CEDB Concludes Successful ISRE 2.0, Supporting Over 110 International Exhibitions in Hong Kong

ISRE 2.0 concludes in end-April

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) announced today (May 29) the conclusion of the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions (ISRE) 2.0 in end-April.

By providing venue rental incentives to attract both new and recurrent large-scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong, ISRE 2.0 has supported more than 110 international exhibitions from its launch in July last year to its conclusion, covering different industries and themes such as electronics, jewellery, and arts. These exhibitions have brought in a significant number of exhibitors and buyers, benefitting the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry and generating positive effects for the economy as a whole.

A CEDB spokesman expressed gratitude to the C&E industry for its strong support for and encouraging response to ISRE 2.0, as well as to the operators of the four specified venues for the scheme, namely, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, AsiaWorld-Expo, the Central Harbourfront Event Space, and the West Kowloon Cultural District, for their active collaboration with the Government in planning and implementing the scheme.

Since 2020, the Government has allocated over $3.1 billion to implement various support measures for the C&E industry, including the launch of the ISRE in 2023 and ISRE 2.0 in 2025 to provide venue rental incentives to attract local and international exhibitions of different scales to be staged recurrently in Hong Kong. Over 330 exhibitions were supported by the above schemes.

Looking ahead, the Government is committed to continuing its close co-operation with all stakeholders to further elevate Hong Kong's status as a world-class international C&E hub and the first-choice brand-building platform.

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs today (May 29) seized 153 turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $1.58 million.

Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species concealed in the socks inside the paper boxes.

The batch of turtles was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases