Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision to withdraw from party leadership elections, that would see his term in office end after three years, should not prevent him being held accountable for the country's economic decline and a slush fund scandal in his ruling party, according to some Tokyo residents interviewed on Wednesday.
Kishida, whose support has been in decline for months amid voter frustration over his handling of the scandal, announced on Wednesday that he won't run in the election of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September.
The scandal centers around accusations that several major party backers were suspected of giving money to LDP lawmakers from sales of fundraising tickets, without reporting the sums as political donations.
A Tokyo resident said Kishida's effective resignation was meant to regain voters' trust in the ruling party following the political scandal.
"If no one takes responsibility for issues like the slush fund scandal, it will be difficult to eliminate the public's distrust of the Liberal Democratic Party," he said.
The prime minister also faced public discontent over Japan's economic malaise, with wages failing to keep up with the rising cost of living after the country finally shook off years of deflationary pressure.
"The people around me are all having a hard time. Prices are rising, and taxes are increasing. People around me often say their lives are very hard," said a female resident.
Kishida's handling of a recent national disaster in the county was also criticized by a Tokyo resident.
"A major earthquake hit Ishikawa Prefecture in January. I saw related news. The water supply pipelines have not been restored, and the elderly could not live in makeshift housing and had to live in shelters. It has been half a year, and I can still see such news. I think we should pay more attention to the domestic situation in Japan," she said.
Tokyo residents react to Japanese PM's withdrawal announcement
Tokyo residents react to Japanese PM's withdrawal announcement
Tokyo residents react to Japanese PM's withdrawal announcement
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
