How safe international meetings can help Hong Kong achieve an economic reset

Hong Kong has managed the logistics of holding a major international art fair, book fair and industry conferences during the pandemic without seeing outbreaks
Holding one or two premier events with visitors from low-risk locations will boost confidence and cement Hong Kong’s status as a hub for safe meetings

Janet Pau

Published: 2:30pm, 17 Aug 2021

Why you can trust SCMP

Hong Kong has a small window of opportunity to position itself as a venue for safe regional and international gatherings in the post-pandemic world and gain a first-mover advantage over other Asian cities. Doing so will help Hong Kong solidify its reputation as a city open for business and facilitate economic and employment recovery in multiple sectors.

Relaxation of border measures and preservation of public health have often been framed as a binary choice, but there is a need to strike a better balance. Universal mask-wearing and generally hygiene-conscious residents across all demographics have helped keep Hong Kong’s Covid-19 infections at bay.

Its infection and death rates have been among the lowest in the world for a sustained period of time. Vaccinations continue to be promoted through carrot-and-stick measures. Though the pandemic has largely stabilised locally, Hong Kong risks being stuck in a continuous stop-start, “wait and see” cycle that impedes a sustained economic recovery.

Prolonged travel restrictions and quarantine measures currently in place are meant to protect Hong Kong from imported Covid-19 cases, but they come at a heavy cost. They risk discouraging vaccinations locally and making it harder for Hong Kong to reopen later. They could create a perception that Hong Kong is turning inward and isolating itself, rather than remaining a city interested in and ready for international business.

04:55

Hong Kong, Australia’s goal to eliminate Covid-19 ‘not sustainable’, says infectious disease expert

Many regional and international meetings and conventions have been postponed, cancelled or moved to an online format because of pandemic measures that have inhibited international travel into Hong Kong.

The economic multiplier effect of international meetings and conventions is well documented as it brings in high-value visitors and generates employment and growth in many key sectors.

International meetings, conferences and exhibitions brought 2.3 million visitors to Hong Kong in 2018. They also generated almost HK$53 billion (US$6.8 billion) for the economy, according to a 2016 study by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association.

Public and private infrastructure and development projects, including the planned “airport city” and redevelopment initiatives to create additional convention and exhibition venues, assume that international visitors will return.

Hong Kong’s competitive positioning lies in its connectivity with mainland cities with complementary strengths, as well as its expertise in understanding and implementing global business standards and processes. Add to that a bilingual workforce and a long history of excellence in medicine and public health.

These are all factors that should enable Hong Kong to establish itself as a hub in Asia for safely conducting international business meetings and conventions in the post-pandemic future.

05:25

Hong Kong's competitive edge questioned as Xi says Shenzhen is engine of China’s Greater Bay Area

As the world continues to battle Covid-19 variants, Hong Kong has leaned largely on measures that keep borders closed in the hopes of minimising imported cases. Still, these measures should serve more as “circuit breakers” rather than part of a longer-term strategy.

While the world grapples with the possibility of having to live with Covid-19 rather than eliminating it, Hong Kong also needs a sense of urgency to chart a path that includes a greater degree of border opening.

Economic growth and employment largely depend on pillar industries, including financial services, trading and logistics, tourism and professional services. Almost all of these rely on a high degree of freedom in terms of information and movement.

Hong Kong needs to make it easier for international business visitors to come here. These visitors should be subject to transparent, predictable measures upon entry and during their stay.

07:07

The global spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of Covid-19

Start with visitors from a shortlist of places that have been consistently deemed low risk, verify their vaccination records and conduct serology antibody testing upon entry.

None of these are novel approaches, yet effective execution could distinguish Hong Kong from other competing economies that have not controlled their local waves of infection as well.

Health authorities could work with meeting organisers and hotels to pilot “event bubbles” with clear transport, accommodation, distancing and testing protocols.

Participants would not self-isolate but stay within the bubble for the duration of the meeting or convention, subject to regular and rapid testing. Provided the meeting is conducted safely, they can move freely around afterwards.

Hong Kong has managed the challenging logistics of holding a major international art fair, book fair and industry conferences with mostly local participation without seeing outbreaks.

As Art Basel returns, Hong Kong looks to reclaim status as global hub

Local businesses have put in measures to ensure smooth, safe daily operations. Tourist attractions and leisure facilities are open. Concerts and performances are running. Restaurants and shops have seen a return of footfall as people largely go back to their daily lives and work.

These industries can all benefit from those visitors who have passed the requirements for safe entry and meetings. Successfully holding one or two premier events of a moderate scale – in emerging and strategic sectors such as technology and culture – with participants from low-risk locations will help boost business confidence and cement Hong Kong’s status as a hub for safe meetings.

There are competitor cities attempting to do the same, but not many are prepared and have Hong Kong’s track record of effective infection control. The stakes are high as the competitive advantage could vanish immediately if it is not done correctly. Acting too slowly risks ceding the reputational advantages the first mover stands to gain.

Getting safe international meetings right at this juncture will be a true test of Hong Kong’s adaptability, attention to detail and can-do spirit.

Janet Pau is executive director of the Asia Business Council