The Philippines is sending its very first official delegation to the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) where it will play an active part in what is slated to be the biggest edition yet of the renowned exhibition. Macao-based Philippine Consul General Jaime Victor Ledda said that the Philippines’ participation in the 14th MIF signifies the country’s desire to further expand economic relations with Macau SAR. The Philippine delegation is led by Senior Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who will be a guest speaker at the MIF Forum on 22 October and a seminar on Philippine business opportunities on 23 October. Senior
Undersecretary Aquino will be accompanied by trade officials and representatives from the food processors and exporters sector with particular focus on seafood, tropical fruit juices, coconut and related products. “The delegation has a full schedule at the 14th MIF and we’re looking forward to fruitful and mutually beneficial exchanges,” according to Consul General Ledda. The Filipino diplomat said that the Philippine delegation will meet with Macao officials, network with local and Filipino businessmen, exhibit the country’s top food exports, conduct a business seminar and sign a cooperation agreement with the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Consulate General in Macao and the IPIM have jointly organized a seminar entitled “The Philippines: Your Business Destination and Gateway to ASEAN” which will be held on 23 October 2009 (Friday) from 10:00 a.m – 11:30 a.m. at the Florence Room of The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. The seminar will present the country’s trade promotional initiatives, incentive schemes and the latest growth areas for business and investment, such as Agribusiness, IT-BPO, Construction and Services. Participants will indeed find a wealth of trade and investment opportunities in the Philippine economy, which has remained stable even in the midst of the global financial crisis, and that their businesses or investment in the Philippines would be strategically placed for the larger ASEAN market. The seminar will be highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the DTI-CITEM of the Philippines and the IPIM where the Manila F.A.M.E. and the MIF are established as partner fairs. Both parties will work together to mutually promote the two fairs and explore opportunities to strengthen their respective exhibition industries. Local enterprises are cordially invited to participate in the business matching and networking sessions with the Philippine delegation and to visit the Philippine booths at the 14th MIF Exhibition Area. They may confirm participation with the Philippine Consulate General (c/o Mary
Ann) at Telephone No. 2875 7141, via Fax No. 2875 7227 or by e-mail to info@philcongenmacau.org The Philippines is one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has developed a close relationship with the Macao SAR in the areas of trade, tourism, culture and human resources. Bilateral trade has grown significantly at an average rate
of 49.97% from 2004 – 2008. Total trade reached USD 16,842,467 in
2008 with Philippine exports to Macau amounting to USD 8,131,788. Consul General Ledda expressed sincerest thanks to the IPIM and the DTI for the strong support and cooperation in preparing the Philippine
delegation’s program.
