The magnitude of public health and safety issues posed by the rapidly escalating COVID-19 outbreaks have led to the postponement of Gartex Texprocess India, which was slated to make its debut in Mumbai next week. The cooperation partner of Gartex Texprcoess India, Denim Manufacturers Association, and its exhibitors strongly support this move. The Delhi edition continues to be on schedule from 21 – 23 August 2020.
With the World Health Organization (WHO) officially terming COVID-19 disease a pandemic, it called for a reassessment of the situation in accordance with advisories issued by the public health authorities. As per the travel advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry, the Indian Government has temporarily suspended visas and tightened entry conditions for foreign nationals. Moreover, as per a statement issued by Maharashtra Health Minister Shri Rajesh Tope, no permission will be granted for public gatherings in the state of Maharashtra.
Keeping in line with the advisories issued by the Indian Government, the organisers – Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd and MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, have had to act swiftly to postpone the launch of Gartex Texprocess India 2020 which was scheduled to open its doors in Mumbai, next week.
The decision comes after intensive consultations with exhibitors to gain a sense of whether the organisers should proceed with running the show as originally scheduled from 19 – 21 March 2020. The response was both swift and definitive, with an overwhelming majority opting to postpone. The decision is also supported by the Denim Manufacturers Association (DMA).
“After intensive consultations with exhibitors, we have had to take the difficult decision to postpone Gartex Texprocess India’s launch in Mumbai. The health of our exhibitors, visitors, employees and all the stakeholders is our first priority. The current situation represents a major challenge for the MICE industry over the world and we have to work in line with the local government’s effort to take precautionary measures to control its further spread,” says Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd. “We are glad to have the support of the industry and our exhibitors who’s interests are at the center of this decision. We’re working on next steps to make the process easy and ensure business continuity for the industry going forward,” added Mr Gaurav Juneja, Director, MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd
The organisers intend to announce the new Mumbai launch dates in the coming weeks, after consultations with industry stakeholders. The Delhi edition continues to be on schedule from 21 – 23 August 2020.
