Executive Director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce, Patricia Forsythe, has welcomed reports of a proposal to make Sydney the ‘business conference capital of the world’.
"The Chamber has consistently advocated the need for more exhibition space and a strategy to boost the business tourism sector," Mrs Forsythe said.
The NSW Government’s review of major events, chaired by John O’Neill, is expected to hand down its report within weeks. The report is expected to foreshadow a significant shift in major events strategy.
"Sydney is already a pre-eminent host of major events, but any work which will consolidate our position is obviously welcome.
"Sydney must act now if we are to maintain our competitiveness in an increasingly competitive regional and global market. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce has previously suggested that the East Darling Harbour precinct may be an appropriate location for more exhibition space, if other facilities can’t accommodate the expansion.
"The value of Sydney hosting major events should not be simply viewed as a cost/benefit exercise. Hosting major events goes to the heart of business and consumer confidence, as well as providing a sense of community engagement.
"We have high expectations of the major events report, but would stress that a great report is only as good as its implementation.
"We look forward to the NSW Government committing to the implementation of the report’s recommendations," Mrs Forsythe concluded.
