With China being home to almost all the world’s dry and reefer shipping container manufacturing, Intermodal Asia, which was scheduled to take place in March, is a key event on the container industry calendar.

“We have been closely following developments since the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan in December 2019,” said Rob Fisher, Group Director Informa Markets. “First and foremost, our thoughts and support go out to our colleagues, partners and clients in China during this uncertain time. “After careful consultation with our joint venture partners the China Container Industry Association (CCIA), the in-depth discussion with the venue, we have taken the decision to reschedule this year’s event to ensure the safety of our visitors, exhibitors and staff. By delaying Intermodal Asia, we are providing the container shipping and intermodal sectors time to recover from any setbacks experienced as a consequence of the outbreak and its effect on global trade.”

Mr. Huang Tianhua, President of CCIA and Vice President of CIMC Group expressed his support for both Intermodal Asia, and the decision to postpone the event. “As a leader within the container shipping industry, CIMC Group’s mission is to promote the development of the global container shipping industry. CIMC has been the main sponsor and a loyal exhibitor of Intermodal Asia since it moved to China in 2014, and Intermodal Asia has become an important stage for CIMC Group to showcase its cutting-edge services, and an opportunity for communication and cooperation with global partners.”

Mr Huang Tianhua added that CIMC Group “intends to continue fully supporting Intermodal Asia 2020. We also call on international container partners and industry leaders to join Intermodal Asia 2020 to showcase solutions and share knowledge and take this important opportunity to build new business relationships.”

Ms. Li Muyuan, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of CCIA, noted that China’s container industry will be affected by the coronavirus outbreak, including “delays in resuming production and operations, and supply chain instability.” However she expressed confidence that after the epidemic is contained manufacturers will “quickly return to their original levels, and may even be boosted by a compensatory rebound.”

“In view of this, we have agreed with our close partner Informa Markets to delay Intermodal Asia 2020 until July,” Li Muyuan continued. “We believe the postponement is a very beneficial move for the industry for several reasons: firstly, to fully consider the impact of the epidemic and ensure safety for exhibitors worldwide; secondly to provide an opportunity for firms that have been affected by the epidemic to redevelop and expand the market; and thirdly to enable the global container industry to maintain sustained and stable cooperation.

“We are already preparing for the rescheduled event. We are expanding the content of the exhibition forum and working to motivate more companies to participate. We will release specific measures to promote the healthy development of the Chinese container industry and release an annual development report on China’s containers and intermodal transport. We believe our members will continue to participate and fully support the event.“

For Informa Markets, Rob Fisher concluded: “We apologise for any disruption to visitor and exhibitor schedules and we trust that the intermodal community understands the reasons behind our decision. Moving to July will allow us to deliver a premium event where buyers can source products and technologies, discover innovations and build new relationships in this fast-changing sector. My team and I are looking forward to welcoming you to Intermodal Asia 2020 later this year”.