The jewellery industry has the potential to become a leading industry in Hong Kong. Efforts are needed to promote the Hong Kong-made label as an assurance of high quality and make it a target partner for international jewellery brands.
The FHKI plays a significant role in advancing local industry along the value chain. By encouraging local manufacturers to go for ODM and OBM, local industry can be taken to a higher level and made a quality icon in the world market. In fact, Hong Kong industrialists have greater international exposure than our Mainland counterparts. With the advantage we enjoy, we should be more proactive in supporting the local industry. The Swiss government’s policy to support the watch industry would be a good reference in this respect. I would like to see the Government push policies favourable to the local industry, providing us with infrastructure that facilitates production and trade.
Currently, the jewellery industry is facing intense competition from the Mainland and Southeast Asian countries. Production and operation costs are up as gold price, interest rate, rent and salary all keep increasing. As the service industry has become the major component of the economy, many young talents choose to work in service sectors such as the financial industry instead. Degree or associate-degree courses for the jewellery industry will be helpful in building young people’s interest in the industry. Passing on our virtues of flexibility, diligence and patience through education is crucial if Hong Kong industry is to advance.
