TDC deputy executive director Frederick Lam announces new measures and an additional summer date for buyers to visit Hong Kong trade fairs

An additional summer date has been included in Hong Kong' s trade fair schedule. This allows  overseas buyers, unable to attend events planned in April, the further option of  visiting  in July, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), organiser of the fairs,  announced on 7 April. In addition, TDC will offer free Business Matching to put buyers  in touch with Hong Kong  agents and provide  access to a 'virtual' exhibition website. 

TDC said    it will consolidate its three fairs for gifts/premiums, housewares and licensing into two sessions: one in April (28-May 1) and another in July (23-26). The fairs will be held concurrently during these periods at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

The move takes into account international concerns about the possible impact on the upcoming fairs of atypical pneumonia (also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome).

TDC    Deputy Executive Director Mr. Frederick Lam provided details of how TDC is tackling these health- and business-related concerns.

"Our foremost commitment is to provide a clean, hygienic and healthy environment at all these events," said Mr. Lam

"We also have a duty to answer to the needs of exhibitors and buyers that rely on these fairs in April to put orders in train for the rest of the year."

Mr. Lam explained that the fairs were tied to purchasing seasons of major overseas buyers and were dominant Asian events on a global sourcing circuit. Other cities in Asia were proceeding with related fairs this month. 

He said that TDC was in close consultation with the Hong Kong  Government over stringent onsite health protection measures that go beyond World Health Organisation guidelines.

In addition to stepping  up venue cleansing, these measures include establishing a health post at the venue, staffed with qualified medical personnel, and making thermometers, masks and gloves available. With its high ceilings, the CEC is spacious and airy. It is also operated to highest international standards.

"Hong Kong's Health Department has affirmed that visiting the April fairs will not pose additional risks, given these measures and if participants take necessary precautionary measure, " said Mr. Lam.

For buyers unable to make the April event, TDC is offering to put them in touch with Hong Kong agents through its free Business Matching service.

Mr. Lam said the TDC would mobilise its network of more than 40 offices around the world to advise overseas buyers of the health protection measures at its fairs. "We will be upfront in providing facts on which they can decide for themselves whether to come."

TDC will also mobilise its multimedia Internet platform, tdctrade.com, for a virtual exhibition that gives exhibitors additional global online exposure. The TDC Internet portal receives up to five million hits per day. "We will proactively email links to this virtual exhibition to overseas buyers from those industries."