The hard-hit convention and exhibition industry will get help recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic as Zhuhai steps up actions to rejuvenate its modern service sector and socioeconomic development.

The city will fast-track supportive funding while further backing convention and exhibition projects, venues, public services, and talent training, as well as host hotels and travel agencies, it was announced May 13 at a policy interpretation press conference.

China's Hongying (Red Eagle) Aerobatic Team at 12th Airshow China in 2018 [Photo by Li Gang / Xinhua]

For instance, the assessment of eligible projects fitting the measure Tentative Management Methods for the Use of Zhuhai’s Supportive Fund of the Convention & Exhibition Industry will be instituted, with the funding to be in place before late June.

Conference and exhibition organizers with events canceled the first half of this year because of the epidemic will receive 20 percent more in subsidies, while those listed for the rest of the year will get an extra 10 percent. Operation subsidies for large exhibition venues will rise by 10 percent, with the amount not to exceed the ceiling stipulated in the policy.

Moreover, local key convention and exhibition enterprises and industrial associations that host publicity, promotional, and market expansion activities in China (with the approval of the Zhuhai Bureau of Commerce) will receive financial aid. Property and urban land-use taxes will be reduced for those struggling to pay taxes due to the pandemic.

Zhuhai is currently preparing for the 13th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), 1st Global Economic Development & Security Forum and 1st International Science, Technology & Innovation Expo of the Boa Forum for Asia, as well as the China Medical Industry Innovation & Development Conference. These significant events are expected to supplement Zhuhai’s image as an international convention and exhibition city, said Wang Wei, deputy director of the Bureau of Commerce.