The 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened today at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. Continuing with the theme “Co-operation – Key to business opportunities”, this year’s MIF has invited Portugal and Beijing to be the first “Partner Country” and “Partner City”. The event floor covered 30,000 square metres containing over 1,600 exhibition booths and attracted exhibitors and visitors from more than 50 countries and regions.
Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included: Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR; Wang Anshun, Mayor of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality; Wang Zhimin, Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ye Dabo, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Paulo Alexandre Ferreira, Secretary of State Assistant and of Commerce of the Republic of Portugal; Li Changping, Vice Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission; Zhang Lei, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province;. Wang Li Xia, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Shanxi Province; Yun Guang Zhong, Vice President of People’s Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region; Leong Vai Tac, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR; Tam Chon Weng, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR; Su Zhi Gang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce; Li Yiwei, Deputy Secretary-general of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province; Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; and Irene Va Kuan Lau, Co-ordinator of the 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair.
As Secretary Leong Vai Tac stated in his welcoming remarks, during the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries held last week, Premier Li Keqiang announced several measures in favour of Macao which will respectively give Macao support in performing the function of a “commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries” and will accelerate moderate economic diversification. These measures will benefit Macao’s sustainable development. Entering its 21st year, MIF’s international reach and recognition have been promoted constantly. Its exhibition idea and exhibition model have been constantly innovated and the size of the exhibition is also gradually increasing. The growth process of MIF reflects exactly the development of Macao’s MICE industry.
Mayor Wang Anshun pointed out that Beijing delegation has been participating in MIF for seven consecutive years since 2010. This year, Beijing is invited to be the very first “Partner City”. This will help accelerate the development of a close economic and trade co-operation bond between Macao, the Mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries, while promoting international trade and investments and exploring opportunities for trade and investment collaboration to achieve mutual complementary advantages, prosperity, and development.
Secretary of State Paulo Alexandre Ferreira remarked that the bilateral economic and trade relations between Portugal, Mainland China and Macao is in its prime. Macao acts as an important business co-operation service platform. Thus, Portugal and Beijing’s roles as MIF’s “Partner Country” and “Partner City” this year are especially meaningful. He also called for diversified collaboration and development in areas such as renewable energy and liaison, finance, marine and environment, business and innovation support, tourism and agri-food.
Open to public for two days from tomorrow
MIF is open to the public from 21 to 22 October. Highlights of tomorrow’s (21 October) fair include “The 13th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs”, “The 6th Jiangsu-Macau Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Summit”, “Portugal-Beijing-Macao Trade and Investment Seminar”, “How to Assist Portuguese-Speaking Countries to Enter the Mainland Market Seminar”, “China and Portuguese Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Investment and Dispute Resolution Seminar”, “Seminar on Portugal, Atlantic platform for the industrial and logistic investment in Europe". The “Small and Medium Enterprises Exhibition” (SME Exhibition) features the SME Pavilion where visitors can experience Chinese culture and that of Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as purchase unique products and food from Taiwan and Macao local SMEs. The organiser encourages green travel and promotes community economy by providing a free shuttle bus service between the venue, Northern District, Central District and Taipa. For enquiries, please call the MIF Administration and Service Centre on +853-2882 8711 or email info@mif.com.mo. For latest updates, please add MIF official WeChat account: MIFMacau or visit MIF website at www.mif.com.mo.
