More efforts should be made to develop the exhibition and convention industry, Chen Da, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) made a suggestion to the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, which just concluded in Beijing.

Chen, who is also a manager at Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co Ltd, said that the exhibition industry is an important part of the modern service industry and effectively helps drive the economy.

Chen also said that the exhibition industry is an indicator of industrial development and can promote internal circulation.

An action plan aimed at boosting economic growth issued by the Shanghai government at the beginning of this year stated that the city will support the recovery of the exhibition industry, which has injected much confidence into the sector, added Chen.

She predicted that the number of exhibitions and conventions held in Shanghai this year will recover to about 80 percent of that in 2019.

The latest Government Work Report delivered on March 5 mentioned that China in 2022 made full use of major trade fairs such as the China International Import Expo to stabilize its foreign trade. This serves as another proof of expos' social and economic significance.

Source: China Trade News, People's Daily

By Zhao Guangmei