Taking into account of public health concerns, travel restrictions and market volatility due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India has decided to postpone the Mumbai edition of Screen Print India scheduled to be held from April 24 – 26, 2020. Indian subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt has taken a pre-emptive decision of postponing the 15th edition of the expo in view of restrictions on international travel due to visa suspensions, limitation in movement and the blanket ban issued on events by local authorities to curb the spread of Covid-19. “We have had to take this time-sensitive decision in the interest of our exhibitors, visitors, employees and all the stakeholders involved. While it is a tough call for us as organisers, it is a responsible decision and we are happy to have the full support of the industry,” says Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd.
Over the years, Screen Print India has become a convergence point for countries and association delegations from all over Asia as they gather for this unique event and the international factor has become even stronger. With international delegates from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand and the USA slated to participate at the upcoming fair in April, the travel restrictions put in place by governments and local authorities across the world make it difficult for the exhibition to take place as normal. The organiser stated that the overriding factor in any decision is the health and safety of its exhibitors, visitors, employees and the stakeholders associated and the increased risk due to significant international participation cannot be ignored. The suspended Mumbai edition is planned to be held in the later part of the year. The Delhi launch edition continues to be on schedule from August 21 – 23, 2020.