business · Bastillepost

Hong Kong Aims to Become Exhibition Hub with AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 by 2028

about 1 hour ago2 MIN
Hong Kong Aims to Become Exhibition Hub with AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 by 2028

Summary

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has outlined Hong Kong's strategy to cement its position as a premier convention and exhibition destination, pointing to strong performance in the first half of 2025 and ambitious infrastructure expansion plans.

Key Points

  • The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo jointly hosted over 170 events in the first half of 2025, drawing approximately 3.5 million participants .
  • Visitor arrivals in the first seven months of 2025 totaled 31.22 million, representing a 12 percent year-on-year increase, injecting greater vitality and business opportunities into the city .
  • Construction of the AsiaWorld-Expo Phase 2 has officially commenced, with completion scheduled for 2028 to significantly expand exhibition and large-scale event space .
  • Hong Kong International Airport handled over 200,000 aircraft movements in the first half of 2025, up 4.4 percent year-on-year, while passenger volume reached 32.8 million, an 11.7 percent increase .
  • Approximately 140 airlines currently operate flights connecting Hong Kong to more than 225 global destinations, supported by the three-runway system that entered full operation two years ago .
  • The Terminal 2 departure facilities, which opened in May 2025, have already attracted 15 airlines and are projected to handle approximately 8 million passengers in their first year of operation .
  • The Airport Authority plans to develop over 500 yacht berths near the airport island and Hong Kong Boundary Reclamation areas, including berths for superyachts exceeding 100 meters, with phased completion beginning in 2028 .
  • The "Go Smart" self-boarding service utilizing facial recognition technology now covers approximately 80 percent of departing passengers as of June 2025, streamlining the check-in process .
  • This week's Food Expo at the Wan Chai Convention Centre has attracted over 1,800 local and overseas exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, with all 11 ASEAN member economies represented for the first time .

Why It Matters

The expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo and continued growth in visitor numbers underscore Hong Kong's strategic advantage as a gateway connecting mainland China with international markets, while the development of airport city concepts combining commercial, tourism, and leisure facilities positions the territory to compete with other major global aviation hubs .
The expansion of AsiaWorld-Expo and continued growth in visitor numbers underscore Hong Kong's strategic advantage as a gateway connecting mainland China with international markets, while the development of airport city concepts combining commercial, tourism, and leisure facilities positions the territory to compete with other major global aviation hubs .