Hosted by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion (IPIM), with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) as Special Supporting Organisation, and 15 local, Mainland and Hong Kong trade and economic authorities and chambers of commerce as co-organisers, and co-ordinators including Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 23 to 26 October in the Convention and Exhibition Centre of the Macao Venetian-Resort-Hotel.
MIF is the first exhibition in Macao to be accredited by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and one of the major annual international trade and economic events in Macao. Last year’s event was participated in by trade and economic delegations from over 50 countries and regions.
After 18 years of continual improvement and development, MIF has become Macao’s local branded exhibition, with noticeable effects on the stimulation of Macao’s economic growth. The exhibition encourages the introduction of advanced and new technology, capital and professionals, fostering the technological progress and industrial improvement of Macao’s tourism, manufacturing, convention and exhibition, cultural and creative industries as well as other high and new technology sectors, creating more business opportunities for both local and overseas SMEs.
MIF also provides a regional trade and business investment service, playing the vital role of a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), and has become the link between Mainland China (particularly the Pan-PRD region) and PSCs, the European Union (EU) and the rest of the world.
Improved Content to Explore Investment and Economic Opportunities for Business Visitors
The theme of this year’s MIF is Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities and will be held in a 30,000 square metre venue. To be in line with Macao’s development as “a commercial and trade service centre for PSC SMEs”, “a food product distribution centre for PSCs” and “a centre for conventions and exhibitions for economic and trade co-operation between China and PSCs”, thematic pavilions for PSCs will be set up and business matching sessions will be conducted to assist local and overseas trade and businesses sectors to make use of Macao’s service platform to trigger collaboration in different sectors including food, convention and exhibitions.
Various thematic pavilions and themed product exhibition areas, Chinese Provinces and Cities Pavilion, pavilions for overseas countries, and also the Portuguese Speaking Countries Food Pavilion and Chinese Medicine and Healthcare Pavilion will be introduced this year. The exhibition will cover areas including local and overseas investment environments and investment projects, cultural and creative industries, food and wine, fashion design, healthcare, investment and financial management, digital photography equipment and an SME product fair.
This year’s MIF will focus on the promotion of the Mainland’s and overseas investment environments, investment projects, services, technology and specialty products through a diverse range of activities including an exhibition, promotional seminar, business matching sessions and business negotiations.
Incentive measures to encourage SME participation
The Macao SME Exhibition will be set up again this year, hosted by Macao Chamber of Commerce and IPIM, co-organised by Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Macau Business Women’s Association, and co-ordinated by Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association, Association of Advertising Agents of Macau. There will be a total of 130 exhibition booths and incentives measures will be provided again this year to encourage local SMEs to participate in the event. Eligible participating SMEs will be entitled to a 60% discount of booth fees i.e. a standard booth of MOP9,000/9 square metres will have a 60% discount from the Organiser resulting in a cost of MOP3,600. Those registering before 7 July 2014 will receive a 10% discount, exhibitors previously participated in exhibitions organised by IPIM will be entitled for another 10% discount.
A SME Participation Briefing will be held at 3pm on 30 June in IPIM’s Macao Business Support Centre (SMEC) located on 20th floor, China Civil Plaza Building, 263, Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, Macao. All interested SMEs are welcome.
Application for the Macao SME Exhibition will be open from 1 to 14 July, 9am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday. Applicant should submit the application form and all required documents and lodge the application with IPIM’s SME Service Centre in person during the operation hours mentioned above. (Address: 20th floor, China Civil Plaza Building, 263, Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, Macao). Each SME can apply for one exhibition booth and applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis. Exhibition booths will be arranged in accordance to the industries involved, and the location of the booths will be allocated by ballot at the time arranged by the Organiser.
SMEs applying for the financial incentives to participate should meet the following requirements:
1. SMEs registered in Macao (with no more than 100 employees in Macao)
2. Fulfil tax obligations and be registered with Macao Financial Services Bureau (DSF) for no less than 2 years (as of 23 October 2014)
3. At least 50% of the company shareholders are Macao residents or a wholly-owned Macao enterprise
4. For enterprises fulfilling one of the two criteria below: a. had participated in MIF or other exhibitions hosted by IPIM; b. enterprises of Made in Macao products, owner of Macao brands or enterprise is Macao agent for products.
For further enquiries on 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), please contact the 19th MIF Co-ordinators Administrative and Service Centre on 853-2882 8711, Fax: 853- 2882 8722 or visit the official website www.mif.com.mo.
