Organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair" will be held at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre for 4 consecutive days starting 28 July. Since the opening in the morning, 2011 GMBPF has attracted many industrial and business professionals, local residents and visitors, with a total attendance exceeding 17,000 by 5p.m. on the first day. The opening ceremony was commenced with the participation of official both from home and from the Mainland, namely Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary of Economy and Finance of Macao SAR; Mr. Song Yanbin, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao SAR; Mr. Chen Xiang, Representative from Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR; Mr. Tan Juntie, Deputy Secretary General of Guangdong Provincial Government, Provincial Director of Hong Kong and Macao Office; Mr. Liang Yaowen, Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province; Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Mr. Mao Iao Lai, President of Macau Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce; Mr. Feng Yurong, Deputy Mayor of Zhongshan Municipal People's Government; Mr. Chen Jialin, Deputy Mayor of Jiangmen Municipal People's Government; Mr. Chen Jianxin, Deputy-Mayor of Chaozhou Municipal People's Government; and Mr. Cui Feongchi, Deputy Mayor of Yunfu Municipal People's Government. Deputy Secretary General Tan Juntie and President of IPIM Jackson Chang delivered their speeches at the opening ceremony. Chang mentioned that the signing of the "Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement" in March had noted a new stage for cross-boarder cooperation of the two regions. He hoped that the interaction between the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and other economic and trade associations would be enhanced with a closer and tighter connection. By acquiring the new trends and opportunities, the cooperation amongst the enterprises of the two regions will be promoted, and different sectors within the convention and exhibition industry will also be joined. Macao will fully showcase its advantage as a business platform and will help to promote the branded products of Guangdong to the overseas countries, Portuguese language countries in particular. Seven Protocols and 221 Business Matching Achieved on the First Day Following the opening ceremony was the protocol signing ceremonies conducted at the business matching area. Many local companies signed agreements with enterprises from Foshan, Zhongshan, Qingdao, Jiangmen and Singapore. The protocols accomplished are as follows: Intention on purchase of printed fabric, Intention on purchase of tires, Intention on LED lighting project, Intention on Turtle breeding base, Agreement on bridges maintenance in Macao, Agreement on Culture cooperation & exhibition of branded "Love of Crystal", and Sales contract of Singapore sauce. Mr. Chen Xiang, Mr. Mao Iao Lai, Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, and Executive Directors of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Ms. Echo Chan and Ms. Irene V. K. Lau witnessed the signing of protocols at the ceremony. Moreover, 221 sessions of business matching took place on the first day of 2011 GMBPF. Until 5p.m. of the day, the number of attendance hit 17,000. The 2011 GMBPF fills up the 6,000-square-meter venue, accommodating 267 booths (85 for Macao and 182 for Guangdong Province) and featuring 246 enterprises from Macao and from Guangdong Province. Through product sales, business matching, sourcing and purchasing, and other promotional means, the event looks forward to establishing a platform for the excellent enterprises and branded products from the two regions, to boosting the eminence of their products and to expanding both the local and the overseas markets. At the same time, it will bring more varieties of branded products to the local residents and visitors. Activities at the 2011 GMBPF Improve Cultural Exchange and Cooperation between Macao and Guangdong The first day of 2011 GMBPF features the debut of "2011 Guangdong & Macao Cultural and Creative Industries Development and Cooperation Forum" (started at 3 p.m.), organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province with the perspective to strengthen the cooperation between the two regions, to unfold the advantages of talents, and to boost cultural creativity. The Forum presents keynote speeches and panel discussion. Speakers invited include Dr. Liu Qiyu, Director of Propaganda Cultural Development and Institutional Reform Office, Department of Propaganda, Guangdong Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Long Jiayou, Director of Culture Market and Industry Division, Department of Culture of Guangdong Province; and Mr. Liang Taowen, Deputy Director of Hengqui (Zhuhai) New Area Administrative Committee. Also, the representative of cultural and creative enterprises in Macao shared the view on the topic "How to Build a Guangdong-Macao Cultural and Creative Industry Development and Cooperation Platform". Excellent Event Welcomes Visitors from Home and from Afar
The 2011 GMBPF conglomerates trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure and entertainment in one. Visitors enjoy free admission. "Seminar for Promoting Brands in the International Market" will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Tourism Activities Centre. The Fair is opened to public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from July 29 – 31 (Fri – Sun). In order to step up the atmosphere and the attractiveness of the event, the organizers do not only provide special discounts and vouchers to potential buyers, but also a grand lucky draw and many cultural performances. Artists, celebrities and singers from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will stage entertaining shows throughout the four-day 2011 GMBPF. Local and overseas clients and enterprises, local residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy this exciting and thrilling annual event. Shuttle bus services are available for visitors to 2011 GMBPF at different locations. Three-hour free parking is provided in the car park of Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Further information is available on the 2011 GMBPF official website http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com Interested parties may also call +853-87989605 for details of the event.
