Baselworld 2016 launches

Baselworld 2016, the show that is universally acknowledged as the unique platform for the watch and jewellery industry, opened its doors on Thursday with an opening ceremony.

Around 150,000 professionals from over 100 countries are expected to regroup in Basel to discover a 141,000 square meters of new trends and collections. Baselworld 2016 will run until March 24 and over 1,500 of the world's most famous and prestigious brands will be exhibiting.

Swiss Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga opened Baselworld 2016 Thursday morning. She was welcomed by Mr René Kamm, CEO of the MCH Group, who recounted the history of the fair that marked both the start of the group and the birthplace of the modern Swiss exhibition industry. He mentioned how proud he was of the show and its evolution, but also stressed that "maintaining this leadership role is hard fought for and Baselworld continues to consolidate and strengthen its leadership position year after year - a rare quality that needs to be underlined."

Ms Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, also addressed the crowd: "For eight days a year, Baselworld is the nerve centre for an entire industry that unites here to take the pulse of the business and discover trends." She further shared impressive facts and figures about Baselworld during the opening ceremony. "No other event in the world brings together so many famous and prestigious brands; no other watch or jewellery presentation attracts 150,000 visitors from over 100 countries, or can claim the media impact of Baselworld. This show generates annually two billion Swiss Francs of economic benefit with some 13,000 jobs directly related to it," she claimed.

Though Mr Kamm, Ms Ritter as well as Basel-Stadt Cantonal Council Member, Christoph Brutschin, also discussed the troubled economic situation facing the world and their industry, the tone remained optimistic.

"Where passion presides, the will to overcome challenges will always succeed. And the watch and jewellery industry has the passion and resilience to deal with these challenges," Mr Kamm said.

Baselworld opening ceremony, was brought to a close with a speech by Simonetta Sommaruga.

Baselworld 2016 launches

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