CIBJO President Dr. Gaetano Cavalieri witnessed and endorsed a memorandum of understanding signed by jewellery associations from Mexico, Peru and Colombia, pledging increased multilateral cooperation during the recent Expo Joya show, Latin America’s largest jewellery trade event, held in Guadalajara, Mexico from October 6-9.

Cavalieri was a guest of honour of the Cámara de Joyería y Platería de Jalisco. He along with Miguel Cotero, President of Cámara de Joyería y Platería de Jalisco, participated in the opening of the show, together with Jorge Aristóteles Sandoval Díaz, Governor of the State of Jalisco, and Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, Mayor of Guadalajara.

Speaking on the occasion, Cavalieri drew attention to the growing prominence of Latin America in the international jewellery business, and in particular to the role that is being played by Mexico, the region's most valuable luxury product market.

"The realisation that Latin America is an increasingly prominent force in our business - not only as a producer of raw materials, but also as jewellery designer, manufacturer and consumer market - has increased significantly in recent years," said Dr Cavalieri, urging the local trade bodies to inccrease their involvement in the global jewellery business.

He said that the full potential of the local industry would only be realised when Latin America was fully integrated into the international jewellery industry. It also required strict adherence to required standards and practices, a great many of which are defined within CIBJO, Dr Cavalieri said, inviting all the participants to be more involved in CIBJO’s deliberations and activities.

Addressing the gathering, Cotero said. "As an industry, we are committed to making our presence felt, both in Latin America and internationally, serving as a generator of economic growth and a model of ethical business and Corporate Social Responsibility. We consider our involvement in the public governance of the industry, through CIBJO, as a key component of that process." 

Pic Caption: Dignitaries at the official opening of the Fashion Minerva promotional event at Expo Joya