The Macau Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was opened to the public for the first time today (23rd October). The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Bai Zhijian visited the MIF this afternoon, accompanied by the President and Executive Director of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Dr. Lee Peng Hong and Ms. Echo Chan, respectively. Mr. Bai talked to the exhibitors about the condition of the Fair. Up to 6:00 p.m. today, the Organizer registered 14.127 visits, corresponding to a 40,7% increase compared with the previous day (10,108 visitors). 453 business matching sessions were held and 21 cooperation protocols and memoranda of understanding were signed, a great number than the first day of the Fair. Manila F.A.M.E. and MIF signed a memorandum of understanding for the long-term cooperation between the two events. Cooperation protocols were also signed for cooperation in the areas of franchising, hotel and tourism investment and franchising of branded foodstuff and beverages, agricultural by-products, energy saving and environmental protection products. SERIE OF ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER THE ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN MACAU AND OTHER COUNTRIES
A series of activities were held on the second day, related with the economic and trade cooperation and business opportunities. Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Dr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen was present at the seminar "Vietnam-Macao Opportunities for Investment and Trade", jointly organized by the Consulate of Vietnam in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, Vietnam Quang Ninh Provincial People's Communities and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. Speaking at the seminar, Secretary Tam said that Vietnam is one of the members of ASEAN and an important partner of Macau in the fostering of relationship with the member-countries of ASEAN. He said that there has been a further reinforcement of the trade and economic relationship between Vietnam and Macao in recent years and hoped that through this seminar, said cooperation would be further deepened and developed. Representatives of the Consulate-General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau, of the Finance Department of the Vietnam Government and of the Vietnam Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee made a presentation on Vietnam and the policy adopted by that country in the attraction of foreign investment for industrial development. Secretary Tam also participated in another event of significant importance, namely the "Forum on Economic Cooperation Between Heilongjiang, Hong Kong, Macao and Russian Far East Region on Reinforcement of Regional Cooperation". Mr. Chen Yun Lin, President of the Association for the Cooperation Between Both Sides of the Straight, Ms. Gao Yan, Vice-Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government of the PRC in Macao SAR, Dr. Lee Peng Hong, President of IPIM, the President of the World Federation of Chinese Enterprises, the Vice-Governor of the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province, the President of the Federation of Trade Associations of Taiwan and the President of the Russian Far East Region were also present, among others. After the seminar, several business matching sessions were held, including seminar on the cooperation in economy and trade, foreign trade, cooperation in science and technology, cooperation in MICE and also on the development of Russia. On the other land, the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Consulate-General in Macao and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute jointly held "The Philippines: Your Business Destination and Gateway to ASEAN" seminar. The Consul-General of the Philippines in Macao said that, through the participation in the activities of the MIF, it is hoped that the economic relationship of his country with Macao will be further straightened. During the seminar, a memorandum of understanding was signed between IPIM and the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines for the establishment of partnership between MIF and Manila F.A.M.E. to mutually fairs and conventions, as a mean to develop the MICE industry in both territories. The following events were also held today: "The Establishment of Real Business Opportunities for the Chinese & Lusophone Entrepreneurial Communities in the Newest Challenging World Economy Environment", jointly organized by the International Lusophone Markets Business Association, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Macao Industry Development Fund, Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, and Macau Government Tourist Office; "Culture Creativity Industry to Promote Economic Diversification", "US Environmental Industry Business Matching Session" (at the USA Pavilion), "Asia Supplier Advisory Council, Macau", "The Inner Mongolia and Macao Economic Trade and Cooperation Forum", "Free Softwares: A Cost-Effective Option for SMEs. Inauguration of "Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association" also took place today, at the MIF venue. IPIM assisted in the formation of the said association. ACTIVITIES FOR 24TH OCTOBER
The 3rd day of the MIF continues to be opened to the public, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors with tickets for the fair can enjoy 4 hours of free parking at the basement of Venetian-Macao-Resort. A series of activities will take place, including the "6th World Summit of Chinese Entrepeneurs", "Greater China Economy – A Year After the Financial Tsunami", "The 4th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association", The Prize Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Most Special List of Macau on the Special Food Series – Chinese Dim Sum", "Camera – Cultural & Creative Industry", "The 7th Special Industry Seminar on how to develop a brand: Unique Business Opportunity", "The 5th International Conference on Health Preservation – Cultural and Scientific Health Care Seminar – Opening Ceremony & Business Matching", "2009 (Macao) Henan Xiniang Trade & Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Fair", organized by the Xixiang Municipal People's Government, Henan Province, "Bird Nest Investment Opportunities in Malaysia & Franchising of Café Serving Delicacies with Bird Nests", "Coffee Tasting" and "eBay May Sellers Seminar". - END -
