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The recent decision by the organiser of a Japanese trade fair to lift the 10-day quarantine requirement for Hong Kong exhibitors demonstrates both Hong Kong's ability to contain the spread of SARS and the international community's confidence in Hong Kong's business strengths, a spokesman for the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau said today (June 6).
The organiser of the "Ambiente Japan Interior Lifestyle Fair" had initially required Hong Kong exhibitors to spend at least 10 days in a non-infected area before participating in the fair. However, the organiser has since informed the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) that in view of Hong Kong's success in containing SARS, the health restriction would be lifted.
The HKTDC coordinates the participation of Hong Kong exhibitors in the trade fair, which will be held in Tokyo from June 17 to 19.
"We welcome the decision by the trade fair organiser," the bureau spokesman said. "This encouraging development is the result of our concerted efforts and communication, involving our Economic and Trade Office and the HKTDC's representative in Tokyo, with the organiser and the Japanese authorities concerned.
"With the lifting of travel advisories on Hong Kong by both the World Health Organisation and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we believe that Hong Kong business will bounce back very soon," the spokesman added.
End/Friday, June 6, 2003
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