The 2015 Macao Franchise Expo (2015MFE) was open to the public today (4 July), drawing many residents to the venue. The feedback from exhibitors at this year’s event is that MFE continues to improve as it grows, strengthening its role as a platform. As exhibitors are coming from an increasing number of countries and regions, MFE will become an important networking platform for international enterprises. A total of 52 business matching sessions were conducted on the second day of the event. The event organisers have also arranged 4 business matching and negotiation sessions for different delegations.
Exhibitors Recognises MFE’s Role as a Platform for Exploring Business Opportunities in International Markets
Today was the second day of the 2015MFE, which saw many exhibitors exploring new co-operation opportunities, as well as promoting their work and products to the general public. Kam In Portuguese Food, a family-run business selling traditional Portuguese pastries, joined the “Macao Ideas” – a platform to promote Macao products and companies – earlier this year. Kam In was a part of the Macao Idea exhibition at this year’s MFE. The person leading the company, Ho Kam In, said they have successfully promoted the brand during MFE and received a huge number of orders for its pastries.
Jack Zhang, representative in the Hong Kong and Macao markets for the well-known sandwich shop chain Subway, said that the business model of the company mainly focuses on takeaway food. The use of modest amounts of space for their shops is particularly appealing to young business people with limited start-up capital. Mr. Zhang said that Subway has participated in MFE for several years, and that the event has been growing in importance thanks to the effort and resources Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) has put in to upgrade and improve its role as a platform. Additionally, IPIM has co-operated well with exhibitors and offered them constant support, he added. Mr Zhang also stressed that as exhibitors are coming from an increasing number of countries and regions, the event will become a vital networking platform between local and international enterprises.
Chong Weng Kin, Director of Burgundy Red Trading (Macao) Limited, said the company had acquired the rights to distribute in Mainland China and the Greater China region the products of a number of different brands. The firm had done this via its Macao company, taking advantage of Macao as a platform for tapping the Mainland China market. Those brands will in turn co-operate with enterprises on the Mainland, with the latter becoming the distributors of the brands at provincial level in China. There would also be collaboration with large supermarket retailers in China in order to have the brands’ products for sale in those outlets. The brands also joined a well-known online shopping platform in China. Mr Chong believed that following the launch of various co-operation projects, the company sales revenue in China will reach RMB130 million within the next five years.
Also taking part in this year’s MFE was Grupo de Vestuario de Marca Internacional Ao Loi A, Ltda. The Macao firm succeeded in signing agreements with two clothing companies during the 2015MFE. Alan K. L. Wong, Chairman of Ao Loi A, said that the Macao market is limited in terms of size although there are talented personnel. The firm is however focused on exploring the Mainland China market, and is doing so through advertisements on television – a good channel to boost sales, he said.
Total of 52 Business Matching Sessions on Day Two of 2015MFE
A total of 52 business matching sessions were held on the second day of the 2015MFE, while the event organisers arranged 4 business matching sessions for different delegations (involving 5 parties). According to figures from the event project manager, 438 business negotiation sessions have been conducted for specially invited trade visitors.
Tomorrow will be 2015MFE’s final Day
Tomorrow (5 July) is the last day of the 2015MFE, with the venue opened to the public between 10am and 5pm. Apart from the ongoing “Brand Repackaging” consultancy services provided on site, several thematic talks will be held. The general public especially young people interested in starting a business are welcome. A free shuttle bus service will be operated between the city centre and the MFE venue via the following two locations: Av. Doutor Mário Soares (Macau Square) and Estrada Marginal do Hipódromo (near Royal Supermarket in Areia Preta). Complimentary parking at the MFE venue will also be available to visitors with entry tickets but parking spaces are limited. For more information about 2015MFE, please visit the official website: http://www.mfe.mo.
