business · Bastillepost

Government prioritises Wan Chai North, AsiaWorld-Expo expansion

Bastillepost · 3 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN

Summary

The government has set out a near-term expansion path for Hong Kong’s convention and exhibition industry, putting the Wan Chai North redevelopment next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre ahead of other proposals. It is also moving forward with Phase Two of the AsiaWorld-Expo expansion, while keeping open the possibility of studying exhibition facilities in the Northern Metropolis based on actual demand and suitable event types.

Key Points

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah (丘應樺) said the government’s top priorities are the Wan Chai North redevelopment and Phase Two expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo to increase venue capacity.
Yau said the government has allocated more than HK$3.1 billion since 2020 for support measures, including a recurring exhibition incentive scheme, to attract local and international events of different sizes.
In the Legislative Council, DAB lawmaker Yiu Ming (姚銘) asked whether a new exhibition venue should be studied in the Northern Metropolis and suggested a Hong Kong-Shenzhen “one conference, two places” model inspired by Macau.
Lawmaker Lau Yip-keung (劉業強) proposed a joint task force with the Shenzhen government, plus dedicated clearance channels for industry workers and green channels for exhibits to support “one exhibition, two places”.
Yau said the government has also introduced outdoor exhibitions, expanded cooperation with the West Kowloon Cultural District, and noted that Kai Tak Sports Park has suitable space for exhibitions.

Why It Matters

The policy direction suggests Hong Kong will first try to ease venue shortages by expanding and repurposing existing exhibition clusters rather than immediately committing to a new Northern Metropolis complex. For organisers, exhibitors and smaller local firms, the next questions are whether added space, cross-boundary facilitation and venue allocation can better match different event sizes and business needs.