Press Release - July 29, 2002

Canadian businesses are invited to submit expression of interest (EoI) for the development of an International Exhibition Centre at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

"The building of the new International Exhibition Centre will further put Hong Kong in an even stronger position to capture the growing international exhibition business," said Mrs Rosanna Ure, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Canada).

"Hong Kong is the prime destination for major international exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, and we call for Canadian businesses to take part in this infrastructure project that will bring handsome dividend in the long run and give the company concerned an international reputation in the exhibition industry," she added.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government are seeking a joint venture partner with extensive experience in developing and operating exhibition centres of an international standard. The centre will be built on a prime 17-hectare waterfront site in the northeast corner of the airport island.

The centre will be a key development in the first phase of SkyCity, the 57-hectare commercial complex that the AA is developing. In addition to its proximity to the airport, other multi-modal transport connections to the centre will include a new Airport Express station at its front door with trains connecting to Central Hong Kong in 24 minutes, a proposed cross-boundary ferry terminal serving the Pearl River Delta, and speedy transportation links connecting the airport commercial districts to neighbouring Tung Chung. Parking will be available for about 1,600 cars. The centre will also enjoy sea access for exhibits arriving by ship. The HKSAR Government is prepared to inject up to C$0.4 billion into the venture.

While the market would determine the final configuration of the centre, it is expected to have a usable floor space of up to 100,000 square metres and make full use of its location to host large exhibitions such as international car and boat shows, construction and engineering equipment expos, and other major trade fairs. It will also be an alternative indoor venue for sports tournaments, concerts and other events.

AA Commercial Director Mr Hans Bakker said the exhibition centre would enhance both HKIA's status as an international aviation hub and that of Hong Kong as one of the world's leading venues for conventions and exhibitions.

"This premier multipurpose facility will help establish SkyCity as a destination in its own right. We expect the opening phase to be ready in time for the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland. With our connections to Macau and the Pearl River Delta, the centre will be able to offer many attractions to many types of business visitors, as well as their families."

Deadline for the EoI submissions is midnight, 9 October 2002. The tender would be issued by the end of the year. For details on Invitation for Expressions of Interest, please visit: http://www.hkairport.com/eng/corporate/corporate.htm

For more information, please contact:
Elison Chu, Senior Information Officer, [email protected].