China has reached cooperation agreements with 17 countries and international organizations for the joint building of the international lunar research station (ILRS), and the project will be implemented in two phases, an official with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.
The CNSA launched the ILRS cooperation initiative globally in 2017, aiming to build a basic model by 2035 in the lunar south pole region, and to establish a lunar research station connecting the moon's south pole, equator, and far side by 2050.
Currently in the feasibility study phase, the ILRS project is set to follow a strategic approach encompassing overall planning, incremental implementation, and simultaneous construction and utilization across two distinct phases, according to Yang Xiaoyu, director of the System Engineering Department of the CNSA.
"The first phase, the basic configuration phase, will focus on establishing a comprehensive lunar-based research platform with essential functions and elements. This phase will enable regular scientific experiments and verification of resource utilization technologies. The second phase, the expansion phase, aims to create a large-scale, stable, and fully functional lunar research platform capable of carrying out long-term unmanned operations, allowing short-term human presence, and conducting comprehensive lunar surface scientific research, resource development, and technology verification," said Yang.
Furthermore, Yang emphasized the substantial advancements in international partnership concerning the ILRS project.
"The ILRS has already achieved significant progress in international collaboration, with many countries and international organizations expressing their interest in participation. We have signed cooperation agreements with 17 countries and international organizations and are prepared to offer various collaborative opportunities to international partners. We will engage in extensive cooperation with our partners on joint feasibility studies, joint design of the ILRS, technical collaboration, overall mission planning and implementation, and scientific data sharing," said Yang.
China unveils two-phase plan for building international lunar research station
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
