ProPak China 2003 has been rescheduled to 3 - 5 September 2003 from its original dates of 8 - 11 July 2003 because of the current threat caused by the outbreak of SARS in the Asia-Pacific region.
"The decision has been taken in response to current health concerns over SARS in China, following numerous advisories from many governments, WHO (World Health Organisation) and CDC (Centre for Disease Control) against travelling to certain areas of China," a press statement said.
The Asian economy is estimated to have already lost nearly €20 billion because of the outbreak, which has had a particular effect on the food and beverage industry because of increased safety regulations. Meanwhile the knock-on effect is also being affected by the closely associated packaging and processing industry.
"After considerable consultation with both exhibitor and visitor groups together with the health authorities in Shanghai, this decision was taken in the interests of general business confidence. As the organiser of an international exhibition expecting many worldwide participants, it is part of our concerted effort to make sure we provide a rewarding exhibition in a safe environment," stated Vicky Leung, project manager at HKES, the event organiser.
The organisers went on to state that they were also very aware of the media exposure SARS has had throughout the world and that it believed many international companies would not feel comfortable with travelling to Shanghai in July.
The organisers added that there is now a back log in demand for processing and packaging technology in the market and given the number of events already cancelled, demand it expects demand to be significantly higher in the autumn, when ProPak China 2003 returns.