The world’s largest global watch and jewellery fair, Baselworld, has closed having seen attendance up seven per cent on last year.
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The fair organisers said 100,700 people from about 100 countries attended the show in the Swiss city.
The eight-day fair, which brought together 1,915 exhibitors, was held amid signs that the industry is recovering from the economic crisis.
Exports in the Swiss watch sector were down by more than 22 per cent last year, but business began to pick up in November and December, led by activities in Asia, with the upswing continuing into 2010.
“After a tense period, we experienced a festive and optimistic atmosphere at the show,” said Françoise Bezzola of TAG Heuer.
Jewellers were also pleased with the renewed interest shown at Baselworld.
“The buyers’ trust and confidence is back in all markets,” said Christoph Wellendorff, CEO of Wellendorff jewellery.
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Baselworld brings together exhibitors from around the world in the city of Basel and attracts up to 100,000 visitors each year. The 2010 show runs from March 18 to March 25. (Pictures: Keystone/AFP/EQ Images/Hublot/Louis Moinet)
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.