Jab Aids Post-COVID Recovery

Financial Secretary Paul Chan

The “fantastic four” fairs are expected to attract more than 30,000 trade buyers, from Hong Kong and around the world. They are keen to connect, source and do business, in person and online, with some 1,000 exhibiting brands.

It is heartening to see this compelling show of confidence. And it is led, I am pleased to say, by some of my favourite sectors: food and beverage, hospitality and retail.

Now in its 19th edition, HOFEX presents another inspired programme of events and activities, including the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic. I understand that more than 300 chefs, cooks and other food aficionados will battle it out over afternoon tea, pastry and Chinese and Western cuisine.

The Hong Kong Coffee Competition and the Foodtech Asia seminar are among the fair’s stimulating new offerings.

And I am pleased to see that ProWine Hong Kong is once again a featured event alongside HOFEX. Highlights include a series of masterclasses of wine and spirits, with Japan and California in the spotlight this year.

Hong Kong may not be blessed with vineyards. But we are Asia’s pre-eminent wine trading and distribution centre. That is thanks to our long-standing experience in the wine trade, world-class logistics infrastructure, zero wine duties and our singular ties to the Mainland.

That Hong Kong is hosting four high-profile trade fairs over the next three days is testimony to the resilience of our convention and exhibition industry and our unwavering belief in the business, and in the value, of trade.

The Government fully supports the industry and the critical importance of its speedy recovery. Which is why we have put aside a $1-billion Convention & Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme for exhibition and convention organisers. And today’s event is one of the scheme’s beneficiaries.

That said, vaccination is by far the most comprehensive and cost-effective means of beating COVID-19 and moving into the post-pandemic economy.

The Government’s Early Vaccination for All campaign offers free and easy vaccination throughout the community. If you have not yet to be vaccinated, I urge you to do so. For your family, your business and your future.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the joint opening ceremony of HOFEX, ProWine Hong Kong, Natural & Organic Asia & Retail Asia Conference & Expo on September 7.