Organised by the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province and in co-ordination with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, the 2001 Shaanxi Investment and Trade Fair Hong Kong was held in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 27 to 30 June 2001.

The fair was the largest in scale and the widest in the scope of investment and trade that Shaanxi had ever held in overseas country upon the advent of the new century. Leaded by the Governor Mr Cheng Andong, the delegation consisted of 500 people and was accompanied by nearly 230 participating enterprises.

They had brought a total of 138 highlighted projects comprising energy industry, electricity, agriculture, water conservancy, tourist industry, infrastructure construction, environmental protection and industrial services. Spanned over 6,000 sq m, there were three distinguished sections: an investment promotion section, a commodities exhibition section and a culture relics exhibition section.

At the ‘Exhibition of the masterpieces of culture relics unearthed from Shaanxi’, 70 pieces (series) of cultural relics, among which 40% were displayed out of China for the first time. The illustrious terracotta figures of the Qin Empire were especially presented. In addition, visitors also got this golden opportunity to appreciate the frescoes of the Tang Dynasty and a large number of unearthed terracotta oxen, pigs and dogs from the Tomb of the Xi Han Emperor.

“The 1996 Shaanxi Investment and Trade Fair Hong Kong proved to be a resounding success. Contracted projects contributed to a total of US$700 million. We came back in 2001 and were glad that the fair was the largest Shaanxi–Hong Kong investment and trade fair in the new century.

The fair aimed to introduce Shaanxi’s economic development focusing the “Go West Program” to the rest of the world. We were confident that this year’s event would be a success and the best ever,” said Governor Cheng. As addressed by Mr Gao Yangshiu, Vice-chairman of the Shaanxi Planning Committee, 17 projects were confirmed which account to US$600 million and 18 projects would be contracted. Governor Cheng continued, “Hong Kong is a gateway between Mainland China and the world. It definitely acts as a facilitator to Shaanxi–world business.

” Up till now, Hong Kong ranks the top among all countries in Shaanxi’s investment. The “Go West Program” surely further enhances business opportunities between Shaanxi and Hong Kong and foreign investors.

With China’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Chinese enterprises will become more globalised. Situated in the hub of Asia, Hong Kong has a sophisticated transportation network and geographical advantage. With the offer of professional service and advice, Hong Kong takes up the role as ‘the gateway to the world’.

There will be increasing demand for business promotional activities between China and the world. HKCEC, a multi-functional facility with a pool of professional and dedicated management, is experienced in organising large-scale events. HKCEC is definitely the ideal venue for hosting different kinds of exhibitions, promotional activities and conventions.

The HKCEC is managed and operated by the HKCEC (Management) Ltd which is a member of New World Services Limited (“New World Services”).

As a subsidiary of New World Development Company Limited, New World Services embraces a diversified range of services and its businesses can be broadly grouped under 5 main divisions, namely facilities (Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd., Urban Property Management, and General Security), contracting (Hip Hing Construction, Young’s Engineering and Tridant Engineering), transport (First Bus and First Ferry), financial (Tai Fook Securities Group and New World Insurance), and environmental (Hong Kong Island Landscape).

New World Services builds on the collective strength of its companies to enhance quality of life and create a better environment for Hong Kong and Greater China.