Connect Marketplace Hong Kong 2026: A Catalyst for MICE Industry Growth and Global Collaboration

Speech by SCED at Opening Ceremony of Connect Marketplace Hong Kong 2026

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the Opening Ceremony of Connect Marketplace Hong Kong 2026 today (March 18):

Mr Michael Duck (Executive Vice President - Commercial Development of Informa Markets), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you today at the AsiaWorld-Expo for the opening of Connect Marketplace Hong Kong 2026. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, I extend our warmest welcome to all meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry leaders, innovators and professionals who have travelled from across the globe to be here.

My appreciation goes to Informa Markets for selecting Hong Kong once again to host this vibrant industry gathering for the second year. Connect Marketplace Hong Kong is more than a trade show or conference; it is a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a dynamic hub for forging partnerships, and a curated platform for discovering the future of the MICE industry.

The MICE industry is a cornerstone of Hong Kong's economy, drawing high-spending business visitors and spurring economic activities across multiple sectors. With our world-class infrastructure, strategic position as a regional business hub, and strong connectivity with both the Chinese Mainland and global markets, Hong Kong stands as your trusted partner and ideal platform for business growth.

We remain the region's premier convention and exhibition (C&E) centre of excellence. Over the past year, Hong Kong's two dedicated venues for mega C&E events, including AsiaWorld-Expo, have hosted over 360 C&E events, many of which are internationally renowned, attracting over 7.6 million local and international participants.

This year marks the beginning of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong in better integrating into and serving the overall national development, while consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. These national priorities also create strong momentum for the growth of Hong Kong's MICE industry, as international conventions and exhibitions play a vital role in facilitating trade, investment, innovation exchange and professional collaboration between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. In this regard, Hong Kong's role as an international business events hub will become even more important in bringing together global industries, ideas and opportunities.

To seize these opportunities, the Chief Executive will lead a cross-bureau and cross-departmental task force to proactively align Hong Kong's development with the 15th Five-Year Plan and, for the first time, formulate Hong Kong's five-year plan. The HKSAR Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the continued growth of our C&E industry. In the 2026-27 Budget, the Financial Secretary announced a new provision of $100 million to attract large-scale international exhibitions with new elements to Hong Kong. This forward-looking initiative will strengthen our global brand as a leading international C&E hub, reinforce our role as the preferred platform for showcasing both Chinese Mainland and international brands, and further drive high value-added economic activities.

All the industry leaders and friends here today are our important partners in this shared journey. As you explore new opportunities and chart the next chapter of business growth at this premier event, Hong Kong stands ready to be the home base for your vision. Let us continue to grow, innovate and shape the future of the MICE industry together. Thank you.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CJ expresses sorrow over passing of former NPJ Sir Anthony Frank Mason

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, today (March 18) expressed deep sadness over the passing of the Honourable Sir Anthony Frank Mason, GBM, former Non-Permanent Judge (NPJ) of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA).

"Sir Anthony, who served from 1997 to 2015 as one of the earliest NPJs drawn from another common law jurisdiction, was a steadfast pillar of the CFA since its inception. He sat on many of the Court's most significant constitutional cases during its formative years and authored some of its most important judgments. Beyond constitutional law, he also contributed substantially to the Court's jurisprudence in other important areas of law, leaving a lasting imprint on its early development. Through his judicial wisdom, integrity and international standing, he made an immeasurable contribution to establishing the Court's reputation as Hong Kong's apex court and to securing the confidence and trust of the community it serves. In recognition of his distinguished service to Hong Kong, he was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013," Chief Justice Cheung said.

Sir Anthony was born in Australia in 1925. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1951 and appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1964. In 1969, Sir Anthony was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where he sat as a member of the Court of Appeal until 1972. In 1972, he was appointed to the Bench of the High Court. From 1987 to 1995, he served as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1988.

"On behalf of the Judiciary, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Sir Anthony's family," Chief Justice Cheung said.

Source: AI-found images