Top independent forwarders planning to attend the 5th Sino International Freight Forwarders Conference in June are being asked to make arrangements to come to Hong Kong instead of the original venue in Shanghai. The expected 1,500 delegates at the event have been told the change is necessary following a clamp-down on visas by the China authorities.

This unique business networking event will now take place on the same dates (June 21-24) but at the superbly equipped Asia World-Expo facility next to Hong Kong airport. Hotel accommodation at very reasonable rates has been assured for delegates.

The conference is organised jointly by CIFA and WCA Family of Logistic Networks, whose president David Yokeum explained: 'I have taken the major decision to move the venue in consultation with our China partner CIFA in order to safeguard the success of the event for its participants.

'We spent the last few weeks examining ways to help attendees to get visas, working closely with appropriate authorities. But it became evident to us that many would-be attendees will find it impossible to get to Shanghai at all. We could no longer be confident of delivering our promise of choice and excellence in partners and agents worldwide for which the Sino Conference has become famous.

'Moving the conference is not only a massive logistic undertaking but also, I recognise, a tremendous inconvenience to almost every delegate. However, I and CIFA agree it is the only course of action that will result in an effective business-oriented meeting with a representative attendance from China and worldwide.

'Despite the cost to WCA Family and CIFA of cancelling arrangements in Shanghai and moving the conference to Hong Kong, we have maintained the registration fees at the same price,' said Mr Yokeum.

Anyone registered to attend the 5th Sino International Freight Forwarders Conference is asked to contact WCA Family, whose staff will help with changes in travel arrangements.