FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HKECIA welcomes measures to support C&E industry in the 2022 Policy Address hopes Hong Kong to relax all epidemic prevention measures

(Hong Kong, 25 October 2022) The Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) welcomes the measures of the HKSAR Government to support the convention and exhibition (“C&E”) industry announced in the latest Policy Address, in response to strengthen and capitalise on Hong Kong’s status as the Trade Fair Capital of Asia.
The existing Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme (CEISS), which originally expires on 31 December 2022, will be extended to June 30, 2023. In addition, the HKSAR Government will launch a new HK$1.4 billion (US$ 179.48 million) scheme after the CEISS expires to subsidise more than 200 exhibitions to be staged in Hong Kong over three years. The AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 project and the Wan Chai North redevelopment project near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will proceed to substantially increase large-scale convention and exhibition spaces to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as a premier venue for international C&E activities.

Mr Stuart Bailey, HKECIA Chairman, commented, “The HKECIA welcomes Government’s support to convention and exhibition industry, helping ease financial burdens on the organisers who can therefore get ready for the industry revival. An additional HK$1.4 billion scheme and the commitment to the development plans are a strong recognition of the significance of the exhibition industry to Hong Kong’s economy and government’s declaration of intention to reestablish Hong Kong as an exhibition hub of Asia, supporting numerous crucial industries and boosting commerce.

“While the HKECIA appreciates Government’s measures, our industry urges the Government to lift travel restrictions and relax all social distancing measures as soon as possible. The exhibition industry and business sector need to be able to freely reconnect with the world to enable the economy to recover. Otherwise, the aforementioned new policies are not able to benefit the convention and exhibition industry, and our industry is unable to bounce back and Hong Kong will lose advantages to other Asian cities,” Mr Bailey added.

About the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association

The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) was established in 1990 to promote Hong Kong as a world-class exhibition and conference destination and the trade fair capital of Asia Pacific. It works to represent the interests of all members involved in the exhibition and convention industries, and provides a unified voice in dealing with the government, legislative and statutory bodies, the media and public organisations, on all matters associate with the role of the exhibition and convention industry in Hong Kong’s economy. In addition, it offers training and educational programmes, and collects, analyses and distributes information and statistics relating to the industry. Currently, HKECIA has 100 members including exhibition organisers, venue managers and operators, contractors, hotels, and travel agents.

HKECIA is a member of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and AFECA – The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms Sallie Chan
Association Manager
Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association