BASEL, the World Watch and Jewellery Show, is heading for success with its new concept. BASEL2003, which takes place from 3 to 10 April 2003, will, for the first time, use exhibition halls in Zurich, to house the Country Pavilion exhibitors.

The key element of the new sector layout is the clear segmentation of exhibitors according to their position in the market, Halls 1,4 and 5 will focus exclusively on watch brands, Hall 2 will once again feature solely branded jewellery, and Hall 3 will showcase all the brands in related industries. The Zurich venue will house companies that do not pursue a brand-oriented strategy, grouped into the various Country Pavilions.

70% of the available exhibition space in the "Hall of Universe" in Zurich has already been booked. This represents roughly 11,000 m2. With 308 exhibitors applying, Hong Kong is maintaining its position as the larget Country Pavilion. The other countries that have already registered are Brzail, China, France, India, Italy, Korea, Lebanon, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.

The success of the Zurich strategy demonstrates the Show Management's commitment to the ongoing development of the BASEL Show. It is with full confidence that the next step of the project can be put in motion namely the concrete implementation of the "one show, two locations" concept.