Photo: Nanfang Plus
Hengqin has rolled out a revised support policy for its convention and exhibition sector, aiming to strengthen coordination with Macao and accelerate the development of a cross-border Meetings, Conferences and Exhibitions hub.
The updated measures, released on January 28, expand subsidy coverage across the full event cycle, with 17 categories covering exhibitions, conferences, participation support, talent training and corporate development. Funding caps have been raised and implementation rules clarified to improve policy uptake.
A key feature is the "one exhibition, two locations" model, which allows a single event to be staged across both the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Eligible projects can receive an additional 30% subsidy on top of standard exhibition or conference support. For qualifying large-scale events, combined incentives can exceed RMB 2 million. Transport costs between Hengqin and Macao may also be subsidized, while events with significant participation from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries are eligible for extra incentives.
The policy offers tiered subsidies for conferences, ranging from RMB 400 to RMB 800 per participant depending on scale and type, with industry and international conferences eligible for support of up to RMB 1 million. Exhibition companies with annual revenue above RMB 10 million can receive cash rewards, while firms achieving more than 10% year-on-year growth may qualify for additional incentives linked to their event-related income.
Further measures support talent training, covering up to 80% of eligible costs, as well as digital exhibitions and low-carbon practices, including incentives for smart technologies, green exhibition spaces and carbon-neutral certification.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
