Convention center mighty in lifting Zhuhai economy

Proving itself a strong engine for growth, the Zhuhai International Convention & Exhibition Center (ZHCEC) achieved 4.71 billion yuan ($680 million) in revenue in 2018, and generated about 10 times that amount to other industries in the community.  

The 2018 Comprehensive Influence Assessment Report of ZHCEC was released on May 28 by CVSC-TNS Research, a domestically leading market survey and research company. It assessed the impact of the industry on the regional economy through a sample survey of the 10 most representative exhibitions and conferences in 2018. 

Release of 2018 Comprehensive Influence Assessment Report of ZHCEC [Photo courtesy WeChat ID: zhuhaicec]

Results show that the convention and exhibition center made 402 million yuan ($58 million) in direct economic return and generated 4.3 billion yuan ($622 million) in indirect revenue last year. The ratio outstripped the internationally recognized "1:9" coefficient, which states that the revenue of a convention and exhibition venue can bring nine times its income to other industries such as catering, accommodations, and tourism.

Since opening in October 2014, ZHCEC has attracted many kinds of professional exhibitions to Zhuhai, as well as conferences by top 500 firms and social organizations. Its revenue exceeded 100 million yuan ($14 million) in 2017. The center is located in Shizimen Central Business District of Wanzai Town near Hengqin New Area.

Design of ZHCEC

Last year, ZHCEC hosted 34 exhibitions and activities and 992 conferences, which were attended by more than 800,000 people from over 50 countries and regions. 2018 Zhuhai Design Week alone registered more than 20,000 visitors and reaped 180 million yuan ($26 million) over three days last October.

The construction of ZHCEC Phase II is expected to further elevate Zhuhai's MICE sector, and realize a linkage with Macao against the backdrop of the Greater Bay Area, according to general manager Fu Rui.

ZHCEC: venue of 21st Century Maritime Silk Road China (Guangdong) International Communication Forum [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]