Usage Statistics
In fiscal year 2003/04 (1 July 2003 - 30 June 2004), a total of 1,890 events were held at the HKCEC. As a part of business, there were 1,382 events utilizing major venues i.e. exhibition halls, convention halls, theatres, and large meeting rooms. These events included 95 major exhibitions (occupying 1,819 sq m or above), of which 67 were recurrent whereas 24 were new; 50 international conferences or conventions; 148 entertainment events including 61 film shows; 335 banquets; and 754 corporate events, press conferences, seminars, and others.

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Winter 2004
The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Experience (7-9 February, 7,000 pax)
- International Liver Congress (14-17 February, 2,000 pax)
- 14th Baptist Youth World Conference 2004 (4-8 August, 8,000 pax)
- American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) World Travel Congress 2004 (24 September-2 October, 5,000 pax)
- Robert Kiyosaki Live in Asia 2004 (1 November, 4,000 pax)
- 9th Asia Pacific Society Respiratology (APSR) (9-13 December, 1,200 pax)

Summer 2004
During July and August 2004, HKCEC accommodated a total of 24 exhibitions, 26% up from the 19 exhibitions held in Summer 2003. 10 out of 24 exhibitions showed an increase in total exhibition area this summer :
- Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2005 (13-16 July 2004), up 39% in space occupied
- Hong Kong Wedding, Banquet & Wedding Financial Services Expo 2004 (16-18 July 2004), up 19% in space occupied
- Hong Kong Book Fair 2004 (21-26 July 2004), up 25% in space occupied
- Summer FUNtasy 2004 - 6th Hong Kong Comics Festival/1st Hong Kong Game Fair/X-Zone/Band X Dance (30 July - 3 Aug 2004), up 4% in space occupied
- The 12th International Baby/Children Products Expo and 16th Hong Kong Baby Crawling Contest (7-9 Aug 2004), up 7% in space occupied
- Food Expo 2004 (12-16 Aug 2004), up 64% in space occupied
- International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (12-16 Aug 2004), up 35% in space occupied
- 2004 Hong Kong High-End Audio-Visual Show (20-22 Aug 2004), up 82% in space occupied
- 36th Wedding Fashion Expo (21-23 Aug 2004), up 31% in space occupied
- Citihomex 2004 (21-23 Aug 2004), up 25% in space occupied

Total exhibition area utilized in the two months increased from 1,084,424 sq m last summer to 1,094,795 sq m. Total attendance grew 6% to 1,668,312.

Christmas 2004
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has recorded its most active Christmas Holiday event activity and highest patronage in the 16-year history of the venue.

For the four-day period from Christmas Eve through 27 December 2004, the internationally renowned exhibition and convention venue hosted 47 separate licensed events drawing a total attendance of over 243,000 patrons.

Event activity included a major consumer show, three major concerts, several corporate banquets and 15 wedding receptions. The venue's seven restaurants were active throughout the period attracting 10,400 patrons, primarily for lunch and dinner promotions in conjunction with Hong Kong's usual festive Christmas season activities. The largest single event was the Hong Kong Mega Showcase and Food Festival 2004 which drew over 195,000 patrons, with 65,000 attending on Christmas day. The three concerts drew 21,000 patrons.

Cliff Wallace, Managing Director of the HKCEC (Management) Limited (HML), HKCEC's management and operating company, expressed great satisfaction. "We once again have exhibited the uniqueness of this Centre to our local community during this holiday period by showing the versatility and functionality of the Centre. To host 47 independent and different events in a short period of four days, and to do this successfully from a logistics and crowd management standpoint, is extremely rewarding". He continued, "We hope that our community is once again reminded of the Centre's benefit and how fortunate we are to be located in the heart of Hong Kong and serving the community's needs during non-commercial business periods".

The HKCEC remains one of the busiest convention and exhibition centres in the world and has hosted an average of five licensed independent events per day since its opening in 1988.

Key Events of 2004

September : Forbes Global CEO Conference

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Meeting of the minds: Invest Hong Kong's Director-General of Investment Promotion Mike Rowse (right), welcomes the return of the world's top CEOs to Hong Kong at the opening of the Forbes Global CEO Conference, while Forbes President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes looks on. (September 21, 2004)

World business leaders meet in Hong Kong for Forbes Global CEO Conference

Over 350 top business executives and government leaders from all over the world gather in Hong Kong on September 21 for the fourth annual Forbes Global CEO Conference to discuss current events, the global economy and the most important issues facing businesses under the theme "The Connected World".

Invest Hong Kong is the host sponsor of this event. This is the second time that the conference - one of the most prestigious global business events - is being held in Hong Kong.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, welcomed all participants to Hong Kong. He said, "We are pleased to see the return of the world's top CEOs to Hong Kong. With the overwhelming number of participants visiting our city from the region, Europe and North America, we are certain that this year's Conference, like the one held in Hong Kong two years ago, will be another great success."

"The conference taking place in our city reinforces Hong Kong as an international business centre where leaders exchange ideas and make important decisions."

"Major high-profile international business events such as the Forbes CEO Conference provide excellent platforms to demonstrate our city's attractiveness as a prime investment destination to business decision-makers worldwide," he said.

On the conference's first evening, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, will make welcoming remarks. The Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Huahua, will also deliver remarks.

At "A Meeting of Minds" session, a discussion on the global impact of the US elections will be moderated by the President, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes, Mr Steve Forbes.

At the three-day conference, business and political leaders will share their insights on crucial issues affecting the global marketplace in various themed sessions. Topics include the global economy, off-shoring, global branding, trends in transport and tourism, corporate governance and social responsibility, trade policies, the private sector in China, the CEO and technology and developing global cities.

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, will participate in a panel on "Developing global cities: the road map to 'hub' status" at the closing lunch on September 23. He will discuss Hong Kong's role as a regional hub and a two-way platform for investment and trade.

Additional Information
Further Information from Forbes (http://www.forbesconferences.com/ViewPastEvent.aspx?frmpg=pastevent&PastEventID=57)
Speech by the Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200409/21/0921194.htm)

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Europe-Asia Heads of Intellectual Property Offices conference held in HK
February 1, 2005

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Heads of European and Asian intellectual property (IP) offices will exchange information on the latest developments in IP protection with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and other leading IP organisations when they meet in Hong Kong today (February 1) in a regional conference jointly organised by the Europe Patent Office (EPO) and the Intellectual Property Department.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, the President of the Legislative Council, Mrs Rita Fan, said every region had its own challenges in IP protection and in particular, IP was vital to supporting economic development in Asia.

"Strong IP protection reduces investment risk and thus enhances investor confidence. Attracting investors to develop locally-based research and development as well as creative industries can help Asian economies create a more sustainable base for longer-term economic development," Mrs Fan said. "This is one of the benefits of under-pinning our economic development with a strong IP protection regime.

"The EPO and the WIPO are the IP bodies who have the most expertise built up over many years and an understanding of the urgent issues faced every day in the developing world. I hope they will continue to develop technical assistance programmes for our Asian neighbours."

President of the EPO Dr Alain Pompidou said today's conference would provide a unique opportunity to share information on the latest developments in the European and Asian IP offices and trilateral partners (US, Europe and Japan), exchange views on the challenges that IP offices were facing and discuss how co-operation could help overcome these.

"It is vital not only to improve co-ordination in the field of co-operation but also to build up firm partnerships between IP offices to develop modern and efficient patent systems for the benefit of our respective industries and societies both in Asia and Europe," Mr Pompidou said.

The officiating guests also included the Director General of Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, Ms Liew Woon Yin.

Entitled "Europe-Asia Heads of Intellectual Property Offices Conference", the two-day conference is being held at the Regal Hongkong Hotel today and tomorrow.

The conference is a continual regional co-operative event pursuant to the success of the Europe-Asia Heads of IP Offices Conference held in Singapore in 2003. It brings together heads of IP offices from the EPO, the WIPO, the United States, the Mainland, Hong Kong and other Asian regions to a platform for networking and provides a basis for sharing ideas and solving problems.

Heads of IP offices from the EPO, the Mainland, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, France and Hong Kong spoke on recent developments and future trends of their respective IP offices. Asian regional patent offices including Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia exchanged information about challenges faced by their IP offices and discussed how international co-operation could help overcome them. The WIPO, and patent offices of Singapore and Australia shared ideas and followed up on the progress of automation tools and other technical co-operation among IP offices.

Key Events of 2004

Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair

The first mega trade show in HKCEC in 2004 - Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair recorded 8% increase in overseas exhibitors

Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair (6-9 January 2004) was the New Year's first mega trade fair to be staged at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). HKCEC is managed and operated by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (HML), a member of NWS Holdings Limited ("NWS Holdings", Stock code: 0659).

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Toys Fair was in its 30th edition. The Toys Fair is the world's third largest toys fair and the biggest in Asia. It utilised 50,819 sq m gross exhibition area. This year, it attracted a total of 1,807 exhibitors (757 overseas exhibitors, 8% increase from last edition) from 35 countries and regions, 6% increase from last edition, and 25,785 buyers from 123 countries and regions.

Held concurrently with the Toys Fair was the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. The Stationery Fair attracted 221 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, 5% increase from last year, and 12,321 buyers from 114 countries and regions, 7% increase from last year.

The two fairs recorded encouraging results which bodes well for business in 2004 and the future. Hong Kong is truly the gateway to global markets. Its first-class business infrastructure, free flow of goods and information and strong regulatory environment has reinforced Hong Kong's position as the springboard for local and foreign enterprises to expand regionally and globally. As at 2 June 2003, the number of regional headquarters in Hong Kong reached 966 and there are 2,241 companies operated regional offices in the city, up 3.2% from last year.

Key Events of 2004

American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) 74th World Travel Congress

2,000 Travel Industry Leaders Attend ASTA’s 74th World Travel Congress

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Hong Kong, Sept. 28, 2004 – Today at the opening press conference of the American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) 74th World Travel Congress--considered one of the premier annual events for the global travel industry--ASTA Congress Chair Bev Zukow, CTC, announced that the event is expected to draw approximately 2,000 travel agents and other travel industry delegates, with more expected to register on-site during the event. The 2004 ASTA World Travel Congress is being held at the Hong Kong Convention Center on Sept. 28-Oct. 3.

In years past, cities hosting an ASTA World Travel Congress have seen considerable and immediate economic benefits. Just as important is the fact that Hong Kong, as well as the region’s tourism industry, can count on an increase in the number of visitors it will see in the coming months and years.

“Any community which has previously hosted an ASTA World Travel Congress event knows that the result for them is an influx of travelers who were sent there at the recommendation of their travel agents,” said Zukow. “It’s not unusual for host cities to realize an increase in tourism in the years immediately following ASTA’s World Travel Congress.”

Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Clara Chong announced at the press conference that Hong Kong had just achieved the new milestone of welcoming two million visitors in a single month and was on track to exceed 20 million for the full year. “Hong Kong is a city that always has something new and exciting to offer, so we treasure this chance for such an influential gathering of travel professionals to experience our latest products for themselves,” she said.

“We hope, too, that by hosting such a large and prestigious event we can showcase Hong Kong’s strengths as a leading business, business-cum-leisure and convention destination, especially its role as the number one meeting place for reaching the China market, as evidenced by the involvement of our tourism partners from the Pan-Pearl River Delta region in this Congress,” she added.

Since the focus of this year’s Congress is education, ASTA travel agent members will be taking advantage of a host of Congress seminars ranging from hands-on technology sessions to destination specialist courses. ASTA has provided delegates with a program that addresses their current needs, including seminars on everything from tips on proven low-cost marketing strategies and maintaining company morale to strategic ideas for remaining profitable in today’s marketplace.

Represented in the Exhibit Hall are countries and destinations from Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, Canada and the United States. Also exhibiting are hotel and resort companies representing thousands of worldwide properties, airlines, car rental and limousine companies, tour companies representing multiple worldwide destination products, travel-related companies, insurance companies, cruise lines and others.

ABOUT ASTA
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents and its affiliated organizations is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of members worldwide through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public. The Society is the world's largest and most influential travel trade association with over 20,000 members in 140 countries.

Speech by SEDL at opening gala dinner of ASTA World Travel Congress 2004

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, at opening gala dinner of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) World Travel Congress 2004 today (September 28) (English only):

Bev, Richard, Selina, distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, a very warm welcome to all of you, especially those who have come a long way from the United States. We are delighted that ASTA has chosen Hong Kong to host its 74th World Travel Congress. We will make sure that you will get the most out of this 6-day congress.

The tourism industry has encountered many challenges in recent years. Terrorist attacks and the outbreak of SARS had deterred many tourists from travelling. Good news is: the industry has revived quickly and there is good cooperation across all sectors of the travel industry. The ASTA Congress provides a good opportunity for the travel trade to meet and network, and to share ideas and experiences. By holding the conference in Hong Kong, you have an added advantage of seeing and experiencing for yourselves first-hand what Hong Kong has to offer you and your clients.

Hong Kong has always been one of the favourite tourist destinations in Asia. For many decades, we have been called "The Pearl of the Orient" and "Shopping Paradise". There are all kinds of retail outlets in Hong Kong, from open markets in Stanley, Hollywood Road, to world class shopping arcades in Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. Hong Kong is also a place for gourmets as we have tens of thousands of good restaurants.

Apart from fascinating shopping and dining experiences, we are also doing a lot to enrich our tourism products. On family travel, Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to open next year. On eco-tourism, we are building Asia's largest man-made wetland park. We are also building a cable car system to take tourist to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.

Under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Hong Kong companies are allowed to set up joint ventures with Mainland travel agents to operate inbound and domestic travel in the Mainland. This arrangement not only opens an avenue of cooperation between Hong Kong and Mainland companies, but also provides investment opportunities for overseas firms wanting a foothold in the Mainland market through Hong Kong. The Mainland market has enormous potential. According to the World Tourism Organization, China would have 130 million international visitors in 2020 while Hong Kong would have 56 million visitors.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish all of you participating in the 74th ASTA World Travel Congress a very successful and rewarding congress and I congratulate the organising committee on what I am sure will be a truly memorable and successful event.

Thank You.

Tourism hits a new high with 2 million visitors in August
The record figure provides a perfect backdrop for World Travel Congress
Peter Michael
29 September 2004
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong has been offered a new tourism slogan: "Hong Kong: See It, Sell It".

Authorities yesterday revealed tourism figures had hit a record high with more than 2 million visitors last month.

A total of 14 million visitors had been recorded in the first eight months of the year, said Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Tourist Board.

The news comes with more than 2,000 leading US travel professionals in the city for last night's opening ceremony of the four-day 2004 World Travel Congress, at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Hong Kong is more than just a destination. It is an experience," said Bev Zukow, the congress' chairwoman.

"Those four words, 'Live It, Love It', are so clever," she said.

"Hong Kong has a mystique about it. It's vibrant, so alive and so diverse. And that is why we are here to 'see it, sell it'."

Organised by the American Society of Travel Agents, the conference is expected to pump more than $23 million directly into the economy over the next four days.

"Much more important still is the multiplier effect," said Tourism Board executive director Clara Chong Ming-wah.

"This will create worldwide publicity for Hong Kong, and its selling points as a business and leisure destination."

Following the "magic milestone" of 2 million visitors to Hong Kong last month - and averaging about 400,000 visitors a week over the year - the city was likely to achieve the target of 20.5 million visitors for the full year, she said.

"We place great value on the US market for a number of good reasons. Firstly, it's our largest long-haul market, in fact the fourth-largest of all our source markets.

"Secondly, it has a very high business travel component: last year 43 per cent of all US visitors came on business, compared with 31 per cent across all markets.

"Thirdly, due in part to the large business component, the per-capita spending of US overnight visitors is one of our highest at US$720 in 2003, nearly 24 per cent growth on the previous year."

She said the conference was an opportunity to reinforce Hong Kong's reputation as the events capital of Asia.

"[It will] highlight Hong Kong's ideal location as an international transport hub and meeting point for China business and leisure travel [as well as being] a market leader in the high-yield conventions and exhibitions segment."

Richard Copland, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents, said the "brave new world of travel" has suffered "four years of conflict, challenge and change".

"If you were to write a book - a thriller or science fiction - you couldn't make this up," he said.

Global experts gather to fight money laundering and drug abuse
February 16 and 17 & 23 to 25
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Two international conferences will be held in Hong Kong this week and next to unite global efforts to tackle the problems of money laundering and drug abuse.

The two conferences, namely "International Conference -- Creating Global Partnership and Synergy in the Fight Against Money Laundering" and "International Conference on Tackling Drug Abuse", have been organised by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau and the Action Committee Against Narcotics.

The Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Rosanna Ure, said international cooperation was vital in combating money laundering and drug abuse as the problems were evolving and new trends emerged all the time.

"We hope that the conferences will provide opportunities for regional and international exchanges of experience and information," Mrs Ure said.

A number of renowned speakers and experts have been invited from overseas, the Mainland and the local business sector and related fields to participate in the two conferences.

The "International Conference -- Creating Global Partnership and Synergy in the Fight Against Money Laundering" will be held on Wednesday and Thursday (February 16 and 17) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Speakers will deliver keynote speeches on the worldwide effort being made against money laundering and terrorist financing as well as international collaboration in future. Speakers from the United Kingdom legal sector will also share their experiences in implementing the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) revised Forty Recommendations.

The keynote speaker for a luncheon on February 16, Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Li Ruogu, will talk about China's anti-money laundering measures and related international cooperation.

Four concurrent sessions will be conducted to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors; the role of financial sectors and designated non-financial businesses and professions in the fight against money laundering; and the effects of cultural, economic and social differences on approaches adopted to tackle money laundering.

To be held from February 23 to 25 at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, the "International Conference on Tackling Drug Abuse" will be a two-and-a-half day conference-cum-visit event.

Plenary sessions and concurrent workshops will serve as platforms for overseas and local anti-drug workers to share experiences and discuss ways forward in five different areas -- the challenge of the changing patterns of drug abuse; preventive education; treatment and rehabilitation; effective enforcement strategies and research.

Visits to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres will also be arranged for participants so they can see Hong Kong's efforts in preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation.

Mrs Ure also said today that Hong Kong would need to amend the law in order to comply with the new international standards on combating money laundering as promulgated by the FATF.

The FATF adopted and issued the latest version of Forty Recommendations and the Special Recommendation IX (SR IX) in June 2003 and October last year respectively, aiming to cut off the financial lifeline of terrorists and other criminals.

The new set of Forty Recommendations stipulates that basic obligations such as customer due diligence, record keeping and suspicious transaction reporting (STR) should be set out in law or regulations. The FATF also extended the remit of the Forty Recommendations to cover six categories of designated non-financial businesses and professions. They include real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, trust and company service providers, lawyers, accountants and casinos.

SR IX calls on countries to stop cross-border movement of currency and monetary instruments related to money laundering and terrorist financing. It also asks countries to confiscate such funds they intercept.

"We already have complied with the STR requirements in our current legislation. What needs to be done now is to write the obligations relating to customer due diligence and record keeping as well as that concerning the implementation of SR IX into the relevant law.

"This is a new standard adopted by the FATF and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank. If Hong Kong does not implement the recommendation, we will run the risk of being assessed as not compliant by the FATF under its mutual evaluation exercise or by the IMF/World Bank under their Financial System Assessment Program. Such an assessment would have adverse consequences to our status as an international financial centre," Mrs Ure stressed.

The Government is now seeking legal advice and consulting related trades and professions on the legislative amendments required. The proposal will be presented to the Legislative Council Panel on Security this legislative year.

Posters and leaflets were issued earlier to remind public of the importance of reporting suspicious transactions. A new TV and radio Announcement in the Public Interest will also be launched next month.

To educate the public about the harm of money laundering to Hong Kong and the community at large, five episodes of a one-minute programme are being broadcast on TVB Jade this week from Monday to Friday at 11.35pm. Another five episodes focusing on drug problem will be aired in the week beginning February 21.

Experts recognise the importance of global cooperation to combat money laundering
Government Press Release - Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Over 400 experts, professionals and practitioners from overseas, the Mainland and the local business sector and related fields today (February 16) attended the "International Conference - Creating Global Partnership and Synergy in the Fight Against Money Laundering" organized by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau and the Action Committee Against Narcotics.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the conference, Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, said that Hong Kong was determined to create a strong and tight security network together with other jurisdictions to protect Hong Kong's premier status as an international financial centre from the harm of money laundering.

"No financial centre is immune from the risk of its infrastructure being misused by money launderers. While New York, London and Hong Kong must do their best individually to protect their markets against money launderers or terrorists, none of us can really succeed on our own," said Mr Tang.

He pointed out that sustained and coordinated efforts were essential in the difficult and protracted war against the crime.

"To stay ahead of the criminals, it is essential to continually review our strategies, improve our skills and plan ahead," Mr Tang added.

He said that Hong Kong had already started to the work of putting in place the latest recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), reinforcing the territory's role in the global partnership.

At today's plenary session, President of the FATF, Mr Jean-Louis Fort from France shared with conference participants his observations of the worldwide effort against money laundering and terrorist financing.

He told participants that in countries with effective anti-money and terrorist financing laundering systems, the financial sector recognized that these responsibilities were not just an additional burden imposed by the government but also a necessary component of their own risk management and governance strategies.

Mr Fort said, "The integrity of our financial systems and markets worldwide depends heavily on both the reality and the perception that high legal, professional and ethical standards apply."

Also speaking at the plenary session was Assistant Director of Monetary and Financial Systems Department and Chief of Financial Market Integrity Division, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mr R Barry Johnston. He shed light on the vulnerability of international financial system to money laundering risk.

Director of Regulatory Transactions and Sector Leader for Financial Crime, Financial Services Authority from the United Kingdom, Mr Philip Robinson related to the audience his experience as a regulator of the UK financial service; Mr Collingwood Thompson QC, a member of the Money Laundering Working Group, Bar Council of England and Wales, shared with participants his observations in the legal profession's need to remain vigilant in dealing with possible money laundering cases.

Deputy Governor of the People's Bank of China, Mr Li Ruogu, delivered a speech on China's anti-money laundering efforts at today's luncheon.

At the four concurrent sessions, speakers discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors; the role of financial sectors and designated non-financial businesses and professions in the fight against money laundering; and the effects of cultural, economic and social differences on approaches adopted to tackle money laundering.

The conference will continue tomorrow morning. Chair of the Money Laundering Task Force, Law Society of England and Wales, Mr Robin Booth, will talk about his views on how the Revised 40 Recommendations are implemented in the UK. Mr Christopher Malan of the South African Government will, on behalf of the Incoming President of the FATF, Professor K Asmal (South Africa), deliver the latter's speech on how the international community should work together to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in the light of recent developments.

Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Rosanna Ure, will chair a presentation-cum-panel discussion session to sum up the highlights of the concurrent sessions held this afternoon.

Experts to join International Conference on Tackling Drug Abuse
Government Press Release - Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Participants from overseas, the Mainland, Macau and local anti-drug fields will join the "International Conference on Tackling Drug Abuse" to be held from tomorrow (February 23) to February 25.

Organised by the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau and the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), the conference aims to promote international and regional sharing of experience on the theme "Recent Advances in Anti-substance Abuse Initiatives in the Global Context".

The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, and the ACAN Chairman, Dr Choi Yuen-wan, will speak at the opening ceremony at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine.

A number of renowned speakers are invited to join the conference. They include the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Narcotics Control Commission, Mr Liu Zhimin; Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific, Mr Akira Fujino; the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Department of Justice, Ms Karen P Tandy; Honorary Executive Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Mr Georges Estievenart; Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Mr Michael Joseph Keelty and Medical Officer of the World Health Organization (Western Pacific Regional Office), Dr Hao Wei.

Five concurrent workshops will be held to serve as platforms for overseas and local anti-drug workers to share experiences and discuss ways forward in five different areas -- the challenge of the changing patterns of drug abuse; preventive education; treatment and rehabilitation; effective law enforcement strategies to combat cross border drug trafficking and abuse; and advances in drug abuse research.

Study visits to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres have been arranged for conference participants to see Hong Kong's efforts in preventive education, treatment and rehabilitation.

International conference to tackle drug problems attracts 400 participants
Government Press Release - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Overseas and local experts, academics, social workers, government officials and professionals from related fields attended the international conference on "Recent Advances in Anti-substance Abuse Initiatives in the Global Context" organised by the Narcotic Division, Security Bureau and the Action Committee Against Narcotics today (February 23).

Nearly 400 participants came from the Mainland, Macau and various overseas countries including USA, Japan, Australia and Singapore. They share the latest information and experience on all aspects of the drug problem and the effective ways to tackle the issue.

The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said in his welcoming speech, "To tackle the problem of drug, Hong Kong has been adopting a five-pronged approach, namely legislation and law enforcement, treatment and rehabilitation, preventive education and publicity, research, and international cooperation."

He noted that the sustained effort had borne fruit with the number of reported abusers on the downward trend since 2001, and the figures in 2003 were the lowest in the past 10 years.

"On treatment and rehabilitation, our philosophy is that drug abusers should be given a chance to cut their ties with drugs and become productive and law-abiding citizens. To do this, we need the support from the community. Our government has been working closely with voluntary organisations in providing treatment and rehabilitation services.

"Education is the most powerful weapon in tackling drug abuse, especially amongst young people. We work hand in hand with schools, parents and the community to alert them to the harms of drugs. In 2004, our educational effort received a big boost with the establishment of the Hong Kong Drug InfoCentre, the first-ever exhibition centre on anti-drug education set up by the government," he continued.

Mr Lee pointed out that international cooperation was one of the key ingredients of Hong Kong's efforts against transnational drug syndicates.

"Hong Kong has maintained and will continue to develop close cooperation with external agencies on various fronts covering collection and analysis of intelligence, law enforcement, judicial cooperation, experience sharing and information exchange on drug abuse and trafficking trends.

"However, as drug trends and patterns change, we will have to respond quickly on all fronts to prevent the problem from getting out of hand, and to tackle new problems such as the increasing prominence of psychotropic substances, and the trend of poly-drug abuse, especially among the young," said Mr Lee.

He was optimistic that the problem of drug abuse could be kept under control given the firm commitment of the government, the professionalism of the law enforcement officers and the dedication of social service workers.

Deputy Secretary-General, National Narcotics Control Commission, Mr Liu Zhimin, delivered a keynote speech outlining China's efforts to combat the problem. Another keynote speaker, Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific, Mr Akira Fujino, talked about establishing necessary framework for information exchange and establishing the working mechanism and standard operating procedures among authorities. The third keynote speaker was the Administrator, Drug Enforcement Administration, US Department of Justice, Ms Karen P Tandy, who spoke on the strategies and achievements of the USA on countering drug abuse. Other major speakers include the Honorary Executive Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Mr Georges Estievenart; the Commissioner of Australian Federal Police, Mr Michael Joseph Keelty; and Dr Hao Wei from the Mental Health and Control of Substance Abuse unit of Western Pacific Regional Office, World Health Organisation (WHO).

Conference participants were also briefed on the drug abuse situations of European Union countries, Norway and Australia as well as the work of WHO.

The two-and-a-half-day conference has various concurrent workshops for participants to discuss a wide range of topics, including the change in drug abuse patterns and drug preventive measures.

Study visits to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre as well as drug treatment and rehabilitation centres in Hong Kong have also been arranged for participants.

Sunday February 27, 10:14 PM
Activists scout venue of Hong Kong WTO meeting, plan 5,000-strong protest

AP - About 5,000 activists are planning to stage a protest ahead of the World Trade Organization meeting to be held in December in Hong Kong, organizers said Sunday.

About 250 activists from around the world agreed at a two-day meeting that ended here Sunday to hold a protest Dec. 10, said Apo Leong, a meeting organizer. The WTO meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13-18.

The protesters plan to march along a route ending near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue of the WTO conference, Leong said, adding that the meeting participants visited the exhibition center Sunday.

The Hong Kong WTO meeting is aimed at reducing tariffs and subsidies, and forging a trade treaty that would take effect in 2006 or early 2007.

Past WTO meetings have drawn thousands of protesters who claim a globalized economic system benefits rich nations at the expense of poorer ones. Some of the protests turned violent.

Deputy-General of Trade and Industry Raymond Young said Saturday that the government may set up a designated demonstration area outside the venue for expected protests.

Accustomed to mostly orderly demonstrations, Hong Kong's police have moved to stock up on non-lethal ammunition, such as rubber bullets, in preparation for the WTO meeting.

Leong said the activists would work with police to ensure that the protest is peaceful.

"We are rational, nonviolent," he said.

Leong added that agriculture groups and others worried about the prospect of losing subsidies due to a trade agreement would also hold smaller protests to air their concerns before and during the WTO meeting.

ICT industry pledges support to ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006
Government Press Release

About 200 representatives of the local information and communications technology industry attended a reception this (February 28) evening to pledge their support to the hosting of the ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 in Hong Kong.

The reception was hosted by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau, Mr John Tsang.

Speaking during the reception, Mr Tsang said that the ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 would help buttress Hong Kong's position as the ICT capital of the region and the premiere events capital of the world.

"I can promise you that it will be an event with a difference. First, it will take place at the doorstep of the most exciting developing market in the world. There will no doubt be a massive turnout of notable Mainland and international companies. We in Hong Kong will be playing our unique role as that principal gateway and platform for all concerned.

"Second, to enable overseas and local companies to seize the opportunities of the Chinese market, we will be organising Business Facilitation Service before, during and after the event offering business matching service, seminars and visits to selected parts of the Mainland.

"Third, with the convergence of technology, the Olympics of Telecommunications will be broadened even further to encompass information technology, digital entertainment, service and content provision via the ICT platform to demonstrate the vibrancy of the expanded value chain. Both the exhibits and discussions at the Forum will reflect updated and anticipated trends and issues," he said.

Mr Tsang pointed out that companies in Hong Kong must not miss this unprecedented opportunity taking place right here in our home city to network with your Mainland and overseas counterparts, and showcase your products and capability at the same time to the world in our brand new Asia World Expo at the airport.

"Small and medium sized companies can get together to set up Hong Kong pavilions to galvanise their strength. Tertiary institutions can tap into the discussions at the Forum to deliberate on key social and technological issues in the modern digital world," he said.

The ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 will be staged at the 66,000 square metres of exhibition space offered by the AsiaWorld-Expo from December 4 - 8, 2006.

It is estimated that the event will attract some 100,000 overseas visitors, generating about $1.2 billion of direct economic benefits for Hong Kong.

The ITU TELECOM WORLD is the most prominent global ICT event held every three to four years. Hong Kong previously hosted two ITU regional events - ITU TELECOM ASIA 2000 and ITU TELECOM ASIA 2002.

The event comprises two parts - the Exhibition and the Forum. The exhibition enables industry players to showcase their latest equipment, services or technologies, while the Forum provides a platform for the participants to debate on critical issues in policies and regulation, key technologies, business applications and environment.

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show

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The stage is set for the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show to put up a dazzling performance this week as it welcomes a record of over 1,500 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions. Adding glamour to the show are 16 group pavilions, including for the first time Dubai and the Japan Jewellery Designers Association.

Hong Kong is a powerhouse in the global jewellery industry and show visitors will be exposed to the latest creative designs and outstanding products.

The Hong Kong jewellery industry is in sparkling form, with exports registering double-digit growth in both 2002 and 2003. The industry's sterling run has continued into 2004 with a stunning 19% growth.

Sparkling outlook for gemstone exports

Local jewellery exports and domestic sales are expected to grow in 2005, thanks to Hong Kong's reputation for style, quality and craftsmanship, as well as strong interest from Mainland consumers.

This was the message from Trade Development Council member Christopher Cheng today opening the 22nd International Jewellery Show. He said Hong Kong is particularly strong in producing fashionable pieces set with small gemstones.

"We are on par with the best in Europe when it comes to design capabilities and gem-setting skills," he said.

Strong growth

Domestic sales have seen robust growth fuelled by surging Mainland tourists after the relaxation of visa requirements. Being the world's third largest exporter of precious jewellery, after Italy and the US, Hong Kong's total jewellery exports surged 19% to US$2.58 billion last year. In particular, exports to the largest market the US rose 10% to US$1.3 billion.

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A visitor tries a pair of earrings at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show March 1, 2005. A record number of 1,546 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions took part in this year's show, which has become one of the most established fairs of its kind in Asia. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

Council Jewellery Advisory Committee chairman Charles Chan said this year's show has been expanded to meet exhibitor and buyer demand. The four-day fair at the Convention & Exhibition Centre has attracted a record 1,546 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions, including group pavilions from the US, Italy, Belgium, Dubai, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Mainland, Taiwan, Thailand, India and Israel.

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show : http://www.hkjewellery.com/

The council has organised more than 50 buying missions or 1,381 major buyers from around the world, and also introduced new features, including Les Salons Prives, to allow buyers and exhibitors a discrete venue for business.

18 Feb 2005

HKCEC voted as "Asia's Leading Conference Centre" for the 3rd consecutive year at the 11th World Travel Awards

(18 February 2005, Hong Kong) Shown through the valuable support of the travel industry professionals and clients, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has been voted as the "Asia's Leading Conference Centre" for the 3rd consecutive year at the 11th World Travel Awards. The awards gala ceremony was held on 11 December 2004 in Barbados.

Conceived in 1993, the World Travel Awards have been described as the 'Oscars' of the World Tourism and Travel Industry. Winning one of their travel categories is a significant achievement as nominees are determined by votes received from over 150,000 frontline agents and 80,000 travel agencies worldwide (totalling to over 2.5 million voting forms), with the final awards based on assessment according to the most stringent international standards.

Mr Cliff Wallace, Managing Director of the HKCEC's management company, is most pleased with the good news. I am extremely delighted that HKCEC is again being named 'Asia's Leading Conference Centre' at the prestigious World Travel Awards - for the 3rd consecutive year. This honour is not only a true reflection of our extraordinary efforts, professionalism and strong commitment to service excellence, but also a great encouragement for us to keep moving forward in delivering value and quality to our customers. With a track record of experience and proven success for over 16 years, our management and staff will continue to work at our best to enhance Hong Kong's position as a significant convention hub that is unmatched in the Asia-Pacific region."

In 2005, HKCEC is welcoming two significant international conferences which will surely catch the world's attention. The first one is the Lions Clubs International Convention (27 June - 1 July) which is set to be Hong Kong's biggest single convention to date, with around 22,000 Lions Club members and their families gathering from more than 100 countries to meet, network and enjoy in Hong Kong. Another one is the 6th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) (13 - 18 December). Being the WTO's highest-level decision-making body, this high caliber conference will attract some 10,000 delegates including many top world leaders and government ministers. These two prestigious events will mark a milestone in strengthening HKCEC's already established position as a world-class venue hosting the greatest events of the world.

The award-winning HKCEC, which opened in 1988 and was expanded in 1997, is a premier international venue for hosting world-leading trade exhibitions and conferences. In the financial year 2003-04 (1 July - 30 June), a total of 1,890 events were held including 125 exhibitions, of which 83 were recurrent and 35 were brand new, 57 international conferences, 148 entertainment events, 431 banquets, and 1,129 other events. The HKCEC is managed and operated by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd, a member of NWS Holdings Limited (Stock code: 0659.HK).

Interpol conference a first for Hong Kong
Dennis Chong, Hong Kong Standard
March 8, 2005

Hong Kong is the site next week for the first international police conference to be organized by Interpol outside France.

The 15th Interpol Symposium for Heads of Police Training starts on Tuesday and runs for three days.

About 170 delegates from 55 countries will attend, including law enforcement officials, government rep-resentatives and criminologists.

Delegates will also visit training facilities of the Hong Kong police force.

Assistant Commissioner David Thomas, who is the chairman of the symposium's organizing committee, said on Monday that Hong Kong's hosting of this year's event was made possible by a successful chairmanship of a similar symposium in 2002.

The main subjects to be discussed will be technology crimes, narcotics, organized crime and fraud, with local police sharing their experiences in tackling drugs and triad activities in Hong Kong.

The city's geographical location and its position as an international finance center made it appropriate to share its opinions on these matters, Thomas said.

Bernie So, senior superintendent and a project manager for the symposium, said more than 100 local police will attend discussions with foreign frontline officers.

"This will be a good opportunity to broaden their horizons," he said.

So said counter-terrorism policies and crime reduction will also be covered in the meetings, but added that police training remains the top priority.

The event will be kicked off by a speech by Ronald Noble, secretary-general of Interpol, followed by a speech by Hong Kong Police Commissioner Dick Lee.

Sun Jianguo, the mainland's Ministry of Public Security Deputy Director General, is also expected to give a presentation on police professionalism.

Sun will meet Lee informally during his visit to Hong Kong, So said.

The event will cost about HK$1 million to host, Thomas said.

Interpol Symposium for Heads of Police Training Opens
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Government Press Release

The 15th Interpol Symposium for Heads of Police Training, co-hosted by Interpol and the Hong Kong Police Force, opened in the Police Headquarters in Wan Chai today (March 15).

"The constantly changing threats and challenges confronting law enforcement agencies require us to constantly reassess not only our response, but also our preparation", said Interpol Secretary General, Mr Ronald K. Noble, who officiated at the opening ceremony.

"The importance of training is fundamental to sound preparation, and Interpol is confident that the Symposium organised by the Hong Kong Police will provide those attending with effective strategies for the continuing enhancement of police skills and development," he said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lee Ming-kwai, said that success against cross-border crime depended to a very large extent on the seamless cooperation between countries. Collaboration in training and the sharing of training resources would equip police officers across nations to tackle transnational crimes.

"In Hong Kong, we have taken the first step. In 2003, we signed a memorandum of understanding with our Singaporean counterparts in the sharing of our e-learning programmes.

Our Police College is able and willing to offer crime courses of specific regional interest as well as development courses at various levels to interested law enforcement agencies," he said.

The Symposium's vision statement "Building an International Learning Community," is a reflection of what the international police training community aims to achieve.

"I hope that through the Symposium we will build strong networks, better partnerships and collaboration in training. And ultimately, achieve what we can call an international police learning organisation," Mr Lee said.

Some 170 delegates from 55 countries including world police training leaders and prominent police scholars have come to Hong Kong to attend the three-day event from March 15 to 17.

The Symposium features five themes-(1) Training Solutions to Global and Organised Crime, (2) The Role of Training in Crime Prevention and Crime Reduction, (3) Professionalisation of Police Training, (4) Towards Technology-led Training Strategies and (5) Developing Effective Modern Police Managers.

Keynote speakers include the Deputy Director-General of Personnel & Training from the Mainland, President of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, Chief Commissioner from France, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police from Botswana Police Service, Programme Manager for the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme, from the Home Office of the United Kingdom,and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Hong Kong Police Force.

The 3rd Learning and Development Exhibition is being staged in the Police Headquarters alongside the Symposium to provide training information for Force members as well as to showcase to Symposium delegates police learning and development initiatives in Hong Kong.

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The Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair in September.

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The Hong Kong Optical Fair in November.

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The electronicAsia exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in October.

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The Hong Kong Electronics Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in October.

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The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre celebrated its 15th anniversary in November, and has been the venue for around 30 000 events with the total attendance exceeding 40 million people. The events in 2003 included the combined Hong Kong Houseware Fair and Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair held in July. (Graham Uden — courtesy of Hong Kong Trade Development Council)

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The combined Hong Kong Houseware Fair and Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in July.

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The Hong Kong Book Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in July.

Tuesday March 29, 4:57 PM
Report: Hong Kong police to deploy 9,200 officers for WTO meeting

AP - Hong Kong's police force will deploy about 9,200 officers to maintain order when the World Trade Organization meets in the territory in December, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

WTO meetings are magnets for anti-globalization protesters who say the global economic system unfairly benefits rich nations at the expense of poor ones.

Some protests have turned violent, and local police have stepped up their preparation for the Hong Kong meeting in December, ordering non-lethal ammunition such as rubber bullets.

Police officials will deploy a third of its 27,754 officers to guard against protests that are disruptive, the Apple Daily newspaper reported.

The report said officers will also receive special anti-riot training. Also, all officers will be banned from taking vacation starting from November until the end of the WTO conference, which is scheduled for Dec. 13-18, Apple Daily reported.

Hong Kong's police department declined comment on the report, saying only that it is "planning for every possible scenario after drawing on the experience in other parts of the world where similar events have been held."

Hong Kong activists have expressed fears that local police, accustomed to mainly small and peaceful protests, may use excessive force against anti-WTO demonstrators.

Police said in a statement that officers will "facilitate all lawful and peaceful demonstrations," but take "resolute action" if public order is threatened.

WTO member nations aim to lay the groundwork for a treaty liberalizing global trade at the Hong Kong meeting.

Stage set for show time
Large numbers of overseas visitors are expected to be drawn to fairs that will put Hong Kong in the spotlight
22 January 2005
South China Morning Post

IT HAS OFTEN been said that trade is the basic reason for Hong Kong's existence and prosperity. Nothing seems to exemplify that more vividly than the ceaseless activity in the halls and meeting rooms of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), which are once again overflowing with business visitors and potential buyers from around the world.

"Last year, we bounced back from Sars and saw an increase in the numbers of international visitors and exhibitors," said HKCEC deputy managing director Joanne Davis.

"As a platform for trade, we expect another good year in 2005, and with five or six new events and more inquiries from international organisations, we are confident Hong Kong's reputation is back."

The year ahead is full of major shows, including events for toys, jewellery, fashion, electronics and watches.

Significantly, the latest projections show that about 50 per cent of the exhibitors will be from overseas.

"Hong Kong has the strongest exhibition portfolio in the region, but we are constantly planning improvements and quality enhancement in all areas," Ms Davis said.

"This is very much a people business, and for those who enjoy getting things done. It gives young people wide exposure and develops their communication, selling and technical skills."

The HKCEC has about 800 permanent employees to handle an average five events a day. It indirectly hires thousands more because it brings in contractors and temporary workers to set up, man and provide catering for events throughout the year.

The impact of all this on the local economy was highlighted by Stanley Chu, chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibitions and Conventions Industry Association, who believes the second phase of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement and China's accession to the World Trade Organisation will give the sector a further boost.

"These measures will encourage trade and lead to more international buyers coming here to source Chinese products," he said. "Mainland manufacturers of consumer products and essentials already see Hong Kong as the place to exhibit their goods. But we want to branch out to include industrial and heavy machinery trade fairs as well."

The opening of a new facility close to Chek Lap Kok airport in December this year will make that possible.

Allen Ha, deputy chief executive officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, confirmed that the project was being kept to schedule. With a total exhibition space of close to 70,000 square metres, the venue will double local capacity. It has been designed for easy access and the accommodation of light and heavy machinery exhibits.

"In terms of design it is quite flexible, and in terms of marketing and product positioning we are going after international events," Mr Ha said.

"The key difference for us as a venue in Asia is our connectivity for business visitors. We are taking the free market approach, and we firmly believe in bringing people to Hong Kong to visit and trade."

Some shows have been lined up already, and Mr Ha is looking forward to the 2006 ITU Telecom World event. This is the first time the show is being held outside Europe, and it is expected to be the biggest exhibition in Hong Kong ever.

AsiaWorld-Expo will be recruiting people with experience in facilities management and operational planning, as well as hospitality and catering staff.

Essential qualities, besides practical experience, are creativity and the ability to work in a team.

"The core management and operations teams are being put in place first," Mr Ha explained, "and there are opportunities for experienced professionals to join. Others will be recruited in the second and third quarters, with more frontline staff after that."

PLA faces summit call-up
Matthew Lee, Hong Kong Standard
May 4, 2005

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A pro-Beijing legislator has recommended the government ask the People's Liberation Army to be on stand-by in case it is needed in December to defend the World Trade Organization conference from terrorist attack. CHAN TIT-KONG

The People's Liberation Army may be asked to provide aerial defense for Hong Kong during the sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization to be held in December.

The meeting, to be held from December 13 to 18 in Wan Chai's Convention and Exhibition Center, is expected to attract protesters from around the world.

At a Legco security panel meeting Tuesday, democrat legislator Albert Ho said he doubts whether the police force will ask the Hong Kong garrison of the People's Liberation Army for assistance in the event that terrorists attempt to launch an aerial attack on the conference.

Pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong legislator Choy So-yuk suggested the government ask the PLA to be on stand-by in case they are needed to defend the conference against terrorist attack.

The government did not reject the suggestion.

Police Tactical Unit commandant Bill Suen said during the event there will be an air curfew in Hong Kong air space and the special duties unit, better known as the "flying tiger unit," will be on hand to deal with extreme situations.

"But the flying tiger unit can't really fly," pointed out democrat legislator Cheung Man-kwong.

Suen said the Security Bureau will decide whether assistance from the PLA is required.

Anticipating at least 5,000 protesters for the meeting, he revealed that police manpower arrangements have been stepped up in case things get out of hand.

"The protest organizer, the Hong Kong People's Alliance on WTO, has contacted us and said there will be at least 130 groups attending, representing about 5,000 people protesting during the meeting," Suen said.

The government has anticipated 11,000 people will arrive for the bi-annual event, including delegates, members of the press and non-governmental organizations.

Suen said all officers and staff of the 28,000-member police force have been asked not to take leave and some will work 12-hour shifts starting in November.

"We cannot guarantee that there will not be violent behavior. Learning from the experience of similar meetings held in the past, we are preparing for the worst situation."

But he did not elaborate on what is considered the "worst situation," he only said different levels of security arrangements will be implemented according to different situations.

"We have set up nine working groups to look into various aspects for the meeting," Suen said. "Hong Kong enjoys a great degree of freedom, but we must strike a balance between the freedom of demonstration and public safety. We will definitely not allow or tolerate violent protests."

Veteran protester and independent legislator Leung Kwok-hung warned the government to be ready for violent behavior if it fails to arrange protest zones within a visible distance from the venue.

"Protesters want to be seen by the people they are protesting against. Also, the police force should avoid smearing protesters for being violent in nature without true evidence, like they did in the past," Leung said.

Barrister and independent legislator Margaret Ng, who recently protested against the government for seeking Beijing's interpretation of the Basic Law on the term of the next chief executive, agreed with Leung.

"In the past, police have told other protesters, dismayed at having to protest far from the venue, that it should be enough for the media to broadcast their activities.

"Will the police still use this tactic for the WTO meeting?" asked Ng.

Conference coordination office head of the Trade and Industry Department Janet Wong said the government understands protesters want to be seen, but stressed the safety of delegates must not be jeopardized.

"We will try to balance the needs of all parties. We will explain the arrangement after studying the actual situation when the details are hammered out," Wong said.

She said the scope of the security arrangements has yet to be decided.

"We will encourage schools to take a day off December 13, to avoid chaos," she said.

Police consider WTO no-fly zone
Benjamin Wong
4 May 2005
South China Morning Post

A no-fly zone may be established above Wan Chai to protect delegates from terrorist attacks during the World Trade Organisation ministerial conference in December.

The no-fly zone is one of the many security arrangements police are considering as they prepare for the six-day conference, which will be held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Police Tactical Unit commandant Bill Suen Kwai-leung, who is in charge of security arrangements for the conference, yesterday said the no-fly zone could be established if intelligence indicated a terrorist threat from the air.

Current assessments indicated a low risk of a terror attack during the conference, Mr Suen said. He told lawmakers at a Legislative Council panel meeting that anti-terrorist exercises were being held and all police leave would be cancelled during the conference.

Even though the terror threat was low, assessments indicated a high risk that public order would be disrupted by rigorous or even violent protests. Mr Suen told lawmakers police were preparing for the worst and arrangements would be made to handle drastic acts such as arson and assault of police officers.

"The police will not tolerate any violent protests," he said.

The Hong Kong People's Alliance on WTO had told police that at least 5,000 protesters - and perhaps as many as 20,000 - from local and overseas groups would take part in the protests, he said.

The government's co-ordination office for the conference is set to discuss security precautions with businesses and building-management companies near the exhibition centre.

Legislators expressed concern about Hong Kong's ability to cope with violent protests. Lawmaker Choy So-yuk, of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong, suggested an appeal to the PLA for help.

"Even if we don't formally ask them to help, can they be on standby," she asked.

Police warned that even if the protests were peaceful, the public would inevitably be affected by the special arrangements concerning traffic, crowd control and security.

The December 13 conference opening, which is expected to attract most of the 11,000 conference participants as well as the protesters, has been tentatively planned for the afternoon to minimise the impact on traffic and the public.

It has been suggested that schools on Hong Kong Island take a holiday that day.

HK to host forum on human rights in Asia
Ravina Shamdasani
5 May 2005
South China Morning Post

Experts from around the world will descend on Hong Kong next week for yet another big conference - this time on human rights and development in Asia.

Already this year the city has hosted an International Red Cross conference and a world forum on disaster relief and humanitarian aid. In December it hosts the World Trade Organisation's sixth ministerial conference.

Peter Malanczuk, dean of City University's School of Law, which is hosting the human rights conference, said Hong Kong had a tradition of concentrating on commerce, trade and investment. But the same "hub" quality could be used to bring people together to discuss and develop ideas in many other fields, including human rights and governance, he said.

City University law lecturer C. Raj Kumar added that one important contribution the city could offer towards better governance in the region was its success in fighting corruption - which was deeply tied to rights and development.

The two-day event - the International Conference on Human Rights and Development: Approaches to the Reform of Governance in Asia - will bring together human rights scholars and officers from non-governmental and inter-governmental human rights bodies from many nations: Afghanistan, Australia, Germany, India, Japan, Norway, China, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Britain and the United States.

Also attending will be Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, programme manager for the Asia-Pacific unit in the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The focus of the conference was on economic, social and cultural rights rather than the traditional "first-generation" civil and political human rights issues of freedom and liberty, Professor Malanczuk said. The role of the World Bank and multinational corporations in human rights and development will also be analysed.

"The UN secretary-general in his March report said we need to look at security in the context of human rights and development, and the UN Millennium Development goals also focused on a lot of things we are trying to do," Mr Kumar said.

Professor Malanczuk said that while the decision to hold the conference at this time was not directly linked with the upcoming WTO conference, the agendas overlapped.

"The Doha agenda is supposed to be a development agenda, and one of the issues is the issue of trade, the market economy and human rights," he said.

SCIT promotes ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 in Finland
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Government Press Release

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, has called on Finnish enterprises to come to Hong Kong and join the "Olympics in telecommunications" - the ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006, which will be hosted by Hong Kong in December, 2006.

Speaking at a business networking dinner during his visit to Helsinki, Finland, yesterday (May 11, Helsinki time), Mr Tsang emphasised that with Hong Kong's experience in organising the ITU Telecom Asia in 2000 and 2002, and the support of Mainland China, Hong Kong was determined to make the ITU Telecom World 2006 a big success.

"Hong Kong offers the best gateway for Finnish companies seeking to explore the Asia Pacific market. Our affinity with the Mainland, language capability and rich experience in doing business there make us the best launching pad for entering the tremendous China market.

"For foreign companies interested in expanding into the vast Mainland China, the ITU Telecom World to be held in Hong Kong in 2006 will offer them a golden opportunity," he said.

Mr Tsang is leading a business delegation from Hong Kong's information and communications technology (ICT) to Europe. They arrived in Helsinki on May 10 (Helsinki time) evening for a two-day visit.

On the first day of their visit (May 11, Helsinki time), Mr Tsang and the delegation visited a number of renowned telecommunications companies, including Nokia, and attended a seminar on mobile technology and mobile games. Later they joined a business networking dinner.

Mr Tsang took also the opportunity to meet his ministerial counterparts, including the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mrs Leena Luhtanen; the Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Pekka Lintu; and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mauri Pakkarinen, and discuss topics with mutual interests.

Mr Tsang and the delegation will continue their busy schedule today (May 12, Helsinki time) by visiting a number of digital entertainment companies and institutions to see the latest development of digital entertainment and creative industries in Finland.

Mr Tsang and the delegation visited Finpro, a registered association owned by Finnish companies and attended a business networking lunch hosted by the association. During the luncheon, Mr Tsang witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association and Mobile Monday of Finland. The MoU signifies their common understanding to jointly promote wireless technologies and applications in both countries, and to create business opportunities between members of both organisations.

Visiting a country renowned for its design business, Mr Tsang and the delegation seized the opportunity to visit the famous University of Art and Design Helsinki, an international university dedicated to design, audiovisual communication, art education and art. It is the largest university of its kind in the Nordics.

They also visited the Sulake, an interactive entertainment company specialising in developing, publishing and distributing multiplayer online communities and games; and the Technology Industries of Finland, which is owned by its 1,200 member companies and representing the largest industrial sector of the country.

Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong on May 13.

May 25, 2005
Government Press Release
MC6 to be a success: Raymond Young

Hong Kong will spare no effort to stage a successful Hong Kong Ministerial meeting and work closely with other World Trade Organisation members for a timely and successful conclusion of the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations, Director-General of Trade & Industry Raymond Young says.

If successfully concluded, the Doha Round could increase Hong Kong market access through elimination of, or at least substantial reduction of, tariffs and non-tariff barriers. Tariffs of up to US$983 million can be saved if duty on Hong Kong's top 10 domestic export sectors is removed.

The removal of non-tariff barriers will also increase Hong Kong goods' competitiveness in overseas markets and bring indirect benefits to Hong Kong services sectors -including transportation, storage, insurance and banking - and to Hong Kong investors on the Mainland.

Speaking at a roundtable luncheon organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Mr Young said hosting the Hong Kong Ministerial in December underlines the city's active and constructive participation in the WTO and raises Hong Kong's international profile as a bastion of free trade.

"It demonstrates the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Hong Kong as Asia's world city", he added.

Market-access issues HK's priorities

Mr Young said Hong Kong's priorities in the Doha Round were market-access-related issues, notably market access for non-agricultural products and for services.

In the ongoing services negotiations, Hong Kong will continue to seek comprehensive and commercially meaningful market access commitments in industries where Hong Kong enjoyed comparative advantage, such as telecommunications, audiovisual, maritime transport, logistics, and financial services.

Hong Kong will also take part in the discussions to remove other countries' discriminatory measures that were inconsistent with the most-favoured-nation treatment principle, and to ensure that their domestic regulations would not cause unnecessary barriers to trade in Hong Kong services.

"We will use the opportunity to clarify and improve WTO rules, including those related to anti-dumping, subsidies and regional trade agreements to ensure that the rules will remain relevant and conducive to trade and investment. The trade facilitation measures under negotiation will strengthen Hong Kong's entrepot status and Hong Kong's position as a logistics hub," Mr Young added.

He reiterated every endeavour will be made to hold a successful Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong to pave the way for an early completion of Doha Round. Dialogue has been maintained with local and overseas non-governmental organisations to facilitate their expressions of views during the conference.

Hong Kong Summit Will Focus on WTO Treaty
Thursday June 2, 4:11 am ET
By Bo-Mi Lim, Associated Press Writer

JEJU, South Korea (AP) -- A year-end summit in Hong Kong will be crucial for completing a much-delayed World Trade Organization treaty, the head of the agency said Thursday, calling on Pacific rim trade officials to put their political weight behind the negotiations.

"We won't be able to complete the round by 2006" without agreements in Hong Kong, Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told reporters on the resort island of Jeju, where trade officials from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are meeting.

"If we miss the chance of completing the round by 2006, it will be very difficult to complete the round in the foreseeable future," Supachai said.

The current round of treaty talks -- launched in Doha, Qatar in 2001 -- aims to slash subsidies, tariffs and other barriers to global commerce, and to use trade to help poor nations. The original plan was to create a new global trade treaty by the end of 2004, but a WTO conference in 2003 collapsed amid bickering over investment rules between rich and poor members, as well as differences on agriculture.

Talks have yet to regain their momentum and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson warned Tuesday that too little progress was being made toward agreeing on a trade accord this summer.

Trade negotiators have lowered their expectations for a series of July meetings at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, which are a key part of the process of hammering out an accord at the December summit in Hong Kong.

The WTO is hoping for agreement from countries at the Hong Kong conference leading to a final treaty by 2006 or early 2007.

While assuring negotiations were on track -- in a "more or less" final phase -- Supachai warned there simply was not much time left and called on APEC leaders to provide "clear political guidance."

"Negotiations now have to be based on political decisions, not technical analysis," said Supachai, whose term at the WTO ends in August. "We just can't repeat some of the old mistakes."

Trade officials from 21 APEC economies are fine-tuning details of a statement on the WTO's Doha round of treaty negotiations at their talks in Jeju, expected to be adopted Friday at the session's close.

RTHK seeks to air WTO sessions live
Zach Coleman, Hong Kong Standard
June 7, 2005

Amidst a parade of digital radio executives declaring that broadcasters need to offer something new to convince consumers to splash out on new sets, an official of Radio Television Hong Kong had a proposal to make: a live broadcast of the upcoming World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference.

The December conference promises to put Hong Kong at the center of the world stage as representatives of the world's most powerful nations struggle to reach a grand pact to relax trade and investment barriers - and thousands of protesters make a beeline for the SAR to disrupt their efforts.

Speaking at a World DAB Forum seminar in Hong Kong Monday, Simon Heung, deputy production manager at RTHK, said the station is interested in broadcasting the conference's opening and closing sessions, the closing press conference and plenary sessions, in Cantonese and English.

But RTHK's proposed broadcasts are unlikely to capture the tension.

The plenary sessions are a forum where ministers deliver prepared speeches while the give-and-take of the trade talks go on behind closed doors, according to a WTO spokesman in Geneva.

"The negotiations are closed to the public and the media, so there's no way they would be broadcast,'' he said.

The spokesman said it is common for the opening and closing sessions and press conference to be telecast by international broadcasters, but he expressed surprise at the idea of anyone broadcasting a full program of plenary sessions.

He said that even the WTO itself has only posted opening and closing programs on its Web site, though the organization operates a feed that includes the plenary sessions for broadcast within the conference site and for interested broadcasters to exploit.

HK to hold first international symposium on national education
Government Press Release
Monday, June 6, 2005

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education:

An International Symposium on National Education jointly organised by the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE), the Commission on Youth, the Home Affairs Bureau and Radio Television Hong Kong will be held tomorrow and Wednesday (June 7 and 8) at Theatre 1 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This international symposium is the first of its kind on the subject of national education in Hong Kong. The objective of the symposium is to facilitate an exchange of views and sharing of experiences with experts from different places in the world on how to promote national education (aimed at enhancing the sense of national identity among the general public) both inside and outside schools, with a view to drawing useful references and insights for Hong Kong.

Eleven distinguished speakers from different parts of the world (France, Hong Kong, Japan, Lithuania, Mainland China, Northern Ireland, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, and United States) will share their experiences and expertise at the two-day symposium through topical presentations, group discussions and a discussion forum. Participants in the symposium include representatives from government advisory committees, tertiary education institutes, non-governmental organisations, school principals, civic and moral education teachers, district organisations, media editors, commentators and members of the public.

Chairman of the CPCE, Mr Daniel Heung; Chairman of the Commission on Youth, Dr Philemon Choi; Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho; and Director of Broadcasting, Mr Chu Pui-hing will officiate at the symposium. Dr Ho will deliver the keynote speech at 9.30am on Wednesday. The event will also be broadcast live on the Internet (http://www.rthk.org.hk) through video webcast by Radio Television Hong Kong.

For details of the symposium, please call 2372 0090 or visit the website of the symposium (http://www.national-education.org).

Government promotes Telecom World 2006 in Chicago
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Government Press Release

The Hong Kong Government hosted a reception in Chicago on Monday (June 6, Chicago time) to promote the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecom World 2006, which will be held in Hong Kong in December 2006.

More than 100 business leaders and professionals from the information and communications technology industry from the United States and around the globe attended the reception, which was jointly organised by the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau and the Information Services Department of the HKSARG.

The reception was held during the exhibition period of the SUPERCOMM 2005, the world's premier annual exhibition and conference on communications and information technology. The exhibition booth set up by the ITU also helped to promote ITU Telecom World 2006 to visitors.

The Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology), Mrs Marion Lai, represented the Hong Kong Government at the reception. Other important guests included the Secretary-General of the ITU, Mr Yoshio Utsumi, and the Acting Consul-General of the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago, Mr Tang Ying.

Mrs Lai also took the opportunity to meet major company executives and trade associations to brief them on the theme of ITU Telecom World 2006 – the Gateway to a Wealth of Opportunities, and invite them to Hong Kong to participate in the prestigious event.

ITU Telecom World 2006 will be held from December 4 to 8, 2006, in Hong Kong and is the first time the event will be held outside Geneva, where the ITU is based.

The ITU Telecom World is the most prominent global telecommunications event held every three to four years. Hong Kong previously hosted two ITU regional events - ITU Telecom Asia 2000 and ITU Telecom Asia 2002.

The event comprises two parts - the exhibition and the forum. The exhibition enables industry players to showcase their latest equipment, services or technologies, while the forum provides a platform for participants to debate critical issues in policies and regulation, key technologies, business applications and environment.

It is estimated that ITU Telecom World 2006 will attract an estimated 100,000 overseas visitors, generating about $1.2 billion of direct economic benefit to Hong Kong.

Monday June 13, 8:49 AM
Chinese vice premier, Malaysian leader, WTO head to speak in Hong Kong

AP - Malaysia's prime minister, a Chinese vice premier and the World Trade Organization's head were to speak Monday in Hong Kong at the start of a two-day regional meeting of business leaders.

WTO Director-general Supachai Panitchpakdi was scheduled to give the first keynote speech at the Pacific Basin Economic Council's annual meeting. The Hong Kong-based group is an international business association that says it represents about 1,000 companies in 20 economies across the region.

Chinese Premier Wu Yi planned to give a lunch speech. Wu has played a high-profile role in dealing with China's ongoing tensions with Japan and U.S.-China friction over textile trade.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was scheduled to give a keynote dinner speech.

19th International Travel Expo opens in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The 19th International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong opened Thursday at the Convention and Exhibition Center with more than 500 exhibitors attending the four- day event.

The organizer, TKS Exhibition Services Ltd, said the ITE this year is expected to be the largest ever in the history of the exhibition, which has attracted exhibitors and buyers from all parts of the world, especially Asia, Europe and America. Latin American pavilion attended the exhibition for the first time and brought new tourism itineraries with unique characteristics.

Stephen Ip, secretary for economic development and labor, said at the opening ceremony that with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland and the coming on-stream of other tourist attractions such as Asia's largest Wetland Park in early 2006, visitor arrivals in Hong Kong are expected to set another new record at 23. 4 million in 2005.

He said the Hong Kong tourism industry has achieved spectacular growth in 2004 and made a number of records, especially in terms of visitor arrivals, which reached a record high of 21.8 million in the year.

He said an encouraging achievement in the industry is that Hong Kong, for the first time, was named the seventh most popular tourist destination in 2004.

Stephen Ip said, "We will do our best to maintain Hong Kong's leading position as Asia's premier tourist destination through joint efforts of the tourism industry, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the government."

WTO ministerial meeting logo signifies hope
Government Press Release

http://news.gov.hk/en/category/businessandfinance/050614/html/050614mc6600.jpg
Janet Wong, MC6 logo
Rays of hope: WTO 6th Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office Head Janet Wong unveils the logo for the upcoming meeting. It incorporates the WTO's familiar six strokes, surrounding them with golden rays to form an image that looks like the number '6'.

WTO 6th Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office Head Janet Wong this morning unveiled a new logo for the so-called "MC6" meeting to be held in Hong Kong from December 13 to 18.

Designed by Michael Miller Yu of Creation House Limited, it incorporates the WTO's familiar six strokes, surrounding them with golden rays to form an image that looks like the number '6'.

The sunshine-like rays represent "hope, brightness and smooth sailing," Ms Wong said, reflecting Hong Kong's desires for the meeting.

Every ministerial conference in the past had its own logo to present a unique and distinct image of the host country or city.

The co-ordination office considered the views of the Hong Kong Designers' Association and the Information Services Department before issuing an expression of intent to about 700 design firms and designers, asking for submissions of interest in undertaking the logo design work.

The office set up a selection board to examine the submissions. It recommended the selection of Creation House Limited based on the tenderers' backgrounds, past achievements and fees charged.

The colourful logo will be used to promote the upcoming meeting and decorate the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre meeting rooms that will house the MC6.

Preparations aim to prevent chaos

Ms Wong noted that preparing for the conference was a mammoth undertaking, and that seven working groups were tackling various needs, such as security, information technology, and public relations.

"It's important for us to have liaisons with the community," she said. "We want them to feel a part of it, and we need to engage them during the conference."

There will inevitably be road closures and detours to help ease the traffic congestion around the main venue, she said, noting there will be limosines for heads of state and shuttle services for delegates adding to the normal volume.

Since the Convention & Exhibition Centre will be so busy during the World Trade Organisation's 6th Ministerial Conference here in December, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay will serve as the accreditation centre.

Conference registration to open July 1

All participants, including the media, must register online beginning July 1 at the WTO website, www.wto.org. The WTO will send this information from Geneva to Hong Kong. It is too early to estimate how many participants - including non-governmental organisations and demonstrators - will arrive for the event.

The press centre will be situated in Phase I of the Convention & Exhibition Centre, along with a centre for NGOs and meeting rooms.

The press centre, in Theatre I and II, will be well equipped with workstations, wireless local area networks and live television feeds provided by RTHK.

Actual negotiations will take place in the Convention & Exhibition Centre Phase II, behind closed doors

Police establish 9 working groups

The Police are also making preparations to ensure people's safety and security during the conference. The force has nine working groups, including:
* security;
* public order;
* traffic management;
* tactics and training;
* PR and publicity;
* command and control;
* logistics;
* IT and communications; and
* manpower and procurement.

Based on the experience of previous ministerial conferences, many demonstrators are expected. Ms Wong noted that freedom of expression is respected in Hong Kong.

"If people have views different from those of the WTO, that's okay. We manage these demonstrations peacefully," she said, adding they are meeting with NGOs to build rapport ahead of MC6.

Mainland CEO delegation visits Hong Kong for CEO Forum
Government Press Release
15-06-2005

A Mainland investment study delegation began their three-day visiting programme in Hong Kong today (June 15). Led by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Foreign Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce ("MOC"), Mr Zhao Chuang, some 30 delegates including CEOs from prominent Mainland state-owned and privately-owned enterprises will participate at a special forum designed for them.

The "Forum on Global Business Strategies of Chinese CEOs" ("CEO Forum") is the first CEO visiting programme organised by the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR ("Liaison Office"). Co-organisers include Invest Hong Kong and the Department of Foreign Economic Cooperation of the MOC.

The objective of the CEO Forum is to foster deeper understanding among potential Mainland investors of the strategies for expanding their business, using Hong Kong as the platform to go global. The visiting CEOs are being encouraged to leverage the many advantages of Hong Kong.

At a cocktail reception this evening, the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, warmly welcomed Mr Zhao and the delegation's visit to Hong Kong. He also thanked the Deputy Director, Commercial Office of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office, Mr Wang Hui, for officiating at the reception.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to present Hong Kong's business advantages to the group of CEOs representing rapidly growing Mainland enterprises, an important driving force of our country's economic development," Mr Rowse said. "These enterprises are constantly looking for expansion opportunities both in and outside of the Mainland. With Hong Kong's strong link with the huge Mainland market, established status as one of the leading international financial and business centres, our city is the ideal platform for Mainland enterprises to raise funds, expand their regional operations and carry out their global business activities."

He said that Mainland enterprises, with the aim of becoming a regional or global player, had become one of Hong Kong's major sources of inward investment. In 2004, about 17% of the investment projects facilitated by Invest Hong Kong were from Mainland enterprises. The facilitation policy launched by the MOC last year has opened up new opportunities for more Mainland enterprises to invest in Hong Kong. Currently, about 20% of investment projects being handled by the department involve Mainland enterprises.

Mr Rowse particularly thanked the Commercial Office of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office and the MOC for jointly organising this significant programme. He said that Invest Hong Kong, as the official investment promotion agency for the Hong Kong SAR Government, would continue to work closely with them in assisting Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as the springboard to go global.

The delegation visited the Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Cyberport today. They were impressed by these state-of-the-art facilities, which were important in supporting the overall long-term development of Hong Kong as an investment location.

In the next two days, the Mainland CEOs will participate in a number of sessions discussing various areas related to investment in Hong Kong. Mr Zhao will brief the delegates on the Central Government's "going out" policy. Partners from PricewaterhouseCoopers will discuss taxation planning for expanding outside of Mainland, as well as the importance of corporate governance and risk management.

To encourage the Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a platform for planning and executing their global business strategies, the organisers also arranged for several prominent business leaders to share their experiences during the forum.

For example, two of Invest Hong Kong's Investment Promotion Ambassadors - the Vice-Chairman and President, China Overseas Holdings Limited, Mr Kong Qingping will discuss using Hong Kong as a fund raising centre; President and CEO of Philips Electronic Asia Pacific, Mr Andreas Wente will share his experience with the delegates on how a multinational corporation benefits from its investments in Hong Kong.

The Executive Director and CFO of Mainland IT giant Lenovo Group, Ms Mary Ma, will provide her insights on the "strategy, synergy and integration" of Mainland enterprises.

The three-day visiting programme will end on Friday (June 17).

Exco backs $1.3b centre expansion
Dennis Eng
17 June 2005
South China Morning Post

The government has thrown its support behind a $1.3 billion extension of the Convention and Exhibition Centre's atrium, dealing a victory to the Trade Development Council, which has long wanted more exhibition space at the Wan Chai venue.

The green light was given by the Executive Council. Plans for the proposed extension will be submitted to the Town Planning Board next week. If the blueprint is approved, construction could start as soon as next year, which avoids the World Trade Organisation conference in December. It is due to be completed in 2009.

The trade council said traffic would not be adversely affected as work would take place within the venue and large construction pieces would be transported by sea. There will be no reclamation work.

A contractor involved with the extension, Chan Sing-fung, said the height of the atrium would be increased to make room for three levels of exhibition space.

The project will be financed internally and by bank loans, although it is uncertain whether the venue's operator, New World Development, will invest in it.

"We must not slip and lose this opportunity. This is a win-win project for Hong Kong," trade council chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching said.

The government said it had taken into consideration the future demand for exhibition space, including the extra 100,000 square metres that will be available when the $2.35 billion AsiaWorld-Expo centre opens at Chek Lap Kok at the end of this year.

A spokesman for the airport venue declined to comment on the announcement.

The rival centres are understood to have buried the hatchet earlier this year after AsiaWorld-Expo chief executive Nicolas Borit said opposition to the expansion was "no longer on our agenda".

Relations also improved following an agreement with the trade council to stage six new shows at the AsiaWorld-Expo centre.

Trade show organiser Kenfair International, which has also been at odds with the trade council over competing toy fairs, welcomed the development.

The trade council said the 19,400 square metres of space in the atrium could accommodate more than 1,000 exhibitor booths. There is a waiting list of about 3,000 exhibitors, usually for fairs in April and October.

TDC's proposal needs to seek further approval for implementation
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Government Press Release

In response to media enquiries on whether approval has been given to the Trade Development Council (TDC)'s proposal to expand the atrium link between Phases I and II of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), a Government spokesman explains as follows:

"The Government supports the TDC to take forward the proposed project. The proposal, which will provide 19,400 square metres of additional exhibition space, helps enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as a major convention and exhibition centre in Asia. However, the proposal still needs to go through the due process and the required approval for implementation.

Although the Government has given policy support to the proposal, the TDC has to seek approval from the Town Planning Board (TPB) and to comply with the relevant statutory regulations and requirements.

According to the provisions of the amended Town Planning Ordinance, the planning application will be published for public inspection and comments. The TPB will take into account the comments and views received in considering the application.

The TDC has presented the proposal to the Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) in January and will continue to maintain a dialogue with the HEC and its Sub-committee on Wan Chai Development Phase II Review.

The Atrium Link Extension as proposed should not constitute reclamation works for the purpose of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance. However, in carrying out some of the engineering works, the TDC has to comply with the relevant stipulations under the Foreshore and Sea-Bed (Reclamations) Ordinance and for project implementation, it will have to comply with all related legal requirements."

CAD to host ICAO Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Facilitation
Monday, June 20, 2005
Government Press Release

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) will host the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Facilitation from tomorrow (June 21) to 24 at Two International Finance Centre.

A key objective of the seminar is to provide a forum for delegates to share their experiences on the implementation of Machine Readable Passports, with a view that all 188 ICAO member states will have begun issuing machine readable passports by 2010, in accordance with ICAO specifications.

The seminar will focus on the practical aspects of universal implementation of Machine Readable Passports, the enhancement of Machine Readable Travel Documents with biometric identifiers and the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at airports. More than 150 delegates from 18 states/territories including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Republic of Korea, will participate in the Seminar. Representatives from ICAO, International Air Transport Association, Airports Council International, Asia Pacific Smart Card Association and the aviation industry will also attend.

G8 protests may be repeated here, warn police
Dennis Ng, Hong Kong Standard
July 8, 2005

It is possible that the demonstrations seen around the G8 summit venue in Scotland might be repeated in Hong Kong during the World Trade Organization Sixth Ministerial Conference in December, a police spokesman said Thursday.

A police assessment has rated the global conference to be held here from December 13-18 as ''high risk,'' meaning senior police will put in place stringent security measures including traffic and crowd control.

But Police Public Relations Bureau chief Alfred Ma said he is confident the measures will be adequate to ensure the conference proceeds smoothly. He said police had made similar preparations for handover ceremonies in 1997 and the Fortune Forum in 2001.

In response to journalists' questions about the likelihood of protests, Ma said: "It is possible, but I can't tell you how likely it will be.''

Things would become clearer closer to the conference.

Hong Kong will welcome about 6,000 senior government officials, as well as 3,000 press and 2,000 non-governmental organization representatives at the conference venue.

An unknown number of demonstrators from around the world are also expected to gather in Hong Kong for the event.

More than 13 government departments are preparing for the meeting, with the police in charge of security.

Ma was confident police would ensure the conference would proceed smoothly, while maintaining public order.

Police conduct risk assessments for all public events and classify them in one of three categories.

A small demonstration lasting a short time with a non-controversial theme is usually classified low risk.

Middle risk means there is an even chance of problems.

Not surprisingly, the WTO ministerial conference has been assessed as high risk. He did not say whether the same rating was given to the handover ceremony or the mass march of July 1, 2003, when half a million Hong Kong people demonstrated against proposed anti-subversion laws.

Police began planning security for the WTO meetings at the end of last year.

Ma said Interpol had assisted Hong Kong police but declined to give details.

He said frontline officers had received refresher courses, mainly on crowd control.

Other measures included banning leave during the conference and redeploying back-office police officers to the frontline.

Hong Kong has almost 27,000 police and about 4,000 auxiliary police but Ma refused to give the exact number likely to be deployed during the global conference.

He said police will designate areas where peaceful demonstrations will be allowed to be held.

But he refused to say if these areas would be located near the conference venue or at other places within sight of conference participants.

Ma said it was too early to say where they will be located.

"Maybe no one will show up for the protest,'' he joked to media representatives at a news conference.

Activists plan marches for Hong Kong WTO summit
Monday July 11, 2005, 5:30 pm

HONG KONG (AFP) - Anti-capitalist protesters will stage three major marches in Hong Kong when the Chinese territory hosts the next ministerial summit of the World Trade Organisation, activists said.

But they fear the police's lack of preparation could inflame anger among the demonstrators, sparking the sort of violence seen at gatherings of world leaders in Edinburgh last week and Seattle in 1999.

Activists said they expect a total of 10,000 demonstrators at the three protests on December 11, two days before the summit opens, again on the 13th and once more on the final day of the meet on December 18.

"Those are our proposals we will give to police," said Elizabeth Tang, convenor of the Hong Kong People's Alliance Against the WTO, the umbrella co-ordination group for the hundreds of global protests groups expected here.

Tang added, however, that negotiations with the police over arrangements such as routes and security had been turbulent.

"There has been no progress so far and that worries us," said Tang. "We've not been able to get any firm commitment from the police or the government for things like provision of appropriate venues."

The two sides are locked over issues of crowd control. Police are keen to avoid riots like those that marred WTO meetings in Genoa and Seattle, while Tang says that although the alliance's will promote a peaceful protest, she cannot guarantee there will be no violence.

Activists are also worried police will be heavy handed in their dealing with skirmishes after reports that officers were stocking up on rubber bullets and other riot control gear.

Tang said her organisation was also still seeking assurances there will be enough hotel and guest house rooms for the flood of protesters.

With some 20,000 summit delegates, lobbyists, media and researchers expected to descend on the city, Tang fears all accommodation will either be booked or too pricey for protesters.

The alliance has requested a tent city, dormitories or campsites be established for the swarms of activists and warns there could be violence if they cannot find a place to stay.

"These people are going to be here anyway so it is in the authorities' interests that have somewhere they can stay," said Tang.

July 13, 2005
Rafael Hui to oversee WTO arrangements
Government Press Release

A high-level committee, headed by Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui, will oversee planning and co-ordination of the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference to be held in Hong Kong this December.

Speaking to the media at the Central Government Offices, Mr Hui said the conference is important to Hong Kong, an externally-oriented and small economy, adding the event will, apart from economic and trade matters, involve a number of security and traffic management issues.

He stressed there is a need to ensure the safety of participants and the public. To keep inconvenience to affected shops to the minimum, the Government will seek shop owners' support on the issue, he added.

Parts of Wan Chai to be sealed off for WTO event
Douglas Crets, Hong Kong Standard
July 16, 2005

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/stdn/std/Front_Page/images/wto0716.jpg
Police want to avoid a repeat of unrest seen at the Seattle WTO gathering. REUTERS

Facing the possibility of disruptive or even violent demonstrations during December's World Trade Organization talks, Hong Kong police will create a "restricted zone" in Wan Chai during the gathering.

Parts of the district near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center will be sealed off from traffic, access to some office buildings will be limited, and several transport services will be shut down for the five days of the gathering, according to a government proposal to be discussed in the legislature next week.

The draft security plan aims to "facilitate lawful demonstrations" during the meeting while also protecting delegates and others. The government is still identifying possible gathering points for demonstrators in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai.

The plan says that most protesters are expected to be law-abiding but that "some may use disruptive or even violent methods" to try and derail the meeting.

Details of the security plan have been keenly anticipated in light of past problems at WTO meetings and the recent unrest during the G8 summit in Scotland.

The plan appears to give police the flexibility to close off the meeting area and effectively isolate any disruptive protesters a safe distance from the gathering. In addition, 30 bus routes will be diverted and ferry services around the convention center will be halted.

The Wan Chai ferry pier and Golden Bauhinia Square pier will be closed.

A spokesman for Star Ferry said about 23,500 passengers a day will be affected if the Wan Chai service is closed.

A First Bus spokeswoman said it has not received detailed instructions yet but will cooperate with the police and the Transport Department.

The government also recommends closing access roads to three hotels near the convention center.

The restrictions will be in effect from 6pm December 12 through the early morning of December 19, a few hours after the meeting is scheduled to close.

A three-kilometer-square secure area will extend into the sea around the convention center peninsula and access to the WTO site will be granted only to registered delegates and other accredited individuals.

To prevent the kind of massive looting, destruction and violent protests that have become an unwelcome hallmark of previous protests at WTO meetings, barriers will be erected to prevent unauthorized persons from traveling in and out of the area.

The Tamar site will also be used to clear vehicles for safe ingress to the talks.

While the Legislative Council will discuss and formally approve the plan, the chief executive has the power to take other steps "necessary for the protection of ... public safety and public order," according to the proposal. The plan was prepared by departments such as the Security Bureau, the police and the Transport Department.

A source working with a foreign non-governmental organization said she had been given additional details by the Industry and Technology Department, including the fact that overhead walkways that lace Central and Wan Chai will be used for "crowd control."

"We need to have a meeting first before we can have any solid plan regarding your question," said Renaissance Harbour View Hotel communications director Selina Chan. "We can't evaluate the actual effects on our operation. Neither the police nor the Transport Department have contacted us."

Central's luxury shops and hotels not listed by the ministerial conference as hosts for delegates and their parties have indicated they are not installing extra security measures on windows or entrances in anticipation of the event.

Claudia Hardt, public relations director for the Ritz-Carlton in Central, said the WTO talks are "part of normal procedure" for Hong Kong, which hosts thousands of business events a year.

Miranda Szeto, head of communication at Swire Properties, said it is not installing any extra security barriers on any of its shops or buildings in Central or Admiralty.

Members of the Hong Kong People's Alliance, the NGO representing dozens of organizations heading to Hong Kong to protest the WTO talks, said they have planned "three central actions" for December 11 and 13, two marches and a cultural night to welcome NGO representatives to the event.

Coordinator Elizabeth Tang said she will be meeting with government officials to discuss these plans Monday and, though she had not seen the security proposals, she is hopeful that her organization's peaceful spirit will make talks go smoothly. "We can only hope for the best," she said.

CHESTER YUNG CONTRIBUTED TO THIS REPORT.

Fans queue overnight to be first inside comic fair - Trade looks to growing mainland opportunities
Vivienne Chow and Yi Hu
29 July 2005
South China Morning Post

More than 100 comic fans, including a 75-year-old woman, spent the night outside the Convention and Exhibition Centre playing mahjong and reading comics to be the first ones into today's Comics Festival and Game Fair.

The first to arrive was 16-year-old student Steve Mo, who had $6,000 with him.

"I came here [at 8pm on Wednesday] but there was no one here. So I went home to sleep. I came back at 6am. I'm planning to buy some figures," he said.

A Mr Lam, who declined to disclose his full name, was third in the queue. "I got here at about 2pm [yesterday]. I've brought $5,000 to buy the local comic figures," he said.

Madam Chu, 75, said she was in the queue to keep her grandson company.

Meanwhile, an entourage of mainland officials and exhibition organisers will visit today's fair to learn from Hong Kong.

The visit follows Hong Kong's participation in the first International Animation and Cartoon Festival in Hangzhou last month. Organised by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the event attracted more than a million visitors.

Leung Chung-poon, chief executive of the Hong Kong festival, said the local fair enjoyed a strong reputation on the mainland.

Mr Leung said exposure at Hangzhou had opened up the possibility of co-hosting similar events with mainland organisers. "We found some potential partners at the mainland fair," he said. "This time, officials from Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Guangdong will visit our event. We will further discuss the possibility of co-organising events in future."

Mr Leung said the market for comics and animation had yet to mature on the mainland.

"But my understanding is that the central government is active in promoting the culture. They want to have locally produced works in the market, not just those from Japan or America," he said.

"Hong Kong's industry has a much longer history and it's worthwhile for our mainland counterparts to take reference from it."

He said while the turnover of the comics industry in Hong Kong was $700 million a year, "the potential turnover in major mainland cities was at least $1 billion per year".

Fisherfolk plan harbor protest against WTO
Doug Crets, Hong Kong Standard
August 6, 2005

Hundreds of fishermen are planning to stage a "parade" on water to educate free-trade proponents about the harm being done to self-employed fishermen by the World Trade Organization, their organizer said Friday.

Fisherfolk Movement, a 500-strong group representing self-employed fishermen throughout Southeast Asia, will be joined by members of Focus on the Global South for what they call a "river parade" in Hong Kong during the WTO talks in December, Focus spokesperson Joseph Purugganan said.

It plans to peacefully protest against free-trade policies that will eliminate tariffs imposed by poorer nations to protect their local industries

But the alliance coordinating the efforts of non-governmental organizations has warned that the water protest may not happen.

"Originally, they were telling us that they wanted to sail their boats [into] Hong Kong," said Mabel Au, spokeswoman for the Hong Kong People's Alliance. "The plan changed, because the procedure is too complicated."

Au said there were some difficulties maneuvering around customs laws and the logistics of transporting that many people on small craft. "They haven't updated [us on] how they are going to carry out the parade in the harbor," she said.

The Marine Department confirmed the group had met to discuss plans and was awaiting its formal plans.

A spokesperson for the department said that, if the action were to go through, it would advise boaters "to give the parade a wide berth."

In late July, the police and the Security Bureau floated plans in the Legislative Council that would effectively close off most of Wan Chai during the talks, making it unlikely that any group would get close to what is expected to be a highly fortified Wan Chai convention center in December. Officials have expressed concern over "foreign" activists disrupting the talks and damaging public property.

"Most protesters coming to Hong Kong are not bent on destruction," Au said. "They are coming to educate and show solidarity against the WTO."

She said the alliance had helped organize applications for organizations wishing to organize gatherings at Victoria Park or Southorn Playground.

The Trade and Industry Department, which is managing the sixth ministerial conference (MC6), did not directly answer queries about reservations for Southorn Playground, but said it is formally reviewing applications for slots during the December talks.

TID spokesperson Connie Man replied in an e-mail: "The government will consider arrangements in the best interest of the organizers and the local community, as well as a smooth conduct of the MC6."

Au is unconcerned about the indecision over the arrangements. "Then we will have to sort out some other place, because [we know] we can already get Victoria Park," she said.

August 7, 2005
Government Press Release
MC6 helps boost HK's image

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World-class event: The Sixth Ministerial Conference is scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from December 13 to 18 this year.

Hong Kong, as a free trader and an active and constructive member of the World Trade Organisation, is in a good position to convince other members to reduce their trade barriers, Director-General of Trade & Industry Raymond Young says.

In organising the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC6), Hong Kong will play this role more intensively as the Conference chair, he added.

Since Hong Kong does not have too much vested interest, he said, we are able to perform a useful go-between role among different blocs in the organisation.

"We particularly lead the world in the WTO in a sense that we have high moral grounds as a free trade economy," he said.

"By hosting the MC6, we will be able to demonstrate our commitment to WTO."

Mr Young pointed out that hosting such a big event in Hong Kong, with such international exposure, will help promote Hong Kong's image as an international city that thrives on trade.

"We are a very open economy, we will showcase our ability to host a world-class event. We will showcase our excellent cultural facilities, even our very attractive tourist spots in Hong Kong, as a shopping and good food paradise," he said.

"In short, it will give us opportunity to showcase Hong Kong as a vibrant world city to the rest of the world."

No 1 challenge: maintaining law and order

Mr Young said the main challenge of hosting the conference will come from the threat that a lot of protesters will be coming to Hong Kong to make their views known in respect of anti-globalisation and anti-trade liberalisation.

"They will be coming in the thousands or tens of thousands, so it would be a challenge for our Police force, our law and order enforcement people, to maintain good law and order in Hong Kong and to keep the disruption to, say, our traffic, community, commercial activities, to a minimum."

There will inevitably be some disruption to the daily life of Hong Kong people, to the transport system and even to daily business activities in Hong Kong, he said.

"I am quite sure our police and all the other law-enforcement agencies, all government departments, bureaux, will be doing their best to keep the disruption to a minimum."

Preparations in full swing

Mr Young said preparation work for the conference is now in full swing since the MC6 Coordination Office was set up last October.

He said the office has begun operating staffed by about 50 people, but as the meeting draws nearer, the number of staff will increase substantially.

Staff from departments and bureaux will be standing in as temporary workers to do the preparation work.

5,000 hotel rooms needed

"We will be recruiting a lot of temporary workers, we need a lot of helpers, say from universities, to act as liaison officers to take our ministers around.

"Also we need a lot of people who can speak French and Spanish, because Spanish, English and French are three official languages in the WTO.

"In addition, we will also need a few hundred cars to take ministers around. We need to find 5,000 hotel rooms for delegates," he added.

Background details

The Ministerial Conference is the highest authority in the WTO structure and takes decisions on all matters under multilateral trade agreements.

Since its inception in 1995, the WTO has held five Ministerial Conferences - 1996 in Singapore, 1998 in Geneva, 1999 in Seattle, 2001 in Doha and 2003 in Cancun.

The Sixth Ministerial Conference is scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from December 13 to 18 this year.

Computer event must wait for WTO
Felix Chan
15 August 2005
South China Morning Post

Christmas shoppers looking for cut-price notebook computers and information-technology accessories will lose one of their best opportunities because of the World Trade Organisation ministerial conference.

The Hong Kong Computer Festival, co-organised by Shamshuipo District Council's Working Group on Local Community Economy and Tourism and the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry, is usually held in mid-December.

But the working group's chairman, Li Hon-hung, said the event would be delayed a month because it clashes with the ministerial conference, which will run from December 13 to 18.

"We are supposed to hold the event in December each year. This year, the police have indicated they cannot provide sufficient manpower to assist us. Hence, in order to help the Hong Kong economy and the WTO, we will move the event to January," he said.

The government expects about 11,000 participants at the ministerial conference, plus another 10,000 taking part in anti-WTO protests.

Mr Li did not say how moving the event to the new year would affect business and exhibitor participation. Last year's festival, held from December 10 to 13, was attended by 300,000 and had an estimated turnover of $160 million.

"Last year, major computer makers such as Microsoft, Intel, Sony, Samsung and Philips all participated, with the last two embroiled in an on-the-spot price war, which benefited the general public," he said.

WTO cyber attack risk warning
Doug Crets, Hong Kong Standard
Augsut 20, 2005

Government computer experts tell major information technology users to be wary of hostile hackers Government computer experts are warning businesses and key departments to prepare for possible cyber attacks that could harm infrastructure during the World Trade Organization talks here in December, an information security expert said Friday.

"We know during the WTO meeting there will be some groups of people who may attack government Web sites or try to launch things to annoy the government," said Roy Ko, center manager for the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team.

"For the security issue, large corporations are quite aware, but small and medium enterprises sometimes are not," he said.

Ko was asked to comment after The Standard obtained copies of two Powerpoint presentations on cyber security that the government gave to business leaders and officials two months ago.

According to the presentations, cyber targets could also include public utilities, financial institutions, police command and control systems, public communication networks and government Web sites.

The government wants vulnerable businesses and departments to prepare - if they have not already done so - for possible denial of service attacks, Web site defacement, computer viruses, hoaxes and other malicious attacks.

"As long as your system can be accessed remotely, the threat exists," reads one presentation, called "Cyber Attack," given by Chief Superintendent of Police Patrick Lam of the Commercial Crime Division's Technology Wing, and Maurice Wong, Senior Superintendent of Counter-terrorism and Internal Security for the Hong Kong Police Operations Wing.

The exercise was put together "to alert (but not alarm) you of the potential threats of cyber attack before, during and after the [WTO meetings]," it said.

Suggestions follow some of the basic security advice given to most businesses by Internet-security firms. Ko said that this was done to make people more aware of Internet security.

"We have to strengthen security measures and, at the other side, we have to reiterate information security," he said.

Network administrators should look for "suspicious probes," such as numerous unsuccessful login attempts. Ko also advised tighter defenses against remote access.

Other than hackers, WTO organizers also have to worry about people on the ground.

The government is continuing its information-gathering on cyber attacks, Ko said. The emergency response team at HK CERT will establish a command center to safeguard against attacks.

More than 11,000 participants are expected for the WTO talks in December - 6,000 delegates and entourages from the 148 member states of the WTO.

About 3,000 journalists and at least 2,000 NGO representatives are also expected to attend the talks.

According to the ministerial office's Janet Wong, some protesters have violence on their minds.

"Some choose to express opinions in radical ways, including violent protests and attempts to disrupt and derail various activities," her presentation reads.

Over 1,200 top forensic professionals meet in HK
Monday, August 22, 2005
Government Press Release

More than 1,200 of the world's leading practitioners in forensic sciences and research are gathering in Hong Kong to attend the 17th Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) that opened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (August 22). The meeting will close on Friday (August 26).

This is the second time the triennial meeting has been staged in Asia since the association was established in 1957 (the first Asia meeting was held in Japan). The last meeting was held in France in 2002.

The IAFS is the only international association bringing together academics and practising professionals of various disciplines in forensic science, with the objective of developing the forensic sciences; assisting forensic scientists and others to exchange scientific and technical information; and organising meetings for experience sharing.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the meeting today, IAFS President, Mr Leung Sze-chung, who is also Hong Kong's Assistant Government Chemist, announced that an international forensic summit would be held during the conference period to provide leading professionals with an opportunity to get together to identify and discuss forensic issues affecting different parts of the world, and to produce a plan for international collaboration and a quality future.

Mr Leung expressed his gratitude for the staunch support from senior members of professional bodies, international organisations, educational establishments and forensic service providers from all over the world, as well as the sponsors and exhibitors.

The main theme of the 17th Meeting of the IAFS is "Justice Through Science", which is also the title of the first plenary session. Professor Jim Fraser, Director of the Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK will present a lecture entitled "Ensuring Science Supports Justice: Our Shared Responsibilities" and Dr Henry Lee of the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, US, will share his experiences from high-profile cases.

The other two plenary sessions are "DNA: Genetic Fingerprints and Beyond" and "Drugs of Abuse: a Global Perspective". Prof Steven Wong from the Medical College of Wisconsin, US, will host the first session, while Dr Jeffrey Comparin from the US Drug Enforcement Administration and Mrs Rosanna Ure from the Hong Kong Government Narcotics Division will speak in the latter session.

To introduce the latest developments in forensic science and medicine in China, a special session entitled "Forensic Science in China" will be added to the scientific programme.

This year, over 200 Mainland Chinese delegates are taking part in this important world meeting.

During the meeting period, there will be 15 workshops encompassing topics of current interest and unique local skills, such as the examination of toxic Chinese medicines, forensic gemology and Chinese handwriting examination. Around 400 delegates have registered to participate.

A large-scale technical exhibition featuring the latest products and services in forensic science will also be staged alongside the meeting.

Officiating at today's opening ceremony were: the Secretary for Justice, Ms Elsie Leung; the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose Lee; the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lee Ming-kwai; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, Prof Lap-chee Tsui; the Director of Health, Dr Lam Ping-yan; the Government Chemist, Dr Ting Tai-lun; and IAFS President, Mr Leung Sze-chung.

The Government Laboratory and the Hong Kong Police Force are the co-organising departments of this international event.

Convention centre's expansion set to begin
Town Planning Board notes traffic concerns, but approves $1.3b scheme
Dennis Eng and Foster Wong
27 August 2005
South China Morning Post

The $1.3 billion expansion of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai was given approval yesterday despite concerns it will add to traffic congestion. Work will start in January.

The extension of the centre's atrium was approved by the Town Planning Board with a number of conditions.

Ling Chi-tack, the board's chief town planner, said: "The main concern for our board members is the traffic impact of the expanded exhibition hall. The Trade Development Council will have to submit further information on its logistic arrangements."

The Trade Development Council has said traffic conditions in the area will not be adversely affected because building work will be contained inside the venue. Large construction items would also be transported by sea and there would be no reclamation work involved in the project.

"We have now found a way forward without reclamation. In doing so, we also achieve extraordinary leveraging of Hong Kong's previous investment in the Convention and Exhibition Centre by proceeding on the basis of existing space and infrastructure," council chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching said.

Worsening traffic congestion in the area has been a key concern because container trucks usually clog the streets before and after an exhibition to transport equipment in and out of the venue. The council said there would be no need for additional roads as a result of the new exhibition space.

The plan to extend the venue's atrium received approval from the Executive Council in June. The views of legislators, Wan Chai District Council, the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee and other community organisations and interest groups were solicited as part of its public consultation.

The extension work involves widening the atrium, which connects the venue's new and old wings over a body of water, and raising its height.

The plan will make room for three exhibition levels. This will add some 19,400 square metres of space, or enough area to accommodate 1,000 additional booths.

There is usually a waiting list of about 3,000 exhibitors to use the venue, mainly during fairs in April and October.

The trade council says that in 2010, the year after the extension is completed, the new space will generate almost $1.5 billion in economic benefits and 3,630 jobs.

The next 15 years, to 2025, would see Hong Kong's economy reap cumulative benefits exceeding $40 billion from the expansion of the atrium.

Work on the extension will start just as roughly 100,000 square metres of space at the new $2.35 billion AsiaWorld-Expo centre at Chek Lap Kok become available at the end of this year.

Aircraft Interiors Expo Asia...
the world's leading Aircraft Interiors Expo comes to Hong Kong
September 14, 15, 16, 2005

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Website : http://www.aircraftinteriors-expo.com/asia/

For the first time in September 2005, airlines in the Asia Pacific region have their own Aircraft Interiors Expo. To be staged at the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre in the heart of downtown HK, Aircraft Interiors Expo - Asia will showcase many of the best technologies shown earlier this year in Hamburg with additional products and exhibits on show of specific relevance to Asian airline operators.

Aircraft Interiors Expo Asia Conference will provide; Researched insights into market forecasts for Asia; Forecasts for low cost airlines and economy travel for the next ten years; The IFE market forecast; Airlines expectations of BFE suppliers and OEM's now and in the future; Who REALLY chooses the airline when purchasing business class travel?; Lessons that can be learned from the automotive and other industries to ensure delivery of an initial concept; Using technology to improve the passenger experience; The way forward with upgrading your airlines cabin; Find out how to achieve innovation in design and branding for the successful future of your airline.

Products and Services on Show:
• Design
• Seating
• IFE
• Textiles
• Finishes
• Lighting
• Flooring
• Galleys and Galley Equipment
• Waste Management
• Safety Equipment
• Emergency Equipment
• Power Supply
• Lavatory Products
• Laminates
• Food Service Equipment
• Upgrades
• Replacement Parts
• Cabin Systems Integration
• Touchscreens
• Seat Interfaces
• Food Products
• Comfort Products
• Amenity Kits
• Refrigeration
• Completion Centres
• Security Products
• Biometrics
• Cockpit Doors
• Medical Equipment
• Air Quality Products
and more...

SAR ready for WTO challenge
Hong Kong's security chief says the government is "geared up to meet the challenge" of hosting the World Trade Organization in December. But local activists insist authorities have failed to adequately discuss security issues with representatives of thousands of demonstrators expected for the meetings
Matthew Lee and Doug Crets, Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Hong Kong's security chief says the government is "geared up to meet the challenge" of hosting the World Trade Organization in December. But local activists insist authorities have failed to adequately discuss security issues with representatives of thousands of demonstrators expected for the meetings.

Security for Secretary Ambrose Lee said Tuesday in Xinjiang - the only region in China with a history of Islamic unrest - that he has "full confidence the meeting will be held successfully."

But his remarks drew criticism from local activists and also raised the question of whether authorities here fear a terrorist attack on Hong Kong.

Hong Kong People's Alliance on the WTO coordinating team member Mung Siu-tat said police have yet to confirm any of the protest venues or demonstration routes the group suggested five months ago - a fact he said could lead to confusion and possible unrest.

"We have had regular meetings once every few weeks, but nothing's been confirmed yet," he said. "The last time we met [with the police] was in August."

The alliance expects more than 10,000 protesters, half of them locals, to gather in Hong Kong for the meeting, but Mung says there are no plans to try to disrupt the talks.

"There will be open forums and symposiums on all issues related to the people's views on globalization of trade," Mung said.

Lee said the biggest law enforcement challenge is to ensure the WTO conference goes off smoothly in the face of possible violent demonstrations.

"It's important to have international cooperation, including intelligence exchange, in order to win the battle against violence and terrorism," Lee said, raising the specter of significant unrest, or worse, in the SAR.

He made the comments after meeting with Liu Keqin, deputy director- general of public security of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Before the meeting, Lee saw an exhibition of efforts by Xinjiang law enforcement agencies to quell disturbances and terrorism in the region since the early 1990s.

Opinions differ over whether Hong Kong is a potential target for terrorism, especially during the WTO meeting.

Philip Curlewis, Asia director for private security firm Abate Risk Ltd, believes Hong Kong's economic status and international standing could make it ripe for attack. "Being a financial hub, and with the WTO meeting coming up, we're in high profile for a bombing, if terrorists could actually organize the logistics," he said.

But Curlewis doubts al-Qaeda has any network in Hong Kong.

Steve Vickers, president of International Risk, backs Lee's assessment that Hong Kong faces only a moderate risk. Vickers said it's highly unlikely terrorism will surface in Hong Kong as it is a Chinese city with no touchstone for Islamic terrorism.

It is more likely the threat level will remain unchanged ahead of the WTO meeting, Vickers said, although it will increase when the meeting gets under way due to the high number of foreign officials attending. But, he added, the threat increases whenever a US Navy ship anchors in the harbor.

Vickers believes awareness could be better. "It's the perception of the threat. The perception of it is low, so the awareness among the public is low," he said.

Curlewis believes the Hong Kong administration has not addressed the terrorism threat seriously enough.

"The government has an attitude of 'don't mention it, it's not on anyone's mind."'

September 7, 2005
Government Press Release
HK watch & clock fair opens

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Website : http://www.hkwatchfair.com/

The world's largest watch and clock fair opens in Hong Kong today with a record 807 exhibitors taking part, including newcomers from Jordan and Russia.

Forty-five buying missions, comprising more than 1,600 buyers from 32 major markets, will visit this year's fair.

Trade Development Council Member David Turnbull said Hong Kong is able to stay ahead of the competition because its companies never stop upgrading the quality, design and output of their products. These companies are also exceptionally fast in responding to customers' needs.

Hong Kong was the world's second largest exporter of complete watches and clocks in terms of both value and quantity in 2003.

In the first seven months of this year, total exports of watches and clocks was valued at $25.2 billion, up 3% compared with the same period last year.

January start for expo site
Dennis Eng
7 September 2005
South China Morning Post

The AsiaWorld-Expo at Chek Lap Kok will open in January, just as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Building in Wan Chai undergoes renovations to expand its atrium.

A Hong Kong Spring Fair, operated by Kenfair International (Holdings), which stages a major toy and gift show at the Wan Chai venue each October, will be the debut trade fair at the new venue.

The Chek Lap Kok facility, which will be served by the MTR Airport Express and ferry routes and is adjacent to the airport, has two main halls with a combined gross floor area of about 21,000 square metres. That is sufficient space for 1,000 exhibitor booths.

The two halls will host the Hong Kong International Jewellery & Watch Show in January.

B. K. Chow, a director of organiser World Trade Fair, said about 3,300 buyers and more than 240 exhibitors had pre-registered for the jewellery fair, which is a trade-only event.

Between 400 and 450 companies are expected to sign up for the show.

"From my own experience and surveys, I have found that 80 per cent to 85 per cent of exhibitors at these fairs are not keen on doing business with consumers and the public," Mr Chow said.

September 10, 2005
Government Press Release
HK to reap benefits from WTO conference

The freedom to trade internationally is one of Hong Kong's economic pillars, Director-General of Trade & Industry Raymond Young says, adding December's WTO 6th Ministerial Conference will bring the city considerable benefits.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Mr Young said Hong Kong, being a WTO member, has been keen in removing trade barriers s to boost its business opportunities. It will also reap benefits from WTO multi-lateral agreements.

He said Hong Kong's priorities in the Doha Round are market-access related issues, notably market access for non-agricultural products and for services.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang, who will chair the December conference, held a number of informal meetings with WTO ministers aiming to achieve substantial progress. However, the July Approximation cannot be achieved as scheduled due to member countries' different views.

Optimistic outlook

Mr Young said the process of negotiation is complex, adding he is optimistic but prudent on the outcome of the December conference.

Turning to the conference's security arrangements, Mr Young said the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference will be the first to house the Centre for the Non-Governmental Organisations under the same roof as the conference proper.

He said measures will be taken to enable peaceful demonstrations and that Police are capable of handling large-scale events. The Government also has on-going dialogue with NGOs regarding the conference arrangements and a meeting will be held with NGOs before the conference to discuss issues of concern.

Mr Young said schools, in particular those in Wan Chai, have been advised to suspend classes on December 13, the first day of the conference, as there will be traffic diversions.

electronicAsia
13-16 October, 2005
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Website : http://www.electronicasia.com/
Exhibitors : 204 local + 351 overseas = 555 total
Buyers : 15,923 local + 16,895 overseas = 32,818 total
Venue : Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 5 & 7
Gross Exhibition Space : 12,357 sq m

October 16, 2005
Government Press Release
Record NGOs to attend WTO meeting

Over 1,000 non-government firms have been accredited for the World Trade Organisation's 6th Ministerial Conference to be held in Hong Kong, setting a WTO record, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says.

The Hong Kong conference will claim another first, in being the first time accredited NGO representatives and delegates will be housed under the same roof.

Speaking at the NGO Roundtable Forum today, Mr Tsang said the Government is committed to enabling everyone, including those with dissenting voices, to be heard.

Attending the same forum, WTO new Director-General Pascal Lamy hoped fruitful results can be achieved at the Hong Kong Ministerial, otherwise the Doha negotiations will unlikely be concluded in 2006.

Agriculture key

Mr Tsang said agriculture is the key issue of the negotiations.

"Trade in agricultural products accounts only for a relatively small proportion of world trade at about 8%. But that does not tell the whole story. For some of the smaller economies, their meagre export is all they have got. For some of these economies, they have a single product and they have no other source of income, other than that single agricultural product they produce. We need to safeguard the interests of these vulnerable economies."

Because of the scale of the world markets distortion, because of its importance to developed and developing countries alike, agriculture cuts across the traditional patterns of divisions and alliances within the WTO. As a result, while the Doha Development Agenda is the broadest yet devised for a multilateral negotiation, progress in all other areas depends to an unprecedented degree on progress in this single area.

"The 'development dimension' of the Doha Development Agenda embraces more than just agriculture. I have focused only on Agriculture today, because firstly, it is of such fundamental importance to poverty reduction and economic development for so many of the less developed members of the global community and, secondly, it has become the choke point in the negotiations."

Difficult task

In two months' time, the whole WTO membership needs to flesh out the framework agreed in July 2004 on agriculture and non-agricultural market access, define the level of ambition for the services negotiations, agree on the next concrete steps for the rules negotiations, and properly reflect the development perspective in the outcome to all these negotiations.

"This is no easy task, but all WTO Members will have to ensure that it is accomplished. The stakes are high. The cost of failure is not a price any member can afford to pay," Mr Tsang added.

Monday October 17, 06:53 AM
Oil dominates G20 talks in Hong Kong
AAP

The G20 group of rich and developing nations sounded the alarm over high oil prices but barely touched on the role a stronger yuan could play in easing world economic imbalances.

Finance ministers and central bankers from the diverse group, expressing concern about a rising tide of protectionism, also stressed the need for concrete results at world trade talks in Hong Kong in December.

"We are concerned that long-lasting high and volatile oil prices could increase inflationary pressures, slow down growth and cause instability in the global economy," the G20 said in a statement after two days of talks at a sprawling resort near Beijing.

The world's largest oil consumer, the United States, and its biggest oil producer, Saudi Arabia, were among the signatories to the statement, which vowed to promote energy saving and alternative sources of energy as well as to reduce oil subsidies.

Saudi officials said they hoped a meeting of energy ministers in Riyadh in November would bring about the greater transparency in world oil markets that Western policy makers say is lacking.

Caio Koch-Weser, Germany's deputy finance minister, said substantial investment was needed in exploration and in refining capacity, while for consumers energy efficiency and conservation was now at the forefront.

"What Kyoto may not have done in the US, prices at the pump will," Koch-Weser said, referring to America's failure to curb energy consumption in keeping with the spirit of the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The world economy has shown remarkable resilience so far to the surge in oil prices. Benchmark US light crude futures hit a record $70.85 per barrel in August, up more than 60 per cent from the end of 2004. They closed on Friday at $62.63.

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Rodrigo Rato, reaffirmed the Washington-based lender's forecast that global growth next year would match this year's 4.3 per cent expansion but warned that oil was a major threat.

Jean-Claude Trichet, the governor of the European Central Bank, said the ECB had not yet seen any spillover from higher oil bills into demands for wage rises.

In the absence of such second-round effects, which he called "our worst enemy", Trichet said the ECB's interest rates were still appropriate. The bank has held its main short-term rate for the 12-nation euro zone at 2 per cent for two years.

But Trichet, too, said the risks were rising: "It is extremely important not to have second-round effects and that is why we consider that strong vigilance is of the essence."

In a further illustration of policy makers' preoccupation with oil prices, Australia will put energy security for fast-growing powers such as China and India at the heart of the G20's agenda when it chairs the group next year.

"Those economic powers, naturally, are going to be looking for resources and energy security to drive industrialisation and economic growth," Australia's treasurer, Peter Costello, said. "This will become a key question for the international community."

A key question right now for financial traders is how quickly China will make good on its promise to let the yuan trade more freely. The currency has risen just 0.3 per cent since Beijing revalued by 2.1 per cent in July and abandoned an 11-year-old dollar peg in favour of a managed float.

Traders had speculated that the G20 meeting would be a forum for Washington in particular to ratchet up its pressure for a faster rise in the yuan to head off pressure from law-makers alarmed by China's ballooning trade surplus.

In the event, Chinese President Hu Jintao headed off any debate in an opening speech calling for major countries to keep their exchange rates reasonably steady.

With European ministers recommending that quiet advice works better than megaphone diplomacy, US Treasury Secretary John Snow made a significant change of tack by saying a free-floating yuan was just one of many policies Beijing needed to implement as it opens its economy more fully to market forces.

US officials also emphasised the need for China to boost domestic demand so growth relies less on exports, thereby helping to iron out the trade imbalances overhanging the world economy.

"If you truly want to deal with these imbalances, bilaterally or multilaterally, you have to focus on more than just the currency," Treasury Under Secretary Tim Adams said on Saturday.

October 22, 2005
Government Press Release
Keen interest shown in telecom exhibition

The Government is making steady progress preparing for Telecom World 2006 and is pleased to note a large number of overseas and Mainland industry leaders have already indicated their interest in taking part in the event.

This was the message from Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang at a reception held in Beijing last night to launch the full Mainland marketing activities for the International Telecommunication Union Telecom World 2006.

China's Information Industry Vice-Minister Jiang Yaoping, and Mr Tsang with more than 300 business leaders, professionals from the information and communications technology industry and media representatives on the Mainland and from overseas planned to attend.

Speaking at the reception, Mr Tsang said that since Hong Kong was awarded the right to host Telecom World 2006, promotional activities had been launched in support of the ITU's marketing efforts, riding on major international information and communications technology events.

"We expect to see a strong turnout of Chinese companies at Telecom World 2006. We also expect a strong contingent of Mainland media as well in covering and disseminating news of the event."

Mr Tsang also took the opportunity to brief guests on the enormous business opportunities to be brought about by ITU Telecom World 2006, and invited them to Hong Kong to participate in the prestigious international event.

The ITU Telecom World 2006 will be held from December 4 to 8, 2006, in Hong Kong. It is the first time the event will have been held outside Geneva, where the ITU is based.

Event has two parts

The event comprises two parts - the exhibition and the forum. The exhibition enables industry players to showcase their latest equipment, services or technologies, while the forum provides a platform for participants to debate critical issues on policies and regulation, key technologies, business applications and environment.

It is estimated that ITU Telecom World 2006 will attract 100,000 overseas visitors, generating about $1.2 billion of direct economic benefit to Hong Kong.

October 23, 2005
Government Press Release
NGOs' role in WTO matters recognised

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All ears: At an NGO roundtable at the University of Hong Kong, Director-General Pascal Lamy (third from right) reminds the audience that the WTO has always recognised their important role in WTO matters and maintained positive dialogue with them.

Recently-appointed WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy made a two-day visit to Hong Kong this month, ahead of the all-important Ministerial Conference in mid-December. He took this rare opportunity to talk to non-governmental organisations, to remind them of the important role civil society plays in shaping negotiation outcomes.

At an NGO roundtable forum at the University of Hong Kong, he reminded his audience - including representatives from more than 30 NGOs - that "our goal should be to work together to make the organisation better reflect our aspirations."

Whenever there is a major WTO meeting, non-governmental organisations' activities both inside and outside the conference venue quickly become the centre of attention.

Despite having a difference of opinion over certain issues with NGOs, the WTO has always recognised their interests and important role in WTO matters. The history and development of the relationship is excerpted below, from the WTO's NGO website.

The Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO includes a specific reference to NGOs, providing that "the General Council may make appropriate arrangements for consultation and cooperation with non-governmental organisations concerned with matters related to those of the WTO".

Communication framework set

In July 1996, the WTO General Council further clarified the framework for relations with NGOs by adopting a set of guidelines which "recognises the role NGOs can play to increase the awareness of the public in respect of WTO activities".

These guidelines are instrumental for both members and the WTO Secretariat in maintaining an informal and positive dialogue with civil society.

To achieve greater transparency, members have agreed to ensure more information about WTO activities, in particular by making available documents which would be de-restricted more promptly than in the past.

To enhance this process, the secretariat makes available online the material which is accessible to the public, including de-restricted documents. The secretariat also plays a more active role in its direct contacts with NGOs.

Since 1996, arrangements for NGOs have essentially focused on attendance at Ministerial Conferences, participation in issue-specific symposia, and the day-to-day contact between the WTO Secretariat and NGOs.

NGO attendance allowed

NGOs are allowed to attend the conference's plenary sessions and their attendance at WTO Ministerial Conferences is based on a set of registration procedures decided by the WTO General Council.

They must demonstrate that their activities are "concerned with matters related to those of the WTO".

The Singapore Ministerial Conference in December 1996 represented the first experience with NGO attendance at a major WTO meeting. A total of 159 NGOs registered to attend that conference. The 108 NGOs (235 individuals) that made it to Singapore included representatives from environment, development, consumer, business, trade union and farmer interests.

The NGO Centre in Singapore provided the NGOs with meeting rooms, computer facilities and documentation from the official event.

The Geneva Ministerial Conference in 1998 in many ways epitomised the evolving relationship with NGOs and underlined civil society's growing interest in the work of the WTO.

A total of 152 NGOs registered for the Geneva event. In the end, a total of 128 NGOs (362 individuals) came to that meeting.

Throughout the three-day-event, NGOs were briefed regularly by the WTO Secretariat on the progress of the informal working sessions - a feature which was welcomed by NGOs as a genuine sign of commitment to ensure transparency and the recognition of civil society as an entity which deserves attention in its own right.

Record NGOs to attend MC6

The number of NGOs attending ministerial conferences have generally been rising, from over 100 NGOs at the first to almost 800 NGOs at the fifth.

NGOs' attendance at the WTO's 6th Ministerial Conference to be held in Hong Kong in December will likely set a new WTO record: More than 1,000 have already been accredited.

The Hong Kong conference will claim another first: For the first time, accredited NGO representatives and delegates will be housed under the same roof.

Since 1996 a number of symposia have been arranged by the secretariat for NGOs on specific issues of interest to civil society. These symposia have provided, on an informal basis, the opportunity for NGOs to discuss specific issues with representatives of WTO Member countries.

Other initiatives

The WTO Secretariat also receives a large number of NGO requests from all over the world and secretariat staff meet with NGOs on a regular basis - both individually and as a part of NGO-organised events.

Since 1998, new initiatives have been launched to enhance dialogue with NGOs.

The WTO Secretariat provides regular briefings for NGOs and establishes a special NGO Section on the WTO website with specific information for civil society. In addition, a monthly list of NGO position papers received by the Secretariat are compiled and circulated for members' information.

HK destined for WTO ignominy unless police fight basic instincts

December will be a jittery month. WTO tensions are already bubbling to the surface. We have a rattled minister and a lawsuit between hoteliers and the NGOs' leader. But these are the least of our concerns. On this rides our leader's future, if not our city's honor.

Philip Yeung
Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, October 26, 2005

December will be a jittery month. WTO tensions are already bubbling to the surface. We have a rattled minister and a lawsuit between hoteliers and the NGOs' leader. But these are the least of our concerns. On this rides our leader's future, if not our city's honor.

Our security apparatus may be ready. But psychologically we are not. This city has never known violent demonstrations - excepting the Cultural Revolution spillover. Long Hair's coffin-carrying antics are mere child's play when compared with the car- bombing or skull-cracking of other cities. We are a law-abiding city.

Our officials have been spoiled by such well-mannered spats. Thin- skinned and quick to take offense in dignity-denting encounters, they are ill- equipped to handle bare-knuckled confrontations.

Consistently, we have staged global functions with clockwork efficiency. But this is a different kettle of fish. Used to shooing away ladybirds, our officials will be helpless against killer wasps.

They must first learn to adjust the threshold of tolerance for disagreeable conduct. We like to worship visiting potentates. Anything that interferes with our adulation is not tolerated.

World leaders will be pampered as before. But this time around that won't be enough. A more even-handed approach is called for.

The infamous 1999 battle of Seattle is remembered for its overconcern for VIPs, and its overreaction to taunting protesters. With a dozen subcommittees covering every aspect of the event, it was checkmated over its lack of psychological preparation. Everyone limped away wounded.

The root cause of WTO-related violence is perceived injustice in world trade. The quarrel is between free trade and fair trade. From South Korea alone, 1,200 aggrieved farmers will be descending on our city. The "winner- take-all" approach to international trade has cost many Korean farmers their livelihoods or even their lives. They come fighting for their survival - violently if need be.

It would be a grave tactical, if not moral mistake to suppress their voice.

It is time for a radically different approach. After all, the hard-edged American approach backfired. Extend our hospitality not only to this cozy gentlemen's club, but to all who have cause to give these proceedings pause.

Give bona fide protesters ample access to the international media. High- handed tactics will only boomerang.

Try patient diplomacy. Reach out to all protest leaders early to catalog their grievances and demands. They may lack the glamour and glitter, but they deserve our hospitality. Corral WTO bigwigs into the process: they too have a huge stake in our success. To date, their message has been overshadowed by orgies of violence. This time they pledge to work to alleviate poverty through free trade. That offers hope and scope for compromise.

Expect police-baiting. But unlike trigger-happy cops elsewhere, our officers are models of restraint. They need to identify and isolate the professional agitators and extremists, while giving legitimate protesters a voice.

We have a police chief with lateral- thinking abilities. He will doubtless control the sale of kerosene, petrol, bricks, golf balls and other objects with offensive-weapon capabilities before and during the conference.

But security measures alone will not suffice. The protesters are here to deliver a message. As hosts, it is our duty to help get it delivered - without taking sides. We need conciliators with a soft touch, more than gun-toting cops.

If we succeed, we will triumph over the culture of violence in demonstrations. If we fail, we will have our name globally besmirched, Seattle-style.

HKCEC voted "Best Convention & Exhibition Centre"
Corporate Press Release

(19 October 2005, Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) has been named the "Best Convention & Exhibition Centre" at the 16th TTG Travel Awards 2005 in recognition of its outstanding performance in the Asia Pacific travel industry.

Ms Monica Lee - Muller, HKCEC's Director of Business Development, received the award from the organiser TTG Asia during the award ceremony and gala dinner in Pattaya, Thailand on 13 October 2005.

TTG's long-standing award program acknowledges annually the most outstanding individuals and organisations of the travel trade within the Asia Pacific region. Voting is by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, BTN Asia Pacific, BTN China and TTGmice, who represent the key industry executives in the region. The award presented to the HKCEC is a testimonial to the HKCEC's dedication towards commitment and service excellence.

Mr Cliff Wallace, Managing Director of HKCEC (Management) Limited (HML), the Centre's professional private management company, said, "I'm most pleased that the HKCEC has received such a prestigious international award. I'm particularly pleased that HKCEC was acknowledged and recognised by the readers of TTG trade publications, major representatives of the MICE industry in the Asia Pacific. I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our peers, friends and customers for their valuable support in the nomination."

HKCEC's achievements over the year, including receiving "Asia's Leading Conference Centre" award at the 11th World Travel Awards earlier this year, affirm its ability to consistently deliver premier-class exhibitions, conferences and pubic events. In the financial year 2004-05 (1 July ¡V 30 June), a total of 1,493 events were held including 121 exhibitions, 67 international conferences, 141 entertainment events including 44 film screenings and 52 concerts, 401 banquets, and 763 other events. "Once again this coveted TTG Travel Award reflects the expertise, dedication and professionalism of the HML management team and staff. I'm so proud of each member of HML, who has continued to contribute enormously to the success of HKCEC," added Wallace.

Hong Kong - the "Events Capital of Asia" - was a big winner during the evening of presentations. Apart from HKCEC, six other organisations in Hong Kong had received a total of seven TTG Travel Awards in different categories: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong International Airport, Jetour, Langham Place Hotel, and Regal Airport Hotel.

The award-winning HKCEC is managed and operated by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd, a member of NWS Holdings Limited (Stock code: 0659.HK).

World watches China's rise through HK eyes
Trade Development Council
( 28/10/2005 )

China's emergence on the world stage, its underlying competitiveness and influence on global economies will be topics for lively discussion at a high-level international conference to be held in Hong Kong this month.

Delegates at the 8th annual Conference of the Competitiveness Institute (TCI) will include several of the world's leading experts on clustering and regional development. The conference, entitled "Enter the Dragon: China's emergence and International Competitiveness", will be held from November 8 -11 at the Kowloon Shangri-La hotel.

"The entire world is focused on China's rise, and Hong Kong is a great place to learn more about the force that is changing the global economy," said Dr Alan Hansen, TCI president and president of the Economic Competitiveness Group in the US.

Professor Michael Enright, director of competitiveness programmes at the Hong Kong Institute of Economics and Business Strategy - this year's conference organiser - believes that China has become a market, an investment location, a production platform and a competitor.

Inside perspective

"The conference is a great way for people from outside China to better understand its competitiveness, and for people from Hong Kong and China to learn from the experiences of the world leading competitiveness proponents," he said.

Speakers from 25 countries, including senior officials from China and abroad, will shed light on issues of competitiveness.

Lars Eklund, director of competitiveness for the Swedish Innovation Agency VINNOVA and a TCI vice-president, said the conference is generating a great deal of interest in Europe. "We expect it to be the best ever."

TCI is a global association of policy makers, advisors and business people dedicated to improving local and national development. It has nearly 400 members in more than 40 countries.

For more information, Enter the Dragon: China's Emergence and International Competitiveness www.tciconference8.org

Thursday November 3, 2:57 AM
Hong Kong leader confident WTO talks will lift off

LONDON (AFP) - Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang voiced confidence that global trade talks will go ahead in the territory in December despite uncertainty over the all-important farm sector.

Hong Kong will host the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting that could breathe new life into the Doha round -- intended to bring down rich-world trade barriers for developing nations -- launched four years ago.

"It will go ahead," Tsang told reporters in London after talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair which touched upon the WTO meeting, bilateral trade and Hong Kong's constitutional development.

He said he based his confidence "on the efforts being made by all parties concerned".

He added that Hong Kong's own trade secretary, John Tsang, has been shuttling between Africa, the Caribbean and Europe, "pulling all his strings and putting all his energy into it."

Senior trade ministers and officials from Australia, Brazil, the European Union, India and the United States are to convene in London next week in a bid to clear up logjams ahead of the Hong Kong meeting.

Police on WTO alert in largest operation yet

Police will undertake their largest operation yet to maintain order during the World Trade Organization's Sixth Ministerial Conference next month.

Doug Crets
Hong Kong Standard
Saturday, November 05, 2005

Police will undertake their largest operation yet to maintain order during the World Trade Organization's Sixth Ministerial Conference next month.

"This is unprecedented. It's a very, very large operation," police spokesman Chief Superintendent Alfred Ma said Friday.

Citing "specific intelligence," he said violent protests are possible and that "the public order risk assessment is high."

The entire 27,000-strong police force will be put on high alert, all vacation will be cancelled and officers will work 12-hour shifts during the event.

"We want the world to know that we are able to handle an event like this," Ma said, while dramatic video footage of rioting at past WTO meetings played on a screen behind him during a workshop held by Hong Kong University's Journalism and Media Studies Centre.

The elite police tactical unit will deploy two platoons at vantage points near the Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, where several thousand delegates and their staff will conduct the conference between December 13 and 18, a security source said.

A platoon consists of 41 officers in full riot gear, which was bought expressly to contain potential violence.

An additional column, or 144 officers, will be within quick striking distance of the convention center, the source said, and will be armed with rubber bullets.

A source familiar with police preparedness said that, at any given time, 2,000 to 3,000 officers will patrol the immediate vicinity of the convention center and at least 15,000 officers will be on hand around the clock throughout the conference.

Hong Kong wants to avoid the chaos sparked by small numbers of well- organized rioters at previous WTO meetings in Seattle in 1997 and Cancun, Mexico, in 2003, Ma said.

In Cancun, a South Korean farmer killed himself to protest a threat to rice subsidies.

Well-organized anarchist groups in Seattle clashed with under-prepared police at the WTO venue, blocking entry and setting trash on fire.

"This is the kind of thing we don't want to happen. We've learned from their experience," Ma said.

"If people conduct peaceful demonstrations, we will facilitate [them]. That's our bottom line."

Protest leaders have said as many as 10,000 people may come to Hong Kong to protest against the WTO.

A South Korean diplomat, meanwhile, said about 1,000 militant Korean farmers may join the protests, bringing with them a "culture of protest" that "sometimes becomes violent."

Ma refused to give exact details of tactical arrangements or force numbers, saying they were a matter of internal security, but he promised the police will still be able to contain criminal activity in other parts of the city.

In addition to announcing the department's security preparations, Ma said the government needs to convince the Legislative Council to back an order made by Chief Executive Donald Tsang under the Public Order Ordinance for an area around the convention center to be closed off during the meeting.

He warned that if legislators do not allow the order to pass, "it would jeopardize our planning."

Should it pass, the order will go into effect in the early hours of December 2 and expire at 5.30am on December 19.

Police Commissioner Dick Lee can also invoke a ban on public assemblies or demonstrations across Hong Kong Island in case of threats to public order. It will also make it illegal for anyone to cross the physical boundaries, set up to protect delegates, that will surround the convention center.

Ma did not define what will constitute a threat to public order and said it was a "balancing act" between civil liberties and security.

Police officials have traveled to Seattle, Cancun and Geneva, Switzerland, where the WTO is headquartered, to exchange information on ways to avert disaster in large-scale public demonstrations and have taken lessons from them.

Ma did not comment on whether the government has a blacklist to prevent "radical" protesters from entering the territory.

He reiterated previous reports that the People's Liberation Army is not involved with preparations for the conference, and confirmed that the Correctional Services Department has designated several prison facilities for housing rioters.

In August, Assistant Commissioner for Correctional Services Chan Kong- sang said lawbreakers during the WTO talks will initially be detained at holding cells in local police stations.

But, if these are full, they will be transferred to Victoria Prison in Central, which is being emptied of prisoners in advance of its scheduled decommissioning next year.

Officers at the prison are regularly seen cleaning those facilities. They have also installed a chain link fence within the prison yard, which could be used to contain groups of protesters.

Thousands of commuters diverted in special arrangements for forum
8 November 2005
South China Morning Post

More than 40,000 public transport users will be affected by special traffic arrangements during the World Trade Organisation ministerial conference next month.

The Security Bureau plans to cordon off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and surrounding areas, encompassing three hotels, the Tamar site and the Wan Chai ferry pier.

Roads leading to the area are included in the restricted zone, which will be closed from 6pm on December 12 to 5am on December 19.

The restricted zones will be established by passing a bylaw under the Public Order Ordinance, enabling the chief executive to name areas where only authorised delegates, government officials and media representatives will be allowed.

Speaking at a Legco subcommittee meeting yesterday, principal transport officer of urban transport Cheung Jin-pang said only about 1,000 vehicles would be allowed entry into the area.

Under the proposed plan, about 30 bus routes would have to be diverted, and 22,000 passengers who use the bus terminal in Wan Chai North will have to use bus stops along Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road.

A further 24,000 ferry passengers from Tsim Sha Tsui and Hunghom will need to use alternative ferry services to Central and choose other ways of getting to Wan Chai.

Legislator Lau Kong-wah, of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, expressed concerns that Gloucester Road would be overloaded in the event of a traffic accident, but Mr Cheung said he believed members of the public would avoid that the road during the conference.

Meanwhile, officials from Kowloon Canton Railway said the KCRC construction site at Tsim Sha Tsui East, near hotels where delegates would be staying, would be under tighter security during the forum.

Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum to be staged in HK
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Government Press Release

Cultural policy-makers from Asian economies will join renowned cultural and creative personalities at the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum (ACCF) 2005 to share insights on how to build the brand image of a country or city through the development of cultural and creative industries.

Built on the success of the past two years, the ACCF 2005, the third cultural co-operation forum organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, will be held from November 9 to 12 this year under the theme of "Brand Asia".

Participants will be invited to discuss the branding of places, products and services through the strategic exploitation of intellectual properties and cultural capital.

Apart from cultural ministers from Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Vietnam, a large delegation of senior cultural officials from more than 20 provinces and municipals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) will join the Forum.

The ACCF will feature a PRC delegations meeting on November 9, an Asian cultural ministers meeting on November 10 and five open forums.

Programmes of the open forums are as follows:

Opening Ceremony & Session 1
---------------------------------------
November 10 (Thursday) 2.30pm - 5.30pm

Dr Patrick Ho, Secretary for Home Affairs
- Opening Address

Speakers:
* Mr Simon Anholt , Developer of the concept of the "Nations Brands Index"
- Branding Countries
* Prof Lin Meicun, Professor, School of Archaeology and Museology, Peking University
- Landscape Map of Mongolia - a Middle Age map of the Silk Road recently discovered in Japan
* Dr Thomas Leung, Founder and President, Culture Regeneration Research Society
- Reflections on Chinese Culture and Philosophy in the Era of Globalisatoin
* Mr Song Weon Geun, Director of International Relations, MBC
- What appeals "Dae Jang Keum" to the Asian audience? Commonality of belief and values

Moderator:
Mr. Maurice Lee, Lawyer and Writer


Session 2: Intellectual Property Protection
--------------------------------------------------
November 11 (Friday) 9.30am - 1pm

Co-organiser: Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (CASH)

Speakers:
* Mr Pushpendra Rai, Acting Director, Intellectual Property and Economic Development Department, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
- The Strategic Use of Intellectual Property for Economic and Cultural Development
* Mr Alex Guo, CEO, artkey Art Licensing Center
- Fortune of Art Power
* Ms Anne C Y Choi, President, Asian Patent Attorneys Association, Hong Kong Group
- The Legal Aspects of Digital Download
* Mr K C Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong Record Ltd.
- Building a career out of an interest or talent
* Mr Elton Yeung, CEO, Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong Ltd. (CASH)
* Mr Joseph Koo, Composer
- Ideal and Reality

Moderator:
Professor Chan Wing Wah, Professor of Music and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Chinese University of Hong Kong


Session 3: The Future of Asian Movies
--------------------------------------
November 11 (Friday) 2.30pm - 5.30pm

Co-organiser: Hong Kong International Film Festival Society Ltd. (HKIFF)

Speakers:
* Mr Peter Chan Ho Sun, Film Director, Producer, Chairman of Applause Pictures
- What kind of film industry do we want in Asia?
* Mr Jonathan Kim, Chairman, Korean Film Producer's Association; President, Hanmac Films
- How do we foster an Asian Film industry?
* Ms Charmaine Koo, Head of Commercial IP & Entertainment, Deacons
- China, CEPA and the benefits beyond China - Hong Kong?
* Mr Timothy Shen, Acting CEO & Executive Director, Universal Holdings Limited
- Building an Asian Studio?

Moderator:
Mr Patrick Frater, Asia Editor, Variety


Session 4: Opportunities for Cross-cultural Publication
-------------------------------------------------------
November 12 (Saturday) 9.30am - 1pm

Co-organiser : Mingpao Century Page

Speakers:
* Ms Karina Africa Bolasco, Founder and Assistant General Manager, Anvil Publishing, Inc.
- Publishing as a Cultural and Creative industry
* Mr Gary Leung Kwan Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Red Publish
- 2C (Creativity and Cooperation) saves the small
* Mr Mark Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Page One Group and Head of Page One Publishing
- Marketing Asia
* Mr An Boshun, Chief Editor, Changjiang Literatrue and Art Publishing House Beijing Book Center
- Humanised Meaning and Export of Copyrights of " Wolf Totem"
* Ms Lin Hsinchin, Editor-in-chief, China Times Publishing Company
- The Miracle of "DA VINCI CODE"

Moderator:
Dr Ma Ka Fai, Assistant Director of the Chinese Civilisation Centre of the City University of Hong Kong


Session 5 & Closing Ceremony
-------------------------------------
November 12 (Saturday) 2.30pm - 5.30pm

Speakers:
* Mr Andrew Senior, Head, Creative Industries, British Council, United Kingdom
- From Cultural to Creative Industries
* Mr Tobias Nielsen, CEO, QNB Volante Research
- The Many Effects of the Creative Industries
* Dr Desmond Hui, Director of the Centre for Cultural Policy Research at the University of Hong Kong
- "Creativity Index"
* Professor Jonathan Spence, Sterling Professor of History at Yale University
- Approaches to Chinese History

Moderator:
Mr Benny Chia, Founder and Director of Hong Kong Fringe Club

Dr Patrick Ho, Secretary for Home Affairs
- Closing Remarks

The open forums will be held at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. Admission is free. Registration can be made on-line.

For enquiries, please call 2559 9973 or visit the official website of the ACCF 2005 (www.accfhk.org) for more details.

7 Nov, 2005
TDC Press Release
8,805 buyers visited Hong Kong Optical Fair

The Hong Kong Optical Fair 2005 which concluded last Friday (November 4) attracted a total of 8,805 buyers from around the world. This represents a massive 8.6% growth over the previous year.

Featuring a wide array of optical goods with 577 exhibitors, the fair was held from November 2-4 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The satisfactory result reconfirms Hong Kong's status as the world's second largest exporter of spectacles, lens and frames.

A detailed breakdown of buyer attendance at the three-day event is as follows:

* Total attendance: 8,805 - up 8.6%
* Hong Kong buyers: 2,905 - up 9.3%
* Buyers from places outside Hong Kong: 5,900 - up 8.3%
* Top 10 visiting countries/ regions (excluding Hong Kong): Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the US, Australia, Singapore, Germany, the Philippines, and Canada.
* Export growth rates to Hong Kong's major trading partners: : Asia (+8.4%), Europe (+11.2%), North America (+12.1%), Australia and Pacific Islands (+11.3%)

Significantly, buyers from the Chinese mainland increased by 20.5%, demonstrating the rising demand for optical goods in the country.

In the first nine months of 2005, Hong Kong exported HK$697 million worth of optical goods to the Chinese mainland, an increase of 42% over the same period last year.

The next Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, is scheduled for Nov 7-9, 2006 at the same venue.

Get ready for violence at WTO talks, SAR warned

Violent protests are a distinct possibility during the World Trade Organization talks to be held at the Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai next month.

Doug Crets
Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Violent protests are a distinct possibility during the World Trade Organization talks to be held at the Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai next month.
The warning came from Robert Mendez, regional security officer for the US consul general in Hong Kong, at a forum on Internet security.

"I definitely think it's possible. What's going to be important is how fast [Hong Kong authorities] will be to quell [unrest] and keep it from getting out of control," he said Tuesday at the opening of the Information Security Summit 2005, hosted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Mendez said he does not have a "crystal ball" to predict exact security threats to the delegates attending the talks that begin on December 13, but he told the nearly 100 forum participants that the Americans at the consulate know they are always considered a target.

More than 40,000 WTO delegates, heads of state, staff and overseas protesters are expected in Hong Kong for the Sixth Ministerial Conference.

Mendez served as a special agent for the Department of State in several countries before coming to Hong Kong in September last year. His diplomatic experience covers Beijing, where he worked as a security adviser to the US embassy.

Fearing violent demonstrations like those during the WTO talks in Seattle and Cancun, Mexico, the government wants the Legislative Council to give the police commissioner sweeping powers under the tough Public Order Ordinance under which those found breaking the law could be jailed for up to five years.

Police told legislators Monday they have "specific intelligence" that some protesters may be intent on violence.

The government's request for a closed area, made under the Public Order Ordinance, to be set up around the convention and exhibition center is expected to be approved by a Legco subcommittee tomorrow and will go into effect December 2 through 19.

Also at the forum, Internet security analysts said Hong Kong may not be ready for cyber terrorist attacks, even though government officials describe the city as vigilant.

Three Internet security analysts said they are unsure Hong Kong has prepared itself for denial of service attacks, the name given to an onslaught of page requests sent by online programs that inundate a server hosting Web sites, forcing it to shut down.

They're worried that, while WTO servers will be protected, not enough has been done to safeguard financial institution Web sites in Hong Kong because the city has never faced such an event.

One analyst, who preferred anonymity, said Microsoft, the megalithic US software giant, is negotiating with Internet service providers to move ahead its regularly scheduled December security bulletin.

The bulletin, which analysts use to help security officers close loopholes in Windows and Internet Explorer security, comes during the conference, said the source.

The source also said Microsoft is reluctant to push ahead the bulletin, but the company denied this.

"I've never heard about this, from any party," said Leslie Chu, head of MSN in Hong Kong. He said most servers that host MSN activity are not even located in Hong Kong, but situated in countries elsewhere in Asia.

During ministerial events, hackers try to shut down the WTO servers by amassing upwards of 100,000 computer users to jam the system with repeated server requests.

They also try to hack into WTO servers to paint "grafitti" messages on its home pages.

Roy Ko, manager of the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, said his office is ready to protect the WTO from cyber attacks.

The office will be taking on extra manpower during the conference and operating 24 hours a day inside the convention center to provide assistance. The office consults regularly with other countries so that it can improvise traffic solutions on the move, Ko said.

"We plan to have this [increase] in service for at least two weeks [next month]," he said, adding that he sees no trend of more criminal activity on the Internet ahead of the talks.

Another government official said Hong Kong is very vigilant because of greater awareness about Internet and public security among people concerned with preserving their business during the conference.

"If there's one subject that captures the interest of senior executives, it's the subject of information security management," said Howard Dickson, the government's chief information officer, in his keynote address to the forum.

He played down worries about whether Hong Kong has taken precautions to redirect server traffic in order to protect the WTO Web sites and wireless centers in the convention center.

"We're aware of single-location vulnerabilities. I really can't go into specifics," he said.

But Dickson stressed Hong Kong is following normal protocol for making the city safe during a huge international event and that it has already consulted several countries on contingency plans for threats to Internet traffic.

Friday November 11, 8:35 PM
WTO summit not a failure yet: Hong Kong chairman

HONG KONG (AFP) - Deadlock over a crucial trade summit here does not spell failure for the meeting and the hopes it carries of striking an accord on lowering barriers to global trade, according to the conference's chairman.

Hong Kong Industry Secretary John Tsang said he is neither hopeful nor pessimistic about a favourable outcome to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial summit here in December.

At the same time, the meeting should ensure enough progress to make an overall deal possible by the cut-off date at the end of 2006, he said Friday.

"Hong Kong has always been the most important staging post in the run-up to the end of the (Doha) round but given the state of negotiations at this time, to be realistic, we are not able to accomplish what we aimed to accomplish by the time we get to Hong Kong," he said.

His comments were echoed later by European Union trade commissioner Peter Mandelson who told BBC radio there would be no deal at Hong Kong.

Tsang was speaking after key member states conceded at the end of a pre-summit meeting at the WTO's Geneva headquarters that they had been unable to end an impasse over an agenda for the December 13-18 gathering.

WTO secretary general Pascal Lamy said deadlock over reducing huge subsidies to inefficient farmers in rich countries meant that the organisation's 148 members would have to lower their goals for the Hong Kong meeting.

If the Hong Kong talks did not provide enough momentum, Tsang said, then another "intermediate" meeting next year was "highly likely".

"We have ministerial meetings all the time -- there will be in any event full ministerials in Geneva after Hong Kong but before the end of 2006."

The December gathering of finance ministers and trade negotiators had been hoped to take the Doha round of trade talks close to a conclusion with an accord cutting agricultural tariffs and subsidies in return for greater liberalisation of goods and services markets.

The talks in Geneva earlier this week failed to make enough progress so officials have downgraded expectations, seeing the meeting now as an opportunity for continued negotiations.

The Doha round must be completed by the end of 2006, the expiry date for fast-track trade negotiating status of the president of the United States, the world's dominant trading entity.

After that, Washington's trade negotiations are likely to be taken up by the conservative-dominated Congress, which is unlikely to back a global deal.

Tsang said farm subsidies in rich nations distort the world trading system, making it impossible for the mainly agricultural economies of poorer nations to access rich Western markets and so escape their poverty.

He insisted all was not lost and that even if Hong Kong's goals were reduced, the summit would still set the organisation on the path to concluding the Doha round.

"We will still aim to achieve as much as we can in Hong Kong. It will still be a very important springboard that we need to get us into the final stretch."

November 12, 2005
19 NGOs accredited for MC6
Government Press Release

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says the WTO attaches great importance to non-governmental organisations' participation in its matters and is open to their views.

This was his message during a meeting with NGOs today in which he briefed them on the latest on the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference.

The session followed a roundtable forum last month during which both WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy and Mr Tsang met with NGO representatives.

November 11, 2005
Gloves are off' in run-up to MC6
Government Press Release

Freshly arrived from a series of WTO meetings in Geneva, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang is optimistic about the upcoming Sixth Ministerial Conference to be held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre in mid-December.

"For all the talk of lowering expectations for Hong Kong, but maintaining our ambition for the round, the negotiating picture is still rather cloudy, and it's hard to see at this stage whether the bottle is half full or half empty," he said in an upbeat luncheon address at the Foreign Correspondents' Club today.

"Being congenitally optimistic, I think it's definitely half full. International trade deals, after all, have usually been last-minute cliffhangers."

He said the delegates from the 148 member economies that would be attending next month's meeting "currently having their aperitifs in the 'Last Chance Saloon' in Geneva if they are serious about securing an ambitious market-opening package in agriculture, industrial products and services."

Reaching such a consensus, he said, "is important for the future of world trade. It is important for tens of millions of the world's poorest people. And it is important for Hong Kong, not just in our narrow self-interest in some of the issues under negotiation, but in the wider context of our status as an icon of free trade," Mr Tsang said.

It is also an important test of Hong Kong's ability to host and manage an event of this size and complexity, with all the implications it holds for the global economy, he added.

Big players making moves

"When the Americans put a pretty bold offer on agricultural reform on the table at a meeting in Zurich a few weeks ago, we thought we had traction. I was at that meeting, and I can assure you that the atmosphere was quite electric. We all sensed that the game had at last commenced - and not a minute early," he said.

"The US proposal put the ball fairly in the court of the European Union whose challenge was to come up with a credible response that seeks to bring down trade-distorting agricultural subsidies and tariffs, in particular to produce market access for the farm products of developing economies.

"The EU response came two weeks ago today, and has already been greeted with a chorus of disappointment by key players such as the US, Australia, and Brazil, as well as a spate of criticisms of over ambition by others such as Switzerland and Japan. And France, with imminent elections in the horizon, is claiming a right of veto over the whole process because they think EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has exceeded his negotiating mandate."

Member economies urged to show political will, flexibility

From his perspective, Mr Tsang says, "the ball is still very much in play. That is welcome news. Given the limited space in which Commissioner Mandelson finds himself working, his offer was bound not to please everyone. But the stakes are so high for the Doha Round, that as Chairman of the December ministerial, I have been urging all the member economies to show political will and flexibility to keep the process moving forward. This is a time for statesmanship, not brinkmanship."

While the "background noises may be confusing", he says the recent series of meetings in Geneva had been useful.

"For the first time ministers were comparing notes across the whole spectrum of the negotiation, drawing linkages between elements of the entire package, instead of looking at each component in its own silo in isolation. This balancing out of gains and losses across the board is an essential, if occasionally bloody business, as we begin to see the shape of the possible trade-offs," he said.

The WTO is in the negotiating business, he stressed. "That's what we do. And there's a huge amount of work to do if we are to come up with a package that gives us the necessary lift-off for the final stage of this negotiation."

'Inside every trade negotiator there is a drama queen'

He expects there may appear to be much less flexibility on the part of member economies as the December meeting approaches, but he is not buying it.

"You have to remember that inside every trade negotiator there is a drama queen just bursting to get out. And in my experience, the closer you get to the real negotiation in the final stages of the game, the more you would expect to see dramatic performances both inside and outside the negotiating chamber.

"Key players would not miss any opportunity when confronted by the media to repeat the quality of their offers, to express disappointment towards the offers of others, and to claim that if their demands were not met, the talks would necessarily break down. This mode of presentation will no doubt continue with growing intensity as we get closer to the end game."

Despite this acting for the television cameras, he say the gloves are now off. "The real negotiation has begun. The run-up to the December ministerial will be action packed. So watch this space.

"From a personal standpoint, I'm determined to do my best to see that the Hong Kong ministerial gives the Doha Development Agenda the momentum it needs to reach the successful conclusion it deserves by the end of next year."

Organisers prepared for worst-case scenario

He added many people thought it was "pretty brave" of Hong Kong to take on the responsibility of organising and hosting the Sixth WTO Ministerial, but the organising team does not look at it this way.

"We think we are more than capable of handling what happens both inside and outside the Convention Centre," Mr Tsang said.

"We are not so naive as to believe that there won't be a minority who is bent on disruption and even violence. They have made known that their proclaimed agenda is to disrupt or derail the ministerial.

"Our agenda is to make Hong Kong safe for the delegates, the NGOs, the press, the peaceful protestors and our own community who want to go about their daily business. Our police are well equipped and trained to deal with those who have mayhem in mind."

Violent Korean farmers granted voice at Hong Kong WTO meet
Mon Nov 14, 4:00 AM ET

HONG KONG, (AFP) - A militant Korean farmers' group, considered among the world's most violent anti-globalisation groups, has been granted a permit for an upcoming trade summit in Hong Kong, an official website revealed.

The Korean Peasants League will join thousands of other non government organsiations and protesters at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Sixth Minisiterial Conference here next month, the event's website said.

A member of the organisation, which is opposed to the slashing of subsidies to farmers, stabbed himself to death during a protest at the WTO's last ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico, in 2003.

The organisation's members also regularly clash with Korean police at domestic protests.

The Hong Kong summit is expected to attract some 10,000 NGOs and protesters opposed to the gathering's goals of reducing barriers to trade.

Its aim of ending farming subsidies is an emotive one with some NGOs in favour of deeper cuts than the WTO is proposing and others calling for greater protection of national agricultural interests.

Hong Kong authorities say they are pulling out all the stops to ensure there is none of the anti-globalisation protest-related violence at December's meeting that marred similar international gatherings.

Police chief inspector Alfred Ma said the Korean group's inclusion on the list of attending NGOs would have no impact on security arrangements.

"We do not consider them particularly militant," Ma told AFP. "They are simply one of the groups that likes to make themselves known."

8 Nov, 2005
Twin fairs to help SMEs strengthen competitiveness and find world markets
TDC Trade Release

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) is organising two large exhibitions this month at the Convention and Exhibition Centre to help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their competitiveness and to find world markets.

Although Hong Kong exports are forecast to grow strongly this year, Hong Kong companies will face a host of challenges in the middle of the year, says TDC's Head of Customer Service, Lai Ching-Hung. The hurdles will come in the form of trade protectionism, high US interest rates, high oil prices, a slow-down in overseas market demand, and over-production of goods across the globe.

"Profit margins are getting increasingly slim for Hong Kong SMEs engaged in manufacturing and in exporting," says Mr Lai.

He advises Hong Kong companies to look for opportunities in emerging markets; to increase the technology content of their products and to improve their designs. They should also find new ways to tackle problems.

The two expos -- World SME Expo and the Innovation and Design Expo (IDE) - that will take place between the 21st and the 23rd will held under six themes, designed to help Hong Kong companies strengthen their competitiveness and to tap world markets more effectively.

(1) Enterprise support -World SME Expo will have 10 pavilions, each run under a different theme: Global Business Connections, China Opportunity, Industries Meet, IT and E-Business, Management & Information, SME Financing, Legal & Accounting, Trade Services, Public Services, as well as World Market Access. These pavilions will offer a wide range of services, tailored for SMEs.

(2) Global opportunity - Directors of TDC offices around the world will be at the expo to offer advice about the markets in their respective countries. These front-line branch directors will join market experts to give a series of talks on market conditions in the different countries.

(3) International exchange - More than 150 delegations representing 5,000 mainland enterprises will attend World SME Expo not as exhibitors, but as companies looking for business partners. Seventy of these mainland enterprises will be selected to give presentations on their business strength to find partners. The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and TDC will hold a forum on the development of private enterprises on the mainland and how mainland companies plan to venture into world markets through Hong Kong.

A French delegation representing 120 companies, and a Japanese delegation representing over 100 companies will also be at the expo looking for Hong Kong partners with whom to enter the mainland market.

(4) Design and business - IDE will set up a pavilion to showcase the services of Hong Kong design companies and their overseas counterparts. A "Scandinavian Design Day" will be held on the first day of the IDE. Designers from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark will give talks on how Scandinavian companies use design to build brand names and add value to their products. A design and creative industry delegation from the UK will also attend the expo to establish contacts with Hong Kong companies.

(5) Opportunity in environmental protection: The HSBC will be sponsoring a "HSBC Living Business ECO DAY", which will feature a series of seminars on subjects such as opportunities on the mainland for companies involved in environmental protection. Talks will also be given on corporate social responsibility, green manufacturing, and water resources management. Environmental protection technologies and products and services provided by Hong Kong and overseas companies will be on display in a special pavilion set up for displaying environmental technologies.

(6) Innovative technology: Companies specialising in environmental protection technology, material science, electronics technology and biotechnology will be exhibiting their products under one roof.

Two other events will take place concurrently at the expo:

Hong Kong Forum - An annual conference organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide, a grouping of Hong Kong business associations from 23 countries.

Business of Design Week - This large-scale conference is organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre in conjunction with the TDC. World-renowned designers and brand image consultants will share their insights and success stories with the audience.

More details are available at http://www.worldsmeexpo.com and http://www.innodesignexpo.com.

HK geared up for WTO Ministerial Conference
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Government Press Release

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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Rafael Hui, who chairs the High Level Committee to Oversee the Preparation of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, inspects a multi-agency coordination centre during an exercise designed to test the response of government departments and agencies to incidents that may occur during the conference. He is accompanied by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee.

Government departments and agencies have just successfully completed a series of multi-agency exercises designed to test their preparedness and response to a wide range of incidents that may occur during next month's Hong Kong Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization.

The series of exercises, the first of which started on September 23, were planned by the Security Bureau's Exercise Planning Team consisting of officers with wide-ranging experience in emergency and crisis management.

A total of 44 government departments and agencies took part in the fifth and biggest command-post exercise in the series, which was completed late last night (November 18). Some 25 departmental/agency emergency control centres were activated at multiple locations throughout Hong Kong during the exercise.

Various scenarios were simulated in the exercise to test the workability and effectiveness of key departmental response plans, the interface compatibility of existing departmental communication systems and the interface between a control Multi-Agency Coordination Centre and existing departmental command and control systems.

"This is the biggest joint exercise that the Government has ever conducted.

"It has provided a good opportunity for relevant departments and agencies to practise their response to incidents of varying degrees of seriousness and to identify areas for improvement," a government spokesman said.

21 Nov, 2005
Twin Expos offer world SMEs a double shot at markets and services
TDC Press Release

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Thousands of traders gather at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to explore business opportunities.

TDC Chairman Peter Woo thumbs up for "My Car", the first car designed and manufactured in Hong Kong.

The World SME Expo and Innovation and Design Expo (IDE) have attracted a total of 500 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) is holding two concurrent exhibitions - The World SME Expo and Innovation and Design Expo (IDE) - at the Convention and Exhibition Centre from today (November 21) until Wednesday.

The World SME Expo, which has attracted 320 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions, is designed to help SMEs strengthen their competitiveness and tap world markets more effectively.

The first ever IDE, with over 180 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions, is aimed at helping businesses move up the value chain by strengthening their technology and design capabilities.

TDC's Chairman Peter Woo said: "TDC equals connectivity for companies the world over. TDC helps companies market products and services around the world.

"Our message is simple. Wherever you come from, you use the Hong Kong platform and you are one of us, and TDC's services are available to you. Our physical marketplace of trade fairs, our virtual marketplace, tdctrade.com, and events such as World SME Expo are all here to help you connect."

Highlights of the twin Expos are:

International exchange: More than 150 delegations representing 5,000 mainland enterprises will attend World SME Expo in search of business partners.

Seventy of these mainland enterprises have been selected by business experts to give presentations on their business strengths. Around 1,000 venture capitalists and potential business partners will be attending these presentations looking for investment opportunities.

The All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and TDC will hold a forum on the development of private enterprises in the mainland on the second day of the shows. The forum will focus on how mainland companies can enter world markets through Hong Kong.

Large delegations from France and Japan will be attending the two Expos. The French delegation, representing 150 companies, includes businesses from the food and beverage sector, as well as electronics and information technology, printing and packing, environmental protection and fashion and cosmetics.

The Japanese delegation, representing over 100 companies, will be looking for partners in mainland ventures.

Design and business: A "Scandinavian Design Day" will be held on the first day (November 21) of the IDE. Designers from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark will give talks on how Scandinavian companies have used design to build brand names and add value to their products. A design and creative industry delegation from the UK will also attend the IDE to establish contacts with Hong Kong companies.

A special pavilion will showcase the services of Hong Kong design companies and their overseas counterparts.

Opportunity in environmental protection: HSBC will be sponsoring an "HSBC Living Business ECO DAY" on the second day of the IDE, featuring a series of seminars on subjects such as opportunities in the mainland for companies involved in environmental protection.

Talks will be given on corporate social responsibility, green manufacturing, and water resources management. Environmental protection technologies and products and services provided by Hong Kong and overseas companies will also be on display in a special pavilion of environmental technologies.

Innovative technology: Companies and institutions specialising in environmental protection technology, material science, electronics technology and biotechnology will exhibit their products and services under one roof.

Enterprise support: World SME Expo will have 10 pavilions, each under a different theme: Global Business Connections, China Opportunity, Industries Meet, IT and E-Business, Management & Information, SME Financing, Legal & Accounting, Trade Services, Public Services, and World Market Access. These pavilions will offer a wide range of services tailored for SMEs.

Global opportunity: Directors of TDC offices around the world will be at the Expos to offer advice about their respective markets. These front-line branch directors will join experts to give a series of talks on market conditions in their countries.

Two other events will take place concurrently at the Expos:

Hong Kong Forum: An annual conference organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide will bring together Hong Kong business associations from 23 countries.

Business of Design Week: This large-scale conference is organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre in conjunction with the TDC. World-renowned designers and brand image consultants will share their insights and success stories with the audience.

More details are available at http://www.worldsmeexpo.com and http://www.innodesignexpo.com.

Hotels on alert after new threat

Fresh terrorism threats and the upcoming World Trade Organization talks have forced local hotels to beef up security, the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners said Thursday.

Winnie Chong and Justin Mitchell
Hong Kong Standard
Friday, November 25, 2005

Fresh terrorism threats and the upcoming World Trade Organization talks have forced local hotels to beef up security, the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners said Thursday.

The territory, already gearing up for possible violence at next month's WTO conference in Wan Chai, has been mentioned again in a letter faxed to the Chinese consulate general in Karachi, Pakistan, warning that certain luxury hotels in Hong Kong and in the mainland could be attacked.

It is the third time this month that the Pearl River Delta has received a terrorism warning.

Michael Li, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said security at almost all hotels, especially those near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the WTO meeting is to be held, has been stepped up.

Li said several measures are already in place, like sealing off some hotel entrances and exits, double checking the identification of staff reporting for work and ensuring that people taking elevators to the rooms are guests. Some hotels have also hired extra security guards, he said.

Security chief Ambrose Lee assured that there is no evidence so far to confirm the intelligence from Pakistan is true. "But, of course, we don't take such threats lightly," he said, describing his current assessment for terrorist attacks in Hong Kong as "medium risk."

The latest threat received by the Chinese consulate in Karachi was made in the name of person identifying himself as Ali Rizvi, Agence France-Presse quoted a Pakistani security official as saying. But, the official added: "Investigations so far have failed to trace the person named in the letter. We're still trying to work out whether it's a hoax or something serious."

Mazhar Javed, an official at Pakistan's consulate in Hong Kong, said he learned of the alleged threat through news reports and that he could not comment further.

On November 9, the US embassy in Beijing warned on its Web site that four- and five-star hotels in the SAR could be likely targets of Islamic extremists. But, China's Ministry of Public Security quickly labeled the warning as "not credible." Four days later, the US consulate in Hong Kong issued another warning, based on what was called "credible information," advising Americans traveling to Guangzhou to be on the alert when attending churches or functions.

Police Commissioner Dick Lee also downplayed the possibility of attacks in Hong Kong. "There're often reports and intelligence about such threats and we'll study them," he said.

James Lu, executive director of the Hong Kong Hotels Association, which represents the international hotel chains, was also skeptical. "Remember the Shanghai threat two weeks ago? This sounds like the last one. We take these threats seriously, but probably, to put it in a Chinese term, `It's frying yesterday's rice.' I bet, in another couple days, or in a week, we'll be hearing about another one."

WTO protests approved but will be restricted

Three protests scheduled for the December World Trade Organization conference in Wan Chai have been given the official go-ahead but are restricted to smaller than requested areas and will be governed under a special ordinance giving the police commissioner sweeping powers to terminate the marches.

Mimi Lau and Michael Ng
Hong Kong Standard
Saturday, November 26, 2005

Three protests scheduled for the December World Trade Organization conference in Wan Chai have been given the official go-ahead but are restricted to smaller than requested areas and will be governed under a special ordinance giving the police commissioner sweeping powers to terminate the marches.

Hong Kong People's Alliance on WTO, an umbrella group helping the expected 7,000 incoming international protesters, announced Friday that it received three separate notices from the the police three days ago expressing no objections to the rallies scheduled for December 11, 13 and 18 - the Sunday prior to the conference, and its opening and closing dates, respectively.

Organizers told police they expect crowds ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 people for the marches.

"We are happy that the letters contained no specific statements targeting overseas protesters," said Elizabeth Tang, the alliance's chairwoman.

Previously in the Legislative Council, while explaining why the police needed special powers under the strict Public Order Ordinance, Assistant Police Commissioner Henrique Koo cited what he called "specific intelligence" that riot-like behavior is possible.

The protests will take three different routes, but all will begin in Victoria Park. The first will end at government headquarters in Central, and the other two at rally areas in north Wan Chai, near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the conference will be held.

But Tang is disappointed by the restrictive space given to the marches. For example, police agreed to close off only the left lane of Hennessy Road in Wan Chai for the first and last marches, which organizers worry will slow down the procession.

The alliance does not rule out the occasional violent flare-up but Tang is sure it will be restricted to at most 30 people and that, with the help of the police, the 500 marshals - both local and international - will be able to keep things under control.

"Violent groups will be separated and the rest of the peaceful groups will go on with the marching," she said.

The alliance has translated into English and Korean a set of guidelines for the protesters, including the Public Order Ordinance and modes of peaceful protesting.

Tang also announced on Friday that the 2,300 Korean delegation of mostly farmers has agreed to comply to the guidelines and has also pledged to abstain from consuming alcohol during WTO related events.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Annie Choi told a Legislative Council transport panel Friday that measures by the government and other organizations have been worked out to alleviate anticipated traffic problems caused by sealing off a large swath of Wan Chai during the conference. To stay on top of the situation the Transport Department will activate its emergency coordination center, she said.

Also, Eastern Harbour Crossing and Western Harbour Tunnel are reducing tolls throughout the conference to attract vehicles away from the city center.

But Wilfred Lau, head of MTR Corp, said his company does not plan to offer fare discounts to encourage commuters to use rail instead of road transport at that time.

"We have reserved HK$10 million for extra services like hiring additional staff for patrols and canceling our staffers' holidays. But we believe there is no room for fare concessions."

The government estimates 46,000 passengers will be affected by the conference, mostly because 30 bus routes will be diverted and the Star Ferry's service from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom will also be suspended.

Sunday November 27, 1:20 PM
Draft for WTO Summit Includes Big Gaps

AP - The WTO's top official laid out a draft for next month's Hong Kong summit, underscoring just how much work needed to be done to salvage even a watered-down agreement.

World Trade Organization members are eager to reach a deal at the Dec. 13-18 ministerial meeting, but the 42-page draft unveiled by WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy showed how far they are from agreeing on critical issues including the liberalization of trade in farm products and manufactured goods.

"Clearly, we would all have liked to see a more operational text by now, but this is where we are," Lamy told delegates Saturday at the organization's Geneva headquarters. "The current draft does not seek to establish a final balance here and now _ that is for the end of the round, which is not where we are now."

The draft does reflect some progress made by WTO members over the past 18 months in the formulation of new antidumping rules and measures to improve customs facilities.

But it offers no prescription for cutting tariffs and subsidies on either agriculture or manufactured goods _ two subjects that have held up negotiations for many months.

Trade officials conceded that progress is needed in these two sectors ahead of Hong Kong and that unless the present gulf in opinion was bridged, it would be impossible to reach any meaningful deal there.

The meeting in Hong Kong was supposed to be the concluding session of the current round of global talks that have been under way for four years, outlining specific measures countries must take to open up their markets.

The Doha round of trade talks, named for the Qatari capital where they were launched in 2001, aims to cut trade barriers across a wide range of sectors and is supposed to address the needs of developing countries, for whom agriculture is a particularly sensitive topic.

Developing countries say farm trade needs to be tackled first because it is so important to their economies and because it is heavily protected in many rich countries.

The 25-nation European Union, in particular, has been under fire for not making further cuts to its farm tariffs and subsidies. A series of meetings over the past two months between ministers has failed to break the deadlock.

The EU says equal attention needs to be paid to manufactured goods, which far outweigh agriculture's importance in global trade.

But, in both areas, Lamy's draft fails to outline any potential agreement to reduce tariffs and slash subsidy programs because of the sharp divide between countries.

Instead, those sections of the draft "provide important information on the range of outstanding issues, point to the significant amount of work which has already been done and genuinely reflect the situation we are currently in," Lamy said.

Brazil, a major exporter of farm goods, said the draft was not balanced because it reflected disagreements between countries and thereby rewarded those that have sought to stall progress in certain sectors.

However Brazil's ambassador to the WTO, Clodoaldo Hugueney, said the document was "a good basis" for future negotiations.

Both Hugueney and EU Ambassador Carlo Trojan stressed that the problems were not confined to agriculture but also could be seen in the section dealing with manufactured goods.

Activists said industrialized nations had to give ground before the gap can be narrowed.

"This compromise text reflects just how much rich countries have been pushing their own agendas," said Amy Barry, a spokeswoman at the international aid agency Oxfam. "Rich countries continue to block development at the WTO."

The final treaty, when completed, would be binding on all 148 WTO members. The round is already well behind its original December 2004 deadline.

Flotilla set to make waves with protest
Participants and spectators at the World Trade Organization talks next month will be treated to an unusual maritime protest in front of the meeting's harborside venue.

Doug Crets
Hong Kong Standard
Monday, November 28, 2005

Participants and spectators at the World Trade Organization talks next month will be treated to an unusual maritime protest in front of the meeting's harborside venue.

Nearly 600 fishermen from across Asia will sail back and forth in the harbor on December 13, the opening day of the WTO talks, to chastise the organization for allowing international corporations to ruin traditional fishing industries, the group's spokesman said.

Between 500 to 600 protesters will take advantage of the pledge to allow freedom of speech during the talks, which end December 18, by sending a flotilla of four boats right up to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the first morning.

Fishing community activists will burn 50 WTO logos and flags, according to Dondi Tawatao, Asian liaison for Fisherfolk Movement Philippines.

Captain Buddy De la Cruz, the Filipino migrant worker who led about 100 protesters to disrupt a press conference held by WTO Director General Pascal Lamy, will guide fishermen from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Cambodia up to the boundary of the closed area surrounding the convention center, Tawatao said.

Throughout the "fluvial parade," the fishermen will broadcast loud-hailer messages and release helium balloons.

Negotiations with marine police are still underway, but the fishermen are prepared to launch their boats from the nearby Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry pier, Tawatao said.

"The consensus among the members is that it will hopefully be a peaceful demonstration," Tawatao said.

He also said his group was surprised to learn that marine police had allowed them to end their demonstration near the Wan Chai sports ground pier, within view of the convention center.

The marine police said they are aware of the planned demonstration, but did not say whether floating objects on the harbor water is illegal, nor did they say what the police will do about it.

"Contingency measures have been prepared and tested to handle any boat parade staged in the harbor during the period," a police spokesman said.

The protest group's message is in line with other anti-globalization discontent. "With the onset of...the WTO, the region saw further increases in a drive by the multinational and transnational corporations to control natural resources under the guise of direct financial investments," read the group's press release.

Fishermen blame business deals between poor nations and fish canneries for dumping unfairly priced tuna and sardines, along with other products, on Third World economies.

Tawatao said there is not likely to be any confrontation.

Peace Boat, a Japan-based NGO which promotes world peace and human rights, is interested in joining the protest.

So too is the Farley Mowat, a "direction confrontation" vessel of Canada-based whaling group Sea Shepherd, which tries to interrupt the operations of whaling ships.

The two vessels have not definitely confirmed whether they would join the flotilla, Tawatao said.

Moving trade fair to HK expected to lure thousands more buyers
7 January 2006
South China Morning Post

About 45,000 international buyers of electronic goods are expected to visit Hong Kong in April for a trade fair, a nearly 200 per cent increase since the last show in Shanghai.

The number of buyers from Western Europe at the China Sourcing Fair: Electronics and Components is expected to increase 160 per cent and those from the United States 180 per cent.

The last fair in Shanghai, in October, attracted more than 18,000 buyers.

The April show in Hong Kong will occupy eight halls at the AsiaWorld Expo and is expected to pull in the buyers from around the world.

The number of exhibitors and booths is yet to be finalised, but 70 per cent of the mainland suppliers have never exhibited in Hong Kong before.

Show organisers Global Sources aims to make the show the biggest in Asia.

The organisers said that while big deals were unlikely to be signed during the four-day show - from April 18 - buyers and exhibitors had no objection in the move from Shanghai to Hong Kong despite the higher costs.

They said that while the mainland was growing, Hong Kong still led the way in the exhibition business.

"Hong Kong is still the gateway to China," Global Sources exhibitions' general manager Chuck Armitage said.

In the past, buyers had to decide between Hong Kong [the electronics fair organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council] and Shanghai. Now they just need to go to Hong Kong."

Global Sources has signed a three-year deal with AsiaWorld Expo worth US$50 million.

Apart from the spring and winter electronics and components shows, the company will also organise four others this year on gifts and home and fashion accessories.

Exhibitors have high hopes for the April show.

Bastian Land, senior sales and marketing manager of Apollo Worldwide, which will exhibit the latest products, such as in-car DVD players and portable digital televisions, said Hong Kong was a better choice for trade fairs.

"Hong Kong is better for shows because of factors such as infrastructure. People do travel to Shanghai but business is mostly done in Hong Kong," Mr Land said.

Cars make way for more conventions
$70m will be spent to convert car park at Convention and Exhibition Centre
11 January 2006
South China Morning Post

A car park will be converted into exhibition space at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, creating 350 more booths to help accommodate strong demand for trade fairs.

The conversion will cost $70 million and be ready in time for April's Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair, which has already sold the extra booth space, called Expo Drive Hall.

This is on top of the scheduled $1.3 billion expansion of the atrium, which is now used for on-site buyer registration but will be home to more than 1,000 booths by 2009.

The tendering process for the atrium is expected to end in May, after which the contract will be awarded.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption has been invited to monitor the tendering process as an independent observer. Both projects are being jointly funded by the Trade Development Council and property giant New World Development.

Executive director Fred Lam Tin-fuk said the council had given up on its idea of the nearby Tamar site as a site for expansion.

"We don't know what will happen after two or three years, so it's not worth it. However, the car park is a permanent space," he said.

Tamar has previously been used as a temporary site to house exhibitors unable to secure space at the convention centre, but the government wants to locate its offices there.

Recent buyer surveys by the council also found an overwhelming preference for the more centrally located Wan Chai venue over the new AsiaWorld-Expo near the airport.

This sentiment was echoed yesterday at the launch of the new venue's first trade show, the inaugural Hong Kong Spring Fair, which saw relatively few buyers compared to the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, which opened yesterday at the convention centre.

Local premium gifts merchandiser Out of the Blue (Hong Kong) set up booths at both fairs.

Senior merchandiser Rain Chow, who manned the booth at AsiaWorld-Expo, said the company wanted to take part in the Spring Fair in the hope of landing new business. It also received discounts on the booth rental, which lowered the cost of a standard nine-square-metre space to $8,800 over the four-day event.

"After the first day, we're rather disappointed with the buyer response. We knew it would be somewhat quiet given the location and newness of the fair, but we didn't expect it to be that quiet," Ms Chow said.

AsiaWorld-Expo's chief commercial officer, Helen Chiu, said she was satisfied with the first day of the fair.

The Trade Development Council will stage five trade fairs at the new venue this year.

January 17, 2006
Government Press Release
Fashion fairs' exhibitors up 20%

The number of participants at two fashion fairs has grown 20%, with 1,330 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions for Fashion Week. This makes it the largest garment trade fair in Asia and second in the world, the Trade Development Council says.

The World Boutique, Hong Kong 2006 has attracted 232 exhibitors showcasing more than 400 brands. The council has also invited buyers from all over the world to visit the two fairs. There are 54 missions, with a total of 1,800 people, visiting Fashion Week and 49 missions, a total of nearly 1,700 people, attending World Boutique.

The success of the fairs reflects the steady growth of Hong Kong's clothing exports.

Clothing exports hit US$25b

Total exports of clothing and accessories increased 9% in the first 11 months of 2005 to around US$25 billion, the council's Garment Advisory Committee Chairman Andrew Leung said.

"This demonstrates that Hong Kong is an important production centre for clothing and clothing accessories, as well as a centre for creative design."

Hong Kong's exports to three major markets - the US, the UK and Germany - have achieved considerable growth of 11%, 13% and 21%.

"The two events also highlight our ability to offer global one-stop service, all the way from design and production to marketing and distribution. Hong Kong manufacturers are gaining a reputation for excellent design because of their work for original design manufacturing and original equipment manufacturing customers as well as their own brands," Mr Leung added.

Both fairs are now being staged at the Convention & Exhibition Centre until January 20. More details are available here.

A total of 19 fashion runway shows and nine seminars focusing on industry news and trend information will be held. An on-site survey among exhibitors and buyers on their views about the growth of different markets and product trends will be carried out. The results will be announced on the last day of the two fairs.

HK on the shortlist for aerospace spectacle
24 January 2006
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong is among a handful of cities shortlisted to host the Asian Aerospace civilian and military air show from 2008, an event that could contribute as much as $2 billion to the local economy every two years.

According to an executive close to the negotiations, Hong Kong is in a tight race with Shanghai and Bangkok to host the event, widely seen as the world's No3 air show behind Paris, and Farnborough in England. This year's event, organised by Reed Exhibitions, is being held from February 21 in Singapore and a decision on its successor is expected before then.

"There is recognition within Reed that they have to move with the market and one of the locations they are considering is Hong Kong. But there have also been strong proposals from Shanghai and Bangkok, in particular," the executive said.

The Thai government is said to be willing to pay to host Asian Aerospace, which it would use to showcase Bangkok's new US$3.7 billion international airport after it opens later this year.

A spokesman for Reed Exhibitions in Singapore would not confirm the frontrunners yesterday.

"[We] are in active negotiations with several alternative locations {hellip} and will make an announcement about the future location of Asian Aerospace as soon as we are able to conclude negotiations," he said.

Shanghai is also thought to be a strong contender because of the mainland's increasing aircraft purchases and its attractiveness to delegates.

The Hong Kong entry may have an Achilles heel, however. It is thought the city may have had to enter a joint bid with Zhuhai due to the sensitive nature of holding a military trade show in Hong Kong. Airport Authority executives did not return phone calls yesterday.

HK attracts tech giants for top telecoms event
The triennial industry gathering, to be held outside Geneva for the first time, promises a big turnout of exhibitors and visitors
7 February 2006
South China Morning Post

Organisers of the International Telecommunication Union's triennial industry gathering to be held in Hong Kong in December have secured firm commitments from the largest and most influential technology companies in the world.

Huawei Technologies, ZTE and a pair of still unnamed mainland telecommunications carriers will lead the mainland commercial contingent at the most prestigious show on the industry's international calendar.

These firms join Microsoft, Samsung Electronics, Hitachi, Alcatel, LG Electronics, Ericsson and Fujitsu as the largest exhibitors to sign up for ITU Telecom World.

The premier telecoms event is being staged outside Geneva for the first time in more than 30 years.

ITU Telecom World will be held from December 4 to December 8 in an exhibition space of 66,000 square metres at AsiaWorld-Expo in Chek Lap Kok.

"All the major players will be here and we are running out of space," said Connie Lee Yun-man, a government official serving as Hong Kong, China Secretariat head of marketing and events for ITU Telecom World.

Ms Lee said a number of industry giants that skipped the event in Geneva had confirmed as exhibitors in Hong Kong. These included Texas Instruments, Lucent Technologies, Motorola, Siemens, Alcatel and Ericsson.

A meeting for exhibitors will be held in Hong Kong next month, with about 200 corporate representatives expected to attend.

The ITU was aiming to secure about 800 exhibitor companies from 50 countries for the show, Ms Lee said.

ITU, a United Nations agency, expected to hit that number through the participation of more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as part of about a dozen select country pavilions.

Some of the pavilions already booked include the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, Belgium, France, South Korea, Spain and the mainland, through the state-run trade and exhibitions group China National Postal and Telecommunications Appliances.

Ms Lee said exhibit planners could pack from 20 to 40 SMEs, each with their small booth, inside a pavilion.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau John Tsang Chun-wah announced in March last year that the government would open the event to a wider range of industries and smaller companies.

He said ITU Telecom World would include participants from the IT, digital entertainment, content and services provider sectors - all part of the telecommunications industry's expanded value chain.

"I can promise you it will be an event with a difference," he said.

The government has bet big on that promise. In 2003, Hong Kong beat competitors including Geneva, Milan, Istanbul and Algiers to host this year's ITU Telecom World. The government guaranteed firms from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau a minimum of 215,280 sq ft of exhibition space at the show.

In December 2003, Mr Tsang presented legislators with a proposed $70 million bill for hosting the event. In 2004, after tough negotiations with senior ITU executives, that bill was increased to $87 million.

The money will cover promotional activities, and operational and administrative support.

The government's main argument for allocating more public funds to ITU Telecom World is the wider economic benefit expected to flow from the event. Officials estimate the show will attract 100,000 overseas visitors, generating economic benefits of about $1.2 billion from exhibition space rentals and hospitality-related spending.

Still, Hong Kong and mainland authorities are expected to launch a big marketing initiative over the next six months for major sponsorship deals to help cover the cost of ITU Telecom World.

The Ministry of Information Industry (MII), represented by vice-minister Jiang Yaoping, will lead that promotional push at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona next week and at the World Telecommunication Development Conference next month in Doha, Qatar.

"With strong support from the central government, we hope to see a good turnout of potential sponsors at those cities," Ms Lee said.

She said the ability to sign up sponsors for ITU Telecom World had been helped by the cancellation of this October's PT/Expo Comm, the large annual trade show in Beijing the MII has agreed to shelve this year in support of the ITU event in Hong Kong.

Exhibitions show $19b benefits for economy
Doug Crets
Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, February 08, 2006

The local exhibition industry put HK$19 billion into the economy last year, driven by increased mainland business visitors, exceeding the percentage of contributions to the gross domestic product when compared with Germany and England, the industry's chairman said Tuesday.
The study shows that Hong Kong is able to outperform development in other regional exhibition industries.

"By comparison to other mature economies that have well-developed exhibition industries, we are doing extremely well," said Stanley Chu, chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, announcing the KPMG study.

Chu said the Hong Kong exhibition industry's contribution to GDP is half a percentage point higher than Germany, which contributes 1 percent of its exhibition proceeds to GDP.

Hong Kong exceeds England by just .01 percent.

Last year, foreign visitors, mostly from China, attended exhibitions sponsored by five different organizations and contributed HK$9.5 billion, or half of the year's income.

That gave the government HK$710 million in taxes in 2004, derived from expenditure directly connected to the exhibition industry, the study showed.

Mainland tourists were the biggest spenders, helping to promote 7.5 percent growth in the industry last year.

"Our exhibition visitors stay 1.2 times longer than overnight tourists but they spend nearly two and a half times as much," Chu said.

There was a new set of photos uploaded to the asiaworldexpo website two days ago. So i made a thread combining their photo and some other photos that i found online. I also added comments for most of the photos.


General Overview

Let's start with an aerial overview
http://www.gakei.com/clk/clksk06.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_exterior_2_l.jpg


model showing part of the expo when it is fully expanded
http://www.gakei.com/clk/clksk04.jpg


floorplan
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section3/asiaworld_expo_floorplan.jpg


Exterior

East entrance (main entrance)
http://www.gakei.com/clk/clkwe01.jpg


I am not sure how would visitor feel when they see rows of truck doing unloading and loading for Hall 1 (Arena). They need more trees to block it.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_exterior_4_l.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_exterior_5_l.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_exterior_6_l.jpg


The west entrance. Look a bit better than i thought. This entrance will be kept when phase2 of the expo comes in.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_exterior_7_l.jpg


Large open space for parking next to the west entrance
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section5/tran_carpark_large.jpg


Taxi on the south side of the expo (outside hall 3 and 6)
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section5/tran_taxi_large.jpg


Interior

East entrance concourse, showing the ground floor and second floor
http://www.gakei.com/clk/clkwe02.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_interior_1_l.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_interior_2_l.jpg



Donald and the expo CEO going down the escalator, Central corridor visible on the left
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_openceremony_4_l.jpg



Here is the second floor of east entrance, looking north. Central corridor on the left, restaurants, and hall1 (Arena) entrance on the right
http://www.gakei.com/clk/clkwe03.jpg


Same area, but looking south
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_interior_6_l.jpg



Hall 1 (convertible to Arena or sporting events). Capacity is 13500 seats, 19m ceiling. Just to give you some idea how tall that is, HKCEC new wing is 10.5m ceiling (except Grand Hall, and Hall 3). These two photos were uploaded a few weeks earlier than the new set of photos posted above. When i first look at it, i was surprised that they left the steel columns exposed. It give a very "warehouse" feel. So i was worried about the look of other halls. Thank god the other one looks okay (just keep going through the thread)
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_photo_ar_1_large.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_photo_ar_2_large.jpg


Okay, let's get something to eat
first level of east entrance
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_restaurants_2_l.jpg


Right at the second level of east entrance
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_restaurants_1_l.jpg


I believe this one is the seaview restaurant at the third level. Conference rooms area would be right behind the photographer
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_restaurants_3_l.jpg


Some other stores around that area
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section6/advopp_wallbanner_large.jpg


Going into the central corridor to reach other halls (except hall2). A bit of warehouse-feel. But i think the reality is a bit better with the help of spaciousness, and skylight. In the original rendering, the plan was to have glass on the vertical skylight section too, but right now, it is just steel place (where you see the "X" steel frame crossing right to the left of the glass area). There is a total of four skylights in the central corridor
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section6/advopp_hanging_large.jpg


Zoomed in closer. It looks a bit narrow in this pic, but i think it is quite wide in reality. They should put a person there for size comparison. 3 escaltors, 1 elevator for every two halls.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_interior_3_l.jpg


Central concourse, looking east. This pic look a lot better for some reason.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section6/advopp_lightbox_large.jpg


Went down the escalators to reach the halls. One on each side. Looks better than i expected.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_interior_4_l.jpg


The halls (only hall 5,7,9 is shown here i think). Looking east, with central corridor on the right, and uploading/loading doors on the left side. Look at the size of those people for size comparison
When i first saw this pic, i was surprised the ducting at the ceiling is so prominent. But when i look more carefully, the photographer just used a very strong flash to make those things so eye-catching. I think the photos that show the Hall 1 above has a better representation. Although, white strips can be added like hkcec does.
The corridor side have a much better visual appearance than Hall 1 for sure. Not sure about the upload/loading side though. I can't really tell from the pic.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_interior_5_l.jpg


Amenities
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_addedvalue_1_l.jpg


Business center at second floor.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section4/ph_addedvalue_2_l.jpg


MTR station at east entrance area. Nice intergration, with screen door and everything.
http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section5/tran_mtrStation_large.jpg


http://www.asiaworld-expo.com/images/enUS/section5/tran_luggage_large.jpg


I can't find photos for the conference rooms anywhere. Desipte a bit of warehouse feel in some area (i think most American expo center has that feel anyway, and even some asian one), i hope this expo will be a great success to lure international exhibitions to HK. Great addition to HK economic pillars!

Vietnamese Firms Eye Hong Kong Market

HANOI, Feb 17 Asia Pulse - Vietnamese businesses are interested in promoting their products in Hong Kong markets and using the region as a means of boosting exports to China and other key Asian markets, a Ministry of Trade representative said.

The trade ministry's Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company director general, Nguyen Khac Luan, said that the ministry would arrange for Vietnamese businesses to promote their activities at two Hong Kong trade exhibitions in July this year.

The annual expos are the city's largest. The 2006 Summer Exhibition on gifts, toys and household utensils will run from July 4-7 and Hong Kong Fashion Week 2006 will be held from July 11-14 at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre, the commercial hub of the island.

The trade fairs routinely attracts several thousand international businesses, who make the pilgrimage to exchange information and sign export contracts.

Luan said the two events would provide favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to meet trade partners from Hong Kong and the rest of China as well as promote their trademarks on the global market.

According to Tina Phan, director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in Vietnam, the exhibitions will showcase handicrafts, interior decoration items, household utensils, toys, stationery, garments, jewellery and kitchen ware.

She said that foreign customers had begun to value Vietnamese products for their fine designs, traditional cultural identity and high quality.

Most Vietnamese firms attending the Hong Kong exhibitions over the past few years have received orders to export handicrafts, footwear and garments to mainland China, Taiwan and other Asian countries.

Phan said that the HKTDC would also help Vietnamese businesses promote the sale of commodities like seafood, clothing, electric cable and wire, all of which have recently shown potential in Hong Kong.

Bilateral trade turnover between Hong Kong and Vietnam grew approximately 27 per cent a year between 2002 and 2004, according to HKTDC figures.

Speech by S for S at the Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2006
Government Press Release

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2006 today (March 6):

Mr (Fred) Lam, Mr (Charles) Chan, Mr (Lawrence) Ma, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to be able to join you here at this opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show 2006. This is one of the most important annual events for the jewellery industry, which has firmly established itself over the last two decades as the premier forum in the entire Asian region.

Hong Kong is the world's second largest exporter of fine jewellery. We exported well above US$3 billion worth of jewellery globally last year, continuing the robust growth of the industry since 2002, both in terms of volume and value. This favourable performance is no doubt driven by bullish economic environment in our major markets such as the US and the EU, but one equally important factor is that we have a flexible and versatile industry in Hong Kong. Our businessmen are well-known for their speed in adapting to customer needs.

As the official responsible for law and order, I would of course venture that a safe and stable community is also vital in maintaining our economic competitiveness. I am pleased to assure you that Hong Kong remains one of the safest places in the world, with an effective, professional yet friendly police force and a peace-loving and law-abiding community. We are determined, together with the community and our international partners, to maintain this advantage.

Doing business is no easy task, especially in an increasingly competitive and globalised market. The advent of new technologies, new markets and above all new trading rules are the driving forces of change and innovation. The jewellery sector is no different in the need to look out for new trends and developments.

This week-long trade fair, with a record-breaking participation of some 2,000 exhibitors, is, I am sure, the best opportunity for the cream of the industry to do business and share ideas, and to learn from the leading practitioners.

I would wish to pay tribute to the organiser of the event, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the co-organising parties, the Hong Kong Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association, the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association, the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association, and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China. Our gratitude also goes to the sponsors of the Fair, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades and Industries.

Last but not the least, I would wish you all a fruitful trade fair and, for our overseas visitors, a very pleasant stay in our city. I do hope that you will be able to take some time off your busy engagements and enjoy our many shopping and culinary delights.

Thank you.

Conflicting reports over success of diamond show
Andrea Chiu
Hong Kong Standard
Friday, March 10, 2006

There were conflicting reports on the success of the 23rd Hong Kong International Jewelry Show which ended Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with one jeweller saying business was slow and organizers saying attendance was up 9 percent.

"Compared with last year, it's slow. The was no room in the aisles [last year]," said Ronen Zion, general sales manager of Dehres, a leading local wholesaler of large diamonds. "But compared with the past three months, this is good. Stores were in the doldrums. Now that people realize these prices are for good, people are coming back. However, it doesn't compare with last March when things were booming."

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council said this year's show had 29,246 buyers, surpassing last year's 26,753. Contradicting Zion, a council spokeswoman said: "Diamond retail is good and even Mr Lawrence Ma, who's the chairman of the Diamond Federation [of Hong Kong], said at the opening ceremony he's optimistic about diamond exports."

The spokeswoman added that jewelry export figures last year reached HK$25.5 billion, a 23 percent increase from 2004.

According to a survey, she said, the industry is expecting 10 percent growth this year. This year's trade show covered 10,000 more square meters of space than last year's, with close to 2,000 exhibitors.

The annual show has been troubled by incidents of theft in the past.

But the police said this year, there was only one incident - on Wednesday afternoon when a woman was caught trying to pick a British visitor's pocket.

CE speaks at the gala opening of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Government Press Release

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the gala opening of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2006 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (March 20) (English only):

Mr Woo, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the opening of the second Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.

By all accounts, last year's Expo was a resounding success, bringing together, for the first time, a range of events to showcase our entertainment industry and the creative talent of Asia's world city. I am sure that Expo 2006 will be an even bigger success, and that our Entertainment Expo will become a 'must attend' event for all those involved in the movie, digital entertainment, animation and music industries - not just in Asia, but around the world.

In this era of communications convergence, creative industries are coming into their own as economic drivers. Harvard economist Richard Caves has described the creative industries as 'contracts between art and commerce'. Our Entertainment Expo embodies that description and, in addition, serves as a platform to generate economic value for all those taking part.

In the course of the Expo, both contacts – contracts - will be made. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for people in the industry - from movie and music lovers, to digital entertainment entrepreneurs and, perhaps, even future Oscar winners - to look for new talent, investment, business partners, and artistic experience. This is made possible by the diversity of events on offer - trade fair, financing forum, film festival and award ceremonies, to name a few. These exciting activities reinforce our goal to become Asia's media and entertainment hub.

I thank the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and other organisers and participants, for their creativity and vision in getting the Expo up and running in such fine and professional fashion. You have done Hong Kong proud.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all success at Expo 2006. Have a great time tonight, and make sure you come back and see us again for Entertainment Expo 2007.

Thank you.

Expo industry shows up challenges
Trade-fair organisers are calling for stronger government support to match the sector's growth
Andy Cheng
31 March 2006
South China Morning Post

Despite recent efforts by AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) management to improve its facilities, the local exhibition sector fears that the industry is still facing serious challenges, such as a shortage of hotel rooms for trade-fair participants and visitors.

Industry representatives are also worried that with poor government support, Hong Kong's strengths could be matched by other Asian economies in a rush to expand trade-fair facilities.

The opening of the AWE at Chek Lap Kok in December last year has helped attract major international trade shows, but industry leaders feel complementary policies in hotel development and cross-border accommodation have yet to match the sector's expansion.

Accommodation for exhibitors and buyers has long been a problem, according to the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association (HKECIA).

And this is being exacerbated by the opening of AWE, which aims to hold international signature events, according to association chairman Stanley Chu Yu-lun.

The real test will be next month's China Sourcing Fair, which is expected to attract 70,000 visitors, and the ITU Telecom World fair in December, which will probably be attended by about 100,000 visitors.

According to Hong Kong Tourism Board figures, the city had about 43,800 hotel rooms at the end of last year, up 12 per cent on 2004. Some 2,000 new hotel rooms are set for completion by 2008.

However, Mr Chu doubted whether these existing and planned rooms would be enough for the growing number of exhibition visitors at AsiaWorld-Expo and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. "Remember, the hotel rooms also need to accommodate general tourists," he said.

AWE's management said it was common for large trade shows, such as ITU Telecom World in Geneva, to have some visitors staying in nearby cities. But Hong Kong's situation was different due to complicated cross-border issues, Mr Chu said.

He said his association had been pushing the government to resolve these matters, including immigration arrangements, for mainland exhibition tourists looking to stay in Macau and Shenzhen hotels. Unfortunately, the government did not see it as a problem. "It is very inconvenient for buyers, carrying large luggage, to queue for immigration," Mr Chu said.

Asked about this problem, a government spokeswoman said: "The Trade Development Council will keep a close watch on the supply of hotel rooms and facilitate the development of new hotels [in Hong Kong]."

She said the Immigration Department would continue "to facilitate immigration arrangements".

Some trade-fair organisers have taken matters in their own hands.

Global Sources, organiser of the China Sourcing Fair, which will run from April 15 to 25, said it was arranging accommodation for buyers and exhibitors in local hotels.

Global Sources, which used to stage the trade fair in Shanghai, chose Hong Kong following the opening of AsiaWorld-Expo.

Another event scheduled for Chek Lap Kok, the ITU Telecom World fair, will mark the first time it will be held outside Geneva.

Last month, the HKECIA released a study it commissioned with KPMG in a bid to pressure the government to increase funding for the sector's overseas promotion and create a department for the industry.

The association pointed out that the sector was a major economic contributor, as the KPMG study found that international exhibition visitors spent an average of $2,313 a day in Hong Kong, compared with the $1,210 a day spent by general tourists in 2004.

However, the government has rejected the exhibition sector's request to create a department specifically for the industry. A spokeswoman said while the government recognised the industry's contribution to the city, there was no need to change the existing mechanism.

Currently, the Commercial, Industry and Technology Bureau is responsible for the provision of sufficient exhibition space to support the industry's growth, while the Tourism Commission under the Economic Development and Labour Bureau promotes exhibition tourism.

The HKECIA also said that, with governments from the mainland, Malaysia and Singapore aggressively helping their exhibition sectors to grab business, there was an urgent need for Hong Kong to increase funding for the overseas promotion of its trade fairs.

In response, the government said it had allocated funds from TDC's annual budget for promotions to support the industry and would continue to do so.

Meanwhile, back at the AWE, which had just finished some remedial works for its facilities, management is not expecting a repeat of the chaos that marred the recent Connie Chan Po-chu concert there last month. People attending the actress' show complained that they got lost in the basement car park, and that toilets were too far away from the concert hall.

AWE spokesman Kenneth Chan said fans might have found it difficult to access the toilets because only two halls were open for use at that time.

AWE deputy chief executive Allen Ha said the venue had responded by putting up more signage in the underground carpark, and that more toilets would be made available with the venue's full opening on April 15.

This confidence will be tested next month when the venue plays host to its first big trade show.

Mr Ha said while previous shows were aimed at "testing the waters", the China Sourcing Fair will be the venue's first major test, with all of its eight halls - totalling 70,000 square metres of space - being used.

"We have done a lot of improvement work," he said.

Fair play in rival exhibitions
Two large-scale events on the same weekend risk creating a conflict for the same buyers and putting a strain on their budgets
11 April 2006
South China Morning Post

Visitors in town this weekend for the Hong Kong Electronics Fair held biennially at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai may be forgiven for thinking the event has had a late change of venue.

Advertisements plastered over the Airport Express will be drawing buyers at Chek Lap Kok towards the China Sourcing Electronics & Components Fair at the newly-opened AsiaWorld-Expo, an event organised by Global Sources from April 15 to 18 and not to be confused with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council's (TDC) spring shindig at HKCEC from April 14 to 17.

"The timing was absolutely intentional," said Global Sources director Sarah Benecke of the exhibition's move from Shanghai to Hong Kong for the first time this year.

"Hong Kong is a better place [for the fair] because all the buyers are already accustomed to coming here in spring and autumn for the [TDC's] electronics fair."

Global Sources' event will fill the 70,000 square metres of space at AsiaWorld-Expo with 1,700 suppliers - most of whom are from the mainland.

The TDC's electronics fair will take up 61,732 square metres of space at HKCEC, with 2,700 exhibitors.

But surely holding two large-scale, similarly-themed events on the same weekend risks creating a tug of war for the same buyers and their budgets.

Not according to Ms Benecke. "On the buyer side, the decision to stay for a few extra days to see a whole other show is a no-brainer and good for both exhibitors and for Hong Kong," she said.

"While we expect to leverage some of the buyers visiting the TDC show, we will also be bringing other buyers that would not otherwise have come to Hong Kong."

Similar overlaps will occur more frequently following the opening of AsiaWorld-Expo last December. This year, both AsiaWorld-Expo and the HKCEC will host major fashion and jewellery as well as auto parts shows within weeks of each other.

Global Sources' and the TDC's autumn electronics shows will again overlap, as will ITU's Telecom World and Beacon Events' 3G World Congress in December. Beacon Events expects to reap the benefit of overlapping with the ITU event, which is being held outside Geneva for the first time.

"The 3G World Congress usually attracts 1,500 to 2,000 delegates," Beacon Events chief executive Daniel Kirwan said.

"Co-ordinating with the ITU in Hong Kong this year [means] we can expect an increase. As far as the conference itself is concerned, we see very little crossover because our customers are mobile focused and will not be so interested in the other components of the ITU such as fixed-line or regulatory changes."

But the company has had to abandon its usual exhibitor space in favour of a "Mobility Marketplace" for executives to meet and network.

"ITU has the scale and reach that will attract the exhibitors," Mr Kirwan acknowledged.

All of this leads to the question of just how many events Hong Kong - as well as southern China - can sustain. Venues such as AsiaWorld Expo and the HKCEC can hold an impressive number of buyers, but those buyers have a finite amount to spend each year. And how much they spend ultimately will determine whether the suppliers will exhibit.

AsiaWorld-Expo was built on the premise of an increasing demand for exhibition space, especially from mainland-based manufacturers and suppliers.

"We believe Hong Kong has a special role to play," said AsiaWorld-Expo Management deputy chief executive Allen Ha.

"This is very much a city vision - the pie is growing, not only for AsiaWorld-Expo but for the industry."

A recent survey commissioned by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association found that the sector's economic impact was the equivalent to 1.5 per cent of the city's GDP in 2004.

That percentage looks set to come under increasing pressure from cities in China. Hong Kong will see a rise in visitors this weekend, but both electronics events take place in the same two weeks as the 99th Canton Fair in Guangzhou and the China Electronics Fair in Shenzhen.

Ensuring competitiveness against rival shows depends on the quality of suppliers on show, according to Ms Benecke. "The most important thing is to make the fair worth the visit," she said. "Ultimately, buyers want to find products that they haven't seen before at a cheap price."

HK to host international performing arts congress in June
Monday, April 24, 2006
Government Press Release

The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) will hold its 20th international congress in Hong Kong from June 6-11.

The theme for the congress will be "The New Silk Road for the Performing Arts", which extends the legacy of the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty (7th Century) when the exchange of goods was developed to establishing arts and cultural links between the East and the West.

"Hong Kong is honoured to offer a special opportunity for ISPA delegates to meet their peers from around the world to explore areas of common interest," said Ms Agnes Tang In-kwan, Assistant Director (Performing Arts) from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

"Located at the centre of Asia, Hong Kong has always had been a favoured destination for touring performing groups coming to the region.

"Now, we also have an opportunity to serve as an information highway for the exchange of ideas and knowledge among performing arts professionals and managers from across the region.

"Hosting the ISPA congress provides us with an opportunity to showcase Hong Kong's strengths as Asia's world city, especially our cultural sector and the way in which the East and the West blend together in our community."

The Congress will include a wide spectrum of activities such as seminars, workshops and performances.

Well-known artists, festival directors, arts practitioners and producers will also attend.

They will include: Mr Lin Hwai-min, Founder and Artistic Director of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan; Mr Mansai Nomura, Artistic Director of Setagaya Public Theatre, Japan; Mr Pai Hsien-yung, Chinese author; Ms Chen Yi, composer; Mr Lee Jong-ho, Artistic Director of Seoul International Dance Festival, Korea; Ms Marty Jones, Executive Director of Boston's Celebrity Series; Mr Graham Sheffield, Artistic Director of London’s Barbican Centre; Mr Benson Puah, Chief Executive Officer of Esplanade Theatre, Singapore; Mr Yan Huichang, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra; Mr Willy Tsao, Founder and Artistic Director and Chief Executive Director of CCDC (City Contemporary Dance Company); Mr Fredric Mao, Artistic Director of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and many more.

A number of important arts events will coincide with the Congress, including the 9th Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres Annual Conference, the Association of Asian Performing Arts Festivals, China (Hong Kong) International Performing Arts Fair, and the Hong Kong Dance Festival 2006.

"All these meetings in Hong Kong will offer great networking opportunities for all of those attending and involved in artistic pursuits here and elsewhere in the region," said Ms Tang.

Founded in 1949, the ISPA is a non-profit international organisation founded by over 600 executives and directors of concert and performance halls, festivals, performing companies, and artist competitions; government cultural officials; artists' managers; and other interested parties with a professional involvement in the performing arts from more than 50 countries in every region of the world, and in every arts discipline.

The ISPA's mission is to develop, nurture, energise and educate an international network of arts leaders and professionals who are dedicated to advancing the field of performing arts.

ISPA's 20th International Congress, hosted by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, follows a forum in Beijing (2002) and a congress in Singapore (2003).

For more details about the ISPA, please visit www.ispa.hk.

Hong Kong hosts wine convention for industry hoping to tap huge China market
22 May 2006

HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong will begin hosting the three-day Vinexpo Asia-Pacific on Tuesday, a major annual event in the wine world that's expected to attract thousands in an industry eager to tap into China's growing market.

China is seen as a great opportunity for foreign winemakers because imported wine made up a mere 5.2 percent of the total volume sold in the country in 2004, according to a Vinexpo study.

France was China's leading supplier of imported wine, with 71,000 hectoliters (1.87 million gallons) imported in 2004, Vinexpo said.

Wine consumption should grow by 78 percent -- or 7.8 percent annually -- from 1999 to 2009, the study said. By 2009, the country will consume 766.26 million bottles, it said.

"While it is true that consumers are generally city-dwellers, young and well-off, wine is now an intergral part of traditional Chinese banquets," Vinexpo said.

The convention is expected to attract 6,000 attendees, including restaurateurs, sommeliers, hoteliers and reporters, the organizer said. The 568 exhibitors come from 28 nations and are expected to crack open 60,000 bottles of wine during the three-day event, the organizers said.

Vinexpo was started in 1981 in France by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It's held in Bordeaux every odd year. It was held in Hong Kong in 1998 and Tokyo in 2000.

HK hosts international performing arts congress
Friday, May 26, 2006
Government Press Release

The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) will hold its 20th international congress in Hong Kong from June 6 to 11.

At the press briefing session today (May 26), Assistant Director (Performing Arts) from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms Agnes Tang In-kwan said that to May 22, 278 individuals from 30 countries had registered for participation in the ISPA Congress. "This is the highest registration record for the summer congresses in the past 10 years," she said.

"The Hong Kong Congress will truly be an international meeting of arts practitioners, with various concurrent regional events being held in early June. There are the ISPA Academy, the 9th Annual Conference of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres, Annual Conference of the Association of Asian Performing Arts Festivals, China (Hong Kong) International Performing Arts Fair and Hong Kong Dance Festival 2006," Ms Tang said.

The theme for the congress will be "The New Silk Road for the Performing Arts", which extends the legacy of the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty (7th Century) when the exchange of goods lead to arts and cultural links between East and West.

The congress will include a wide spectrum of activities such as seminars, workshops and performances.

Artists, festival directors, arts practitioners and producers will also attend.

They will include: Founder and Artistic Director of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan Lin Hwai-min, Artistic Director of Setagaya Public Theatre, Japan Mansai Nomura, composer Chen Yi, Artistic Director of Seoul International Dance Festival, Korea Lee Jong-ho, Executive Director of Boston's Celebrity Series Martha H. Jones, Artistic Director of London's Barbican Centre Graham Sheffield, Chief Executive Officer of Esplanade Theatre, Singapore Benson Puah, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Yan Huichang, Founder and Artistic Director and Chief Executive Director of CCDC (City Contemporary Dance Company) Willy Tsao, and Artistic Director of Hong Kong Repertory Theatre Fredric Mao.

Founded in 1949, the ISPA is an international non-profit organisation founded by more than 600 executives and directors of concert and performance halls, festivals, performing companies, and artistic competitions; government cultural officials; artists' managers; and other interested parties with a professional involvement in the performing arts from more than 50 countries in every region of the world, and in every arts discipline.

The ISPA's mission is to develop, nurture, energise and educate an international network of arts leaders and professionals who are dedicated to advancing the field of performing arts.

"By working with Hong Kong arts and cultural organisations as well as regional partners and associates, the Hong Kong Government takes great pleasure in hosting this international meeting for arts administrators, arts centre executives, festival directors, producers, touring agents and other arts practitioners, and we are looking forward to it being a great success," Ms Tang said.

For more information about the ISPA, please visit www.ispa.hk

Key test in arts congress
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Hong Kong Standard
More information : http://www.ispa.org/hongkong/index.php

http://www.ispa.org/hongkong/images/hongkong_icon.jpg

Hong Kong is expected to be packed with the art world's masterminds in about 10 days.

An international congress of the International Society for the Performing Arts will be held in Hong Kong from June 6 to 11.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invested HK$2.5 million and spent two years planning to host the event in order to promote Hong Kong as an arts hub in Asia.

The department's assistant director, Agnes Tang In-kwan, said attendance for the meeting is expected to be the highest on record, with 280 delegates arriving from more than 32 countries.

The theme of this year's congress is The New Silk Road for the Performing Arts.

Winsome Chow, chief manager of the department's arts organizations, festivals and entertainment branch, said the event will serve as a platform for introducing China's art to the rest of the world.

Lin Hwai-min, founder and artistic director of Taiwan's Cloud Gate Dance Theater will be the keynote speaker.

Others expected include London's Barbican Centre artistic director Graham Sheffield, Singapore's Esplanade Theater executive officer Benson Puah and Hong Kong Repertory Theatre artistic director Fredric Mao Chun-fai.

World's top executives meet in Hong Kong as the industry's capital expenditure soars along with traffic and fuel prices
Airports face up to new demands
9 May 2006
South China Morning Post

MORE THAN 250 senior airport executives from 35 countries have converged on Hong Kong for the 16th ACI Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference & Exhibition at AsiaWorld-Expo.

They will tackle various aviation issues, including air traffic liberalisation, privatisation, maximising non-aeronautical revenues and enhancing value-added services.

The ACI, or Airports Council International, is a global organisation that brings together airports from around the world to enhance co-operation and safeguard their interests.

ACI's Geneva-based director general, Robert Aaronson, said airports were facing the challenges of steady traffic growth, fast-growing low-cost carrier traffic, steep rises in fuel prices and its impact on airline route decisions, pressure to meet environmental protection goals and health concerns about avian flu.

David Pang, ACI-Pacific's president and chief executive of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, said one of the challenges for world airports was how to prevent the spread of disease while continuing to enhance the efficient flow of people and goods. "Another challenge is speed. When we continue to enhance the speed (of services), how do we continue the relaxed feelings."

Other challenges include how to deploy advanced technology without losing the human touch and how to use the most limited resources to create the maximum value for the society.

"All airports in the world face these challenges," Dr Pang said.

To meet the challenges, airports have had to make substantial investments to expand their capacity and upgrade their technology to deal with people and freight flow.

"Capital expenditure worldwide rose to a record US$36billion last year from US$31 billion in 2004," Mr Aaronson said.

Last year, airports around the world handled a record 4 billion passengers, up 6 per cent from 2004. And air cargo grew 3 per cent in tonnage from 2004.

Growth in the Asia-Pacific region has been even more phenomenal.

"Beijing [passenger] traffic rose from 34 million in 2004 to almost 41 million in 2005 [a 40 per cent increase]. New airports such as KLIA [Kuala Lumpur International Airport], Nagoya, Centrair, Pudong and Incheon have been constructed to satisfy new markets, and India is racing to renovate existing airports and build new ones to satisfy burgeoning demand. At the same time, Dubai and other Middle East cities have become strong competitors for transit traffic between Europe and Oceania," Mr Aaronson said.

Worldwide passenger and air freight traffic flow are expected to increase by 4per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively by the year 2020, and by 6 per cent and 7 per cent in Asia-Pacific.

"Clearly demand is shaping infrastructure projects, financial investments, liberalisation of investment from new sources and the levels of public and private ownership," Mr Aaronson said. "A liberalised aviation policy can be an important factor for sustaining growth at airports."

Airport executives attending the assembly will discuss best practices and global management issues in panel discussions.

Mr Aaronson said the discussions would help airports formulate strategies to sustain the traffic and revenue growth while operating in a competitive environment.

Exhibition brings us to the age of genomic revolution
Friday, June 23, 2006
Govenment Press Release

People are invited to give their opinions on the implications of the genomic revolution at a special exhibition running at the Hong Kong Science Museum from today (June 23) until October 22.

"The Genomic Revolution", produced by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA, comprehensively presents the most debatable and complex subjects of genomics, which are critically important to our future.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition today, the Deputy Director (Culture) of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Chung Ling-hoi, said the Science Museum had been committing itself to promote science and technology, providing the public with knowledge in various science fields. The genomic science was one of the foremost important studies bringing profound impact to humans, organisms and all ecologies on earth.

"In April, 2003, scientists triumphantly finished deciphering the human genome, making a great progress to this science and leading us to the age of genomic revolution. This exhibition examines the extraordinary developments taking place in the field of genomics and explores their impact on science and our everyday lives.

"Through various exhibits, the exhibition explains basic genetics, describes the wealth of information contained in human and nonhuman genomes, and explores how the genomic revolution affects our health, the food we eat, our life spans, our privacy, our criminal justice system, and the prospects for our children and grandchildren," Mr Chung said.

Every living thing on Earth, every plant and animal, shares the most fundamental structure of life. It is called deoxyribonucleic acid (say "dee-ox-ee-rye-boh-new-CLAY-ic A-sid"), or DNA.

Scientists have known about DNA since 1871. But an unassuming scientific paper published by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 revolutionised the notion of life itself by unveiling the DNA molecule's form: the double helix. "This structure has novel features which are of considerable biological interest," they wrote. Together with Maurice Wilkins, Watson and Crick went on to win the Nobel Prize in 1962 for their discovery.

In April, 2003, scientists finished deciphering the human genome, the blueprint for human life. The human genome contains 3.2 billion units of DNA code, arranged in a fixed sequence that defines the human species. Four chemical components—adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine, commonly abbreviated as A, T, G and C — make up the bases of the genetic code, the rungs of the double-helix ladder.

Humans do not appear to have much in common with mice and worms. Yet within the cells of each are genes, operating instructions made of DNA. Despite the differences among organisms, most share a surprising number of genes. Humans and one species of worm, for example, share 26% of their genes; humans and mice share 89%.

As scientists learn more about our genes, fixing genetic malfunctions is no longer science fiction. We can also apply this knowledge to feeding the world's growing population, solving forensic mysteries and saving species on the verge of extinction. One day, humans may even be cloned.

The map of our genome offers boundless potential to scientist. However, putting the genome to work raises questions and dilemmas for us. We need to have a deep thought and make decisions about our health, our food, our stewardship of the natural world and our responsibilities to the next generation.

Admission to "The Genomic Revolution" exhibition is $20 with half-price concession for full-time students, people with disabilities and senior citizens aged 60 or above. There is no free admission on Wednesdays.

The Science Museum is located at 2 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. It is open from 1pm to 9pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is closed on Thursdays (except public holidays).

For details of the exhibition and related programmes, visit the Science Museum's website at http://hk.science.museum/. For enquiries, please call 2732 3232.

July 19, 2006
Government Press Release
Convention Centre expansion launched

The Trade Development Council has launched its $1.4 billion expansion works on the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Scheduled for completion in the first half of 2009, the project ill create 40% more exhibition space, amounting to 19,400 square metres or 1,000 booths.

The council will conduct the works without land reclamation. The building contractor is Hip Hing-Ngo Kee Joint Venture.

The expansion will allow mega-trade-fairs to keep growing, with several in the running to become the world's largest for their industries.

The council has also converted its underground carpark into flexible exhibition space to accommodate even more booths at mega fairs while construction of the expansion is underway.

"Living in Harmony" exhibition opens tomorrow at HKCEC
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Government Press Release

The following is issued on behalf of the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education:

An exhibition on civic education entitled "Living in Harmony" will be held at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2006 (Booths GHE 21 & 23, Grand Hall) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from tomorrow (July 19) to July 24. Members of the public are invited to visit the exhibition.

Jointly organised by the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Home Affairs Bureau, the exhibition aims to promote social inclusion and integration with a view to building a harmonious society, and to publicise and raise public understanding of the Basic Law.

The exhibition will feature publicity materials on "Harmony and Integration" and the Basic Law as well as a wide range of teaching materials and publications on civic education. A games booth will be set up and souvenirs will be given away.

To further promote the message of "Harmony and Integration", a "Harmony Village" will be set up at the venue. A launch ceremony of the village will be held tomorrow at 2.45pm at the booth, with Miss Lisa Lau, Convenor of the Publicity Sub-committee of the CPCE; Miss Jenny Yip, Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs and singer Kary Ng as the officiating guests.

For details, call 2798 2681 or visit the website of the CPCE (http://www.cpce.gov.hk/eng/news/news.htm).

http://www.hkbookfair.com/img/bookfair_main_eng.jpg (http://www.hkbookfair.com/)

Record numbers flock to book fair
Joyce Kam
Hong Kong Standard
Tuesday, July 25, 2006

A record 680,000 visitors flocked to the Hong Kong Book Fair over the past six days.
However, the question of whether opening hours will be extended next year remained uncertain, according to Hong Kong Trade Development Council assistant executive director Benjamin Chau Kai-leung.

"Our long-term goal is to launch an around-the-clock book fair, but we have to make sure there's a convenient transportation system that will allow visitors to return home swiftly," Chau said.

He said he had approached publishers and public transport corporations to talk about the possibility of extending opening hours but that no decision had been reached.

Publishers said they had to study whether or not longer opening hours were cost effective.

The Trade Development Council waived the entrance fee for those arriving between 9.30pm and 2am Saturday, attracting about 60,000 visitors, yet sales during that period were fewer than those during normal hours.

Chau said most publishers recorded increased sales of around 10 percent when compared with last year - with children's, reference and self-improvement books being the most popular. He attributed the increase to the revived economy.

World Family, which sold Disney's World of English, said its sales soared 30 percent compared with last year.

The council said the company had turnover exceeding HK$20 million during the fair.

One visitor, Rachel Ng Yan-yan, said she spent more than HK$40,000 buying English learning material for her one-year-old son.

"English is very important, I have to make sure my son learns it well," she said.

Hong Kong Publishing Federation chairman Chan Man-hung said the book fair was so successful it could become one of Hong Kong's attractions.

"We can make it a characteristic of our city, but in order to do so we should focus on the quality of visitors not quantity," Chan said.

He said more cultural activities should be launched during the fair and that a greater variety of books should be added.

Cheung Shin-yee of the Hong Kong Publishing Federation said the excellent crowd control had impressed foreign publishers and visitors.

"The Hong Kong Book Fair has built up a prestige where tourists will come here especially to buy books," he said.

The council said the book fair attracted more than 6,000 foreign visitors, mostly from the mainland. A Singapore publisher, Betty Tan, who sold her books at the International Cultural Village, said her company was interested in joining the book fair next year.

"The Hong Kong market has a lot of potential. There's a big demand for children's books in English and we produce a lot of these," she said.

Chau said there had been no reports of book thefts throughout the six days of the fair.

Convention firms call for help to promote industry
3 September 2006
South China Morning Post

The Hong Kong and Guangdong governments have been urged to jointly promote the convention and exhibition business.

Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association chairman Stanley Chu said fairs should be advertised across the Pearl River Delta but the cost was prohibitive.

"We cannot rely on ticket sales to cover advertising costs so we are trying to see if the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong can hold joint publicity for a few important fairs," he said. "Billboards can be erected at railway stations and airports and the government can cover the cost."

Every dollar spent on advertising generated HK$9 in spending on hotels and related industries, Mr Chu said.

Food, book and comic fairs in Hong Kong could attract mainland Chinese and Hong Kong residents would find Guangdong's car shows interesting and more accessible than shows further afield.

Hong Kong also had much to teach Guangdong about trade fairs. On the mainland, operators focused on maximising space for show booths. They should instead devote space for luggage storage or prayer rooms, for instance, he said.

Guangzhou organised 763 exhibitions covering 2.74 million square metres last year, earning 2.65 billion yuan.

The industry grew 14.2 per cent and was expected to grow at a similar or faster rate this year.

The province will have the biggest exhibition centre in the world when expansion of the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre is completed, providing 330,000 square metres of space.

Chen Zeyan, secretary-general of the China Convention and Exhibition Industry Association, said the industry was booming on the mainland but faced challenges. Better regulations and higher quality shows were needed, and there was too much exhibition space.

He said he was not worried about copycat shows as rapid economic growth would absorb them.

But Michael Duck, vice-president of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, said: "You must stop them completely {hellip} it's as bad as copying DVDs or CDs."

Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair celebrates its silver jubilee
HKTDC Press Release
September 05, 2006

A total of 819 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions have flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to showcase the glitz and glamour, fun and fashion, as well as the multi-functionality of a full range of timepieces.

Apart from Hong Kong, exhibitors have come from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Korea, France, Italy, Switzerland, UAE, India, Singapore, the UK, the US and Canada.

The organiser, Hong Kong Trade Development Council(TDC) has
oraganised 50 buying missions and invited over 1,700 major buyers from major markets to visit the show.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Co-Chairman of the Fair Organising Committee Mr. Peter Lee said the fair has continued to grow with industry support.

"The fair has become a 'must-come' trade event for buyers to source new products, conduct business and gather latest industry information. Meanwhile, industry players have increased their competitiveness and maintained the international reputation for quick response and reasonably priced products."

Mr. Lee said the fair has changed with the times to meet new demands. He cited the Brand Name Gallery as an example to help Hong Kong manufacturers develop their brand business.

Mr Lee said: "The scale of the Brand Name Gallery has expanded rapidly since its inception in 2000. The success of the Brand Name Gallery represents our efforts to promote brands and encourage design innovation."

This year, 96 brands including Cool, Dunlop, Jacques Farel, Morgan and Moschino, are displaying their latest collections at the Brand Name Gallery. This represents a 12% growth over last year.

Apart from the Brand Name Gallery, the fair promotes original designs and innovative timepieces through a seminar and design competition.

Renowned luxury watch brand owner Mr. Philippe Charriol will share his insights on watch design and his experience in brand building at the Asian Watch Conference on September 9 (Saturday).

The fair also promotes Hong Kong's design capabilities through showcasing the winning designs of the 23rd Hong Kong Watch and Clock Design Competition at the fairground.

The fair's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner entitled "Virtual Glam" will be held this evening. The newly crowned Miss Hong Kong 2006 - Ms Aimee Chan and a group of top models will parade the best of Hong Kong branded watch collections including Alan & Anthony, GRUEN SWISS, CATERPILLAR, o.d.m., Morgan, AMUNDSEN, Trixie and Pierre Cardin.

Mr. William Chan, another co-chairman of the Fair Organising Committee said exports are expected to remain steady in 2006 and next year, against the background of a steady world demand for timepieces. In the first seven months of 2006, Hong Kong's watch exports amounted to US$3.2 billion, and major markets such as the Chinese mainland, Japan, Italy and Switzerland have shown positive growth.

Other guests who officiated at the opening ceremony included Acting Director-General of Trade & Industry, Mr. Clement Leung; Permanent Hon. President of the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd., Dr. Samson Sun; Honorary Life President of the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd., Mr. Hilton Cheong-Leen; Chairman of TDC Watches & Clocks Advisory Committee, Mr. Bob Chong; and TDC Executive Director, Mr. Fred Lam.

The fair is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd. and the Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Ltd. It is open for trade visitors for free until this Sunday (September 10).

Further References:
Fair website: www.hkwatchfair.com
Exports figures: stat.tdctrade.com/monthly/prodt.htm

Climate change report may be released in HK
Cheung Chi-fai
21 September 2006
South China Morning Post

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change may launch its latest report on the issue in Hong Kong next year during an international conference staged for engineering groups.

The International Conference on Climate Change will be held for three days from May 29.

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and three other professional engineering bodies, the conference will be the biggest gathering on climate change to be held in the city.

The gathering also is being supported by the World Meteorological Organisation and the European Commission's office in Hong Kong.

A source close to the organiser said the panel, operating under the UN, was considering using the conference to launch part of its fourth assessment report on climate change. The panel issued its third report five years ago.

The source also said political leaders from the European Union might join the conference.

The organisers are now calling for papers to be presented at the gathering.

LCQ14: Convention and exhibition industry in Hong Kong
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Wong Ting-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (December 13):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it monitors the operation and quality (such as the criteria for selecting exhibitors) of international exhibitions held by the private sector in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(b) of the assistance, provided by the relevant authorities, to local exhibitors to help them compete with their overseas counterparts for opportunities to participate in international exhibitions held in Hong Kong to promote their products and services?

Reply:

Madam President,

The Government is committed to develop Hong Kong as the trade fair capital and international trading centre for the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, the convention and exhibition industry is also important for maintaining Hong Kong's position as a business hub. In this connection, the Government has invested strategically in the industry's infrastructures to provide convention and exhibition facilities of a high quality. In addition, Hong Kong's free and convenient business environment provides excellent conditions for large scale international exhibitions, and their exhibitors and buyers. Reply to the two parts of the question is set out below:

(a) The two major exhibition venues in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and the AsiaWorld-Expo, are run respectively by independent management companies. The two management companies operate the venues and formulate their booking and licensing procedures following prudent commercial principles and market practices. As regards the exhibition organisers, they generally select exhibitors on a commercial and competitive basis taking into account their business consideration as well as market demand and supply. We believe that this should bring the most benefits in terms of increasing the flexibility and economic efficiency in the use of Hong Kong's convention and exhibition facilities. It is not appropriate for the Government nor the venue operators to intervene with individual exhibition organisers' business decisions on the types of exhibitions to be hosted and the selection of exhibitors as long as they comply with the applicable laws of Hong Kong and the relevant rules on the safe and proper use of the venues set by the venue operators, and do not engage in any anti-competitive behaviour.

(b) The Government has been providing support to local exhibitors through the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) and the Trade and Industry Department (TID). For example, TDC, as one of the major exhibition organisers in Hong Kong, organises trade fairs for a wide range of Hong Kong industries on a regular basis and encourages local enterprises to participate. In addition, TDC's general practice is to provide local enterprises participating in its international trade fairs with prominent positions as far as possible. The majority of exhibitors participating in TDC's international trade fairs are local enterprises, and many of them are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who lack the resources to participate at overseas trade exhibitions to promote their products and services to overseas buyers.

TID operates the SME Export Marketing Fund, which provides funding support to SMEs for their participation in local trade fairs and exhibitions which are export-oriented, overseas trade fairs and exhibitions and study missions. As at November 30, 2006, the cumulative amount of the SME Export Marketing Fund approved is about $680 million, benefiting up to 17,000 local SMEs.

LCQ1: Promoting Hong Kong's advantages as a convention and exhibition capital
January 10, 2007
Government Press Release

Following is a Question by the Hon Andrew Leung and a reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, at the Legislative Council meeting today (January 10):

Question

The International Telecommunication Union TELECOM WORLD 2006, recently concluded in Hong Kong, was the first TELECOM WORLD ever held in a city other than Geneva. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the tangible and intangible economic benefits that this event has brought to such industries as telecommunications, convention and exhibition, hotel, tourism, catering and retail etc.; and

(b) as many cities in the region are vigorously developing markets for their convention and exhibition industries, whether the Government will introduce measures after this event to enhance Hong Kong's status as a major international convention and exhibition centre in the region?

Reply:

Madam President,

The ITU TELECOM WORLD, the famed "Olympics of the telecommunications industry”, was held in Hong Kong from 4 to 8 December 2006. This was the first ITU TELECOM WORLD ever held outside Geneva, as well as the largest exhibition cum forum ever held in Hong Kong. The event drew worldwide attention.

According to the statistics provided by the organiser, namely the International Telecommunication Union, 695 exhibitors from 37 countries participated in the ITU TELECOM WORLD. The exhibition cum forum took up a total area of 70 000 square metres, or the entire floor space of the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Some 62 000 participants from 141 countries attended the exhibition or the forum.

Regarding the first part of the Question, the successful hosting of the ITU TELECOM WORLD has significantly enhanced Hong Kong’s status internationally and greatly benefited our information and communications technology (ICT) industry, exhibition industry and other economic sectors.

First, the Government played a key role in coordinating and promoting ITU TELECOM WORLD and rendered support in such areas as traffic management, security and crowd control. Relevant sectors also facilitated on matters relating to logistics, accommodation and exhibition facilities, etc. The seamless arrangements were unanimously appreciated by the participants, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s capability to host mega international exhibitions and conventions. This has also reinforced Hong Kong’s position as the world’s events capital and underlined Hong Kong’s unique role as a telecommunications hub in the region.

ITU TELECOM WORLD has demonstrated Hong Kong’s pivotal role in accessing the Mainland market for overseas companies. During the exhibition, the Government arranged a series of activities to help overseas enterprises deepen their understanding of the Mainland market. At the same time, the event attracted participation from about 150 Mainland exhibitors and provided an effective platform for Mainland enterprises of various sizes to keep themselves abreast of the state-of-the-art technologies and latest business intelligence. Such knowledge will be conducive for their future expansion or entry into the global market.

The local ICT sector also made good use of the platform provided by the ITU TELECOM WORLD to network with enterprises from all over the world and to gain first-hand information about leading-edge technologies, business operation and promotion strategies. They took the opportunity to showcase their excellence to overseas enterprises, attract foreign investment and expand business opportunities. Some 80 local ICT companies, including many small and medium enterprises, participated in the exhibition.

Furthermore, the Government took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with ministers of overseas governments during the ITU TELECOM WORLD to share information about the latest developments in the telecommunications sector and strengthen mutual cooperation. The Government and the ICT sector also actively participated in the forum to exchange views on telecommunications policies and developments.

Apart from the aforementioned intangible benefits, the ITU TELECOM WORLD has also brought significant direct economic benefits of about $900 million to Hong Kong. That included expenses incurred by exhibitors for constructing exhibition booths and conducting promotion programmes, as well as exhibitors’ and visitors’ spending on accommodation, catering, sight-seeing and shopping. Moreover, during the exhibition period, the venue operator and its contractors created over 1 000 temporary job opportunities in the exhibition centre. Hotel occupancy rate was over 90%.

Regarding the second part of the Question, the success of both the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation held in Hong Kong in 2005 and the ITU TELECOM WORLD reflects clearly the Government’s policy in furthering the development of Hong Kong as an international exhibition and convention centre. The Government has been closely monitoring demand for exhibition infrastructure and has taken appropriate measures in order to maintain Hong Kong’s position as an international exhibition and convention centre.

On infrastructure, the Government has invested $2 billion to develop the AWE. AWE is suitable for exhibitions for both light and heavy industries, e.g. ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006. Since its opening in end 2005, major exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Europe and the United States have held over 40 events and activities at AWE, and over 90% of them were in Hong Kong for the first time. Our success in hosting the ITU TELECOM WORLD at AWE will further promote the development of AWE. We are actively liaising with AWE with a view to taking forward the early commencement of AWE Phase 2 project, thereby increasing its total exhibition space to 100 000 square metres.

We also strongly support the expansion of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Back in 2005, the Government already rendered its support to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC)’s proposal of expanding the atrium link between HKCEC’s Phase 1 and Phase 2. It will add 19 400 square metres of exhibition space, boosting HKCEC’s total dedicated exhibition space by 42%. The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2009. We are actively pursuing with TDC the need for further expanding our exhibition facilities, including the development of HKCEC Phase 3 in Wanchai.

The Government will continue to work closely with the industry to attract more international conventions and exhibitions to Hong Kong. Relevant departments including InvestHK, our economic and trade offices, TDC and the Hong Kong Tourism Board etc. will further promote Hong Kong’s advantages as a convention and exhibition capital. Where necessary, the Government will also continue to assume a coordinating role for the large-scale international conventions in areas such as security, traffic management and reception so as to facilitate their smooth running.

Thank you, Madam President.

LCQ11: Development of exhibition industry
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Wong Ting-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council today (January 24):

Question:

While a number of international exhibitions were held in Hong Kong in recent years, places such as Singapore, Taiwan and Macao have been vigorously developing their exhibition industry at the same time. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it knows, in each of the past three years, the number of international exhibitions held in Hong Kong, the number of visitors, the number of orders brought to the exhibitors concerned, as well as the percentage of such exhibitions held in Hong Kong for the first time; and

(b) whether it has assessed the impact of the development of exhibition industry in the neighbouring regions on Hong Kong's exhibition industry?

Reply:

Madam President,

Our quality convention and exhibition venues, excellent supporting facilities and business friendly environment have attracted many international exhibitions to Hong Kong every year. Our reply to the two parts of the question is set out below:

(a) The number of international exhibitions held at the two major exhibition venues in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), in the past three years, the number of visitors and the percentage of such exhibitions held in Hong Kong for the first time are set out below (see attachment):

The relevant parties have not collected statistics concerning the number of orders.

(b) We noted that the number of exhibition facilities in the neighbouring regions has been on the rise in recent years. In the face of the ever changing market trend and the new development of exhibition facilities in our vicinity, the Government has been strengthening our position as an international exhibition and convention centre by continuously enhancing Hong Kong's advantages and making strategic investments in convention and exhibition infrastructures to provide high quality facilities. In 2005, the Government rendered support to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) on its proposal to expand the atrium link between HKCEC's Phase 1 and Phase 2. The expansion project will add 19,400 square metres of exhibition space, boosting HKCEC's total dedicated exhibition space by 42%, and is expected to be completed in 2009. We are actively pursuing with TDC the need for further expanding our exhibition facilities, including the development of HKCEC Phase 3 in Wanchai. We are also liaising with AWE with a view to an early commencement of the AWE Phase 2 expansion project, thereby increasing its total exhibition space to 100,000 square metres.

At the same time, the Government will continue to work closely with the industry to take proactive measures for attracting more international conventions and exhibitions to Hong Kong. Relevant departments including Invest Hong Kong, our economic and trade offices, TDC and the Hong Kong Tourism Board etc. will strive to promote Hong Kong's advantages as a convention and exhibition capital. Where necessary, the Government will also continue to assume a coordinating role for large-scale international conventions in areas such as security, traffic management and reception so as to facilitate their smooth running.

The Government will also enhance our liaison with relevant parties, including the industry, and adopt appropriate measures to reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international convention and exhibition centre.

AsiaWorld-Expo eyes bigger things
Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Management at AsiaWorld-Expo sees great growth potential in the exhibition and conference market despite increased competition from new exhibition facilities around the region.

Commenting on the facility's first year of operation, AWE deputy chief executive officer Allen Ha said more than 90 percent of the events held at the AWE since opening in January 2006, are new to Hong Kong and are signed up as annual fixtures for the coming years.

The strong first-year result means that plans are now under way to add another 30,000 square meters of rentable space.

The Phase 2 development will involve adding ground-level, column-free exhibition halls along with additional meeting, conference and required supporting facilities.

Last year, five events occupied the entire 70,000 square meters of available space, with an overall average exhibition size of 18,500 sqm.

"We are now on the exhibition world map," said Ha, adding that playing host to some international events and trade fairs, including the ITU Telecom World 2006, had attracted interest from organizers worldwide.

"The original idea was to start with some smaller shows and build our reputation from there," he said. "But the growth has been beyond our expectations."

The AWE also posted an operating profit in its first year, almost unheard of in an industry that normally requires several years for new venues to find their footing.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is also expanding the atrium link between HKCEC phase 1 and phase 2.

The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2009, and will increase the dedicated exhibition space to 65,000 sqm from the current 46,000 sqm. A phase 3 expansion is also under consideration.

At the same time, competitors in Macau are gearing up. The Venetian Macao, operated by gaming and exhibition giant Las Vegas Sands Corp, will open in the second half of this year.

The complex will house a 3,000 -suite hotel with 100,000 sqm of convention and meeting space, including a 6,500 sqm grand ballroom. The complex will also have a 15,000-seat arena for concerts and other stage performances.

The Venetian has already secured five multi-year trade shows, including the Asian Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo; CMP Asia Jewelry and Watch Show, and the Global Gaming Expo Asia.

Despite the aggressive competition, Ha said he still sees major opportunities ahead. While there is an imbalance between supply and demand in the short term, Ha said the medium and long term prospects are strong, especially as China's economy continues to grow.

This year, AWE will continue to host a number of large events culminating in the Asian Aerospace 2007 from September 3 to 6.

Asian Aerospace is one of the world's leading aerospace exhibitions. Last year's event in Singapore attracted 940 exhibitors from 43 countries and more than 34,300 trade participants from 89 countries.

Organizers accused of trade show greed
Hong Kong Standard
Monday, April 09, 2007

Trade show organizers motivated by profit are oversaturating the market with exhibitions and events, according to Ken Lo, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellery and Jade Manufacturers Association.

"Over the past 20 years, exhibitions and trade shows have played a very important role for us in providing trading platforms, but for the past 10 years exhibition organizers have been abusing this industry as they organize events to make profits from the shows, rather than meet the demand of the market," Lo said.

An exhibition is supposed to be an event led by industry, but trade show organizers have gradually gained more and more control, he said.

Lo cites jewelry exhibitions in Hong Kong as one example, pointing out that five such events are held each year, When trade shows are held so frequently, companies feel pressured to sign up for fear of missing an opportunity to meet buyers, despite knowing that potential benefits are limited.

They are also burdened with unnecessary expenses, Lo said.

Daniel Cheung Wai-hung, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, agrees with Lo's comments on the burgeoning number of trade show organizers.

However, in reality, those organizers cannot force companies to take part in any particular event, he said.

"At the end of the day, it is the market that regulates or decides which trade shows will survive and which will phase out. The exhibition industry in Hong Kong is a perfect free market. There is no entry barrier and anybody can enter it. But this does not mean everybody will survive.

"In the exhibition industry, there is no loyalty. As long as you can produce good shows with good results, industry associations will return and support your shows next time. But if you underperform, you will disappear."

Cheung said there is a huge demand among local companies for exhibitions and trade shows to enable them to explore opportunities internationally.

According to an HKECIA survey, 41,599 companies participated in Hong Kong exhibitions in 2005, up 59 percent from 26,097 firms in 2000.

Local companies accounted for about half the 41,599 participants.

Macau poses conventions challenge
Hong Kong needs new facilities as Venetian Macao is set to open a venue for meetings
11 July 2007
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong is in urgent need of new exhibition and convention facilities to fend off growing competition from Macau and nearby cities.

Its higher value-added convention and exhibition business will face a head-on challenge when more than one million square feet of convention and exhibition area is completed at the Venetian Macao on the Cotai Strip in Macau in the fourth quarter, according to industry participants.

Although a big hit from Macau was unlikely in short term, they said the government should consider improving the industry's facilities in preparation for the long-term threat.

Michael Li, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said his group planned to form a strategic alliance with other concerned parties to call for the development of phase three of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In the long term, according to Mr Li, Hong Kong needs new facilities for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) as the sector faces intensifying competition from nearby cities.

Macau, following the development path of Las Vegas, will make plenty of rooms for exhibitions and conventions. It now has only four convention and exhibition centres with a total gross area of 218,000 square feet, which does not qualify for the hosting of an international trade fair.

However, the outlook for the MICE sector in Macau would change after the opening of the exhibition and convention facilities at Venetian Macao.

The centre will provide an area of 163,900 sq ft for conventions, 803,900 sq ft for exhibitions plus an arena with 15,000 seats.

The exhibition area at Venetian Macao will be larger than the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre or AsiaWorld-Expo.

According to a Jones Lang LaSalle report, at least 44 events have been confirmed to be held at the Venetian Macao in first two years of its operations.

The venue will receive an estimated attendance of 327,000 for exhibitions or trade shows in the fourth quarter of the year and 1.3 million for a year.

Marcos Chan, associate director of research department at Jones Lang LaSalle, said Macau's new convention and exhibition facilities would bring in overseas business travellers who generally spend more on accommodation and food and beverages than regular tourists.

He believes demand and supply for hotel rooms in Macau will rise alongside the influx of business travellers.

Stanley Chu, the chairman of Hong Kong Exhibition Organisers Association, also called for more exhibition and convention facilities in Hong Kong, even though he believes the threat from Macau is not imminent.

Mr Chu said Las Vegas took more than 20 years to develop into a convention and exhibition destination, and Macau would likewise need time to develop a successful convention and exhibition industry.

"But Macau has an advantage in hosting conventions because it is full of entertainment facilities," he said.

Mr Chu said the Hong Kong government should partner with mainland government bodies and associations to corner international exhibitions in the city. A new exhibition centre in the urban area could also help the development of Hong Kong's exhibition industry.

"The parking area of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has to be converted into exhibition area during peak seasons," said Mr Chu.

"This shows that the supply for exhibition space is tight."

William Cheng Kai-man, chairman of Magnificent Estates, which own hotels in Macau and Hong Kong, believes the outlook for Hong Kong's hotel and exhibition industries remains positive despite the opening of a convention and exhibition centre in Macau.

"Macau does not have an international airport and international flights, which is a problem for the development of its exhibition and convention industry. This definitely gives Hong Kong an advantage in hosting exhibitions," Mr Cheng said.

Last year the Hong Kong Trade Development Council studied the development of the convention and exhibition industry in nearby cities.

Its report shows that Macau has strengthened its position in hosting conventions while Guangzhou has increased its capacity for hosting exhibitions with an international convention and exhibition centre in Bazhou.

The size of the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre will be doubled to more than 3.22 million sq ft by the end of next year.

Lawrence Yau, spokesman for Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said: "Hong Kong does not have enough venues for holding exhibitions. The exhibition area is fully booked in peak seasons."

Under its expansion plans, which started last year, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will have added an exhibition area of 208,821 sq ft by 2009.

The Trade Development Council will submit a proposal for the development of phase three of the centre by the end of the year.

Trade fairs still a money-making business despite profit warning
Hong Kong Standard
Monday, July 16, 2007

A profit warning posted by a leading trade fair organizer may not be a pointer to the poor financial health of Hong Kong's exhibitions sector, which in fact, is expanding physically, adding more space and launching new events, analysts said.

Last week, Kenfair International Holdings (0223), known for its Mega Show series of exhibitions, said costs at three overseas exhibitions have risen and losses widened, while losses at its Spring Fair in January this year have tripled with exhibitor numbers falling.

The company is set to announce annual income for the year ended March 31 by the end of this month.

Sun Hung Kai Financial strategist Castor Pang Wai-sun said: "It is weird to see the company losing money. Trade fairs continue to be a money-making business. Europe and the United States are constantly being overbooked, even in Hong Kong and the mainland."

Kenfair organized three overseas exhibitions in Europe and the United States, but none has performed well.

"It is about catching on to the trend and perhaps the company has missed out. Overall, business opportunities for trade fairs should be good," an analyst said.

"Poor performance may be due to the fact that the company is taking on new projects by expanding and increasing the number of overseas exhibitions," said Kenny Tang Sing-hing, associate director at Tung Tai Securities. Pang noted that customer reaction is critical.

"If your customer loves your product, then it is likely that they will continue to use you. But, if the exhibition is not attractive, then very likely they will lose their clients."

One of the biggest players in the multibillion dollar business, Hong Kong Trade Development Council is creating 19,400 square meters of extra exhibition space, equivalent to 1,000 booths by expanding the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, a trade body, estimates that the exhibition industry contributes HK$19 billion to the economy, based on data from an earlier study.

Last month, the association said the number of trade exhibitions increased to 65 last year from 40. It was the year that AsiaWorld-Expo opened, offering 70,000 sq m of space in the city.

TDC spokesman Lawrence Yau Chung-hok said: "We believe the exhibition scene in Hong Kong is developing."

He added that trade fairs are international in composition. "TDC fairs consist of 50 percent overseas buyers."

TDC, a public body, organized 31 fairs in fiscal 2006-2007 and also launched six new events. These attracted a record 27,000 exhibitors and 622,000 buyers, according to its annual report tabled to the Legislative Council last week. TDC reported consolidated income of HK$1.93 billion in 2006-07.

Tang from Tung Tai said: "The trade fair business in Hong Kong is doing pretty good in itself, there is good growth. Kenfair's poor performance may be due to their efforts aimed at expanding their overseas market."

Pico Far East Holdings (0752), a Hong Kong-listed exhibition services provider, said last month net income for the six months ended April was up 39.9 percent to HK$80.2 million on turnover of HK$1.08 billion, up 30.5 percent.

Following the profit warning last Wednesday, Kenfair's shares fell 11.2 percent to HK$1.03 the following day but closed on the last day of trading at HK$1.18, up 14.5 percent.

Pico dropped 2.7 percent on Friday to close at HK$2.51.

Book fair opens amid hopes of record turnout
Hong Kong Standard
Thursday, July 19, 2007

Swarms of people flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday for the opening of the 18th Hong Kong Book Fair organized by the Trade Development Council.

More than 12,000 people poured through the doors in the first two hours, 30 percent up on last year's 9,000, and by midday the attendance stood at 42,000.

According to the organizer, the total number of visitors during the seven days of the fair could exceed last year's record of 680,000.

However, it was not all smiles and cheers.

Within the first couple of hours some visitors were complaining about barriers that forced visitors to go through all five sections of the exhibition while one person thought the pictures in a book on Greek mythology should have been X-rated and taken off the stand.

The fair is the largest to be arranged in Hong Kong with 475 exhibitors taking part, a 9.4 percent increase on last year.

The five exhibition halls span 37,225 square meters, breaking yet another record.

According to the council, the large early crowd was probably the result of the change in the pricing system with those arriving before 1pm paying only HK$10 instead of HK$25.

In addition, opening hours will be extended till midnight on Friday and Saturday and extended bus services will be available for certain routes.

Octopus Card readers have also been installed to reduce queues at ticket offices.

Aptly themed "Reading Hong Kong," the book fair features more than 6,000 new books, covering almost every genre imaginable.

Especially heavily stocked were investment books, which are expected to sell easily under the influence of Hong Kong's bull economy.

Other strong competitors are books written by celebrities, politicians, professionals and even singers.

Besides purchasing books, visitors can participate in several activities such as talk shows held by famous writers like Long Ying-tai, Chun Shu and Ngai Hong.

At the Children's Paradise in hall five, story-telling sessions will be held daily by prominent members of society.

One of those at the hall yesterday was Legislative Council President Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai who told two famous Chinese stories about a painter and a scholar to an audience filled with young children.

"I went to every hall because I followed the markers," said Leung, a middle-aged father, who was attending the fair for the third consecutive year.

"Basically you have to visit all halls if you follow the markers, so this year was not as pleasurable as I had to pass areas in which I had no interest."

The obscenity complaint came from a visitor who said one of the books sold by a Taiwanese publisher contained "provocative" material.

Patrolling officers from the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority were notified and investigated the case.

The book in question turned out to be about Greek mythology and, according to a council spokesman, the Greek characters were not indecent and within acceptable standards.

According to the contract terms between the the council and exhibitors, all material on sale must be Class I articles, which may not contain any indecent or obscene content.

Hong Kong Book Fair Website
http://hkbookfair.tdctrade.com/

Countdown starts for space shuttle exhibit
Hong Kong Standard
Friday, July 27, 2007

The world's largest nonpermanent aerospace exhibition will lift off at Tsim Sha Tsui in December.

"Space Shuttle 2007," as the exhibition is called, will feature retired space shuttle Buran and other items on loan from the Russian space program and the United States's National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

"The goals of the exhibition are twofold: to provide an educational experience for visitors, and to give local tourism a boost," Hong Kong Space Shuttle 2007 project director Karen Loh Yuk-ying said yesterday.

Timed to coincide with the Christmas and New Year holidays, the exhibition is projected to attract at least one million visitors. It is heavily targeted at local students with morning visiting hours reserved for school groups.

Entrance fees may seem relatively steep, ranging from HK$70 to HK$130 for students and HK$160 to HK$190 for adults. But Loh announced the creation of a Space Education Fund which will give underprivileged students a chance to see the exhibition.

The highlight is the space shuttle Buran, which has been exhibited in Sydney, Australia, and in Bahrain. It is the only space shuttle ever to have been publicly displayed.

Buran - Russian for snowstorm - was part of the Soviet Union's ambitious space program. It was the first spacecraft to complete a fully automated launch, maneuver in orbit and land.

The interactive exhibition will feature a 3D theater and a shuttle flight simulator and aims to give visitors an exciting, hands-on experience of space technology, Loh said.

She compared the scope of Space Shuttle 2007 with that of NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which has long sought to engage student interest in science by introducing children to space exploration.

In conjunction with the launch of the aerospace expo, the Chinese University of Hong Kong is planning an exchange program that would send top students and professors to mainland universities such as the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

China's space program is expanding, with a third manned space mission planned for next year.

The CUHK program will also allow mainland university students to visit Hong Kong during the expo.

"Aerospace studies span many disciplines, such as physics and mechanical engineering," said CUHK's dean of students Professor Ho Puay-peng, adding aerospace studies exemplify the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to liberal arts education.

Space Shuttle 2007 opens at the West Kowloon Reclamation Area on December 12.

Jockey Club to boost corporate entertainment
Convention facilities planned
2 August 2007
South China Morning Post

The Jockey Club is looking to bolster its corporate entertainment business with convention facilities in a bid to stave off intensifying competition from neighbouring gambling mecca Macau.

"You only have to go to the ferry and see how many people from Hong Kong go [to Macau]. It is a significantly competitive threat to us," the club's chief executive, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said.

The club will study the feasibility of developing a "medium-size venue" to provide corporate hospitality and entertainment options to members. A detailed master plan is expected to be ready by January or February for approval by the board of directors. He said the investment would be "significant".

The potential payoff is also considerable given that many racecourses in Britain derived 20 to 30 per cent of their revenue from the corporate entertainment business, Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said.

Government approval is not necessary for the venture. "The Jockey Club does not have to inform us on this issue. The club is allowed to do any commercial activity as long as it does not touch on gambling," a Home Affairs Bureau spokesman said yesterday.

The increasing focus on non-gaming business comes as Macau ramps up the development of its tourism infrastructure. In four weeks' time, The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel will open, making available 100,000 square metres of convention and meeting space as well as 3,000 hotel rooms. Other developments are expected to follow with similar facilities in the next few years.

He said the club did not need to engage in major convention business like the Venetian but its members had expressed a desire for a medium-size venue for evening entertainment.

The club is also looking to Las Vegas for growth. In June, the government granted approval for the club to accept bets on horse racing directly from Las Vegas casinos. The final green light will not come until the Nevada Gaming Control Board rules on the club's application at two hearings on August 8 and 23. The deal is expected to generate between HK$15 million and HK$20 million in additional betting turnover per meeting in the short term.

In the 2006/07 financial year, the club reported its highest total turnover to date of HK$100.78 billion, 3.24 per cent higher than a year earlier. Bets placed on horse races rose 6.58 per cent to HK$64 billion while Mark Six turnover improved 4.7 per cent to almost HK$6.59 billion.

Football betting, however, underperformed by 3.46 per cent as turnover fell to HK$30.19 billion from HK$31.27 billion. Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said last year's result benefited from a "significant turnover impact" from the World Cup but that despite the year-on-year decline, he was "very positive".

The club's charities trust received HK$1.35 billion in 2006/07, down about 25 per cent from a year ago. The trust donated HK$1.05 billion to education, community and recreational causes, a 2.1 per cent increase year on year.

The revenue the government receives from bets rose year on year but betting duty for horse racing in 2006/07 fell short of the guaranteed HK$8 billion minimum by about HK$119 million. Mr Engelbrecht-Bresges said adding one extra race meet to the regular 78-meeting season would have easily covered the shortfall.

As part of betting duty reforms, the club has advocated extending the regular season by five extra meetings, permission for which was not granted by the government.

Exhibition tradecalls for tourism body to take over
Convention industry fears losing its share to regional competitors
7 August 2007
South China Morning Post

Exhibition trade experts say the Tourism Commission should oversee strategic development of the convention industry to protect Hong Kong's share of the lucrative business, which contributed HK$26 billion to the economy last year.

Stanley Chu Yu-lun, chairman of the Exhibition and Convention Industry Association, warned that intensifying regional competition highlighted the increasingly tenuous lead Hong Kong holds in the convention industry.

With Singapore, Thailand and other markets dedicating more resources to attracting lucrative trade shows and exhibitions, Hong Kong needed to demonstrate its commitment to growing the sector, he said.

"Who is going to bid and compete for events? We can't just sit and wait for Beijing's blessing," he said.

He pointed out that the Korea Convention Bureau, a government agency under the Korea Tourism Organisation, had been in operation for about three decades. Likewise, the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau was a division of the Singapore Tourism Board. In 2002, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau was set up to market corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions.

But in Hong Kong no one official agency is responsible for promoting the city to show organisers, he said.

The Trade Development Council and Tourism Board looked after different aspects of the business, which made co-ordinating efforts more difficult, Mr Chu said.

The council also has its own trade fairs, which could result in a conflict of interest if organisers put on competing shows.

Previous calls to dedicate an agency to develop the industry received a lukewarm response from former financial secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, the association's executive vice-chairman, Daniel Cheung Wai-hung, said.

"Other countries are seeing the potential of the convention industry and have set up bureaus to map out long-term plans and growth strategies. This is putting pressure on Hong Kong," Mr Cheung said.

The government said yesterday that the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau was responsible for developing the industry and that there was no need to set up a new department for the sector.

The association, which will present its case for the change to government officials next week, released a report yesterday that showed the industry's contribution to the local economy rose to HK$26 billion last year from HK$19 billion in the 2004, when the last study was conducted.

The contribution included HK$510 million in profits tax, HK$280 million in salaries tax, hotel tax of HK$130 million and airport tax totalling HK$50 million. Directly related to the industry totalled HK$13.2 billion, of which almost HK$8.2 billion came from visitors. The rest was business-related expenditure, including spending by event organisers and exhibitors.

The catering, retail and hotel sectors were the biggest beneficiaries of visitor spending at about HK$7 billion. Business-related spending reached HK$5 billion.

The industry also employed 58,500 full-time workers last year, up from 47,000 in 2004, the report said.

Exhibition-related tax revenue for the government was estimated at HK$970 million last year.

A Tourism Board spokesman said it would continue to focus on appealing to high-yield target markets such as conventioneers and business travellers.

Macau poses conventions challenge
Hong Kong needs new facilities as Venetian Macao is set to open a venue for meetings
11 July 2007
South China Morning Post

Hong Kong is in urgent need of new exhibition and convention facilities to fend off growing competition from Macau and nearby cities.

Its higher value-added convention and exhibition business will face a head-on challenge when more than one million square feet of convention and exhibition area is completed at the Venetian Macao on the Cotai Strip in Macau in the fourth quarter, according to industry participants.

Although a big hit from Macau was unlikely in short term, they said the government should consider improving the industry's facilities in preparation for the long-term threat.

Michael Li, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, said his group planned to form a strategic alliance with other concerned parties to call for the development of phase three of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In the long term, according to Mr Li, Hong Kong needs new facilities for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) as the sector faces intensifying competition from nearby cities.

Macau, following the development path of Las Vegas, will make plenty of rooms for exhibitions and conventions. It now has only four convention and exhibition centres with a total gross area of 218,000 square feet, which does not qualify for the hosting of an international trade fair.

However, the outlook for the MICE sector in Macau would change after the opening of the exhibition and convention facilities at Venetian Macao.

The centre will provide an area of 163,900 sq ft for conventions, 803,900 sq ft for exhibitions plus an arena with 15,000 seats.

The exhibition area at Venetian Macao will be larger than the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre or AsiaWorld-Expo.

According to a Jones Lang LaSalle report, at least 44 events have been confirmed to be held at the Venetian Macao in first two years of its operations.

The venue will receive an estimated attendance of 327,000 for exhibitions or trade shows in the fourth quarter of the year and 1.3 million for a year.

Marcos Chan, associate director of research department at Jones Lang LaSalle, said Macau's new convention and exhibition facilities would bring in overseas business travellers who generally spend more on accommodation and food and beverages than regular tourists.

He believes demand and supply for hotel rooms in Macau will rise alongside the influx of business travellers.

Stanley Chu, the chairman of Hong Kong Exhibition Organisers Association, also called for more exhibition and convention facilities in Hong Kong, even though he believes the threat from Macau is not imminent.

Mr Chu said Las Vegas took more than 20 years to develop into a convention and exhibition destination, and Macau would likewise need time to develop a successful convention and exhibition industry.

"But Macau has an advantage in hosting conventions because it is full of entertainment facilities," he said.

Mr Chu said the Hong Kong government should partner with mainland government bodies and associations to corner international exhibitions in the city. A new exhibition centre in the urban area could also help the development of Hong Kong's exhibition industry.

"The parking area of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre has to be converted into exhibition area during peak seasons," said Mr Chu.

"This shows that the supply for exhibition space is tight."

William Cheng Kai-man, chairman of Magnificent Estates, which own hotels in Macau and Hong Kong, believes the outlook for Hong Kong's hotel and exhibition industries remains positive despite the opening of a convention and exhibition centre in Macau.

"Macau does not have an international airport and international flights, which is a problem for the development of its exhibition and convention industry. This definitely gives Hong Kong an advantage in hosting exhibitions," Mr Cheng said.

Last year the Hong Kong Trade Development Council studied the development of the convention and exhibition industry in nearby cities.

Its report shows that Macau has strengthened its position in hosting conventions while Guangzhou has increased its capacity for hosting exhibitions with an international convention and exhibition centre in Bazhou.

The size of the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre will be doubled to more than 3.22 million sq ft by the end of next year.

Lawrence Yau, spokesman for Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said: "Hong Kong does not have enough venues for holding exhibitions. The exhibition area is fully booked in peak seasons."

Under its expansion plans, which started last year, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will have added an exhibition area of 208,821 sq ft by 2009.

The Trade Development Council will submit a proposal for the development of phase three of the centre by the end of the year.
it is good that they are already preparing for phase 3.

Computer fair reaches new highs
Hong Kong Standard
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The curtain came down on the four-day Hong Kong Computer and Communications Festival 2007 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday with both attendance and sales at new highs.

According to the Chamber of Hong Kong Computer Industry, which organized the festival, attendance reached 351,000, an increase of 9.7 percent on last year's 320,000.

Event executive Esme Tang Chung- yi said Sunday's attendance of 98,000 was a one-day record. She said exhibitors indicated the festival was a success as most enjoyed record sales.

"As one exhibitor told us, sales for the first three days already exceeded the total sold last year, so what he earns [Monday] is a bonus," Tang said.

Among the more popular items were the new high-definition LCD monitors with at least 1,400 sets sold.

Part of the reason may have been the price, with the 32-inch sets selling for HK$3,999 and the 37-inch sets at HK$4,999.

A booth selling memory sticks and cards said its sales were double that of last year.

A booth selling computer notebooks reported a record sale of 450 sets during the first two days of the festival.

"It is the last in the series of exhibitions for the summer holiday, so many parents brought their children with them to buy what they needed before the new school year begins," Tang said.

Apart from schoolchildren, there were also large numbers of mainland tourists, the elderly and the disabled - the three groups that were given free admission.

"We have connections with some of the associations looking after the elderly. I am told some booked vans to bring groups to the exhibition," Tang added.

Tang said promotion by the Hong Kong Tourism Board brought a surge in the number of mainland visitors, with a record 3,000 in the first two days.

Hong Kong plays fair with health and beauty products
Thousands of visitors will be able to keep up with the latest trends on display at Asia-Pacific region's largest event
14 November 2007
South China Morning Post

One year, it is hair products that take off, then it might be skin care or spa goodies. Buyers have to stay ahead of the market, which is why an annual fair in Hong Kong provides them with the latest trends in skin care, makeup, perfume, packaging and other items.

For the past 12 years Hong Kong has been the hub for a health and beauty exhibition, which brings manufacturers and buyers together from around the world.

The Cosmoprof Asia and The Natural Health Fair "enjoys the position of being Asia-Pacific's largest fair of its kind in the beauty and cosmetics market, and Hong Kong is in a pivotal role in that it sets the trends for the region", said Cosmoprof Asia director Michael Duck.

The show, which runs from today until Friday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, will play host to 1,265 exhibitors from 35 countries with 17 national group pavilions, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Israel, the United States, the mainland and South Korea.

Last year there were nearly 38,000 visitors, and that number is expected to rise this year.

There will also be three new pavilions - Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa. Alongside a variety of products, Hong Kong, in particular, will be showcasing all forms of attractive packaging. Speakers from Thailand and Singapore will give seminars about spa trends, including retailing and marketing. And South Africa will showcase special traditional African ingredients and botanical products.

In previous years, the show has largely seen many buyers from Europe. The difference now is that as disposable incomes go up in this region, there are more buyers from areas such as India.

"There's also much more interest from Dubai," Mr Duck said. "We're seeing more visitors from there and their main trading partner is Iran. Other countries that are growing in importance include India, with a population of 1.1 billion people and a burgeoning middle class.

"What you are seeing in the exhibition over the years is the consumer trends with China, South Korea and other Asian countries all having higher disposable incomes.

"Some 85 per cent of visitors come from the Asia-Pacific region and there is very good attendance from Japan."

Participants at the fair know that they can gather once a year and find the latest information on beauty products, including skin and hair care, fragrances and beauty furniture including spa equipment.

At the same time and at the same venue, wholesalers and other buyers can peruse the wares available at The Natural Health Fair, which is in its sixth year. This fair will be in the display area in the Grand Hall and Grand Foyer.

On show will be natural health products, including health food, dietary supplements, Asian traditional medicine and therapies from around the world.

New Zealand is the Focus Country of the Year, bringing together leading manufacturers with support from the government. Visitors can enjoy an in-depth seminar called Natural Trade, New Directions, highlighting the hottest botanicals from South Africa, the Arctic Ocean and the Amazon rainforest.

The US Commercial Service in Hong Kong is also instrumental in bringing in buyers from different regions. This year it brings buyers from Bangalore in India.

"A few years ago the office brought in buyers from Kabul and Baghdad," Mr Duck said.

TID to participate in World SME Expo
Government Press Release
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

The Trade and Industry Department will participate in the 7th World SME Expo organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from tomorrow to Friday (December 12-14).

This annual expo aims to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) explore international market opportunities, and provide a platform for service providers to promote their services and business solutions to SMEs.

Being one of the supporting organisations, the Trade and Industry Department will set up exhibition booths (A19 to A24) at Hall 1, to showcase its services offered to SMEs including the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS), SME Funding Schemes, Hong Kong Awards for Industries, and the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

During the Expo, the department will hold two seminars - "SUCCESS Helps Build Success" on Thursday at 3pm, and "SME Funding Schemes - Loan Guarantee Scheme, Export Marketing Fund and Development Fund" on Friday at 10.30am.

The department will also provide on-the-spot "Meet-the-Advisers" Business Advisory Service to give SMEs free consultation on business start-up, marketing, legal, and accounting/financing matters.

For further details, please visit the 7th World SME Expo website at http://www.worldsmeexpo.com.

Convention blitz
29 August 2007
Hong Kong Standard

The opening yesterday of the US$2.4 billion (HK$18.72 billion) Venetian Macao complex _ which houses the world's second-largest building _ is expected to hurt Hong Kong's tourism industry in the short term as the Venetian's convention and exhibition facilities draw more business visitors to Macau.

Las Vegas Sands Corp chairman and chief executive Sheldon Adelson plans to turn the Venetian Macao on the Cotai Strip into a major international convention hub.

In addition to the world's largest casino at 51,000 square meters and a 3,000-suite hotel, the complex offers about 111,500 sqm of meeting, convention and exhibition space _ big enough to accommodate 90 Boeing 747 jumbo jets. The center has already booked 44 events that will be hosted there over the next two years.

"The opening of the Venetian Macao will inevitably bring novelty," said a spokesperson for the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

"We expect that there will be a certain impact on incentive travel and corporate meetings from some short-haul markets in the near future."

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai has net space of 49,000 sqm _ less than half of what the Venetian Macao offers. However, the HKCEC's size will expand to 60,000 sqm in 2009 after the completion of the Atrium Link Extension. "The Venetian may create a little competition," HKCEC managing director Cliff Wallace told The Standard. "[But] I don't think it's going to be competition we have to be concerned about."

AsiaWorld-Expo at Hong Kong International Airport has about 66,000 sqm of ground-floor hall space.

The HKTB said it will reinforce overseas promotions, including targeting corporate decision-makers. It also plans to encourage business travelers to make side trips to Hong Kong during their meetings in nearby destinations.

"More positively, it's going to be competition that will eventually be an advantage to Hong Kong and the HKCEC," Wallace said. "What Macau is bringing ... is an enormous amount of new attention to this region."

The tourism board spokesperson said Hong Kong already faces competition from other Asian destinations, and the addition of meeting, convention, and exhibition facilities in nearby destinations will only enhance the entire industry in the Pearl River Delta region.

"We believe that Hong Kong continues to enjoy competitive advantages in staging major conventions and exhibitions," she said. "These include our experience and expertise in staging major international events, our professional and hospitality services, our first-class infrastructure and efficient transportation network."

Others also cited Hong Kong's more advanced infrastructure as a key difference between Hong Kong and Macau.

"Having a large exhibition center is not enough," said AsiaWorld-Expo Management chief executive Allen Ha. "The area's infrastructure development is also important."

Wallace said infrastructure will be a challenge for Macau initially.

"They're going to be a little bit behind in some of the infrastructure elements," he said. "It will be a disadvantage to them."

What Hong Kong has to do is to continue developing its core strength _ which is its international connection, Ha said, adding that more than 50 percent of AsiaWorld-Expo's visitors are from countries outside Hong Kong.

Wallace emphasized that the HKCEC and the Venetian are not entering into any price wars.

"We have a great mutual respect for each other," Wallace said. "We're not into situations where we're trying to steal each other's business."

However, Ha warned that Hong Kong should not rest on its laurels.

"Every city is improving," he said. "The Hong Kong government, together with different industries, should collaborate in providing better services to visitors."

The Venetian is also billing itself as a world-class entertainment destination. The complex includes the 15,000-seat Venetian Arena, which in coming weeks will host a pair of National Basketball Association exhibition games and a celebrity tennis match between Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.

Wallace said Hong Kong would benefit from the entertainment acts Macau will attract.

Extension for shows center
10 September 2007
Hong Kong Standard

The Hong Kong government has given the green light to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Phase III extension, a move analysts said would help the city better compete with the emerging threat from Macau.

Members of the inner circle of the administration, including Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen, are supporting the development, a senior government source told The Standard.

They believe additional capacity from Phase III will help Hong Kong stay competitive as a leading convention city in Asia, the source said. "There is an urgency to speed up the expansion of the HKCEC," Jeffrey Lam, chairman of the Trade Development Council's Toys Industry Advisory Committee, told The Standard.

Lam said there is often a long waiting list of exhibitors who were unable to book space at HKCEC trade fairs. "Obviously, Macau would like to take away business from us," Lam said. "Nevertheless, we still have our competitive edge in terms of software.

"What we lack is hardware - the exhibition space." The Phase III Benjamin Scent and Bonnie Chenextension will expand the floor space to beyond 100,000 square feet, a member of the 19-person governing body of the TDC said.

The newly-enlarged HKCEC facilities have an exhibition area comparable to the Venetian Macao, which has about 111,500 square meters of meeting, convention and exhibition space. "The Venetian attracts, first of all, because of the huge space that is available, and the other [reason is] entertainment," said Credit Suisse analyst Gabriel Chan. "In Hong Kong, the space is almost always full."

Phase III will be developed on land now occupied by the bus terminus and sports grounds near Great Eagle Centre, the government source said.

Although the existing sports facilities will be demolished, the TDC plans to build new sports facilities on top of the HKCEC Phase III structure to serve the public interest.

In tandem with the expansion, the government will rebrand HKCEC as an all-around complex offering exhibition, performance, and sports facilities, the source said.

"The Venetian attracts, first of all, because of the huge space that is available, and the other [reason is] entertainment," said Credit Suisse analyst Gabriel Chan. "In Hong Kong, the space is almost always full."

Phase III will be developed on land now occupied by the bus terminus and sports grounds near Great Eagle Centre, according to the government source. Although the existing sports facilities will be demolished, the TDC plans to build new sports facilities on top of the HKCEC Phase III structure.

In tandem with the expansion, the government will rebrand HKCEC as an all-around complex offering exhibition, performance, and sports facilities, the source said.

"There's not that much convention business in Hong Kong right now," said Morgan Stanley analyst Rob Hart. "Macau is better situated to focus on the convention business, and there's plenty of other convention business around in the Pearl River Delta region."

The Phase III extension follows the Atrium Link extension, now under way and expected to be completed in 2009.

The Atrium Link extension, which links the Phase I and Phase II wings of the convention center, will add 19,400 sq m of exhibition space, an increase of 42 percent, for a total exhibition area of 66,000 sq m.

At the moment, the HKCEC offers 49,000 sq m of exhibition space spread between the Phase I and Phase II wings. Plans call for construction to begin on the Phase III project in 2009. Work is expected to be completed by 2015.

Shining example of a successful formula
The events have grown over the years as more buyers see business opportunities on the region's doorstep.
Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair/Asia's Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair
22 September 2007
South China Morning Post

The Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair has grown considerably from a fair with just 100 local exhibitors gathered in a hotel ballroom to one with more than 2,500 exhibitors that occupies the AsiaWorld-Expo and the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The fair, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, opens tomorrow and runs until next Saturday. Running with the event is Asia's Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair, which also opens tomorrow and runs until Wednesday at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

Exhibitors at the two fairs will include more than 1,000 jewellery manufacturers, 400 loose diamond suppliers, 720 diamond jewellery exhibitors, and hundreds of firms showcasing gemstones. The fair is also host to 870 pearl suppliers and manufacturers of pearl jewellery, and suppliers of equipment and packaging.

The concept of trade fairs was new in Asia when the event began. It was three or four years before the concept gained recognition and started to grow. By 1995, when CMP Asia bought the fair, it was attracting 800-plus exhibitors. The event now draws more than 40,000 traders from 140 countries, and 2,500 jewellery companies from 48 countries and regions.

The jewellery industry in Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change since the fair began. Hong Kong companies have developed and grown, and production has moved to the mainland where costs are much lower. Universal Jewellery Design Center was one of the first companies to exhibit at the fair and continues to do so. Executive director Kenneth Kwan Yui-man said that following the Asian financial crisis 10 years ago, jewellery companies had to expand their reach to the United States and European markets, rather than rely on companies in Asia for business. He said it took some years to gain the trust of those markets but it was worth the wait.

"Once you gain the trust of buyers, unless something goes incredibly wrong, they won't stop trading with you."

Mr Kwan said the uncompromising quest for quality from US and European brands differed from the Chinese approach to manufacturing which tended to focus on the cost effectiveness over quality.

"That's why Chinese [companies] find it more difficult to build a successful brand," he said.

Mr Kwan believed that as the market matures, mainland manufacturers will take up much more of the world market share. Hong Kong companies still have an advantage now, he said, because they had more experience dealing with western companies. However, mainland companies were learning fast and they would catch up with Hong Kong in five to 10 years.

Letitia Chow Mei-lai, director of business development for jewellery at CMP Asia, said there was a growing interest from European jewellers in the Asian market.

As the Asian jewellery industry developed and grew more competitive, traditional European jewellers would lose market share. They saw Asian countries as competitors and as fast-evolving markets. They wanted a presence in Asia to counteract their losses, Ms Chow said.

She said unhealthy competition between companies was a concern because companies competed for low prices and the profitability of jewellery companies continued to fall. "In the jewellery industry, the cost for doing business is high while the profit margin is relatively low. When a leather handbag can cost several hundred thousands dollars, jewellery which is made of limited natural resources should be sold at an even higher price," She said.

Guangdong a threat on expos, says Tang
25 September 2007
South China Morning Post

All the talk in recent weeks about the threat to Hong Kong's convention and exhibition business has centred on Macau, but yesterday the chief secretary had a first-hand look at the threat posed by Guangdong.

Facilities in the province posed a challenge to Hong Kong's quest to be the region's hub for conventions and exhibitions, Henry Tang Ying-yen said.

Mr Tang toured venues in Guangzhou, and said he was impressed by the huge potential for development of the industry in the provincial capital. He noted that the 330,000 square metres of exhibition space at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre at Pazhou - used for the twice-yearly Chinese Commodities Export Fair, formerly the Canton Fair - provided more space than the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai and the AsiaWorld-Expo at the airport combined.

Mr Tang said: "In the development of Hong Kong's exhibition industry, we need to continue moving ahead and consolidating. Otherwise, we will be facing very, very big challenges."

Business groups have questioned Hong Kong's competitiveness in the face of the rapid growth in exhibition space in Macau.

The Trade Development Council is studying expanding the Convention and Exhibition Centre. One option is to take over land occupied by the Wan Chai bus terminus and Wan Chai Sports Ground.

Expo war lost, but let's expand, says TDC chief
28 September 2007
South China Morning Post

It is already too late for Hong Kong to extend expo facilities to meet the threat from regional competitors, but it should nevertheless expand the Convention and Exhibition Centre by another 50 per cent, the outgoing Trade Development Council chairman said yesterday.

Exhibition space at the Wan Chai centre will increase 40 per cent, to 66,000 square metres, when current expansion work is finished in 2009, but Peter Woo Kwong-ching said it needed to increase by half again, to 100,000 square metres, to compete with expansion in Macau, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

"If you are not able to join the so-called 1 million sq ft club, you will probably be out of the competition," he said.

"No one can guarantee that Macau is not a threat."

Mr Woo claimed Hong Kong still enjoyed a "first mover advantage" because buyers and sellers were used to doing business here, but warned the inadequacy of its facilities, such as the Wan Chai venue, would quickly erode this advantage.

"Technically, it's already too late but we cannot not do anything just because we're too late," he said.

Mr Woo, who presided over a ceremony marking the latest step in the current expansion, hoped the third phase of expansion could be implemented within four years.

He said he would not take up any public office and would focus on his business interests after he steps down on Sunday to make way for new chairman Jack So Chak-kwong. Mr Woo, who ran for chief executive in 1996, is chairman of property firm Wheelock, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-United States Business Council.

"Time is money. In public office, all my time was devoted to public service. It's like paying taxes," Mr Woo said.

In November, the council will stage a business-to-consumer trade fair in Hangzhou , a step beyond its existing portfolio of business-to-business fairs.

Hotel and convention facilities spruce up to fend off competition
1 October 2007
South China Morning Post

Intensifying competition from hospitality and convention service providers in Macau and Singapore has triggered a wave of renovations across Hong Kong's hotel and exhibition facilities.

Some hotels, especially those in the neighbourhood of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai and those lining Nathan Road, are masking their properties with scaffolding or suspending services to make way for thorough facelifts.

The need for a rejuvenated image and enhanced services is pressing after the opening last month of the US$2.4 billion Venetian Macao casino resort, which has a one million square foot retail mecca, 1.2 million sq ft in convention space and 3,000 hotel rooms. The resort is the first of 13 casino hotels Les Vegas Sands is developing on Macau's Cotai Strip.

Adding fuel to the cut-throat competition is a US$3.6 billion gaming, conference-cum residential project in Singapore, another Sands project, due for completion in 2009. "The real threat should come from Singapore," said Hong Kong Hotels Association executive director James Lu. "Macau will create some competition in leisure tourism in the short-term but don't underestimate Singapore."

He pointed out that Singapore and Hong Kong, which are more comparable in terms of tourism, financial development, infrastructure and logistics, will enter a fresh round of competition for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) in two years when Sands finishes a 100,000 sq ft facility for this purpose and a 1.2 million sq ft space accommodating 52,000 visitors.

Sarah Benecke, executive director of Global Sources, a business-to-business media firm organising trade shows, said Hong Kong had a niche in sourcing and trade fairs due to its proximity to the mainland, and that buyers and sellers were so busy attending trade fairs in Guangzhou and Hong Kong during the April and October sourcing seasons that she doubted they had time to attend any in Macau.

Nevertheless, to fend off competition, Hong Kong's government is forking out HK$1.4 billion to add 194,000 sq ft at the convention and exhibition centre in Wan Chai for a total of 900,000 sq ft, an increase of 28 per cent, according to the centre's marketing and sales manager Monica Lee Muller. The expansion, scheduled for completion in early 2009, was focused on enlarging the three existing halls to attract more trade mega-exhibitions, she said.

The four-star Novotel Century Hotel on Jaffe Road, near the convention and exhibition centre, was close to wrapping up its US$10 million refurbishment programme, said Maarten Boers, general manager delegate for Hong Kong at French hotelier Accor Group, which manges the hotel.

"Everybody is doing the same and wants a refreshed look," he said. "The major aim [of our renovation] is to maintain market share." Mr Boers added that 70 per cent of the hotel's guests were corporate travellers.

The four-star Renaissance Harbour View Hotel attached to the convention centre was also touching up its public areas to stay competitive, its spokeswoman said.

Across Victoria Harbour on Nathan Road, Mr Boers said the 380-room Majestic Hotel, which hospitality investor LaSalle Investment Management purchased in June for HK$1.6 billion, would be revamped and converted into a Novotel hotel at a cost of HK$188 million.

The Majestic will temporarily close its doors in mid-November for the revamp before its re-launch in April, he said.

About 500 metres away, the four-star Miramar hotel will soon embark on a HK$300 million overhaul, including its façade, about 500 guest rooms, restaurants and ballrooms, over the next 12 months.

HK's week of bling shows that diamonds are not just forever - they're everywhere
1 October 2007
South China Morning Post

It's been a week of bling in town, what with the Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair celebrating its 25th anniversary by taking over both the AsiaWorld-Expo and the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The next hot spot for gems and stones might be The Peninsula hotel.

A number of big name jewellers have or are about to open in the stately manor shortly. Among them are Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston and - last Thursday - Dior opened its Joaillerie boutique on the mezzanine level.

To add some class, they invited semi-retired star Josephine Siao Fong-fong (above) to the ceremony. The legendary actress rarely makes public appearances unless it's for her End Child Sexual Abuse Foundation - Dior's lure was a HK$350,000 cheque for her charity.

"I never get to wear such a nice dress and such expensive jewellery," Siao said modestly of her borrowed Dior gown and rocks. "They've been so generous. They've given us more than HK$1 million in the past already."

I say this isn't a case of the jewellery making Siao look good. It's more like the star making the jewellery shine because she's wearing it.

Police search team prepares for challenge of bigger conventions
27 September 2008
South China Morning Post

Police search teams are bracing for a heavier workload as Hong Kong pledges to host more international conventions.

Superintendent George K. K. Lee, head of the police search unit, said yesterday that his team faced challenges because of the increased need to search conference venues, especially when international VIPs, like former US president Bill Clinton, visit.

Established in 1992, the unit is responsible for undertaking major search operations. It includes a police dog unit to search for drugs, firearms, explosive and bio-chemical weapons, a team searching skyscrapers and convention centres, and a team equipped for underground searches.

The force has 500 policemen trained in the field, and all of them will be deployed from their original posting during a major operation.

As the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai will finish its second expansion in March, rentable space will increase from 750,000 sq ft to 1,000,000. Mr Lee estimated that searching time for the venue will increase from six days to 7½ days for every operation.

In his policy address last year, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen pledged to establish Hong Kong as an international convention and exhibition capital. A host of events are planned in the city, such as the East Asian Games next year.

For the Olympic equestrian events, the police search team deployed 700 officers over more than 25,000 man hours to secure the safety of the venues. Mr Lee said the biggest difficulty was the huge area of venues. Police needed 18 days to complete a full search operation on the Beas River venue.

The officers are provided with advanced search equipment, such as handheld ion scanners to detect chemical and explosive substances, inspection cameras and metal detectors. German shepherd and Malinois police dogs were trained to detect explosives before the Games.

Apart from searches ahead of major international events in Hong Kong, the team also participates in collecting evidence at crime scenes and hunting for missing bodies.

LCQ20: Promoting development of convention and exhibition industries in Hong Kong
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Government Press Release

Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, to a question by the Hon Paul Tse in the Legislative Council today (May 2):

Question:

Recently, a financial television programme which analysed the development of the tourism, exhibition and convention industries has reported that in Singapore and Shanghai, designated departments or tourism authorities are responsible for developing their tourism, exhibition and convention industries in a "through-train" manner (including hardware facilities and complementary policies) and have achieved excellent results. The programme has also pointed out that the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai cannot fully facilitate the development of the convention and exhibition industries due to limitation in space, and that the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) in Tung Chung is all along under-utilised (with an average utilisation rate of about 8 per cent only) because of a lack of ancillary tourism facilities such as transport, hotels, restaurants and attractions. Some members of the trade have relayed that despite the huge expenses incurred by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on promotion all these years, there is still no concrete planning for the development of the tourism, exhibition and convention industries in Hong Kong, and that their development is slow and promotion is ineffective. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the policies to be adopted by the present Government in the remainder of its current term to promote the development of the convention industry and to raise the utilisation rate of AWE; whether it has assessed if the lack of policy support and ancillary facilities, such as transport, hotels and shops, etc. to tie in with the operation of AWE has caused Hong Kong's convention industry to lag far behind Singapore;

(b) given that it has been reported that the Chief Executive-elect will split the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and an "industry, commerce and tourism bureau" will be formed, whether the "industry, commerce and tourism bureau" will handle issues relating to the tourism, exhibition and convention industries in a centralised manner as well as follow the practices adopted by Singapore of providing integrated development for the relevant industries in a "through-train" approach;

(c) whether it knows HKTB's expenditure on promoting the convention and exhibition industries in each of the past three years; whether it knows and whether it has compared the current actual revenues generated from the convention and exhibition industries in Hong Kong and Singapore; whether the Government has assessed if the development of Hong Kong's convention and exhibition industries can compete with that of Singapore after years of substantial spending by HKTB on the promotion of the industries; if the assessment outcome is in the negative, of the reasons for that; the respective numbers of exhibitions, conventions and exhibition-cum-convention activities held at HKCEC and AWE in each of the past three years, as well as the respective numbers of participants; whether it has assessed if factors such as the limited space of the convention and exhibition venues, insufficient transport and ancillary facilities, inadequate policy promotion efforts, as well as poor planning and development, etc. are the reasons for the impeded development of the relevant industries;

(d) whether the Government has assessed if HKCEC and AWE are at present in a competitive relationship; of the policy coordination provided by the Government or whether it will offer incentives to encourage and foster cooperation between them on diverting exhibition and convention activities, so as to optimise the use of the capacities of the two venues; and

(e) whether the Government has assessed if the present situation of HKCEC and AWE being operated by two separate management companies reflects the absence of aligned management, and whether such situation has hindered the cooperation between the two exhibition venues and the production of synergy effect; of the policies to be implemented by the Government to promote the cooperation between the two companies to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong's convention and exhibition industries?

Reply:

President,

The Government has been striving to enhance Hong Kong's advantages and appeal as a capital for international Meetings, Incentive Travels, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). The Government has not only invested in the construction of Hong Kong's two major convention and exhibition facilities, namely the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) and the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE), but has also established the Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) office under the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in November 2008, to promote Hong Kong as one of the prime destination for MICE events and travel.

Since its establishment, MEHK has supported over 4 000 MICE events staged in Hong Kong. Amongst them, about 1 400 events have been secured through MEHK's lobbying efforts. Large-scale MICE events includes the Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress, SWIFT International Banking Operations Seminar, InfoComm Asia, World Congress of Nephrology, FDI Annual World Dental Congress, Spoon Art Fair Hong Kong 12, IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo, JCI Asia-Pacific Conference, International Trademark Association Annual Meeting, News World Summit etc.

The expenditure on MICE promotion incurred by the MEHK established under HKTB in the past three years is summarised as follows:-

Financial Year Promotional
Budget ($ million)
--------------- -----------------
2009-10 47.4
2010-11 39.2
2011-12 47.4

We do not have any information on the MICE related investment and benefit in Singapore. For Hong Kong, the number of overnight MICE visitors has continued to increase over the past two years. In 2011, there were 1.56 million MICE overnight visitors, an increase of 9.3 per cent over 2010. These MICE visitors are usually high-spending visitors. The per capita spending of overnight MICE visitors in 2011 was $9,187, an increase of 8.4 per cent over 2010 ($8,475) and 25.3 per cent higher than the per capita spending of overall overnight visitors in 2011 ($7,333). Hong Kong was selected as "Asia's Best City for Business Events" by the prominent MICE publication CEI Asia Magazine in 2011 and as "Best Business City in the World" for three consecutive years (i.e. 2009 to 2011) in the readers' poll organised by another business magazine, Business Traveller Asia Pacific. According to the MICE survey conducted by HKTB, nearly 90 per cent of the interviewees considered Hong Kong a major MICE destination in Asia Pacific. The above has reflected the effectiveness of Hong Kong's work on the promotion of MICE tourism.

The number of exhibition, convention and exhibition cum convention staged at HKCEC in the previous three years is as follows:

Exhibition Convention Exhibition cum
Convention
---------- ---------- --------------
2009 109 11 15
[3,836,100] [7,030] [10,274]
2010 110 15 26
[4,608,559] [11,009] [44,088]
2011 117 13 19
[4,604,532] [23,212] [31,913]

Note: Figures in [ ] refer to the total number of participants in that year.

Separately, the number of exhibition, convention and exhibition cum convention staged at AWE in the previous three years is as follows:

Exhibition Convention Exhibition cum
Convention
---------- ----------- ---------------
2009-10 34 27 2
[330,000] [117,800] [2,200]
2010-11 40 37 1
[360,000] [168,700] [1,300]
2011-12 41 50 1
[380,000] [249,500] [500]

Note: Figures in [ ] refer to the total number of participants in that year.

HKCEC and AWE, each having its own advantages, are major convention and exhibition facilities in Hong Kong. Since HKCEC was established much earlier and its location being much more convenient than that of AWE, the venue has all along been enjoying a higher utilisation rate. While the HKCEC has been operating for over 23 years, the AWE has only been established for about six years and still needs more time to build up its customer base and business. The Government will continue to work on improving the utilisation of the existing convention and exhibition facilities, including encouraging the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) and other organisations to stage more exhibitions at AWE and to better utilise the existing convention and exhibition facilities through the adoption of "one show, two venues" or "two shows, two venues" approaches as well as further strengthening the public transportation arrangements for AWE. With the joint efforts of the Government and various parties, AWE has started to gain recognition from the industry and public in recent years, resulting in more MICE events staged in Hong Kong. In fact, the number of major exhibition and convention at AWE experienced double digit growth in both 2009-10 and 2010-11.

HKCEC and AWE, operated by two management companies, provide the market with two different choices of venues. HKCEC, located in the downtown area, has been a popular venue for consumer products related trade fairs in Hong Kong. The column-free, high ceiling design of AWE is suitable for hosting exhibitions involving large exhibits. AWE offers convenient access for exhibitors and visitors from the airport and has superb connections to the Mainland via bus services. Hence, the types of exhibition held at AWE and AWE's clientele are not exactly the same as those of HKCEC. Having said that, there has been cooperation between the two venues from time to time. In 2011, TDC has organised a total of five exhibitions at AWE, including the Hong Kong International Printing and Packaging Fair, Sports Source Asia, Hong Kong International Building and Decoration Materials and Hardware Fair, Eco Expo Asia-International Trade Fair on Environmental Protection and the first Better Living Expo, which was organised together with the Paper Communication Exhibition Services in July last year. During the staging period of these fairs, there were also exhibitions with related topics like the Book Fair, Gift Fair and Lighting Fair staging at HKCEC. TDC has arranged shuttle bus services between AWE and HKCEC, to increase the attraction of these fairs. Apart from this, TDC has cooperated with Global Sources to provide free shuttle bus services between AWE and HKCEC for the buyers during mega exhibitions in April and October since 2010. More than 11 000 people have benefited from this service. The direct connection services were well received by visitors to the fairs.

The Office of the Chief Executive-Elect is making preparation for the establishment of the new Government on July 1, 2012, including the reorganisation of policy bureaux. The relevant arrangements will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, the existing Government policy of promoting Hong Kong as one of the MICE capitals in the world will continue.

會展覓地擴建
2013年01月10日(四)
http://the-sun.on.cc/img/v2/logo_tsn.png

Brief Synopsis : Expansion of the convention centre has stalled since 2008 as there are concerns over demolishing the nearby sports ground for construction. The government may consider using part of the land where 3 nearby government buildings sit for the expansion once the offices are relocated.

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20130110/photo/0110-00407-040b1.jpg

Government Buildings :

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20130110/photo/0110-00407-040b2.jpg

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20130110/photo/0110-00407-040b3.jpg

Sports ground :

http://the-sun.on.cc/cnt/news/20130110/photo/0110-00407-040b4.jpg

「貪曾」前特首曾蔭權爵士早於○八年施政報告，提出盡快就會展三期擴建重新展開研究及公眾諮詢，但因清拆灣仔運動場的方案遭到部分居民、學校及體育界反對，至今四年多仍未落實計劃，妨礙香港會展業發展。新任特首梁振英曾於競選政綱承諾增建會展場地，據悉新政府正積極研究貿發局提出的新方案，將灣仔三幢政府大樓搬遷後的部分用地，用作興建會展三期，又向興建中的啟德郵輪碼頭「打主意」，在淡季時借用輪候大堂作會展用途，或會在下周三發表的施政報告交代。商務及經濟發展局局長蘇錦樑昨證實正考慮其他選址，但暫未有定案。

位於灣仔海旁的會展新舊翼經常爆滿，影響香港會展業發展及海內外商界推廣業務，貿發局一直要求政府撥款興建會展三期。政府的原方案是將灣仔運動場清拆用作會展擴建，由使用率偏低的香港大球場承接常於灣仔運動場舉行的學界體育項目，再由規劃中的啟德體育城，取代大球場舉辦國際體育盛事的角色，但遭區內居民、港島區學校及體育界反對。
可提供三萬平方米場地

有貿發局理事向本報證實，政府正考慮他們提出另一個擴建方案，利用政府已決定遷出的灣仔三幢政府大樓部分用地興建會展三期，希望至少額外提供三萬平方米展覽場地，連同會展現有的六萬六千平方米，可提供總面積十萬平方米的展覽場地，地皮的其他部分則可繼續按政府計劃，用作興建甲級寫字樓︰「最緊要會展擴建要喺番灣仔，同埋連住依家個會展，至於其他用地點用，包括喺會展場地上方加建寫字樓，呢個我哋對此無太大意見。」
啟德碼頭大堂解燃眉急

由於灣仔三幢政府大樓仍未有確切搬遷時間表，有消息指政府亦正在尋找其他地方作會展用途，以解業界燃眉之急，包括向啟德郵輪碼頭「打主意」，因碼頭大樓兩個輪候大堂採用無柱設計，在淡季無郵輪到訪時可改作會展用途。

多名商界人士力促政府盡快興建會展三期，以保持會議展覽業的競爭力。廠商會會長施榮懷警告，香港會展業正面對廣州、上海等地競爭：「唔加快擴建嘅話，等參展商去咗周邊城市，就好難返番轉頭。」

一向支持梁振英的進口界立法會議員黃定光，昨日在立法會就會展擴建問題提出口頭質詢，多名工商界議員均批評本港會展場地不足，要求盡快落實擴建。立法會議員梁君彥直指若政府繼續議而不決，「十年後中小企乜都無晒」。蘇錦樑承認灣仔會展過去三年因場地不足，共推掉四十四場展覽及八十九場會議舉辦申請，去年全年有四十一天都達到飽和，位處機場的亞洲博覽館，全年亦有八天飽和，都是集中在展覽旺季，當局一直鼓勵貿發局及其他辦展商以「一展兩館」等不同模式舉辦展覽會。他又證實正考慮包括灣仔三幢政府大樓在內的擴建選址，但暫時未有定案。