The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army opened its barracks to the public on Saturday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
At the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks, the event began with a flag-raising ceremony during which residents and officers stood in solemn respect while singing the national anthem. Following the ceremony, officers from Ngong Shuen Chau, Shek Kong, and San Wai Barracks presented various military displays that received enthusiastic applause and cheers. The equipment exhibition also attracted a diverse audience, highlighting Chinese self-developed technology.
"I feel so proud because our country is so powerful. I wish everyone a happy National Day holiday. I love my country and I love Hong Kong," said Liu Tzu Ming, a Hong Kong student.
During the open day event, visitors also explored the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center, one of the most popular venues for locals.
The themed exhibition tells the stories of the Communist Party of China, the nation, and the Chinese People's Liberation Army through various mediums, including multimedia presentations, themed sculptures, displayed items, and digital technologies.
PLA HK Garrison opens barracks to mark 75th founding anniversary of PRC
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
