The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened on Thursday (23 October 2014). Activities included forums, seminars, and conferences, to promote the investment environment, investment projects, services, technology and branded products of Mainland China and other overseas countries and regions. The event aims to create new business opportunities for all participating enterprises and trade visitors.
International Trade and Investment Forum 2014
The International Trade and Investment Forum is the signature forum of MIF each year. This year, under the theme "Regional Co-operation and Mutual Development", senior officials from China and overseas, as well as experts in their field have been invited to participate as keynote speakers. They include: Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR; Mr Lu Peng Qi, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; Mr Su Zhi Gang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of Guangdong Chimelong Group Co., Ltd; Mr Daniel Ysau Maurate Romero, Deputy Minister of Labour and Promotion of Employment of Peru; Mr. Ma Iao Lai, President of the Macao Chamber of Commerce; Mr Chen Xiang, Deputy Director-General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Mr Alexandre David de Sousa Costa, State Secretary for Foreign Trade of Angola, Mr Degol Mendes, State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, and Mr Miguel Frasquilho, Chairman of AICEP Portugal Global.
Mr Lu Peng Qi mentioned in his speech that economic integration and regional co-operation have become mainstream elements of global economic development. He added that Macao could take advantage of its cordial relations with the European Union and Portuguese-speaking Countries when co-operating economically with the Pearl River Delta Region, the Pan Pearl River Delta Region, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian Countries.
Mr Miguel Frasquilho stated in his speech that enormous potential is seen in business co-operation and investment promotion between Portugal and China and their enterprises, in view of the economic ties between the two sides. Portugal and its government, as well as AICEP Portugal Global, have been striving to enhance bilateral economic co-operation between the two countries, he said. Macao – being a link between Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking Countries – can help with meetings that create business opportunities and networking among high-level officials. That in turn can promote information exchange and foster closer economic partnerships, Mr Frasquilho said.
The International Trade and Investment Forum was attended by around 350 delegates and representatives from the Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong Portuguese-speaking Countries and overseas governments, trade and investment promotion organisations, chambers of commerce and business communities.
The 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum
The 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum was also held during the day. The forum this year was themed as "Cooperation - Key to Business", with the aim to further promote co-operation between Jiangsu and Portuguese-speaking Countries in fields of trade, investment, tourism, education, and agriculture. A “Council for the Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries” was also established during the forum.
Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session
The Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session also took place on October 23. Mr Wu Bing Cheng, Deputy Director of Department of Commerce of Fujian Province, stated that Fujian has opened its door to overseas enterprises not only in the traditional textile and light industries, but also in a diverse range of industries such as biomedical sciences, advanced materials, new energy, environmental and energy saving as well as cultural and creative industries. Overseas businesspeople are always welcome to invest in Fujian.
In addition, the Chairmen joint Conference from associations of the convention and exhibition industry from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao and the Pearl River Delta Region, the “Shenzhen – Macao Trading Expo” and the “Yangzhou City Promotion Conference for the 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum” were also featured during day one’s activities.
