The intensifying Israeli attacks have forced more people to flee from Lebanon to Syria in search of safety shelters to escape Israeli bombardments by tortuously passing through the blocked roads and highways. The deteriorating situation in Lebanon has forced residents to seek refuge in the neighboring country and beyond.
"The situation in southern Lebanon is horrible. Many places have been severely destroyed and are no longer suitable for living. I am bringing my kids to flee from bombings," said Mohammad, a refugee from Lebanon, who is fleeing from his hometown to Syria, and then Iraq. A Friday Israeli airstrike targeting spots near the Lebanon-Syria border has further obstructed the journey, cutting multiple main roads toward the neighboring country, leaving large craters that refugees must navigate through on foot. Syria Arab Red Crescent, UNHCR, and other NGOs have been gathering around the border to offer support. "The road here was destroyed, and we can only walk through," said Mohammad. According to Syrian media, around 91,000 Lebanon refugees have fled to Syria, with around 3,000 Lebanese managed to cross the border on Monday despite the border airstrike.
While Israeli military claimed that the airstrikes hit Hezbollah targets near the border, the aftermath hindered not only the flow of refugees, but the delivery of humanitarian aid, blocking medical and emergency supplies outside.
Massive Lebanese refugees flee to Syria to escape Israeli bombardments
Massive Lebanese refugees flee to Syria to escape Israeli bombardments
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
