The seventh China International Import Expo is set to take place from Nov 5 to 10. [Photo/ciie.org]

The Shanghai Municipal Government has announced a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the city's exhibition economy and its impact on various sectors. Effective from Aug 1, 2024, to Dec 31, 2025, these measures aim to attract new exhibitions, support large-scale events, and promote cross-industry collaboration.

Key initiatives include financial incentives that will attract internationally renowned exhibitions, with up to 2 million yuan ($0.28 million) available for new international exhibitions in Shanghai, particularly those ranked among the world's top 100 trade shows or certified by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI).

To support large-scale exhibitions, tiered financial assistance will be provided based on event size and timing. Exhibitions with a display area of 50,000 square meters or a daily attendance of 50,000 people can receive up to 500,000 yuan in financial aid. Larger events exceeding 100,000 square meters or 100,000 daily attendees are eligible for up to 1 million yuan in subsidies.

The measures also prioritize improving exhibition quality and efficiency. Exhibitions exceeding 50,000 square meters in Shanghai venues, with organizers demonstrating efforts to enhance influence and implement safety measures, will receive up to 250,000 yuan in support.

To streamline services, the city has launched the "Shanghai Exhibition Assistant" WeChat mini program, a one-stop platform offering standard and customized services for organizers, exhibitors, and visitors.

Security and orderliness in exhibition events will be ensured through a coordination mechanism led by the city's commerce and public security departments. This will involve early intervention in crowd control, transportation, schedule coordination, and security measures for high-profile events.

The measures also outline plans to integrate commerce, tourism, culture, sports, and exhibitions. They will also encourage collaboration between consumer-oriented exhibitions and major festivals. Key projects will involve cooperation between exhibition organizers and commercial entities like shopping malls and e-commerce platforms.

Regional leadership will play a crucial role in implementing these measurements, with Pudong New Area offering discounts to exhibition visitors during major events and Hongqiao International Central Business District hosting impactful themed activities to attract businesses and organizations.

Additionally, efforts will be made to attract high-quality exhibitions and related events. City and district-level commerce departments, exhibition venues, and service providers are set to offer tailored support and attract renowned exhibition companies, projects, and high-level conferences to the city.

Furthermore, the policy seeks to foster cooperation with international organizations such as the UFI and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. It will also host high-level industry events to promote Shanghai's business environment and attract global expertises, establishing Shanghai as a leading global exhibition hub.

Sources: shanghai.gov.cn, "scofcom" WeChat account