“Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007”

To further promote bilateral co-operation between Macao and Germany, and foster closer exchange among the convention and exhibition sectors of both sides, “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007”, organised by The Koelnmesse Group, the leading convention and exhibition entity of Germany, and supported by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), will be held from 7th to 9th November at The Cotai StripTM Convention and Exhibition Center at The Venetian® Macao. “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” aims to develop procurement channels with the provision of the latest market information and a platform for exchange and communication for the industries concerned in Macao and Germany, and assist the business sector of Macao to develop new business opportunities and in search of business partners. A total of 142 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions are participating in the event. The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute has organised a delegation of about 130 local enterpreneurs for participating in the inauguration and other related activities, and is assisting the entrepreneurs in carrying out business negotiations and matchings throughout the event. Members of the delegation participating in the event include representatives from Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Importers and Exporters Association, German Macau Business Association and numerous other related associations. “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” marks the momentous achievement of the further co-operation between Macao and Germany in the convention and exhibition industries. Since the Chief Executive of the Macao S.A.R. Mr. Ho Hau Wah and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Francis Tam, led a delegation, which comprised of 36 local businessmen, to visit Germany in September 2004, Macao and Germany have seen closer trade and economic co-operation. Then, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute organised a delegation of the convention and exhibition sectors of Macao to Germany in July 2006, where they visited many leading convention and exhibition entities including The Koelnmesse Group, to enhance the exchange and co-operation among the convention and exhibtion sectors of Germany and Macao. Meanwhile the IPIM has been making significant efforts in the promotion and support of its role as a service platform among the convention and exhibition sectors of Macao and Germany. The IPIM and The Koelnmesse Group have established partnership in respect of “The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF)” and “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007”. In particular, “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” had already set up their promotional booth at the “Convention and Exhibition Pavilion” of the 12th MIF. “Wine & Gourmet Asia 2007” is the first exhibition event held by The Koelnmesse Group in Macao. According to the organiser, the exhibitors comprise about 150 hotels and catering service companies from Asia, projected to attract few thousands of trade visitors from the preium food and hospitality sectors.