Chen Maobo: Hong Kong's convention and exhibition economy drives the growth of visitors to Hong Kong and continues to consolidate its position as an aviation hub

The Zhitong Finance App learned that Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Chan Mao-po recently stated in a blog post that the two flagship venues of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition and AsiaWorld-Expo held more than 170 events in the first half of this year, attracting about 3.5 million participants. In the first seven months of this year, the number of visitors to Hong Kong reached 31.22 million, an increase of 12% over the previous year.

Chen Maobo pointed out that the success factors for Hong Kong's development as a convention and exhibition capital include its advantages as a gateway connecting mainland and international markets, developed commerce, and efficient and convenient international transportation. Currently, about 140 airlines have provided flights to and from Hong Kong, connecting more than 225 destinations around the world, creating an efficient and convenient shipping network. In the first half of this year, the number of aircraft lifts at Hong Kong International Airport exceeded 200,000, an increase of 4.4% over the previous year; the airport's passenger traffic reached 32.8 million, an increase of 11.7% over the previous year.

Chen Maobo also mentioned that 15 airlines have already settled in the departure facility at Passenger Terminal 2, which opened in May this year. It is expected to divert about 8 million passengers in the first year, further improving the airport's ability to handle the outbound passenger flow. As of June this year, the “Easy Boarding” service has covered about 80% of passengers leaving the airport.

He said that the government will further consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub and inject new vitality into the joint development of other related economic sectors.