Panyu to build world-class jewellery centre

Panyu's jewellery exports grew three to four percent in 2009, according to the district's investment promotion agency. "The growth rate may look small, but considering the unprecedented financial crisis, it's a good indication of the strong client base, firm footing and competitive strength of Panyu's jewellery industry in the international marketplace," an official with the agency was quoted as saying.

Panyu is currently home to more than 400 sizable jewellery enterprises and 1,600 small processing factories, employing nearly 100,000 people. The district's jewellery industry covers jewellery equipment manufacturing; diamond polishing; platinum, gold and diamond-inlaid jewellery; gold-plated jewellery; fully gold jewellery; silver jewellery; and precious metal handiworks; and diamond watches and clocks. A sizable cluster of technologically advanced jewellery makers with a full range of products has largely taken hold in Panyu.

The majority of jewellery processing enterprises in Panyu are foreign-funded. Hong Kong, Belgium and Israel jewellery makers have set up a number of factories in Panyu, turning Panyu into a sizable cluster of international jewellery manufacturing operations. Panyu is currently China's largest jewellery producer, accounting for 60 percent of the nation's jewellery production. It's also a major manufacturing centre in the international jewellery industry, with products exported to Europe, North America, Middle East, Japan, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.