Three leading trade associations, The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) and Israeli Diamond Institute (IDI) have requested Informa Markets, organisers of the September Hong Kong Show to postpone the event to a later date.

In a letter issued yesterday by the executive heads of each association, the three have said, “The current situation in Hong Kong has many of our exhibitors expressing their concerns regarding participation in the upcoming show.”

They say that considering the impact of the current situation on the “quality of the show and foot traffic” there are concerns among exhibitors about the “risk (to) goods” and “the wellbeing and safety of their employees”.

According to the trade bodies, “currently between 30-40% of exhibitors are demanding to cancel their participation regardless of whether the situation improves.” They also point out that “multiple updates from exhibitors” indicate that “clients have informed them that they are not even considering to attend the show this year”.

Referring to the risk of riots, similar to those that took place in the city last week, either at or near the show, they say that many exhibitors whose goods are not covered for such eventualities by their existing insurance, would have to “take an additional policy, which at the moment is not being offered”.

The letter concludes with the request that rather than risking a potentially empty show in terms of both visitors and exhibitors, Informa Markets should consider postponement to a “later date – as yet to be determined – once Hong Kong is in a more stable climate” and “financial compensation in the form of a discount or refund, for all participating companies”.

Subsequently, the President of The Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association also sent an appeal for postponement of the show to the organisers, expressing similar concerns.