Mauritian jewellers at Bijorhca 2016

In line with EM strategy to boost exports of the jewellery sector, Enterprise Mauritius (EM) is participating in Bijorhca Paris which be held from 02 to 05 September 2016 at Porte des Versailles, Paris.

EM will also take advantage of its participation at Bijorhca 2016 to launch the first Mauritius Jewellery Collection 2017/2018. This collection was developed in the wake of the capacity building program in the jewellery sector with the assistance of the French Designer, Mr. Bruno Viret. T

he latter counts 35 years of international experience in jewellery design and has worked for several international brands, among which Kenzo, Nina Ricci, Courreges and Piaget. He has also designed jewellery collections for big companies in France such as Maty, Altesse, Synalia and Rolot-Lemasson, amongst others.

Some 10 jewellery manufacturers will showcase a range of jewellery collections comprising gold and silver. The main objectives are:

• To provide local jewellery enterprises with a platform to showcase their collections and gain further understanding of market exigencies and design trends
• To maintain visibility and establish more networks and contacts
• To grant international exposure to SMEs
• To acquire product and market intelligence
• To facilitate business partnerships and networking between European and Mauritian businessmen

It is to be noted that the fair attracts wholesalers, duty free shops, fashion jewellery boutiques, watch and jewellery retailers and department stores. It therefore represents a unique opportunity at marketing for Mauritian jewellers.

The jewellery sector is the third export pillar in the manufacturing sector. Over the past five years, jewellery exports grew from Rs. 3.24 bn to Rs. 5.52 bn, representing an average annual growth of 34%. France remains the largest market for Mauritius while Vietnam has emerged as the main export destination for semi- finished diamonds representing 53%, followed by France (15%), USA (9%), Belgium (9%), and Switzerland (6%). France is the second biggest importer of articles of jewellery (HS 7113) in Europe with an import amounting $ 3.963 bn, registering growths of 21% in value and 36% in quantity. The main products exported to France were jewellery chains, imitation jewellery of base metal, synthetic and semiprecious stones, jewellery and parts of silver among others.