UFI CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY IN HONG KONG, ASIA-PACIFIC’S TRADE FAIR CAPITAL

Confirming Hong Kong, the City of Life’s pre-eminent position as the trade fair capital of the Asia-Pacific region, the 67th Union des Foires Internationales (UFI) Congress opened today (1 November) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Welcoming delegates to Hong Kong, UFI President Prof Dr Manfred Busche, reflected on the rapid growth and development that has occurred since the Union’s establishment three-quarters of a century ago.

“Since its formation in 1925, Union des Foires Internationales has developed from a European association into a worldwide federation which today has more than 200 members from all five continents. There are 39 members in Asia, making this region the biggest after Europe in terms of members,” said Dr Busche. “I am therefore delighted to welcome delegates to the 67th UFI Congress, held in this dynamic city in this strategically important region.”

Hong Kong this year has been the city of choice for some of the world’s major global trade and industry conferences and conventions. These include the Meetings Industry Association of Australia (MIAA); Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC); Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA); International Travel Expo (ITE); International Tourism Asia (ITA); International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA); and Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE), all told some 7,200 delegates.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) Board Member, Director and Chief Operating Officer, Cathay Pacific Airways, Mr Philip Chen, said: “Last year, Hong Kong hosted 60 major international exhibitions attracting more than 211,000 additional overseas visitors. Forecasts for 2000 reflect continued growth in this area, with double digit growth predicted. ”

With Hong Kong as the venue, UFI seeks to underline the importance of economic development in the countries of South and Southeast Asia, without which the modern global economy would be inconceivable.

Some 330 participants from 49 countries and 102 cities will attend the Congress. The attendance for the first time of non-members and partners of the trade fair industry alongside UFI members will provide ideal opportunities for the exhibition sector worldwide.

Honorary Chairman of the Congress, Mr Michael Duck of Miller Freeman Asia, said that Hong Kong was looking forward to capitalising on the opportunities presented by the UFI Congress being held in Hong Kong and the gathering of so many industry leaders. “This prestigious event is an excellent occasion to showcase Hong Kong and all it has to offer in the way of business, facilities and services, and to encourage more organisers to hold new trade shows here in the future,” he added.

UFI was founded in 1925 in Milan, Italy, by 20 European trade fair companies with the primary aim of facilitating cross-border transport between the various countries of Europe. Economic and political developments in the ensuing decades extended the scope of activity of international trade fairs in both geographical and content-based terms.

The Hong Kong Organising Committee consists of: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Organisers’ and Suppliers’ Association (HKECOSA), Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre (HITEC), Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA), Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Miller Freeman Asia, and Renaissance Harbour View Hotel.