Hong Kong Protest Activities August 14th 16:38
The impact of ongoing protests in Hong Kong is also spreading to Japanese companies that are expanding locally.
According to Ichibanya, which operates nine “CoCo Ichibanya” curry chains in Hong Kong, sales have been declining recently due to large-scale protests. This is because the operation of the subway has stopped, making it difficult for customers to come to the store, and in addition, there are a number of situations in which some stores cannot operate to ensure the safety of employees.
As the protests have intensified this week, the company says, “I can only watch over the situation, but I want it to converge quickly.”
The major beef bowl chain “Yoshinoya”, which has 61 stores in Hong Kong, has been unable to operate at nearby stores where large-scale demonstrations were held. It has become clear that I was more than 20% depressed.
Food trade fair cancellation
In Hong Kong, a large international trade fair for food and liquor was held from the 15th to the 17th, and more than 100 companies from Japan were scheduled to participate at the call of the Japan External Trade Organization.
According to JETRO, the trade fair will be held as scheduled, but some of the Japanese companies that were planning to participate will be canceled in consideration of the safety of employees because protests are increasing in Hong Kong. It means that.
JETRO will call on the attendees of this trade show to be careful, for example, by providing information on the security provided by the local consulate at the venue.
JETRO says, “Cancellation is a shame, but it is unavoidable because it is a judgment of the company. Since Hong Kong is a promising market for business, I would like to provide security information and encourage business negotiations.”