Hong Kong, 28th September: The Hong Kong Government has announced that it will officially begin its “Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme” on 3rd October 2020. It will offer support of up to HK$1.02 billion (US$131 million) over the next twelve months.

The scheme was originally to begin in July, but it was postponed due to the “third wave” of COVID-19 infections in Hong Kong. The government maintains that it is designed to reinvigorate the convention and exhibition industry as part of its Anti-Epidemic Fund. Qualified events, with more than 400 participants and at least 50% from outside of Hong Kong, will be eligible to be reimbursed for the full cost of the event’s venue rental fees. In order to be eligible, the events must be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) or AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE).