The Macao Franchise Expo 2015 (2015MFE) will be held from 3 to 5 July in Exhibition Hall A of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The expo is jointly organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM); the Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), the Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion Taiwan (ACFPT), the Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), the Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association (MCFA), and the Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong (LFA). With MFE’s theme as “Brand Expansion Continues - Business Opportunities to be Seized”, companies at MFE will have the opportunity to benefit from Macao’s cross-cultural links and to seize new business opportunities. Participating enterprises also take advantage of the Central Government’s further liberalisation measures and strengthened regional co-operation, and expand the coverage of their brands. Macao is ideal for the development of chain and franchise business Located in the booming Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, Macao has multiple and ongoing opportunities for regional co-operation. It also has a sophisticated infrastructure. The city additionally has low taxes and a simple taxation structure and free port status. Macao is known for being a place where East meets West, being an important link to international markets. At the same time, Macao has close trade ties with South-east Asia and Portuguese-speaking countries, functioning as the region’s business gateway. Following the implementation of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and in the establishment of the Free Trade Zone providing a broader platform for Macao’s enterprises, professionals and youth entrepreneurs to launch and take up business. Enterprises can make use of the strengths and opportunities brought about by chain and franchising operations to expand their business in a bigger market. This year marks the seventh year for MFE. The event continues to promote local brands on the international stage as well as attracting ever greater numbers of well-known regional and international brands. The 2014MFE welcomed a total of 167 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, and a total of 14,000 visitors were recorded. There will be an increase in exhibitors for the event this year. They will cover a variety of industries, including: food and beverage, retail, business services, education, and other supporting segments such as finance, real estate and consultancy, plus commodities. Well-known brands include: Pan One, Kids Kingdom and Share Tea from Macao, OneBiz from Portugal; Broccoli Pizza & Pasta from United Arab Emirates; Perfume Dance and Tino’s Pizza from Taiwan; Chocolat-ier and Trendyland from Hong Kong, and more. MFE has gradually become a business start-up and investment platform, effectively assisting entrepreneurs to establish their businesses and connected to investors. It has successfully helped many enterprises from Macao to start expanding their business to other areas. While at the same time, international brands were able to expand their business to Macao through MFE’s exhibition and exchange platform. More activities, more business opportunities The 2015MFE will, as in previous years, combine four major activities, including an exhibition, business matching, forums and seminars and presentation. The “Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands”, one of the highlights of MFE, is scheduled for the afternoon of 3 July, on the first day of the event. Representatives from local and internationally-renowned business associations; business leaders; corporate directors; and prominent experts in the fields of franchise and brand agency have been invited to attend the forum and make presentations, to share their knowledge on brand strategy and to introduce success stories in business start up and brand promotion. 2015MFE also offers different services – the business matching service will be available, through project pairing, which helps exhibitors and participants looking for partners. There will also be seminars and presentation sessions for franchisors to introduce their brands. Same as last year, the Brand Re-packaging Consultancy Service will be available again during MFE, with experts providing guidance to business beginners and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them develop their business. The organisers have invited several celebrities to share the experience on business establishment and brand development. It provides an exclusive opportunity for exhibitors and professional visitors to explore the market using examples of proven partnerships. For more information about 2015MFE, please visit our website: www.mfe.mo, or contact our hotline: 87989692.