Asia-Pacific is a rising star of the global exhibition and convention industry, despite the global economic downturn, a Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA, 外貿協會) official said yesterday.
Eighteen of the 21 international trade shows and conventions that have been held in Taiwan saw increases in the numbers of participants and visitors, TAITRA secretary-general Chao Yuen-
chuan (趙永全) said at the opening of the Asian Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) forum in Taipei.
Taiwan can serve as a good venue and platform for various mega events, he added.
Taiwan has seen its ranking at the International Congress and Convention Association improve from 35th in 2008 to 27th last year, with the economic value of its MICE industry reaching NT$8.7 billion (US$296.32 million), Ministry of Economic Affairs statistics showed.
Citing a survey provided by UFI, the association of the world’s leading trade show organizers and fairground owners, Chao said that exhibition venues in the Asia-Pacific region are on the rise, while those in other areas are dropping.
Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific accounted for 48 percent, 24 percent and 20 percent of the global exhibition venues last year, compared with 50 percent, 26 percent and 16 percent respectively in 2006, the survey showed.
The two-day event coincided with this year’s Taiwan Exhibition and Convention Industry Show, which runs until tomorrow. This year, EXCO Taiwan has attracted nearly 90 exhibitors, occupying more than 220 booths.
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