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competitiveness .”
Since the Subsidy Scheme launched , 10 applications have been submitted to the HKSAR Government through HML and six of them have already been approved .
The Subsidy Scheme is now extended to 31 December 2021 . Hybrid events cannot fully replace face to face interactions that build trusted relationships and this is especially true for high end products and services . Wine needs to be tasted ; delicate fabrics and jewellery need to be touched and felt ; antiques and art pieces need to be appreciated in their original glamour . Nevertheless , HML has made suitable technology and equipment available for organisers to hold many webinars at the venue since March .
HML clearly retains a positive view of the long-term future of the exhibition and convention industry and made the theme for its recent anniversary celebration ‘ Onwards and Upwards ’. HML is also investing HK $ 1bn in its Five-Year Advancement Project to ensure the infrastructure and facilities of the HKCEC meet customers ’ long-term requirements .
The Project started in mid- 2019 and the installation of 5G infrastructure in all exhibition halls has been completed . The entire Advancement Project will continue until 2024 .
Managing a venue that serves hundreds of exhibitions and conventions every year , HML says it can be “ a key contributor to the economic revival ” of the many different industries it serves .
HKTB The Hong Kong Tourism Board ( HKTB ), has welcomed the recent four tradeshows organised by Informa Markets . It said the shows were implemented seamlessly and described them as “ an encouraging sign of gradual resumptions of business events ”, and proof of the
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“ track record of the city ’ s effective hygiene measures ”.
HKCEC and AsiaWorld-Expo ( AWE ) have implemented stringent procedures in line with government regulations . AWE has introduced ‘ CLeanTech ’, an innovative three-inone disinfection installation .
The Lohas Expo 2020 and Vegetarian Food Asia 2020 posted a record-breaking 8 % increase in visitor numbers .
The HKTB recently announced the launch of a standardised hygiene protocol it developed jointly with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency ( HKQAA ). The protocol provides unified guidelines on hygiene and anti-epidemic measures for tourism-related industries and 1,800 businesses and outlets have reportedly expressed interest in adopting the protocol in their business .
HKTB has also begun a multimillion dollar communications campaign to reinforce Hong Kong ’ s position as the ‘ International Tradefair Capital of Asia ’ The SAR is also exploring new business development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area to extend the reach of new buyers and exhibitors .
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Momentum and Outlook Off the back of the success of the first physical events in October , local venues have introduced advanced technology for virtual and hybrid |
Above : Exhibitors filling health declaration forms |
events and the pandemic has not stopped HKTB working hard globally to secure MICE events for 2021 and beyond . Recent key wins include the Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence Congress in 2021 ; the Asia Funeral and Cemetery Expo & Conference in 2021 , 2023 and 2025 ; the International Air Transport Association ( IATA ) World Cargo Symposium in 2022 ; and the Congress of the Asian Society of Transplantation in 2023 .
HKTB also has a dedicated team around the world in key markets who are able to help facilitate and negotiate MICE events of all sizes .
Hong Kong is situated in the heart of the Greater Bay Area ( GBA ). With the launch of new infrastructure , such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai- Macao Bridge and the Guangzhou- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link , the city has enhanced connectivity to the mainland .
Editorial note : Since these interviews were taken , the situation in Hong Kong has evolved and a rise of new Covid-19 cases has been reported . As a result , the Hong Kong SAR Government announced over the weekend ( 21-22 November ) that the governments of Hong Kong and Singapore had decided to postpone the departure date of the ‘ Air Travel Bubble ’ by two weeks . The HKTB said it supported the Air Travel Bubble taking visitors ’ and the public ’ s safety as top priority . Under the new normal of the Covid-19 pandemic , the HKTB said , it was inevitable that the pandemic situation fluctuated . “ It is a must for all of us to stay prudent in coping with the situation ,” HKTB told EW , adding that it hoped the pandemic situation would soon stabilise and that it looked forward to welcoming visitors back soon .
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