It gives me immense pleasure to see HKCEC filled with people, doing business and networking. With the reopening of borders and lifting of quarantine requirements, Hong Kong has experienced a strong rebound of its exhibition sector, and I’m proud to say HML is at the forefront. 

In the first half of 2023, we served a variety of international trade shows covering diverse topics and industries. Hong Kong is back in business as a trade fair hub after the pandemic pause. Among HKCEC’s highlights: the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show utilised all exhibition halls – the first “full house” since the pandemic; and Art Basel Hong Kong 2023 attracted an international attendance of 86,000 – its largest since 2019. 

Before COVID-19, about 110 exhibitions were held in the HKCEC every fiscal year, including around 100 recurrent exhibitions. Among them, over 70 were recurrent trade fairs and all these recurrent trade fairs will continue to stage at the HKCEC or return to the HKCEC in 2023. We estimate the business volume of exhibitions can return to pre-epidemic levels in 2024.

I’m confident Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a leading city for exhibitions and conventions remain strong. We look forward to your continuous partnership and support in restoring the status of “Trade Fair Capital of Asia” in Hong Kong.