Exhibition industry gaining significance

The Macao Special Administrative Region government has attached great importance to the convention and exhibition industry, taking advantage of preferential central government policies to diversify Macao's economic development.

The convention and exhibition industry in Macao has experienced a boom in recent years that has improved connections with the mainland, other regions and foreign countries, and also created job opportunities for residents.

Figures published by the Macao SAR government show the area available for hosting conventions and exhibitions last year was 19,700 square meters, up 13.2 percent from the 17,400 square meters in 2015.

Revenue generated by the industry more than doubled between 2015 and 2017, rising from 1.44 billion patacas ($179 million) to 3.55 billion patacas.

Vincent U, executive director of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, said last month that about 2,300 people play an active role in the industry in Macao, and 300-plus management staff members have been trained to serve the industry.

He said the number of conventions and exhibitions held in Macao each year has grown dramatically in the past decade.

"Back in 2009, there were about 1,195 conventions and exhibitions in the region, while by the end of 2018, the number had increased to 1,427, seeing a 20 percent rise," he said.

Preferential central government policies have given a boost to Macao's convention and exhibition industry.

For example, the Ministry of Commerce signed an agreement with the Macao SAR government in 2012 to simplify visa application procedures for mainland residents attending conventions in Macao.

An annual International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum－first approved by the ministry in 2010－h(huán)as also been staged in Macao since 2012.

Wong Fai, president of the Macao Leisure Tourism Services Innovation Association, said attracting more international conventions and sports events to Macao could play an important role in making it a high-end leisure destination.