MFE plays important role as a franchise partnership platform
The 2017 Macao Franchise Expo (2017MFE) will be held at Exhibition Hall A of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 28 July to 30 July. As a truly international event promoting franchise and retail chain business collaboration, MFE each year attracts an array of global brands and franchise industry players. The event is increasingly effective, fully fulfilling its role as an international co-operation platform in the franchise and retail chain field.
The 2017MFE is jointly organised by: the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; the Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association; the Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association; the Brazilian Franchise Association; the Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan; and the Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong. It is a premier business event that combines exhibitions, forums, business-matching sessions and promotion seminars. Each year MFE attracts a large number of exhibitors and professional visitors from around the world.
Since MFE was launched in 2009, the event has grown annually. The total exhibition area has expanded from 1,900 square metres in the inaugural year to around 6,000 square metres in recent years. A total of 103 matching sessions were organised last year in the business matching area. In addition, 1,314 business negotiation sessions were conducted for specially invited professionals. Over the past eight years, 144 business agreements were signed on-site, with more than 80 percent implemented.
MFE provides a platform for enterprises directly to connect with professional investors and enables such entities to learn more about the latest franchising and retail chain trends, assisting firms to expand their markets. Many brands have been able to successfully join the country’s “Go Global” strategy and attract foreign investment via participation in MFE. In addition, many young entrepreneurs have been able to establish their own businesses through franchises, benefiting from Macao Government’s supportive policies regarding youth entrepreneurship, and from the seminars and other activities on related topics hosted by MFE. This year, a “Start-up Launchpad” Day will be organised during the third day of MFE. It will feature forums and professional seminars on several topics, providing information and reference material for young entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) wishing either to start or develop their own business.
The 2017MFE is being held under a recurring MFE motto, “Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities To Be Seized”, and will act as a business and investment platform, helping local SMEs to build their brand image and enhance their corporate culture. The 2017 event will feature more than 140 exhibitors, including many well-known international brands. The organisers have invited world-renowned entrepreneur Mr Li Ning as a special guest for the “Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands”, to share some of his business insights with attendees. Additionally, the organisers are launching this year a “Gourmet Avenue” to promote food and beverage products from Macao and to help the manufacturers of those delicacies to expand their businesses abroad.
The Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association will reprise its “Brand Repackaging Pavilion” at this year’s MFE, providing consultancy services to those willing to start or expand a business through franchising. During the third day of the event, successful entrepreneurs will be invited to talk about their experiences of setting up a business, so that potential entrepreneurs can learn from them. Through its many activities and support services, MFE aims fully to fulfil its role as an international platform for the franchise and retail chain industry, promoting business co-operation and investment.
The 2017MFE will be held at the same time as the 2017 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair, to maximise the opportunities available to enterprises. Entry to MFE is free: on the first day (28 July) the event is open only to trade visitors; on 29 and 30 July, the event is open to the public. For more information about 2017MFE, please visit the official website www.mfe.mo or contact the organisers by either: telephone – (853) 8294 6885; fax – (853) 8294 6701; or e-mail – sec@mfe.mo. WeChat users can subscribe to MFE’s WeChat account via MFEMacau.