Asia : Fairs And Exhibitions to Begin As SARS Impact Slows Down

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) -hit China is showing signs of a recovery. Hong Kong, one of its key business centres, will be hosting a series of seminars, exhibitions and fairs in July.

According to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, a number of Indian traders and small and medium enterprises are likely to participate in these trade fairs.

The Hong Kong Fashion Week is slated to be held during July 8-11, while a four-day international exhibition on food and drink will be held from July 15. This apart, the Hong Kong Gift and Premium Fair will also be held around the same time.

Ficci officials said a large number of Indian craftsmen would participate in the gift fair, which showcases handicraft items.

A senior official at Ficci said though the number of participants would be less than last year, Indian businessmen were upbeat about the fairs, which usually fetch them huge businesses.

"The impact of SARS will be definitely felt this time, but it is important to note that the country has started returning to normalcy," said the official, adding that the epidemic had been contained, particularly in Hong Kong.

It is learnt that Ficci will hold a series of mega events in China later this year for which the ground work has to start now. The industry body is also likely to hold meetings with its counterpart in China on these events. A delegation from Ficci may also visit the country in a couple of months.

Ficci said Singapore was also limping back to normalcy. "The impact will be negligible f the epidemic is completely contained in the next couple of months," the official said.