Beijing exhibition industry to push upgraded facilities

By Ingrid Kwok hong kong Beijing is to invest more in exhibition industry infrastructure so it can compete with Shanghai, which is experiencing a trade-fair boom. China Beijing International Convention and Exhibition Industry Association deputy secretary Mr Chen Feng said the exhibition industry in Asia has had its toughest year. He was speaking on the north Asia discussion panel at the Asian Exhibition Forum (AEF) at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre (HKCEC) in September, "Development of the exhibition industry is included in our five-year plan," he said. "The project includes construction of new exhibition venues, enhancement of co-ordination within the industry, training and increasing financial subsidy from the government." Executive director of Shanghai Convention and Exhibition Industries Association Mr Chen Xianjin said business in the city was booming and reported major business growth this year compared to 2002 and 2001. International events and national events in 2002 have recorded a growth of 78% and 54% respectively over 2001. Mr Chen pointed out: "Exhibition themes are overlapping. In 2002, we had 262 IT shows, 15 printing and advertising shows, 18 building and construction shows and 11 shows on toys and gifts. Administration for the shows is still not up to international standard." He predicted the growth will start slowing down. Also with the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) effective on January 1, Shanghai's exhibition industry will face stronger competition. In southern China, secretary general of Shenzhen Conference and Exhibition Association Ms Sun Yilun unveiled the new Shenzhen Conference and Exhibition Centre expected to open in October 2004, providing an exhibition area of 110,000 sqm and conference area of 22,000 sqm. She outlined the city's five-year plan. "We will introduce more UFI-approved exhibitions. We are setting up intellectual property rules." HKECIA chairman Mr Stanley Chu expected the CEPA and Hong Kong's new exhibition centre, which opens in 2005, will ensure southern China has some of the finest exhibition facilities in the region. The AEF was organised by Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Union of International Fairs. The forum attracted participants from China, Hong Kong and south-east Asia.