Asia Fruit Logistica has issued a statement about its forthcoming event in Hong Kong following political unrest in the city.
In an open letter addressed to visitors and exhibitors, organiser GPE said the event will go ahead on 4-6 September at the AsiaWorld-Expo as planned, adding that it will be keeping a close eye on developments.
The statement said: 'Like you, we have been watching recent developments in Hong Kong very closely. The safety and security of every exhibitor and visitor at Asia Fruit Logistica is our number one concern. Our management team in Berlin and Bangkok are meeting on a daily basis to review developments and fine tune contingency planning. You can be assured that we are working closely with our venue partners and suppliers in Hong Kong to impress upon them these priorities for our exhibitors and visitors.'
GPE said its venue partner Asia-World Expo, which runs the exhibition centre where Asia Fruit Logistica takes place, has confirmed that heightened security measures (including access control, increased number of security staff and real-time monitor of protest movement) at the exhibition centre will be put in place to ensure the smooth running of normal business activities.
'We are proud that Hong Kong has been our home at Asia Fruit Logistica for one week every September for more than a decade. It is inevitable that your preparations for Asia Fruit Logistica will feel different this year. That is completely understandable under the current circumstances,' said GPE.
'As a business traveller, there are a number of things you can do yourself to stay as safe as possible. It is advisable for you as business traveller to Hong Kong to pay close attention to flight information, exercise increased caution, to avoid large public gatherings, to inform yourself about local traffic situation as temporary road closures and disruptions on public transport may occur, to follow the advice of local authorities and to check with local media on any latest happenings.'
Asia Fruit Logistica expects as many as 13,000 trade visitors from more than 70 different countries to attend the show on 4-6 September.
'Our warm welcome to Asia Fruit Logistica remains the same as always,' said the organiser. 'Over 800 exhibitors from 40 countries would also extend their warm welcome to visitors worldwide. Asia Fruit Logistica will continue to be an important moment in the year when you and many thousands of visitors from around the world travel to Hong Kong to meet and to do business in fresh fruits and vegetables.'
GPE confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation and would be sharing updates on its website and social media channels. Please refer to www.asiafruitlogistica.com/Visitors/PlanYourVisit for more details.
