The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively promoting the events economy to reinforce its status as an international business hub, conference and exhibition centre, and Asia’s event capital.
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is lining up a series of large-scale international exhibitions and conferences to drive the city’s trade development and promote Hong Kong's advantages and competitiveness.
Authorities earlier announced that Hong Kong will host nearly 150 major events, including more than 80 in the first half of the year, covering various fields, including arts and culture, sports, finance and trade.
Events held so far this year include the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show and the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART).
The jewellery shows attracted more than 4,000 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions and received support from more than 100 buyer groups from 65 countries and regions.
FILMART, held earlier this month, is Asia's largest film and television entertainment content trading platform and the world's premier film and television industry event. Every year, it attracts active participation from well-known producers, distributors, investors and industry representatives from around the world. Together with EntertainmentPulse, it attracted more than 7,500 industry participants from 50 countries and regions this year.
The annual Art Basel will round off cultural events for the Hong Kong SAR Government's Art March campaign.
To enhance Hong Kong's status as a leading events capital, the Hong Kong SAR Government established a cross-department events coordinating group to promote the events economy through international events and attract tourists from around the world to Hong Kong. The events industry could turn popularity into wealth.
The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that it would become more proactive in organising events. The Hong Kong Tourism Board would use its existing networks in Mainland China and overseas. The HKTDC and the Government's overseas economic and trade offices will also strive to attract more large-scale international events.
Authorities will strengthen overall planning and coordination, including discussing with the organiser to add peripheral activities, especially activities with Hong Kong characteristics that cover arts, culture, food, shopping or themed tourism to add value to the events and promote city-wide investment.
The HKTDC has always been committed to promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages and strengths on the world stage and injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s economic development. It will organise about 40 large-scale international exhibitions and conferences to help promote the event economy.
In January, the Hong Kong SAR Government and HKTDC organised the Asian Financial Forum (AFF), which drew more than 3,600 financial and business elites, including over 70 overseas and mainland business delegations to explore business opportunities, demonstrating Hong Kong's surging economic vitality.
Underlying the city's role as an innovation hub, the HKTDC will host the second edition of its innovation anchor event InnoEX from 13 to 16 April. The event brings together innovation and technology leaders, entrepreneurs, opinion leaders and investors from around the globe to engage in dialogue and facilitate cooperation opportunities.
The annual Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) is the flagship event of International Healthcare Week, which runs from 16 to 31 May this year, promoting knowledge-exchange and cooperation among global healthcare industry stakeholders. The HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare will run concurrently to highlight Hong Kong's advantages in the healthcare field.
Our anchor summer fair, the Hong Kong Book Fair on 17-23 July is an annual highlight for Hong Kong residents and visitors alike. Enriching the experience for visitors, concurrent events include the Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and HKTDC World of Snacks.
The HKTDC Food Expo on 15 to 19 August is another high-profile event that the whole family can enjoy. The HKTDC Food Expo Pro on 15-17 August provides a one-stop trade platform for the food industry, helping companies explore opportunities and establish connections.
Returning 11-12 September, the annual Belt and Road Summit provides an important international business platform promoting cooperation in Belt and Road markets.
