Hong Kong wins bid to host eye meeting

HONG KONG Strong public- and private-sector support for professional organisations was a key factor in the College of Opthalmologists of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Opthalmological Society winning their bid to host the International Council of Opthalmology (ICO) Congress in 2008, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said. Between 7,000 and 10,000 international delegates are expected to attend the five-day ICO Congress in the summer of 2008. HKTB executive director Ms Clara Chong said Hong Kong had a proven track record for conferences and exhibitions and receives strong support from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government. "For the ICO bid, there were support letters from the chief executive's office, the Economic Services Bureau, Health and Welfare Bureau and the Commerce and Industry Bureau," Ms Chong said. A large contingent of eye experts from mainland China is expected.