Notice on Issuing the Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

All bureaus under the Executive Committee,

The Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has been approved upon deliberation at the session of the Executive Committee of the Cooperation Zone, and is hereby issued to you for your careful implementation. Should any issues arise during implementation, please promptly report them to the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone.

Economic Development Bureau of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

July 10, 2023

Normative Document No. 2/2023 of the Economic Development Bureau

Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

Article 1.

Purpose of the Measures

To implement the Master Plan for the Construction of Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (hereinafter referred to as the “Master Plan”) and create a exhibition platform with international influence, these Measures are hereby formulated in accordance with the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the “Master Plan”, and the Notice of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province on Issuing the Several Measures for Promoting the High-quality Development of the Convention and Exhibition Industry in Guangdong Province (No. 26 [2021] of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province), while also considering the actual circumstances of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (hereinafter referred to as the “Cooperation Zone”).

Article 2.

Definitions

For the purposes of these Measures, the following definitions apply:

1. “Exhibitions” refers to events that integrate product displays, technology and service presentations, sales channel expansion, brand promotion, and investment negotiations and exchanges. This definition excludes calligraphy and painting exhibitions, photography exhibitions, achievement exhibitions, trade fairs, and sales exhibitions;

2. “Total exhibition area” refers to the space directly used for exhibition events, excluding areas designated for catering, offices, storage, and goods loading and unloading;

3. “Venue rental” refers to the rent actually charged by the venue to the host for all areas directly used for exhibition activities, excluding rent for areas designated for catering, offices, storage, and goods loading and unloading;

4. “Promotion and advertising expenses” refers to the costs incurred for advertising the exhibition through domestic and international media channels, including newspapers, radio, television, outdoor media, and online media. These expenses shall be incurred within a period from nine months before the exhibition to one month after the exhibition;

5. “Exhibition stands” refers to structural units used for display at an exhibition;

6. “Number of exhibition stands” refers to the total net area of stands actually used under the exhibition contract, divided by 9 square meters per stand. For outdoor stands, the net area is multiplied by 0.5 for conversion;

7. “Flagship exhibitions” refers to exhibitions with a leading position and significant influence, where their name, logo, or a combination thereof creates a distinctive impression. These exhibitions shall also meet the grading criteria specified in the “Recognition Standards for Flagship Exhibitions” outlined in these Measures;

8. “Industry conferences” refers to conferences hosted or undertaken by provincial or higher-level industry associations, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, higher education institutions, mainstream industry media, or leading industry enterprises (including Fortune 500 companies, China’s Top 500 enterprises, the industry’s Top 100 enterprises, and central state-owned enterprises). The primary objective of these conferences is to facilitate economic, technological, and cultural exchanges, such as industry services and technical discussions. Industry conferences hosted or undertaken by leading industry enterprises do not include internal company meetings (e.g., annual meetings), partner conferences (e.g., distributor or supplier meetings), and training sessions, among others;

9. “International organizations” refer to international economic and academic organizations (including both intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations listed in the Yearbook of International Organizations). This includes, but is not limited to, World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Press Institute (IPI), International Telecommunication Satellite Organization (INTELSAT), and International Radio and Television Organization (IRTO);

10. “Key industries” refer to the industries prioritized for development under the Master Plan. These primarily include technological R&D and high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine and other Macao-branded industries, cultural tourism, exhibition and trade, and modern financial services;

11. “Convention and exhibition enterprises” refer to enterprises engaged in hosting, venue management, or service provision for conventions and exhibitions. Their main business revenue (over 50%) shall come from convention or exhibition-related activities. Among them:

(1) “Convention and exhibition enterprises engaged in hosting” refer to entities that serve as the hosts or undertakers of conventions or exhibitions;

(2) “Convention and exhibition enterprises engaged in venue management” refer to entities that own or have usage rights over permanent exhibition and convention venues of a certain scale (permanent buildings primarily used to host exhibition events) and provide supporting services with standardized service capabilities and professional management; and

(3) “Convention and exhibition enterprises engaged in service provision” refer to entities that provide services for conventions or exhibitions, including stand design and construction, exhibit transportation, and on-site event services, and excluding finance, insurance, catering, hotels, and travel agencies;

12. “Hosts” refer to organizations responsible for organizing, planning, and operating exhibitions, holding legal rights over the exhibition and assuming primary responsibility for the event;

13. “Undertakers” refer to entities entrusted by the hosts to handle the organization, planning, implementation, and management of exhibitions, also bearing primary financial responsibility for the event;

14. “Main business revenue” refers to the revenue stated in the audited financial statements of the previous year;

15. “Convention and exhibition enterprises in Macao with an affiliation to convention and exhibition enterprises in the Cooperation Zone” refer to enterprises that are legally established in Macao and pay taxes according to law (including but not limited to profits tax and business tax) or are legally tax-exempt. These enterprises shall meet one of the following conditions: more than 50% direct shareholding (excluding nominee holdings) by an enterprise in the Cooperation Zone, or more than 50% direct shareholding (excluding nominee holdings) in an enterprise in the Cooperation Zone;

16. “One Convention and Exhibition in Two Locations” refers to an event where a convention or an exhibition is jointly held in both the Cooperation Zone and Macao. The event schedule should generally overlap or differ by no more than one day between the two locations;

17. Unless otherwiase specified, the terms “at least”, “no fewer than”, “no less than”, “not more than”, “above”, “below”, “up to a maximum” shall be interpreted as inclusive of the stated value.

Article 3.

Subsidies for Newly Established Exhibitions

For the first edition of an exhibition newly established in the Cooperation Zone that meets certain requirements for total exhibition area and number of exhibition stands, and has no similar themed exhibitions in the Cooperation Zone, subsidies shall be provided as follows: 25% of venue rental costs, up to a maximum of RMB 200,000; 25% of promotion and advertising expenses, up to a maximum of RMB 100,000; and a subsidy of RMB 400 per exhibition stand, up to a maximum of RMB 400,000, based on the number of exhibition stands. The total subsidy for each edition of the same exhibition shall not exceed RMB 700,000.

If the exhibition is partially held in the Cooperation Zone, the total exhibition area shall be at least 3,000 square meters, and the number of exhibition stands shall be no fewer than 120. If the exhibition is partially held in Macao or Zhuhai, the total exhibition area shall be at least 5,000 square meters, and the number of exhibition stands shall be no fewer than 200.

Article 4.

Subsidies for Growing Exhibitions

For exhibitions established in the Cooperation Zone that have been held for at least one edition and are committed to being held for at least three consecutive editions, and that meet the specified requirements for total exhibition area and number of exhibition stands, as well as the grading criteria outlined in the “Recognition Standards for Growing Exhibitions” under these Measures, subsidies shall be provided as follows: 30% of venue rental costs, up to a maximum of RMB 400,000; 30% of promotion and advertising expenses, up to a maximum of RMB 300,000; and RMB 450 per exhibition stand, up to a maximum of RMB 700,000, based on the number of exhibition stands. The total subsidy for each edition shall not exceed RMB 1.4 million, with subsidies available for a maximum of three sessions.

Article 5.

Subsidies and Rewards for Flagship Exhibitions

Cultivation of Flagship Exhibitions. For exhibitions established in the Cooperation Zone, that have been successfully held for at least one edition and are committed to being held for at least three consecutive editions in the Cooperation Zone, with a total exhibition area of at least 10,000 square meters and no fewer than 400 exhibition stands, and that have been recognized as flagship exhibitions, a one-time reward of RMB 400,000 shall be granted in the same year the flagship exhibition recognition is obtained.

Introduction of Flagship Exhibitions. For exhibitions that have been recognized as flagship exhibitions, that have guiding significance for the development of key industries outlined in the Master Plan or possess strong influence and distinct branding, that have been successfully held for more than three editions in other regions or cities, and are committed to being held for at least three consecutive editions in the Cooperation Zone, with a total exhibition area of at least 10,000 square meters and no fewer than 400 exhibition stands, subsidies shall be provided for each edition as follows: 35% of venue rental costs (up to a maximum of RMB 500,000); 30% of promotion and advertising expenses (up to a maximum of RMB 400,000); and RMB 450 per exhibition stand (up to a maximum of RMB 800,000), based on the number of exhibition stands. The total subsidy for each edition shall not exceed RMB 1.7 million, with subsidies available for a maximum of two editions.

In addition to the support specified in the first and second paragraphs of this Article, the hosts or undertakers of exhibitions recognized as “flagship exhibitions” may also receive assistance from the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone before the next edition of the event is held. Specific support includes: recommendations for social and exhibition venues; introductions to relevant institutions and suppliers; provision of tourism materials and welcome kits; publicity of exhibition information on the Cooperation Zone’s official website; assistance in coordinating with relevant government departments in the Cooperation Zone and Macao; provision of promotional videos, maps, and brochures of the Cooperation Zone and Macao; and arrangement of special welcoming events. The specific assistance shall be determined based on the circumstances of each project.

Article 6.

Subsidies for Industry Conferences

For industry conferences with at least 200 attendees and a minimum of 300 room nights for hotel accommodation, a subsidy shall be provided at a rate of RMB 80 per room night. The total subsidy for each conference shall not exceed RMB 550,000.

For industry conferences that meet the criteria in the preceding paragraph and are hosted or organized by national or international industry associations, chambers of commerce, or academic institutions, a subsidy shall be provided at a rate of RMB 100 per room night. The total subsidy for each conference shall not exceed RMB 700,000.

Article 7.

Subsidies for International Conferences

For international conferences that are certified by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), or those with attendees from more than five countries or regions (including Macao, Hong Kong, and Taiwan regions) or international organizations, with at least 200 attendees and where at least 20% of the attendees are from outside the Chinese mainland, a subsidy shall be provided at a rate of RMB 200 per room night for hotel accommodation. The total subsidy for each conference shall not exceed RMB 800,000.

For international conferences that meet the criteria in the preceding paragraph and are hosted or organized by national or international industry associations, chambers of commerce, or academic institutions, a subsidy shall be provided at a rate of RMB 250 per room night for hotel accommodation. The total subsidy for each conference shall not exceed RMB 1 million.

A participant holding multiple national (regional) or international organization identities shall be counted as belonging to only one country (region) or international organization.

Article 8.

Subsidies for “Conference-Driven Exhibition” Projects

For “Conference-Driven Exhibition” projects with more than 3,000 participants, where residents from the Cooperation Zone, Macao, and Zhuhai collectively constitute no more than 20% of the total attendees, with at least 3,000 room nights for hotel accommodation, and featuring a concurrent exhibition with a total exhibition area of at least 3,000 square meters and no fewer than 120 exhibition stands, a subsidy of RMB 300 per exhibition stand shall be provided in addition to the conference project subsidy. The total subsidy for each project under this item shall not exceed RMB 400,000.

Article 9.

Subsidies for Convention and Exhibition Cooperation Projects in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

For convention and exhibition projects jointly hosted by convention and exhibition enterprises in the Cooperation Zone and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, where the total exhibition area and the number of exhibition stands meet certain requirements, a subsidy shall be provided covering 30% of venue rental costs (up to RMB 300,000) and 30% of promotion and advertising expenses (up to RMB 200,000). In addition, a subsidy of RMB 420 per exhibition stand shall be provided, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 500,000 for this item. The total subsidy for each edition shall not exceed RMB 1 million, and subsidies shall be provided for a maximum of two editions.

For industry conferences held in the Cooperation Zone, jointly organized by convention and exhibition enterprises from the Cooperation Zone and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with at least 200 attendees and at least 300 room nights for hotel accommodation, a subsidy shall be provided at a rate of RMB 100 per room night. The total subsidy for each project shall not exceed RMB 700,000.

If the conference is hosted or organized by a national or international industry association, chamber of commerce, or academic institution, a subsidy shall be provided at a rate of RMB 120 per room night. The total subsidy for each conference shall not exceed RMB 850,000.

Article 10.

Subsidies for Key Industry Convention and Exhibition Projects

For newly established exhibitions, growing exhibitions, industry conferences, international conferences, “Conference-Driven Exhibition” projects, and convention and exhibition cooperation projects in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area that align with the key industries encouraged for development under the Master Plan, the subsidy amount may be increased by up to 30% of the original subsidy amount as specified in the relevant regulations.

Article 11.

Reward for International Certification of Convention and Exhibition Projects

For convention and exhibition projects in the Cooperation Zone that receive first-time certification from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) or the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a one-time reward of RMB 200,000 shall be granted.

Article 12.

Subsidies for the “One Convention and Exhibition in Two Locations” Model

For convention and exhibition projects recognized by the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone as meeting the “One Convention and Exhibition in Two Locations” innovative model, the subsidy may be increased by 20% on top of the subsidies outlined in Articles 3 to 9, provided the project meets the application criteria for the year. Applications for this subsidy shall be submitted together with other subsidy applications for convention or exhibition projects. Standalone applications shall not be accepted.

For “One Exhibition in Two Locations” projects, if the main exhibition is held in the Cooperation Zone, the exhibition shall have a total area of at least 3,000 square meters and at least 120 exhibition stands in the Cooperation Zone, while in Macao, the exhibition shall have a total area of at least 1,500 square meters and at least 60 exhibition stands; and if the main exhibition is held in Macao, the exhibition shall have a total area of at least 5,000 square meters and at least 200 exhibition stands in Macao, while in the Cooperation Zone, the exhibitions shall have a total area of at least 1,000 square meters and at least 40 exhibition stands.

For “One Convention in Two Locations” projects, the conventions held in both the Cooperation Zone and Macao shall each have at least 200 attendees.

For “One Convention, One Exhibition” projects, if the convention is held in the Cooperation Zone, the convention shall have at least 200 attendees, and the exhibition in Macao shall have a total area of at least 1,500 square meters and at least 60 exhibition stands; and if the exhibition is held in the Cooperation Zone, the exhibition shall have a total area of at least 3,000 square meters and at least 120 exhibition stands, while the convention in Macao shall have at least 200 attendees.

Article 13.

Subsidies for Coordinated Convention and Exhibition Events in Two Locations

For tourism or festival events held in the Cooperation Zone as an extension of conventions and exhibitions held in Macao, with a duration of at least one and a half days or at least 50 participants, a subsidy shall be provided for accommodation and local transportation expenses based on the actual conditions of the event. The accommodation subsidy shall be granted at a rate of RMB 80 per room night, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 50,000. The local transportation subsidy shall cover 50% of actual expenses, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 20,000.

The events declared by the applicant shall be related to convention and exhibition activities, and the applicant shall be the same organization as the host of the related convention and exhibition events. Standalone tourism or festival events shall not be eligible for this subsidy.

Article 14.

Rewards for Settlement of Convention and Exhibition Enterprises

For convention and exhibition enterprises that are newly established or relocated to the Cooperation Zone, and have hosted at least one convention or exhibition event in the Cooperation Zone during the application year, a one-time reward of RMB 200,000 shall be granted when their main business revenue exceeds RMB 5 million for the first time. A one-time reward of RMB 300,000 shall be granted when their prime operating revenue exceeds RMB 10 million for the first time. The reward amount shall be determined based on the highest reward standard the enterprise qualifies for at the time of application, and duplicate rewards shall not be granted.

Article 15.

Rewards for the Development of Existing Convention and Exhibition Enterprises

For convention and exhibition enterprises with an annual main business revenue of at least RMB 5 million and a year-on-year growth of at least 10% compared to the previous year, which have hosted at least one convention or exhibition event in the Cooperation Zone during the application year, a reward shall be granted based on 1% of their main business revenue related to convention and exhibition activities. The maximum reward amount for each convention and exhibition enterprise shall not exceed RMB 800,000 per year.

Article 16.

Reward for International Certification of Convention and Exhibition Enterprises

For convention and exhibition enterprises that receive first-time certification from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) or the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a one-time reward of RMB 200,000 shall be granted.

Article 17.

Rewards for Convention and Exhibition Industrial Parks

Industrial parks with a total construction area of at least 10,000 square meters, housing more than 10 phisically registered convention and exhibition enterprises , and and where the total annual main business revenue of the convention and exhibition enterprises within the statistical scope reaches RMB 50 million for the first time, shall be recognized as convention and exhibition industrial parks in the Cooperation Zone, and a one-time reward of RMB 1 million shall be granted to the park operators.

For industrial parks that have received the above recognition, where the total annual main business revenue of the settled convention and exhibition enterprises has increased by at least 10% compared to the previous year and is no less than the industry growth rate, and where the parks commit to providing rent discounts and special facilitation services for local convention and exhibition enterprises after receiving the reward, a management reward of RMB 300,000 shall be granted to the park operators.

Article 18.

Subsidies for Organizing Convention and Exhibition Training Programs

For high-end convention and exhibition talent training programs held in the Cooperation Zone, which are filed with the Cooperation Zone Economic Development Bureau and jointly organized by convention and exhibition industry organizations or professional training institutions registered in the Cooperation Zone, together with authoritative convention and exhibition organizations such as the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), a subsidy shall be granted to cover 80% of the actual expenses incurred for venue rental, instructor fees, training promotion, material printing, and training program licensing fees. The maximum subsidy amount shall not exceed RMB 250,000 per event.

The training programs submitted by the host organization shall be non-degree programs. If a training program consists of multiple modules, the period between the start date of the first module and the end date of the last module shall not exceed twelve months.

Article 19.

Subsidies for Convention and Exhibition Professional Talent Training

Full-time employees of convention and exhibition enterprises in the Cooperation Zone who participate in training programs related to convention and exhibition may, upon obtaining the relevant qualification or course certificate, receive a subsidy covering 50% of the actual training fees paid. The maximum subsidy per individual shall not exceed RMB 8,000. Each individual may apply for this subsidy only once.

Full-time employees of convention and exhibition enterprises in Macao with an affiliation to convention and exhibition enterprises in the Cooperation Zone may also apply for the subsidy under these provisions. However, those who have already received the “Sponsored Personnel Attending Training Courses or Examinations” subsidy under Macao’s Stimulation Programme for Professional Training and Education in the Convention and Exhibition Sector in the same application year shall not be eligible.

Employees applying for the subsidy shall have signed a full-time employment contract with their employer, and the contract shall remain valid when the subsidy application is approved. At the time of application, the applicant shall have continuously paid social insurance and individual income tax in the Cooperation Zone for at least six months (for full-time employees of convention and exhibition enterprises in Macao with an affiliation to convention and exhibition enterprises in the Cooperation Zone, occupation tax shall be paid. However, retirees who have been rehired, foreigners, and employees from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions are not required to pay social insurance).

This subsidy is subject to a quota limit: for every five full-time employees in a Cooperation Zone convention and exhibition enterprise, one subsidy slot is available; and for every ten full-time employees in a convention and exhibition enterprise in Macao with an affiliation to a convention and exhibition enterprise in the Cooperation Zone, one subsidy slot is available.

The training programs submitted by convention and exhibition enterprises for their full-time employees shall be non-degree programs and shall not include internal training organized by the applicants themselves. If a training program consists of multiple modules, the period between the start date of the first module and the end date of the last module shall not exceed twelve months. The training program organizers shall be associations in the convention and exhibition industry or professional organizations such as chambers of commerce, societies, or research institutes, with a business scope that includes “training”. The training programs shall be widely recognized within the convention and exhibition industry.

The subsidized training expenses shall only include the training registration fee, training fee, and certification fee. Other expenses, such as travel and accommodation, shall not be covered.

Article 20.

Subsidies for Smart Application in Convention and Exhibition Projects

For convention and exhibition projects that adopt an integrated online-offline development model by applying one or more smart technologies, such as 5G communication, 3D lightweight display, VR technology, cloud computing, big data, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, a one-time subsidy shall be granted, covering up to 45% of the expenses related to smart technology investments in the project. The maximum subsidy amount shall not exceed RMB 300,000.

Applications for this subsidy shall be submitted together with the subsidy applications for exhibition projects under Articles 3 to 5. Standalone applications shall not be accepted.

Article 21.

Subsidies for Green and Low-Carbon Conventions and Exhibitions

For conventions and exhibitions where more than 50% of the exhibition stands (calculated based on net stand area) comply with the relevant standards of the “Evaluation Guidelines for Green Booth” (GB/T 41129-2021), a one-time subsidy of RMB 100,000 shall be granted.

Applications for this subsidy shall be submitted together with the subsidy applications for exhibition projects under Articles 3 to 5. Standalone applications shall not be accepted.

Article 22.

Application Requirements

For projects applying for support under Articles 3 to 5 and Article 8 of these Measures, the exhibition title shall include “Hengqin”. If, due to limitations in exhibition venue area, hardware, or other conditions, the exhibition cannot be held in the Cooperation Zone, it may be held in Macao or Zhuhai. For exhibitions held in Zhuhai, all other events besides the exhibition (including conferences, forums, seminars, exhibition-related tourism, and other events organized by the host) shall be held in the Cooperation Zone. For exhibitions held in Macao, such other events (including conferences, forums, seminars, exhibition-related tourism, and other events organized by the host) may be held either in Macao or the Cooperation Zone.

Applicants applying for support under Articles 3 to 21 of these Measures shall comply with the substantial operation conditions outlined in the Rules for Determining the Substantive Operations of Enterprises in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin (Normative Document No. 2/2023 of the Executive Committee). Applicants applying for support under Articles 3 to 13, Article 18, and Articles 20 to 21 shall be the hosts or undertakers of the relevant convention and exhibition events or training programs. Applicants applying for support under Article 19 of these Measures, if they are convention and exhibition enterprises in Macao with an affiliation to convention and exhibition enterprises in the Cooperation Zone, shall be exempt from the substantive operation conditions.

Applicants shall not be eligible to apply for awards or subsidies under these Measures if, during the application year or the preceding year, any of the following circumstances exists:

1. The applicants have been included in the list of dishonest persons on Credit China; and

2. The applicant has received administrative penalties for violating laws, regulations, or rules related to work safety, market regulation, environmental protection, fire safety, and taxation, among others, during business operations, and such penalties are subject to hearings as stipulated in the Implementation Measures for Administrative Penalty Hearing Procedures in Guangdong Province.

If multiple eligible hosts or undertakers exist for the same support project, the relevant entities shall negotiate among themselves and designate one entity as the applicant for submission.

Article 23.

Application Procedures

The application procedures are as follows:

1. Application: The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will publish the support fund application guidelines annually and organizes relevant entities to carry out the application process based on actual circumstances. Applicants shall complete the application form and submit the required documents in accordance with these Measures and the requirements outlined in the relevant application guidelines;

2. Acceptance: The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will conduct an initial review of the application materials: applications that do not meet the acceptance criteria will not be accepted; if the application materials are incomplete, the Economic Development Bureau will notify the applicants of any missing documents, which shall be supplemented accordingly; and applications that meet the acceptance criteria and have complete documentation will be accepted;

3. Review: The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will organize a review panel or commission a third-party professional institution to assess the authenticity and validity of the application materials and, in conjunction with on-site inspections, reaches a review conclusion;

4. Fund Determination: Based on the review conclusion, the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will determine the support fund allocation plan;

5. Public Announcement: The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will publicly announce the proposed list of recipients and the corresponding funding amounts on the Cooperation Zone’s official website for seven working days;

6. Funds Disbursement: If no objections are raised during the public announcement period or if objections are found to be unsubstantiated upon investigation, the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will disburse the funds in accordance with the regulations.

Convention and exhibition projects require the following pre-procedures:

1. Filing: Applicants shall submit the project filing form, application authorization letter, project planning scheme, and budget to the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone for filing at least one month prior to the holding of the convention and exhibition projects;

2. On-Site Verification: Applicants shall apply to the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone for on-site verification at least five working days prior to the holding of the convention and exhibition projects, using the project filing form. The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will dispatch verification personnel to the project site during the event for on-site verification. Upon completion of the verification, both the verification personnel and the applicant’s representative shall sign and confirm the verification report on-site (in duplicate).

Article 24.

Applicable Rules

Unless otherwise provided by law, enjoying the relevant policies under these Measures shall not preclude applicants from applying for and receiving policy support and incentives at the national or Guangdong provincial level.

Where the provisions of these Measures overlap with each other, or these Measures overlap with other existing Cooperation Zone policies (including those carried over from the former Hengqin New Area), the principle of applying the more favourable or of a higher standard provisions shall prevail, unless otherwise specified.

Applicants who have already applied for and received the Rewards for the Development of Existing Convention and Exhibition Enterprises shall not be eligible to apply for the Rewards for Settlement of Convention and Exhibition Enterprises in subsequent years. However, if applicants have applied for and received the Rewards for Settlement of Convention and Exhibition Enterprises in the current year, they may apply for the Rewards for the Development of Existing Convention and Exhibition Enterprises in the following year.

For flagship exhibition projects established within the Cooperation Zone, the Rewards for Flagship Exhibitions may only be applied for once. However, if, in the same year, the applicant also meets the eligibility criteria for the Subsidies for Growing Exhibitions, these rewards may be obtained concurrently.

Article 25.

Source of Funds

Funds required for these Measures shall be managed through budget control and allocated annually from the special funds budget of the Cooperation Zone.

Exhibition projects procured by the government shall not be eligible for any subsidies or rewards provided under these Measures.

Article 26.

Supervision of Funds

Applicants shall be responsible for the authenticity and legality of the application materials. If false materials are provided to fraudulently obtain support funds, once verified: the applicant shall be disqualified from applying for support under these Measures again; and if support funds have already been received, the applicant shall return the funds, with interest calculated at the current Loan Prime Rate (LPR). Applicants suspected of violating the law or engaging in criminal activity shall be referred to the competent authorities for legal action.

All subsidies and rewards under these Measures are based on pre-tax standards. Recipients of support funds, whether organizations or individuals, shall fulfill their tax obligations in accordance with relevant regulations.

Applicants who have received support funds and are registered in the Cooperation Zone shall commit not to relocating out of the Cooperation Zone and not reducing their paid-in capital. This commitment shall remain in effect for ten years from the date of receipt of the final support fund. If an applicant fails to comply, they shall return the support funds received.

Applicants shall not apply for exhibition-specific funds in both the Cooperation Zone and Zhuhai for the same project, or for exhibition-specific funds in both the Cooperation Zone and Macao for the same cost type of the same project (e.g., venue rental, hotel accommodation), unless otherwise specified. Any violation shall result in recovery of the issued support funds by the Cooperation Zone and disqualification from applying for any related subsidies or rewards under these Measures.

If an applicant fails to fulfill their written commitment, they shall not be eligible to apply for any related subsidies or rewards under these Measures. If an applicant has already applied but is found to be non-compliant, the Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone will not disburse the funds.

Article 27.

Interpretative Authority

The Economic Development Bureau of the Cooperation Zone reserves the right to interpret these Measures.

Article 28.

Implementation Date and Validity Period

These Measures shall come into force on January 01, 2023, and remain in force until December 31, 2025.

Annexes:

1. Recognition Standards for Growing Exhibitions under the Special Funds of the Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

2. Recognition Standards for Flagship Exhibitions under the Special Funds of the Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

Annex 1:

Recognition Standards for Growing Exhibitions under the Special Funds of the Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

Note: The overall score for a growing exhibition shall be at least 60 points.

Primary Indicators	Maximum Score	Secondary Indicators	Maximum Score	Criteria and Score Calculation
Exhibition Scale	42	Total Exhibition Area	10	If the total exhibition area is ≥ 3,000 m², 5 points are awarded for the first 3,000 m², with an additional 1 point for every extra 1,000 m².
		Number of Successfully Held Previous Editions	2	If the number of previous editions is ≥ 1, 1 point is awarded for the first edition, with an additional 1 point for each subsequent edition.
		Number of Standard Exhibition Stands	10	If the number of standard exhibition stands is ≥ 120, 5 points are awarded for the first 120 stands, with an additional 1 point for every 100 extra stands.
		Number of Exhibitors	10	If the number of exhibitors is ≥ 15, 5 points are awarded for the first 15 exhibitors, with an additional 1 point for every extra 5 exhibitors.
		Number of Visitors	10	If the number of visitors is ≥ 1,000, 5 points are awarded for the first 1,000 visitors, with an additional 1 point for every extra 500 visitors.
Exhibition Quality	28	Proportion of Custom-designed Stands in the Exhibition	10	If the proportion of custom-designed stands is ≥ 5%, 5 points are awarded for the first 5%, with an additional 1 point for every extra 3%.
		Proportion of Exhibitors Outside the Chinese Mainland	5	If the proportion of exhibitors from outside the Chinese mainland (excluding Macao) is ≥ 5%, 2 points are awarded for the first 5%, with an additional 1 point for every extra 3%.
		Number of Exhibiting Domestic and Overseas Listed Companies	5	If one domestic or overseas listed company exhibits, 1 point is awarded, with an additional 1 point for each extra company.
		Exhibitor Retention Rate	5	If exhibitors from the previous edition account for 5% of the current exhibitors, 1 point is awarded for the first 5%, with an additional 1 point for every extra 5%.
		Number of Professional Forums or Events	3	If at least one professional forum or event aligns with the exhibition theme, 1 point is awarded.
Brand Building	18	Promotion and Advertising	8	If the promotion investment reaches RMB 200,000, 1 point is awarded, with an additional 1 point for every extra RMB 100,000.
		Number of Promotional Media	3	If two promotional media are used, 1 point is awarded, with 0.5 points for each additional medium.
		Brand Reputation	3	3 points are awarded for receiving national-level honors, good credit information, or The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) certification within the past 3 years; 2 points are awarded for receiving provincial-level honors or good credit information within the past 3 years; and 1 point is awarded for receiving municipal-level honors or good credit information within the past 3 years.
		Number of Sponsors	2	If there is one sponsor, 1 point is awarded, with 0.5 points for each additional sponsor.
		Intellectual Property Protection	2	If an intellectual property protection agency is present on-site during the exhibition, 2 points are awarded.
Others	12	Industry Relevance or Influence	12	If the exhibition’s primary industry aligns with the key industries outlined in the Master Plan, contributes to the development of key industries, or possesses strong influence and distinct recognition, 12 points are awarded.
Bonus Points	15	Previous Exhibition Scale	5	If the exhibition has been successfully held at least once and has a scale of at least 10,000 m², 5 points are awarded.
		Promotion of Industry Clusters	5	If at least one investment promotion event, such as an investment matchmaking event or site visit, is organized during the exhibition, 2 points are awarded, with 1 additional point for each extra event.
		Promotion of Trade	5	If on-site sales reach at least RMB 1 million during the exhibition, 2 points are awarded, with 1 additional point for every extra RMB 500,000 in sales.

Annex 2:

Recognition Standards for Flagship Exhibitions under the Special Funds of the Measures for Supporting the Convention and Exhibition Industry Development in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin

Note: The overall score for a flagship exhibition shall be at least 65 points.

Primary Indicators	Maximum Score	Secondary Indicators	Maximum Score	Criteria and Score Calculation
Exhibition Scale	42	Total Exhibition Area	10	If the total exhibition area is ≥ 10,000 m², 5 points are awarded for the first 10,000 m², with an additional 1 point for every extra 1,000 m².
		Number of Successfully Held Previous Editions	2	Introducing a Flagship Exhibition: If the exhibition has been held for ≥ 3 times, 1 point is awarded for 3 editions, with 1 additional point for each extra edition. Cultivating a Flagship Exhibition: If the exhibition has been held at least once, 1 point is awarded for the first edition, with 1 additional point for each extra edition.
		Number of Standard Exhibition Stands	10	If the number of standard exhibition stands is ≥ 400, 5 points are awarded for the first 400 stands, with an additional 1 point for every 100 extra stands.
		Number of Exhibitors	10	If the number of exhibitors is ≥ 30, 5 points are awarded for the first 30 exhibitors, with an additional 1 point for every extra 10 exhibitors.
		Number of Visitors	10	If the number of visitors is ≥ 2,000, 5 points are awarded for the first 2,000 visitors, with an additional 1 point for every extra 1,000 visitors.
Exhibition Quality	28	Proportion of Custom-designed Stands in the Exhibition	10	If the proportion of custom-designed stands is ≥ 10%, 5 points are awarded for the first 10%, with an additional 1 point for every extra 5%.
		Proportion of Exhibitors Outside the Chinese Mainland	5	If the proportion of exhibitors from outside the Chinese mainland (excluding Macao) is ≥ 10%, 2 points are awarded for the first 10%, with an additional 1 point for every extra 5%.
		Number of Exhibiting Domestic and Overseas Listed Companies	5	If one domestic or overseas listed company exhibits, 1 point is awarded, with an additional 1 point for each extra company.
		Exhibitor Retention Rate	5	If exhibitors from the previous edition account for 5% of the current exhibitors, 1 point is awarded for the first 5%, with an additional 1 point for every extra 5%.
		Number of Professional Forums or Events	3	If at least one professional forum or event aligns with the exhibition theme, 1 point is awarded.
Brand Building	18	Promotion and Advertising	8	If the promotion investment reaches RMB 200,000, 1 point is awarded, with an additional 1 point for every extra RMB 100,000.
		Number of Promotional Media	3	If two promotional media are used, 1 point is awarded, with 0.5 points for each additional medium.
		Brand Reputation	3	3 points are awarded for receiving national-level honors, good credit information, or The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) certification within the past 3 years; 2 points are awarded for receiving provincial-level honors or good credit information within the past 3 years; and 1 point is awarded for receiving municipal-level honors or good credit information within the past 3 years.
		Number of Sponsors	2	If there is one sponsor, 1 point is awarded, with 0.5 points for each additional sponsor.
		Intellectual Property Protection	2	If an intellectual property protection agency is present on-site during the exhibition, 2 points are awarded.
Others	12	Industry Relevance or Influence	12	If the exhibition’s primary industry aligns with the key industries outlined in the Master Plan, contributes to the development of key industries, or possesses strong influence and distinct recognition, 12 points are awarded.
Bonus Points	15	Previous Exhibition Scale	5	If the exhibition has been successfully held at least three times in other cities and has a scale of at least 30,000 m², 5 points are awarded.
		Promotion of Industry Clusters	5	If at least one investment promotion event, such as an investment matchmaking event or site visit, is organized during the exhibition, 2 points are awarded, with 1 additional point for each extra event.
		Promotion of Trade	5	If on-site sales reach at least RMB 1 million during the exhibition, 2 points are awarded, with 1 additional point for every extra RMB 500,000 in sales.