Paul Chan: Enhanced Global Network Solidifies Hong Kong's Status as Convention and Aviation Hub

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, highlighted that an improved network linking China with international markets is propelling the city's status as a premier hub for conventions and exhibitions.

This growth coincides with strong attendance figures at Hong Kong's two primary venues—the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo—which collectively attracted approximately 3.5 million attendees across upwards of 170 events during the initial half of the year.

Writing in his Sunday blog post, Chan credited this robust momentum to Hong Kong's distinctive position as a bridge between the Chinese mainland and the global stage, supported by a streamlined and robust transportation infrastructure. He noted that approximately 140 airlines currently connect Hong Kong to over 225 locations globally, creating a high-performance transit network that has successfully driven up visitor volumes.

Data shared by Chan showed that Hong Kong registered 31.22 million visitor arrivals over the first seven months of the year, representing a 12 percent rise compared to the same period previously. Furthermore, Hong Kong International Airport recorded a 4.4 percent growth in flight movements, exceeding 200,680 in the first half, while passenger volume surged by 11.7 percent to reach 32.8 million.

Addressing the newly launched Terminal 2, Chan mentioned that 15 carriers have established operations there since its opening in May, with projections to handle around 8 million departing passengers in its inaugural year. To ensure smoother check-out and departure experiences, he added that the "Flight Token" self-service biometric ID system is now utilized by roughly 80 percent of airport travelers.

Chan emphasized that maintaining Hong Kong's standing as a global aviation center is crucial not just for the domestic aviation sector, but acts as a foundational pillar for the city's identity as a "super connector" and "super value-adder."

In response to evolving geopolitical landscapes and regional commerce trends, he affirmed that Hong Kong will proactively broaden its aviation connections, seek additional bilateral aviation agreements, and enhance airport facilities.

Finally, Chan stated that the administration will implement a comprehensive approach to draw higher volumes of both passengers and cargo, incorporating multi-modal transit connections, strategic cooperation with Zhuhai Airport, collaborations with travel agencies, and sea-air freight initiatives alongside authorities in Dongguan.