Vinexpo Asia held in Hong Kong for first time in six yearsThe three-day-long Vinexpo 2024 held its opening ceremony on Tuesday, marking the first time in six years since the end of the pandemic. It has been more than a year since the full resumption of normal travel in Hong Kong, and the convention and exhibition industry has gradually recovered. Vinexpo Asia has been listed as one of the Hong Kong’s major events this year and will be held at the Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong for the next three days starting today, attracting participation from more than 1,000 exhibitors from 35 countries. Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, said that he was happy to return to Hong Kong after the three-year pandemic and pointed out that under the current economic and political situation, the alcohol industry has been facing challenges in production and consumption. However, he stated that returning to Hong Kong has brought opportunities and hope to the industry, stressing that China and other Asian regions are a key market and will continue to play a key role in the development of the international wine and spirits industry. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Bernard Chan Pak-li and Dane Cheng Ting-yat, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, also came to host the opening ceremony. Chan said that he was happy to see such a significant event return to Hong Kong and pointed out that since the removal of the wine tax, it has helped strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international wine center. He added that until last year, Hong Kong imported HK$7.5 billion of alcohol and exported HK$2.9 billion, with the imported value increasing by 84 percent and the exported value increasing by 130 percent. According to his knowledge, many international brands have set up their own wineries in the mainland. He said that Hong Kong is determined to play a key role and serve as an international alcohol hub, and has continued to work closely with various stakeholders to facilitate the alcohol trade and boost its facilities. https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/216841/Vinexpo-Asia-held-in-Hong-Kong-for-first-time-in-six-years (ICE HONG KONG)

Fonte notizia: The Standard