China has arranged the evacuation of 215 Chinese citizens from war-torn Lebanon since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in September, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
Mao made the remarks in response to a query about the progress of China's evacuation operations amid the tense situation in Lebanon.
"Since the sudden escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, we have resolutely implemented the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping. The Foreign Ministry, in close coordination with the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Administration and the Chinese embassies in Lebanon, Cyprus and other countries, has worked around the clock to protect the safety of Chinese citizens and promptly carried out evacuation operations. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties, we have safely evacuated 215 Chinese nationals in two batches from Lebanon by ship and chartered plane, including three Hong Kong residents and one Taiwan compatriot," said Mao.
"The current situation in Lebanon is still complex and grim. The Chinese Embassy in Lebanon stays committed to its duties and will continue to guide and assist a small number of remaining Chinese citizens there to take safety measures to protect themselves," Mao said.
215 Chinese citizens evacuated from war-torn Lebanon: spokeswoman
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
