The decision was announced on 14 August, following the tightening of COVID-19 restrictions by the Hong Kong government.
In a statement posted online, HKTDC management said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has tightened various disease prevention and control measures and extended entry restrictions for incoming visitors, while many countries and regions have also issued travel alerts and implemented quarantine measures. These mean that overseas exhibitors and buyers will have great difficulty joining the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair.”
Following discussions with industry representatives, the HKTDC will shift the fair to a digital format as part of the HKTDC Autumn Sourcing Week Online (ASWO) event, to be held from 16–27 November.
A similar digital event, HKTDC Summer Sourcing Weeks Go Online, was successfully conducted earlier this year.
“We believe Autumn Sourcing Week Online will carry on the momentum to assist global exhibitors and buyers overcome some of the challenges during these trying times,” the HKTDC statement said. “The business matching and virtual meeting features offered by ASWO will help boost business connections.”
Further details of the November event will be announced in due course. The next Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair will take place from 7–11 September 2021.
Several other Hong Kong-based shows have been postponed or cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including Jewellery & Gem Asia, organised by Informa Markets, and the HKTDC’s Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, which was postponed twice in 2020 before being cancelled.
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Third Hong Kong jewellery show postponed
Postponements/Cancellations of international jewellery trade shows