Europa Star : After the BaselWorld fiasco, have you the feeling that the Swiss Government has been enforcing double standards regarding the Hong Kong watchmakers by banning them from the business because of the SARS fears and at the same time allowing Asian clients to go into the Fair ?

Kevin Lau: I totally agree that the Swiss have double standards in this issue. The result anyway is that it has been very unfair for Hong Kong Watch manufacturers. We were all very disappointed by such a decision.

ES: Do you think that the Swiss watch industry was secretly party to that decision?

KL: Yes, I have the feeling that there may be some political background.

ES: Are you still willing to got to the Basel Fair in 2004 or would you rather prefer to go somewhere else like France, Germany or Italy at the same time as BaselWorld as the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd is suggesting ?

KL: For 2004, we will wait for the majority to decide and support the watch industry. What has happened has happened, now we have to think about other alternatives to catch up with the lost of earnings and business from the show.