London, Jun 10 (IANS): After Covid-19 led to the cancellation of its in-person events this year, starting with Mobile World Congress Barcelona, industry association GSMA is planning to host a new digital events series.

The first event in this series, GSMA Thrive China, will take place from June 30 to July 2, the association said on Tuesday.

Those who want to attend GSMA Thrive China 2020 keynote and online sessions will not have to pay any charge, it added.

"At a time when connectivity has never mattered more, the GSMA is excited to offer a new online stage. This is the first of a series of exciting enhancements to achieve GSMA's Vision: to unlock the power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive," John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd., said in a statement.

Besides keynote addresses and online presentations, the event will also include panel sessions.

Executives scheduled to headline the three-day virtual programme include Huawei Rotating Chairman Guo Ping, China Telecom CEO Ke Ruiwen and Qualcomm Inc. President Cristiano Amon, among others, GSMA said.

The announcement comes amid reports that the cancellations of its in-person events left major holes in finances of the leading mobile industry association.

The Covid-19 impact is reportedly leading to the reduction of about 20 per cent of its workforce.

"We are heartbroken that these reductions will impact around 20 per cent of our current workforce," a GSMA spokesperson was quoted as saying by news website Telecoms.com on Wednesday.