Egyptian journalist Mazen Eslam Afify Ahmed has said that he is intoxicated by the culture of the Chinese city Xi'an, which provides an important window for the mutual learning between the ancient civilizations of Egypt and China.
Ahmed was in the city to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Think Tank Cooperation and the second Silk Road (Xi'an) International Communication Forum, which took place from Sunday to Tuesday and brought together 300 guests from both China and abroad.
As an important hub of the ancient Silk Road, Xi'an has existed for over 3,000 years and served as the capital of 13 feudal Chinese dynasties. The city holds a wealth of ancient historical sites, including imperial tombs, ancient temples, forts and city walls.
Upon landing in Xi'an, Ahmed was immediately immersed in the unique charm of the ancient city infused with modern elements.
"When I was covering news about China and Chinese cities from Egypt, I heard that Xi'an is an important city for the Belt and Road Initiative, and a famous city in Chinese history. But I never imagined Xi'an is like this, which has many excellent attractions and is worth a deep exploration," said Ahmed.
Ahmed speaks fluent Chinese due to his four years of study in Cairo about the Chinese language and culture. He is eager to learn more about China, including its history, culture, development, and modernization progress.
Although he came to China before, this is his first trip to Xi'an, during which he and other foreign guests visited the world-renowned Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and the Great Tang All Day Mall - a comprehensive culture center and shopping mall.
Ahmed's Chinese name Luxia means "sunny way and gorgeous summer flowers", which embodies his hope that China and Egypt will always enjoy a friendly relationship.
Egyptian journalist says Xi'an provides important window for civilization exchanges
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
