of Saudi Arabia.
He said there is need for expansion and partnerships with leading global jewelry houses to enrich the jewelry industry. He also praised the efforts of the exhibition organizers, as well as the participation of Saudi designers and their contribution to the development of the sector in the Kingdom, and worldwide.
Haya Sunaidi, the organizer of the exhibition, said that the jewelry exhibition has become a promotional and business platform for gold jewelry lovers in the Middle East and top global jewelry designers.
Sunaidi expressed her gratitude to Prince Sultan bin Saud for his support and opening of the exhibition, and said that the participants of the exhibition were from countries including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Italy, Britain, France, Switzerland, Germany, India, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Lebanon, who came to display their top designs and rare pieces.