With the onset of the Chinese winter, worries about SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) are now on the rise.
When the virus struck last winter, it caused major problems in China’s industrial segment. Factories closed for fear of spreading the disease which struck down some 8,000 people in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, killing 800. The disease also caused many buyers of China’s footwear and other products to cancel visits to China, as the World Health Organization placed restrictions on travel to the area. Buyers and stylists began using e-mail more for immediate communication; video conferencing for more detailed information; and electronic and computer generated designs and digital photos to continue business. While successful for some, this approach was regarded by others as a poor substitute for actually being there.
While the chances are that there will fresh outbreaks, buyers are less concerned than one might imagine, as the Chinese health authorities are better prepared than last year. Last April, the Asia Pacific Leather Fair and other fairs were cancelled because of the SARS threat. At present, plans are underway for a 2004 show, which will be held in March 29-April 1, 2004.
