Sharpening the MICE edge (hktdc.com)


	HKTB Chairman James Tien (seventh from right) and HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau (far right) join government and travel sector representatives in toasting the success of the new Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong office (Photo: HKTB)

	Mary Chow, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities, outlines measures to reinforce Hong Kong as the convention hub of Asia

	Delegates enjoy a lunch at the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Congress

Hong Kong will enhance its appeal as a centre of excellence for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) in Asia, industry leaders from around the world were told at an exhibition industry conference in Istanbul last month. "Exhibitors and buyers benefit from the efficiency of Hong Kong, its first-class venues and strong exhibition support services," said Mary Chow, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities.

Ms Chow outlined a strong commitment to reinforcing Hong Kong's role as Asia's convention and exhibition capital, noting that the government, along with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA), are strengthening their collaboration and stepping up promotion efforts.

Ms Chow was speaking at a business luncheon hosted by the HKTB, HKTDC and HKECIA during the 75th UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) Congress, 12-15 November.

World's freest economy

Hong Kong, rated the world's freest economy for the 14th consecutive year by the Heritage Foundation, offers one of the best possible environments for businesses and investors, according to Ms Chow. Its strategic location and the flow of Chinese mainland and international exhibitors and trade show visitors make Hong Kong a strategic platform for global business.

Each year, Hong Kong hosts more than 100 major exhibitions, attracting some 800,000 international and mainland visitors. Authorities want to build on that. Ms Chow noted that the HKTDC will launch a major incentive package to help bring in more international buyers to its trade fairs.

The US$15.5 million initiative, starting next month, will target buyers from emerging markets such as Russia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia and the mainland. Working with airlines and hotels, the HKTDC will offer various subsidised packages to bring in more trade buyers to the more than 30 HKTDC trade fairs.

Cultivating business

The Hong Kong Tourism Board, meanwhile, is launching a new Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) office to promote Hong Kong overseas as a MICE destination and to provide one-stop support for event organisers.

"With the setting up of the MEHK office, I am confident that more creative solutions will be found to maximise our potential as a location of choice for MICE events," said Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Yvonne Choi.

The new office will target high-potential markets, including the mainland, India, Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also plans to cultivate new business contacts and build awareness of Hong Kong's MICE brand.

UFI's 531 member associations include the world's leading trade show organisers, as well as major national and international associations of the exhibition industry. Outgoing UFI President is Cliff Wallace, Managing Director of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Hong Kong hosted the UFI Congress in 2001, and since 2002, the HKTDC and the HKTB have jointly hosted a business lunch during UFI's annual Congress.