HKECIA welcomes support measures for convention and exhibition industry but urges government to lift travel restrictions

While the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) welcomes the measures of the HKSAR Government to support the convention and exhibition industry announced in the latest Policy Address, they urge the Government to lift travel restrictions and relax all social distancing measures as soon as possible

The existing Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme (CEISS), which originally expires on 31st December 2022, will be extended to 30th June 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.

Stuart Bailey, HKECIA Chairman noted “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.”