13 – 15 May 2004

Kobe International Exhibition Hall

Welcome to the presentation of the Federal Republic of Germany. For the Federal Republic economic cooperation with other countries and peoples is important and is the reason for Germany's participation in this event.

The International Jewellery, Kobe is an excellent forum for German companies to establish contacts with customers from the entire region.

Quality from German production, associated worldwide with the slogan "made in Germany", is the basis of the excellent reputation which jewellery and silverware from Germany enjoys in 160 export markets around the globe. The success is due to an unique comprehensive training system, a high level of technology and decades of experience.

Germany's jewellery, silverware, watch and clock industry is characterised by its concentration in few places, which is almost unique in Europe. Over 400 companies of the German jewellery, silverware and watch industry are located in the jewellery centre at Pforzheim on the border of the Black Forest where about 70 % of German jewellery is manufactured. Annual changes of collections with a wide variety of different designs and in particular the harmonisation of design to specific customer requirements have led to this top position which has been maintained up to now.

The German gemstone and diamond industry has its center in Idar-Oberstein. Idar-Oberstein has achieved a reputation which is described as "the world center of coloured stones". Up to today the term "Idar cut" stands for top quality claims. Idar-Oberstein celebrated in 1997 its 500 year anniversary of "gemstone cutting".

The countries of the Far East are of particular significance for the German jewellery, silverware, watch and clock industry.

The Federal Government supports German industries in presenting themselves at international fair and exhibitions abroad. In cooperation with the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour organizes the official presentations by the Federal Republic of Germany at those events.

Within the framework of a joint company exhibition, export-oriented small and medium sized companies in particular are demonstrating their capabilities. This gives them an ideal opportunity either for making first contacts or for intensifying established business ties.

The Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (BMWA), the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA), the Federation Association of the Gem Stone and Diamand Industry, the federation of German Jewellery, Watches & Clocks, Silverware and related Industries wish you a pleasant and successful visit to the German Presentation.