Trade and business representatives have welcomed the government's latest decision to ease the rules for exhibition visitors.

The arrangement, that will come into effect on Thursday, will allow those with an amber health code to participate in business-to-business conventions and exhibitions.

"The sector welcomes this very much as we've moved forward another step, no matter it being a big or small step," said Wendy Lai, the vice chairwoman of the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, she said although the easing of restrictions means trade shows, jewellery and beauty expos can accept international travellers again, more needs to be done to restore the SAR’s status as a convention and exhibition hub.

"Three days of mandatory quarantine will still deter these international travellers," Lai explained, "so the most ideal situation for us to resume HK's status as Asia's convention hub is zero quarantine."

The Trade Development Council, meanwhile, called on the authorities to extend the arrangement to include public exhibitions as well, noting that many trade shows now adopt a hybrid mode to target both business people and members of the public.

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association, for its part, praised the government for listening to businesses, while repeating its call for the scrapping of hotel quarantine.