The government intends to invest NT$2.2 billion (US$70.4 million) to boost the nation’s convention industry between this year and 2012, which is expected to create 130,000 jobs, an official said yesterday.
Grace Chiang (江惠芳), director of the Ministry of Economic Affair’s trade development division, said the proposed investment could increase tourist arrivals, as well as boost private investment by NT$12.9 billion in the following two years.
“We hope to attract about 650,000 people to come to Taiwan to participate in conventions and incentive travels between this year and 2012,” Chiang told a media briefing, adding that the proposal could generate NT$255.7 billion in revenue in three years for the convention industry.
Citing data by the International Congress and Conference Association released on May 13, the Council for Economic Planning and Development said that Taiwan ranked seventh in Asia and 32nd in the world last year in terms of the number of world conventions held.
“Malaysia is only one place ahead of Taiwan. Hopefully, with the government’s efforts to promote the nation’s convention industry, Taiwan can surpass it soon,” Chiang said.
The government is building Nangang Exhibition Hall 2 in Taipei and is also planning a world trade center in Kaohsiung City in a bid to establish a better environment for organizing international conventions.
“By the time the new exhibition hall is completed in 2012, the number of exhibition stands could increase to 5,000,” Chiang said, adding that the yet-to-be-built world trade center in Kaohsiung was expected to be completed in 2014.
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