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Pearl products are exhibited at the World Pearl Congress on May 20. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

The 2023 World Pearl Conference was held in Zhuji, Zhejiang province from May 20 to 22.

During the three-day event, the city unveiled a series of promotional cultural and tourism activities aimed at providing an enhanced consumer experience and further enhancing Zhuji’s reputation as the "World Pearl Town."

On May 21, the 2023 World Pearl Development Forum, a crucial segment of the conference, was attended by over 300 distinguished guests, who engaged in multidimensional discussions on "The Development and Innovation of the Digital Economy in the Jewelry Industry."

"In particular, since the establishment of a permanent venue for the World Pearl Conference, we have developed ecological aquaculture, international trade, high-end design, and biomedicine, while nurturing emerging models such as livestreaming and cross-border e-commerce," remarked Shen Zhijiang, Party chief of Zhuji.

According to official statistics, Zhuji generated 25 billion yuan ($3.55 billion) in pearl sales in the first four months of this year, surpassing last year's annual sales by 60 percent.

Shanxiahu town in Zhuji is responsible for 70 percent of the global production of freshwater pearls. The brand value of "Shanxiahu pearls" has reached 56 billion yuan, and a modern industrial system including pearl trade, design, medicine, and cultural tourism has been established.