Computer event must wait for WTO
Christmas shoppers looking for cut-price notebook computers and information-technology accessories will lose one of their best opportunities because of the World Trade Organisation ministerial conference.
The Hong Kong Computer Festival, co-organised by Shamshuipo District Council's Working Group on Local Community Economy and Tourism and the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry, is usually held in mid-December.
But the working group's chairman, Li Hon-hung, said the event would be delayed a month because it clashes with the ministerial conference, which will run from December 13 to 18.
'We are supposed to hold the event in December each year. This year, the police have indicated they cannot provide sufficient manpower to assist us. Hence, in order to help the Hong Kong economy and the WTO, we will move the event to January,' he said.
The government expects about 11,000 participants at the ministerial conference, plus another 10,000 taking part in anti-WTO protests.
Mr Li did not say how moving the event to the new year would affect business and exhibitor participation. Last year's festival, held from December 10 to 13, was attended by 300,000 and had an estimated turnover of $160 million.
'Last year, major computer makers such as Microsoft, Intel, Sony, Samsung and Philips all participated, with the last two embroiled in an on-the-spot price war, which benefited the general public,' he said.
