The 12th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF)

On the third day of the annual 12th Macau International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), the organizer held a number of seminars and presentations of different scales, levels and extents of internationalization, which attracted the participation of a great many trade visitors and the public. The 12th MIF has reinforced the new image of Macao to the business world and deepened the city’s advantage as a trade and economic service platform. The “Presentation Session on the potential for developing the scientific and technological cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries”, organised by Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macau) and co-organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretariat to the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, was held today (20th October) at 2:30 PM in Sicily Ballroom of the Venetian Macao Convention and Exhibition Center. Mr. Wang Cheng An, Secretary General of the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macau) said in his speech that science and technology were primary productivity and they represented the level of scientific development of a country. He believed that upon the approval of the action guidelines by the ministerial conference, the exchange and co-operation in the scientific field had been deepened constantly. The co-operation in science and technology between China and Portuguese speaking countries would certainly bring benefits to the peoples of the two countries. He pointed out that since January this year, the Permanent Secretariat to the Forum had already organized numerous study courses, seminars or training programmes covering more than 7 fields of expertise. Over 240 government officials and technical professionals from the Portuguese speaking countries came to China and Macao to participate in those activities. He hoped the participants of today’s presentation would develop business opportunities with potential trading partners during the MIF. Last year, the trade volume between China and Portuguese speaking countries amounted to USD 34.08 billion, an increase of 46.9% over the same period of the previous year. From January to August 2007, the figure stood at USD 27.67 billion, an increase of 23.1% over the same period in 2006. In the year 2007-2008, China is providing 222 scholarships to the Portuguese speaking countries, a year-on-year increase by 2.8 times. The presentation was hosted by Ms. Rita Santos, coordinator of the Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretariat to the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, with speakers coming from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and East Timor. The programme included also a presentation about the scientific park project Tagusprk in Lisbon of Portugal. Other highlights of today included the “Day of two years anniversary and "The Special features glorious placard" award presentation of Macau Businesswomen Association”, “Technical Seminar on Ethanol, Methanol ( A Gasline Additive)”, “SUPER STAR High tea gathering - Talk with Michael Miu”, “Work to retire = Retired to work?”, “Portuguese Wine and Olive Oil Tastings”, “UK Land - A Solid Investment”, “Wealth Management and Investment Strategies”, “Macau Human Resource Problems and Solutions”, and “Nikon Professional Photographic Seminar”. The rich variety of activities has received favorable responses from the participants, with nearly 900 people participating in the above programme, and hence the climax of this year’s MIF. As at 5:00 PM today, a total of 10,496 visits were registered. 76 sessions of purchase negotiations and business matching were held, resulting in the signing of 6 agreements. As regards the exhibition hall, many exhibitors put forth a wide range of products for sale. In particular, digital goods, photographic equipment, furniture and good products are the most popular. Long queues are seen in some booths and yet visitors are choosing their favorite items in an orderly manner. The “Flying Macao” Pavilion, organized by Industrial Association of Macao, Macao Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, Macao Shipper’s Association, has injected new and dynamic elements into the Pavilion in addition to displaying products made and traded in Macao. The visitors are especially amazed by the fashion shows of diverse styles staged at the Pavilion each day. The 4-day MIF will come to an end by 5:00 PM tomorrow (21st October). On the last day, a number of interesting product and service presentations will take place, which include “New Definitions of Digital Products”, “Portuguese Wine and Olive Oil Tastings”, and “UK Land - A Solid Investment”. Come and join us at the 12th MIF.