The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency announced on Wednesday that it is sending 34 Brazilian exhibitors to the week-long Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, which starts on Monday.

The agency says in a written announcement that the exhibitors are going under the auspices of the Precious Brazil scheme, which is meant to drum up business for members of the Brazilian Gems and Jewellery Trade Association.

The announcement says the value of Brazilian exports of jewellery and gems to Hong Kong grew 21 percent year-on-year between January and August, driven by sales of polished precious stones, the statement adds.

It quotes Precious Brazil manager Clarissa Maciel as saying the Brazilian gem-polishing industry is building up its reputation, meaning Brazilian exports to Asian jewellers are no longer limited to uncut gems.

Expectation among the Brazilian exhibitors is high, mainly because of the growth in demand for emeralds, the agency quotes one of them, Grupo Belmont Vice-president Marcelo Ribeiro, as saying.