Singapore win 3GSM World Congress from Hong Kong

April 19, 2004

The Hong Kong government has been criticised for failing to secure the world's second largest 3G mobile phone industry conference. The 3GSM World Congress 04 Asia will now be held in Singapore despite the GSM Association preference to host the event in Hong Kong.

GSM Association chairman Craig Ehrlich said the Hong Kong government had offered large financial incentive to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to host the world trade show in the region in 2006, but no similar benefits were given to the GSM Association, which represents 620 mobile operators worldwide. The government has budgeted HK$70 million for the ITU conference that could bring economic benefits estimated at HK$1.2 billion. (£1 = 13.3837)

Ehrlich said Singapore is rolling out the red carpet for the Association and was disappointed Hong Kong is not doing the same. The 3GSM World Congress is expected to attract up to 15,000 delegates this year.

"It is a shame that the government is spending money for the ITU, a conference in decline in terms of attendees, while our conference is increasing in size," he said.