China’s pivot from zero-Covid sets the stage for Boao Forum for Asia and 19th Asian Games

Name: Shanghai hospitals overwhelmed as Covid cases spike
Uploaded: 2023-01-06T23:00:16.000Z
Duration: 1 min 43 s
Description: Shanghai hospitals overwhelmed as Covid cases spike

Numerous sports and trade events are expected to go ahead this year after being postponed, scaled down or held online since the pandemic began

The Boao Forum, an economic conference, and the 19th Asian Games are among the big name events set to run after reopening, organisers say

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the Boao Forum for Asia in 2019. Photo: Winson Wong

He Huifengin Guangdong

Published: 7:00am, 7 Jan 2023Updated: 7:34am, 7 Jan 2023

China is expected to resume hosting international events and exhibitions this year, as the country gradually reconnects with the rest of the world to regain footing in key economic and technology sectors.

Quarantine measures for inbound travellers will be lifted and international flights will resume from Sunday as Beijing pivots away from its hardline zero-Covid policy, which has isolated the country for the past three years.

The change will set the stage for numerous sports and trade events this year that have been postponed, scaled down or held online since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The Boao Forum for Asia, an annual economic event on the southern island of Hainan, will take place this year after the gatherings of the national legislature and the top political advisory body in March. Organisers plan to invite foreign guests and hold more on-site events.

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Shanghai hospitals overwhelmed as Covid cases spike

The conference is expected to draw crowds similar to the pre-pandemic level in 2019, when it attracted more than 2,000 attendees from more than 60 countries and regions worldwide, including 14 heads of state and more than 140 ministerial-level officials, organisers told the Post.

The forum was scaled down under China’s hardline zero-Covid policy, shifting to online discussion panels and small gatherings under tight restrictions.

According to the “2021 China Exhibition Index Report” released at China International Fair for Trade In Service in September, 1,603 exhibitions – national or international – were held in China in 2021, a drop of nearly 30 per cent from 2019.

The figure fell to just 292 last year, according to Chinese news website Caixin, as massive virus controls and lockdowns dealt a heavy blow to economic activity and social mobility.