The HKECIA welcomes the latest HKSAR Government’s Policy Address recognizing the importance of further supporting Hong Kong’s convention and exhibition industry by expanding the capacity of event space in the city. The Association supports its reconfirmation of the plan to redevelop the sites of the three government towers in Wan Chai North and the Kong Wan Fire Station (opposite to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) into convention and exhibition facilities, hotel and Grade A office, and the Airport Authority’s plan to invest in the construction of phase two of the AsiaWorld-Expo. The plans were first introduced in 2017 Policy Address. These two projects in total will increase convention and exhibition space by more than 40%.

Mr. Stuart Bailey, Chairman of the HKECIA, said, “Over the past three decades, Hong Kong has successfully positioned itself as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia and brought enormous benefits to Hong Kong’s reputation and economy, the HKECIA is resolute not to let this position slip as Hong Kong’s key advantages over other cities in the region remain strong. The effects of global pandemic have hit hard all stakeholders in our industry. We are still confident that we will beat this virus and that face-to-face exhibitions will come back stronger than ever combined with new ideas that will enhance deal-making and measurable business outcomes for all participants.

“Hong Kong is experiencing another peak period of COVID-19 epidemic peak, unfortunately, some exhibitions have been further postponed and canceled. The HKEICA urges the government to provide more support and relief to the industry until the business events can fully rebound, especially to the contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers, whose business is hugely affected by the pandemic since February 2020.  If they cannot survive, our industry is unable to bounce back quickly after the pandemic,” Mr Bailey stressed.

The convention and the exhibition industry has contributed a great deal to the Hong Kong economy over the years, in terms of expenditure, creating jobs in the exhibition industry and other service and supporting sectors and enhancing Hong Kong’s international image.