March Hong Kong Shows Delayed Again

RAPAPORT… The upcoming Hong Kong jewelry shows have been postponed yet again amid measures to contain the coronavirus in the region.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) rescheduled the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, which were due to take place concurrently from April 14 to 18. They are now slated for July 29 to August 2, it said Tuesday in an email to exhibitors. This marks the third time the events have been postponed, after they were originally planned for March 3 to 7.

The state-run organization cited the government’s tightened social-distancing rules, including restrictions on large gatherings, which hindered their ability to host the trade fairs.

The events will now run alongside the HKTDC Simply Shopping Fest at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Both fairs will be open to the public, the organization said in a note on its website.

“Despite the pandemic challenge, we believe that this arrangement will help our exhibitors capture more retail opportunities, capitalizing on the [Hong Kong] government’s new round of [consumption vouchers aimed at] boosting local spending,” according to the email. “Riding our comprehensive publicity campaign targeting…consumers, we believe that the twin jewelry shows in July will be an exciting shopping event for jewelry lovers.”

Image: Hong Kong. (Shutterstock)