Macao SMEs´ applications for exhibition incentives under the 2014 MIECF and exhibition in the Green Bazaar approaching to deadline

Hosted by the Macao SAR Government, specially supported by the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China, co-organised by the provincial and regional governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, coordinated by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), the 2014 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2014MIECF) will be held at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 27th to 29th March 2014. The 7th Edition of MIECF has adopted the theme "Energizing Green Business Growth", advocating "Thinking Green, Going Clean, Living Cool". The event will feature green solutions in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Green Building, Green Mobility, Waste and Water Management Solutions and Environmental Services. As the annual green economic and trade platform for the environmental industry and to encourage more Macao SMEs to take part in the event, the Organizers will provide a maximum of 60% financial subsidies to eligible Macao SMEs, at MOP4,880 per standard booth only. It is hoped that by getting the active involvement of SMEs in various activities, the technology exchange and co-operation among local environmental industry, the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and international markets will be enhanced through Macao, acting as a green business platform. Companies intending to apply for the SME exhibition subsidy should meet the following criteria: At least 50% of the company shareholders are Macao residents or wholly-owned Macao enterprises, the relevant companies should be registered with the Macao Finance Services Bureau (DSF) for at least 2 years and have fulfilled tax obligations. Booths will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and the Organizers reserve the right to select eligible exhibitors. The deadline for the application is 17th Jan 2014. Besides, the "Green Bazaar" section will be continually held at the exhibition on the "Green Public Day", the last day of MIECF, when exhibition and retail sale of environmental products will take place. Qualified Macao companies are welcome to apply as exhibitors in the Green Bazaar, to showcase and sell environmentally friendly and water conservation products such as electrical appliances, office supplies, cleaning products, household articles or other consumer products made of recycled or natural materials. The Green Bazaar differs from the ordinary exhibition in that it is a tabletop display. The Green Bazaar also welcomes applications from non-Macao companies. The exhibition fee is only MOP1,000 for local companies and MOP2,000 for non-Macao companies. The Organizers hope that this activity will enhance citizens' awareness in the purchasing of eco-friendly products and provide an avenue for companies to showcase their eco-friendly products to the general public. All applicants for the Green Bazaar must provide a description on all products to be displayed and sold during the exhibition. They must also provide relevant details to prove that such products meet the environmental criteria set by the Organizers. The application deadline is 31st Jan 2014. Due to the limited number of booths, the Organizers will review all applications, shortlist them and allocate booths to the successful candidates. Relevant application forms are available as from today to the above mentioned deadlines at MIECF's official website and at IPIM's Macao Business Support Center (Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, 263, China Civil Plaza Building, 19th Floor, Macao). Registration and enquiry hotline: 8798 9605, website: www.macaomiecf.com. In 2013, the event received the strong support of 51 government departments from different countries and regions, regional and international associations, institutions and trade associations, with over 6,800 professional visitors from 53 countries and regions. 439 entities and enterprises exhibited on a floor area exceeding 16,900 sqm. Meanwhile, 846 business matching sessions were arranged and 41 projects were signed on-site during the 3-day event.