The 15th MIF continues to be open to the public today (23rd Oct). As this is the weekend, the Fair has attracted lots of local residents and tourists. Many pavilions and booths have been crowded with continuous flows of visitors, thus creating a very lively atmosphere. The honorary chairman of Taiwan’s ruling Kuomintang, Wu Bo Xiong, accompanied by the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Jackson Chang and Executive Director Irene V. K. Lau, paid a visit to the exhibition hall of the MIF and had friendly talks with the exhibitors. A total of 22,000 visitors have been recorded today. The Organiser has arranged 312 business matching sessions (including 88 sessions of purchase negotiations, 21 investment projects, 119 sessions for goods/services supply, 53 sessions for franchising/brand distribution and 31 specialized matching sessions), resulting in the signing of 15 agreements, which are related to a number of investment projects (establishing Jilin University (Macau College) in Macau, cooperation of developing manganese mine, establishment of environmental fire extinguisher factory, establishing the first “Macao Montessori Center” in Macao, manufacturing of electromagnetic induction energy-saving lamp), and products distribution (including products of environmental protection, animal feed, artificial heart, Liang Zi seafood), products sourcing (including fruit, vegetables and coffee, etc.) The signing parties come from Macao, Mainland China, Hong Kong, U.S.A., the Philippines and Mozambique. Entering the third day of MIF, a number of economic and trade conventions such as summit and forums continue to be held. The “7th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs”, which has the theme of “Culture, Creativity and Environment”, was held this morning, with the presence of almost 1,500 Chinese entrepreneurs from 36 countries and regions. Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Institute of European Studies of Macau, European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and European Union Business Information Programme, Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities “Fostering co-operation and exchange in cultural and creative industries” was held this afternoon. Participants in the Seminar exchanged thoughts on topics including EU-Macao trade and economic communication and co-operation, expansion of the EU market and creative industry development. In addition, a business-matching area has been set up to assist entrepreneurs’ in their search for potential business partners. In addition, Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute have jointly organized “CPTTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing” - 2009/2010 Diploma Programme - Grad Show, which presented numerous original fashion designs. Besides, “Creative Chic”, a Macao Local Fashion Designers' Society - House Show, has showcased the works of 14 local fashion designers which carried originality and distinctive fashion culture of Macao. On the same day, the Organizer has arranged a series of seminars and presentations. “Latin American Business and Tourism Seminar: Cuba and Peru” has invited 10 countries from Latin America to take part in MIF this year. At the Seminar, the consuls general of Cuba and Peru in Hong Kong and Macao SARs have presented the economy, trade and tourism of their countries with an aim to strengthen communication and cooperation. During the “History, Cultural and Heritage Tourism in ASEAN and Macao Forum”, representatives from several ASEAN countries including Malaysia and Vietnam have conducted discussions on the history and culture as well as tourism industry development of their respective countries, and took a further step in exploring joint promotion with Macao in historical and cultural tourism cooperation. Meanwhile, more seminars and presentations were held, including “The 8th Special Industry Seminar on How to Develop a Brand - Cultural and Creative Industry" organized by Macau Businesswomen Association; “Maximize Business Value of Macau Enterprises: Human Resource Goes Hybrid” organized by Macao Professional Development Association; “Finding overseas buyers through e-commerce” organized by Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited; “World Mathematics Culture Franchising & Korea Snack Food Retail Franchising” organized by Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong; and “Macao Post eSignTrust Certification Services” organized by Macao Post eSignTrust Certification Services. “The 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association” and “The 4th Macau Honor Board – International Cuisine ”Awards Ceremony organized by Macau Businesswomen Association, was also held this afternoon. The workshop “Open to Creativity” organized by Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association has the objective of providing a platform for communication among the local and overseas fashion designers. Kam Kuok Leung, a famous screenwriter and veteran cross-media practitioner, and other speakers, have shared their experience in brand building. The workshop was met with enthusiastic responses from the participants. Moreover, the Organizer continues to conduct the “One-trip, Multi-stop” programme for trade visitors, which included a tour to Hengqin of Zhuhai to inspect the investment environment and investment projects, with an aim of enhancing the results of participating in MIF. Preview of Activities for Tomorrow Tomorrow, the last day (24th Oct) of this year’s MIF, will continue to be open to the public. The Main Hall as well as the SME Exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The main programme of activities will include “ShowSmart Kids Fun Fun Show” to be held in the hall of “Macao Fashion Festival 2010” and “Relation between Website and E-commerce” seminar. There will also be a lucky draw tomorrow, and all residents and tourists are invited to join. Visitors to the MIF can enjoy 4-hour free parking at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel upon presentation of the MIF entrance ticket.
