Hong Kong trade exhibitions from April 28 to May 1 will be held as per schedule

The Dubai office of the Hong Trade Development Council (TDC) has announced that the three major exhibitions, the Hong Kong House Fair, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and the Hong Kong Licensing Show & Conference will be held in Hong Kong, concurrently from April 28 to May 1 as originally scheduled; allaying fears over the spread of the Severe Acute respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The council also announced that exhibitors not wishing to take part in this month's fairs to be held at Convention and Exhibition Centre (CEC), Hong Kong, have the option to take part in the supplementary July versions of the same exhibitions.

"It has been decided to proceed with these leading fairs after close consultations with the industry representatives," said Jeff Ambjorn, Middle East Director of the Hong Trade Development Council. "Listed among the world's major industry events, these trade fairs are tied to global buying and production cycles. Their success is critical to the business plans of Hong Kong's small and medium-size enterprises and overseas buyers."

"Respecting the choices of some of the exhibitors, TDC has provided the 5,000-plus exhibitors with four different options - take part in this month's shows as scheduled; defer participation to July to allow time for more effective disease control measures to take effect; participate in the April and July fairs for an additional fee or withdraw altogether with a full refund," said Ambjorn. "We have decided to stage the supplementary fairs in July despite space compulsions at the CEC, for the benefit of our regular exhibitors and because of the major business prospects that these fairs present for both exhibitors and visitors."

"TDC is also working closely with the Hong Kong government to provide stringent onsite health protection measures that go beyond World Health Organisation guidelines during these trade fairs. The measures include establishing a health centre at the venue staffed by qualified medical personnel, which will be have all the necessary equipment including thermometers, masks and gloves.

According to TDC, the expected drop of overseas buyers would not greatly affect the success of the events, since nearly half the buyers at these trade fairs are residents of Hong Kong and many of them attend as sourcing agents on behalf of overseas importers.