A group of international guests have said that as a critical hub for the Belt and Road Initiative, the ancient Chinese city Xi'an has helped them to have a deeper understanding of this country, its long history and rich culture.
Xi'an hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Think Tank Cooperation and the second Silk Road (Xi'an) International Communication Forum from Sunday to Tuesday.
At the event, over 300 Chinese and foreign guests, including former politicians, think tank scholars, media representatives and other renowned figures, engaged in heated discussions about Belt and Road cooperation as well as cultural inheritance and development.
As a city that once served as the capital of 13 feudal Chinese dynasties, Xi'an holds many historical sites, including the world-renowned Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, housing the famous army of terracotta warriors, which are often described as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
At a commemorative event on the 50th anniversary of the excavation of the terracotta warriors, the guests learned about the stories behind the discovery of the ancient treasures as well as Xi'an efforts in preserving its historical and cultural relics.
They also visited the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and shared their excitement about this trip to Xi'an.
"You have developed your civilization for more than 5,000 years. Today is the first time that I've been here in Xi'an and that I have been here in this terracotta warriors museum," said Javier Navarro Quinones, a Cuban diplomat.
"I've heard a lot of good things about Xi'an before coming here, so I was really excited for this trip, and then of course, the mentioning of terracotta [warriors]. I was looking forward to that and I was surprised that it was on today's agenda. I was able to see that before the conference. Overall, it is above expectation - Xi'an. I heard there are a lot of good infrastructure regarding the road as well," said Ariza Subowo, an Indonesian think tank scholar.
Ancient city Xi'an helps foreign visitors better understand China
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
