Hong Kong government commits to expanding event space

The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association has welcomed the Hong Kong government’s latest policy address, recognizing the importance of the exhibition industry. The government has committed to expanding event space in the city. There is a 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 offices. The Airport Authority also plans to invest in the construction of phase two of the AsiaWorld-Expo. (HKECIA) is the authoritative organisation of the Hong Kong exhibition and convention industries since 1990. 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 the 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 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.” The convention and 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.