Rescue operations are still underway in central Beirut, Lebanon in a hope to find more survivors trapped in the rubble after the deadliest air-attacks launched by Israel on Thursday.
At least 22 people were killed and over a hundred of others wounded in Beirut in the Israeli raids, the deadliest ones since Israel mounted massive air-strikes across Lebanon against what it claims are Hezbollah targets on Sept. 23.
During the offensives, an Israeli air raid hit a building in the heart of Beirut, triggering the highest casualties in a bombing inside the capital city and outside the stronghold of Hezbollah.
As the rescue operations are going on, the narrow roads around have made it extremely tough for the rescue teams to get the rubble out of this congested area.
Israel has claimed that it is targeting Hezbollah. However, civilians have borne much of the brunt.
"They claim they're assassinating someone here, but they and we know there are no militants, only families and children. Most of the residents of this building are those displaced from the South seeking safety here but were killed. This will make us stronger. We won't be weakened," said Ahmed, a Nuweiry District resident.
The attack on this area in the heart of Beirut is just another proof that for Lebanese, there is no safe place now.
The Israeli army has launched intensive attacks on Lebanon since late September in an escalation with Hezbollah, heightening concerns about a broader war as the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip.
Rescue operations still underway after deadliest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut
Rescue operations still underway after deadliest Israeli airstrikes on Beirut
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
