The Antwerp World Diamond Centre is preparing a participation with over 80 Belgian diamond companies at the forthcoming Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, making the largest national pavilion at the event. It will be located at Asia World Expo in Hall 5. "As the diamond and jewellery industries know well, this is one of the most important shows on their calendar," said AWDC CEO Freddy J. Hanard. Within the backdrop of the growing importance Hong Kong as a global hub for diamond trade, AWDC plans participating also as official sponsor of the Opening Reception at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 14. Freddy J. Hanard will be one of the guests at a special press conference on September 16, staged by show organisers UBM at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. %% The Antwerp pavilion, with the support of Flanders Investment and Trade, will also host a lounge for business networking within a luxury environ of Belgian beer and chocolates and an Internet hotspot. "The September Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair is known for the large amount of business transacted. And that is one of the reasons it is so popular with exhibitors and buyers. The AWDC national pavilion provides buyers with an opportunity to see the wide range of diamonds Antwerp produces in an efficient way," Hanard added. %% The Hong Kong show will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo, for diamonds, pearls, gemstones and equipment, from September 14-18 and at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre for finished jewellery from September 16-20.