The 'Shanghai Spirit' of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, advocated by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), is the key to the expanding influence and appeal of the SCO, the organization's secretary-general Zhang Ming said in an exclusive interview with the China Media Group(CMG).
First founded in Shanghai back in 2001, the SCO has grown into a trans-regional organization comprised of 10 full members, two observer states, and 14 dialog partners. Back in July, Belarus was formally accepted as the 10th member state of the organization at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO held in Astana.
Noting the entire SCO "family" now totals 26 members, Zhang said there are further applications awaiting approval.
He pointed to the organization's commitment to its core principles as outlined in the "Shanghai Spirit", which has been guiding the organization since its inception, as being the "secret" to its success.
"The development and expansion of the SCO shows the improvement of its influence, appeal and attraction. What is the secret behind it? I have also thought about this question. I think, it is the basic principles and rules advocated and upheld by the SCO, and the 'Shanghai Spirit' we have been always upholding, that give the organization such attraction. Under the guidance of the SCO spirit, we have always advocated fairness, respect, and equality. Our member states can be very comfortable, and share good relations with each other in this family. All cooperation we promote within the framework of the SCO is based on our consensus, and all cooperation is mutually beneficial. This kind of cooperation has brought great impetus to the development of every member state. Such benefits can also generate appeal, drawing more countries to join such a family," he said. China took over the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025 back in July, and will next year host the 25th meeting of SCO Heads of State Council.
SCO's appeal comes from commitment to "Shanghai Spirit": secretary-general
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
