Shanghai recently unveiled a new action plan to boost its exhibition and convention industry and become a global hub for this particular sector by 2025.

According to the plan, the city is aiming to increase its total exhibition area to 22 million square meters and the proportion of international exhibitions to 80 percent within the next three years.

The plan also includes specific targets for the number and size of major exhibitions, the development of globally competitive exhibition companies, the improvement of venue operation capabilities, and the enhancement of supporting services.

The plan stipulates that Shanghai should further improve its global resource allocation capacity, expand its international influence and competitiveness in the exhibition and convention industry, optimize its market mechanism and stimulate the vitality of market players, as well as host more brand events.

Shanghai should also leverage the role of exhibitions and conventions in showcasing technological achievements, promoting international cooperation and exchange, exploring new opportunities for industrial development, according to the plan.

Other measures stated in the plan include establishing a new concept for integrating the exhibition and convention sector with other industries.

The plan also states that the Pudong New Area and the Hongqiao International Central Business District should do their part to create new growth engines for the exhibition and convention economy.