Trade Calls to Postpone Hong Kong Show

RAPAPORT... Three major trade bodies have asked the organizer ofthe Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair to delay the show until the political climate stabilizes. "Currently 30% to 40% of the exhibitors are demanding tocancel [their] participation regardless of whether the situation improves," theorganizations explained in an appeal sent on Wednesday to Informa Markets, which runs the show. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC),Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and Israel Diamond Institute (IDI) areconcerned the current situation will inhibit foot traffic at the event and riskthe safety of their exhibitors, the groups said in the letter, obtained by Rapaport News. Many of the exhibitors' clients have alreadyinformed them they will not even consider attending the show this year, thegroups said. Insurance companies will not provide coveragefor goods if riots take place near the show's location, and participants would berequired to take out an additional policy, which is not currently beingoffered, the groups noted. Informa should also provide financial compensation, such asa discount or refund, to all participating companies, GJEPC, AWDC and IDIadded. Informa intends to carry on with the show, believing the situation will calm down before then, it told Rapaport News earlier this month.Image: The 2018 Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.