From 4 to 6 July, the Macao Franchise Expo 2014 (2014MFE) is taking place at Exhibition Hall A of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. This year's event has attracted more exhibitors than previous editions, including plenty of renowned domestic and overseas brands. More activities are organised this year.
Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), said this year's MFE continues to play the role of a regional platform, showcasing comprehensive opportunities in franchise and chain business for local SMEs, and hence leveraging their business capacities.
The opening ceremony of 2014MFE was held at 11am on 4 July. The invited officiating guests and leaders included: Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance; Ms. Qiu Hong, Deputy Director of The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Li Nan, Deputy Director General and Counsellor of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Mr. Sou Tim Peng, Director of Macao Economic Services; Mr. U Kin Cho, Representative of the Macao Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the organisers, supporting organisations and co-organisers.
Mr. Jackson Chang said in the opening ceremony that since MFE's first launch in 2009, it has been working in line with the Macao SAR Government’s policy to support the growth of local small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), by encouraging them to adopt the new business models of franchising, chain operation and brand building, as a means to develop their business. The 2014MFE is in its the sixth edition. The international status of MFE has been further enhanced, and it continues to play the role of a regional chain and franchising platform, showcasing comprehensive opportunities in franchise and chain business.
Mr. Jackson Chang said that with the fruitful foundation of the previous years, MFE has grown into a signature event for Macao franchising and chain operations. Not only has MFE become an effective platform to introduce businesspeople, investors and young entrepreneurs to new co-operative models of franchising and chain-store operations, but also plays a positive role in promoting Macao's adequate economic diversification.
Covering a total area of 6,000 square metres, with 215 booths set up by 167 exhibitors from 14 different countries and regions, this year’s MFE features a diverse line-up of industries, including food and beverage, retailing, education, finance, brand agencies, real estate, consultancy services and various specialty industries such as pet beauty, hairdressing and photography.
Other highlights include “Fujian Street” featuring a variety of products from Fujian province, and a showcase of Macao Products Display Centre “Macao Ideas” - to display Macao specialty products and promote the city’s cultural and creative industries.
MFE has received huge support from and participation by a number of overseas franchise associations. This year, overseas associations such as the ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation, Indonesian Franchise Association, Assofranchising of Italy, Philippine Franchise Association and the Portuguese Franchise Association have joined as co-organisers.
For the first time there are also exhibitors from Latvia, Switzerland and New Zealand, further enhancing the international status of the event.
As an event comprising exhibition, forum, business matching, seminars & presentations, with the focus on entrepreneurship this year, the “Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands” was successfully held on 3 July. Leaders from franchising business associations, experts and academics gathered to exchange ideas on seizing business opportunities in chain and franchise operations.
Other concurrent activities during the three-day event include the “Franchise Academy” - a themed seminar on franchising business start-ups and expansion; and brand promotion activities organised by exhibitors as well as the “Franchise and Chain Award Ceremony".
A franchise consultation service, the one-stop service for Macao economic and trade consultation, as well as the “Brand Repackaging Consultancy Area” will feature again in the Expo, providing professional advice and a consultancy service to business starters and SMEs to leverage their brand image.
This year MFE continues to play the role of a regional chain and franchising platform. On 4 July a total of 6 contracted projects were signed. The enterprises and institutions paired were: Hunan Changsha Commerce Bureau and Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Healthguard Health Foods Co. Ltd and Punggi Ginseng Farming Corp; Buzhilin Restaurant Ltd and Chan Chong Po; Hanmay Company Ltd and It's Skin Co. Ltd; and Chao Wine Castle Co. Ltd with Goldland Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd.
The 2014MFE gala dinner was also organised by IPIM. Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of IPIM, said that being the official department designated to promote trade and investment in Macao SAR, IPIM provides a multitude of services for investors from around the world. IPIM also has a "one-stop service" for MICE Bidding and Support in Macao, which will provide comprehensive services to event organisers and ensure events in Macao run smoothly.
During 2014MFE a series of activities are being supported by local organisations and chambers. On the afternoon of 4 July, a reception for the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association was held. The association is assisting in providing consultation services for the "Brand Repackaging Area" this year. The help includes promoting and providing advice to business start-ups and SMEs via industry experts and professionals.
The “Franchise and Chain Award Ceremony” hosted by the Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association was organised at 6.30pm on 4 July. Ms. Echo Chan said in the ceremony that IPIM has been making efforts to provide services on franchising, chain operations and brand cooperation including holding seminars, workshops, business matching, setting up themed websites, providing a bigger franchising/agency pavilion in the exhibition, organising study trips and training courses.
Since MFE’s launch in 2009, it has achieved positive effects in promoting franchising and brand co-operation. In the past few years, participants successfully found their ideal partner through MFE events. Among them are several overseas brands that found suitable franchisees in Macao.
Ms. Echo Chan also said that Macao is beginning to see more local enterprises, especially SMEs, expand their business through franchising and chain operations with the goal of transforming or upgrading their business. Therefore, starting from 2013, the "Macao Franchise and Chain Operations Training Seminar" has been held in two consecutive years. The aim is to promote SMEs' brand image and upgrade their business for further expansion through franchising.
