Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group leads a delegation to the Istanbul International Jewellery, Silver, Watch and Equipment Fair

The delegation for the show will be led by Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.

Commenting on the Group's participation at the show, Mr. Tawhid Abdullah said: 'The Turkish jewellery industry reflects a rich cultural heritage combined with modern innovative designs and technology and now ranks second in the world in personal gold investments. UAE being the second largest buyer of Turkish made jewellery, it is imperative for us to have a very strong presence at this show.'

Dubai's annual exports from Turkey include a variety of jewellery. Recent figures for total Turkish jewellery exports stand over USD 700 million with almost 12 % of the entire production (USD 100 million) being exported to the UAE, second behind the largest exporter USA (approx 40% of share in exports), and followed by Italy on third place with approximately 6% of exports.

Mr. Harun Kocak, Commercial attaché , Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey says: 'Turkish gold jewellery is being exported to more than 80 countries all over the world and amongst all of these the UAE stands as a very important market for us. Majority of the Turkish companies have already established offices in Dubai to facilitate better trade between the two countries and we welcome the confirmation of a delegation of jewellers from the UAE market for this year's show.'

Istanbul has traditionally been the centre for gold jewellery production, but there is now extensive production even in other cities like Ankara and Izmir. There are about 40,000 workplaces in the industry, with 35,000 retail outlets, 5,000 workshops and small scale production units and about 3,500 large and medium-scale enterprises. Approximately 250-300 tonnes of jewellery are produced every year in Turkey.

'Turkey stands as a one of the global leaders both in production and exports, ranking among the top five countries in the world in gold jewellery production. With such impressive figures and a ever-growing demand for Turkish jewellery in the Dubai market, we really look forward to forging stronger ties and building our existing relationships with companies in Turkey at the show this year,' added Mr. Abdullah.

The delegation is scheduled to leave Dubai on March 22. The Istanbul International Jewellery, Silver, Watch and Equipment Fair, which is in its 21st edition this year, consists of a vast profile of exhibitors which feature gold and diamond jewellery, all kinds of stones & pearls, silver jewellery & households , watches & clocks , mountings, machinery, tools & equipments, display units, security devices and softwares. The number of exhibitors for 2004 stand at 756 including 128 foreign exhibitors representing 32 countries.

With over 600 members, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group represents all sectors of the trade, including bullion trade, manufacturing, wholesale and retail. Established in 1996 mainly to support the first Dubai Shopping Festival, the Group has evolved to a prestigious trade body committed to developing and sustaining Dubai's status as the 'City of Gold'.

The Group conceived the branding of Dubai as the 'City of Gold' and has continuously promoted this image through much of its work, which is dedicated upholding and developing the same. Dubai is increasingly becoming the Jewellery destination of the world with the variety it provide and its yearlong offer of quality jewellry at the world's best price.

The group hosts the 'Dubai Pavilion' in major exhibitions such as BaselWorld, International Jewellery Dubai, Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Istanbul 2005.