China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, in Beijing on Friday.
In their meeting, Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said China looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Cyprus at all levels and in various fields to enrich the content of the two countries' strategic partnership and better benefit the two countries and their people.
Zhao said China appreciates Cyprus's adherence to the one-China principle, expressing hope that Cyprus would continue to provide firm support on issues related to China's core interests. China will continue to firmly support Cyprus' efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
Stressing that exchanges and cooperation between legislative bodies are an important part of China-Cyprus relations, Zhao said the NPC is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Cypriot House of Representatives to share experiences and facilitate exchanges.
Sharing China's achievements and experience in development, Zhao noted that every nation has the right to pursue a development path that suits its own national conditions. He underlined that China is willing to increase exchanges and mutual learning with Cyprus as companions and partners on the path of modernization.
Demetriou reaffirmed Cyprus's firm commitment to the one-China principle. Cyprus is willing to further deepen cooperation with China in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, trade, and culture, thus promoting the development of Cyprus-China and Europe-China relations, according to the parliamentary speaker.
She also said the House of Representatives of Cyprus looks forward to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the NPC of China, and to make legislative contributions to the friendly relations between the two countries.
China's top political legislator meets president of Cypriot House of Representatives
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
