The Chinese vision for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in promoting peaceful and prosperous business cooperation helps create the right environment to ensure global stability and deliver growth, said a senior representative from a global hospitality giant.
Lu Haiqing, global vice president of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Hotels and Resorts, outlined the need for countries across the region to work together ahead of the upcoming APEC CEO Summit, which opens in the Peruvian capital of Lima on Wednesday.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the 2014 APEC summit, during which he offered his vision of the "Asia-Pacific dream", which envisions nations working collaboratively to promote development, sustainability, and peace.
In a recent interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Shanghai, Lu stressed the importance of communication among countries and businesses to fulfill Xi's vision.
"President Xi launched this idea about 10 years ago. We thought that was a great idea, a great initiative. Business [around] the world, it's like family, you want a harmonious and prosperous environment, the least thing you want is to fight, to disagree. Of course, there are certain disagreements globally, just like family, you have quarrels with your kids all the time, it doesn't you have to get divorced, right? So a lot of times, you talk -- to communicate is always better than stop talking, non-communication," he said.
Lu said that the business community is greatly looking forward to the APEC meeting in Peru, which he said offers the perfect platform to push forward Xi's vision, and hopes all attendees can work to further strengthen regional ties.
"We just hope every responsible global leader could find time to sit down and chat with each other in economy, politics, and similar things like business. We all need to sit down and discuss instead of quarrel, so we look forward to that, we have high hopes about it," said Lu.
Established in 1989, APEC has grown into one of world's largest multilateral trade bodies. Initially composed of twelve members, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia, APEC welcomed China in 1991, followed by Peru, Russia, and Vietnam in 1998.
Bringing together around 20,000 participants, including heads of state and dignitaries from 21 member economies across Asia, the Pacific, North America, and South America, APEC aims to foster sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region.
Chinese vision for APEC promotes harmonious environment to deliver global growth: business leader
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
