The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, today called for further co-operation on the exhibition and convention industries between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Delivering a speech at a forum on the future of the Pearl River Delta, Mr Tam said Macao had to add more high-end and attractive elements to its industrial portfolio, mostly made up of gaming, in its drive to become a global leisure and tourism hub, a positioning of Macao in accordance with the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2020). Mr Tam said it would be important for Macao to develop its exhibition and convention businesses in order to diversify. He said Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao had their unique advantages in developing exhibition and convention industries, and the three should fully maximise the benefits provided by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). He suggested that the three make agreements to enhance co-operation and diversification in exhibition and convention industries, and Macao would focus on exhibitions on entertainment, consumption, arts, regional acclaimed products and small and medium conventions. He also said the three might encourage and support their business sectors to co-operate and nurture new exhibitions, and to streamline customs procedures for personnel and exhibits for exhibitions. He also suggested that the three neighbouring governments should integrate their resources and explore the markets of the Portuguese-speaking countries.
