Freight conference falls victim to swine flu

As reported on the HLPFI website on July 31, two key co-hosted freight industry conferences with great relevance to high and heavy project operations were planned for the World Trade Centre, Barcelona at the end of October: the ninth Freighters World Conference and the WCA Family of Logistic Networks Sino-European Freight Forwarders Conference.

Networking opportunities between attendees of both events were to be available at a co-hosted cocktail reception on the first evening of the meeting.

However, the WCA Family has pulled the plug on its conference, citing worries created by the global health situation.

David Yokeum, president, WCA Family of Logistic Networks, says: "It is with regret that we must announce the cancellation of the Sino-European Freight Forwarders conference. This is particularly sad as indications were that this would have been the largest gathering of Chinese and European international freight forwarders ever held in Europe.

"WCA Family has been in close communication with both CIFA (China International Freight Forwarders Association) and the main sponsors of the event, Port de Barcelona and this decision has not been taken lightly. Due to the worsening swine flu pandemic, we are aware that international travel restrictions and travel warnings are being considered. China, for instance, has a very strict health policy and is containing the virus extremely well within its borders and may advise its citizens accordingly about international travel. It is also thought that the pandemic will reach its height during the traditional flu-season in the autumn and we cannot and will not endanger anyone in this regard."

Organisers of the parallel Freighters World Conference have confirmed to HLPFI that its conference will go ahead as planned, from October 25 to 27.