News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 2.2% year-on-year to 582,596 in May 2011. Visitors from Mainland China (431,562); Taiwan, China (31,321); Hong Kong (25,170) and Republic of Korea (21,055) increased by 2.2%, 47.1%, 23.6% and 43.1% respectively. On the contrary, visitors from Japan (13,724) decreased by 39.4%. In the first five months of 2011, visitor arrivals in package tours decreased by 1.6% year-on-year to 2,534,151. In May 2011, Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours decreased by 10.1% year-on-year to 17,180, with those to Thailand increasing significantly but those to Japan seeing substantial decrease. The most popular tour itineraries are Mainland China (78.1% of total), Thailand (6.2%) and Malaysia (4.4%). In the first five months of 2011, outbound residents in package tours increased by 2.5% year-on-year to 90,797. At the same time, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies surged by 30.0% year-on-year to 48,046; the main destinations were Mainland China (41.2% of total); Hong Kong (20.7%); and Taiwan, China (18.1%). Those travelling to Thailand and Republic of Korea also registered notable increase. In the first five months of 2011, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 26.7% year-on-year to 220,861. At the end of May 2011, total number of available guest rooms of hotels and guest-houses increased by 1,945 (+9.9%) year-on-year to 21,518 rooms, attributable to the opening of new 5-star hotels. Hotels and guest-houses received 689,495 guests in May 2011, up by 5.9% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (54.3% of total) and Hong Kong (18.5%). The average length of stay of guests decreased by 0.01 night to 1.5 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses was 82.0%, up by 4.1 percentage points year-on-year. Average occupancy rate of hotels stood at 82.6%, with 4-star hotels leading at 88.2%. Hotel guests increased by 2.7% year-on-year to 3,284,327 in the first five months of 2011; average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 81.9%, up by 2.7 percentage points compared with 79.2% a year earlier. In the first five months of 2011, visitor-guests of hotels and guest-houses accounted for 61.3% of the total number of tourists (overnight visitors), higher than 60.8% in the same period of 2010.
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The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will take place from October 20 to 23, this year. As in the past editions, a Macao SME Pavilion will be set-up at the venue this year, tentatively with 140 booths. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will continue to subsidize local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises by offering the following benefits: Participation Incentives
- Originally costing MOP9,000.00, after subsidy provided by the Organizer, rental of a nine square metres standard booth will be reduced to MOP3,600.00
- Registration before July 20, 2011 will enjoy 10% discount
- Participants in previous local exhibitions organized or coordinated by IPIM will be entitled to a 10% discount. Advertisement in Macao Trade and Invest Kiosks
Each exhibitor is entitled to broadcast its short advertising video (15-second versions) in the Macao Trade and Invest Kiosks, free-of-charge, for 24 weeks (i.e., 32,256 times). Applications for the above-mentioned benefits should meet the following conditions:
1. Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (employing in Macao less than 100 staff)
2. Be a Macao taxpayer and have registered as such with the Macao Finance Bureau for not less than two years (as of October 20, 2011).
3. At least 50% of the company´s shareholding is held by Macao-residents or Macao-incorporated companies.
4. Fulfil one of the following requirements:
a. The applicant has previously participated in local exhibitions organized or coordinated by IPIM
b. The applicant must be an enterprise trading in "Made in Macao" products, or holder of one or more "Macao Brand" products or is a "Macao Agent" of imported merchandises. Application for exhibition at the "Macao SME Pavilion" is open as from the date hereof until July 27, Mondays to Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applicants should come in person to the MIF Administrative and Service Centre (address: Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, n.º 263, China Civil Plaza, 20th Floor). Each SME may only apply for one booth, on a first-come-first-served basis. Booths arrangement will be made on account of business activities and respective positioning will be decided by drawing lots. For further information on the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), please contact the MIF Administrative and Service Centre at (tel.) 853-2882 8711, (fax) 853-2882 8722 or browse the following official website: www.mif.com.mo.
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Macao Post announced that the mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) previously affected by the strike action taken by the workers' union in Uruguay have resumed normal. Thank you for your kind attention.
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The Workshop on "Macao at the Crossroads of Different Legal Systems", being part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, will take place from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 13th and from 9:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 14th, in the Macao Cultural Center, located at Avenida Xian Xing Hai, NAPE. It is jointly organized by the Institute of European Studies of Macau and by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau. Under the motto "Macao at the Crossroads of Different Legal Systems", this workshop aims at providing a platform that brings together different leading comparative law scholars, experts and legal professionals from the region to share their professional legal knowledge on this important contemporary legal theme. This event will focus on the following topics: I) Differences and Similarities: the Civil and Common Legal Systems in a Comparative Perspective; II) Overcoming the Dichotomy I: Hybrid Legal Systems; III) Overcoming the Dichotomy II: Europeanisation of Public and Private Law; IV) Economic Analysis of Law. The workshop will feature three round table exchange sessions / discussions as well as experts coming from Macau, Italy, USA, Japan and Portugal. This initiative will be conducted in English and has about 30 participants enrolled. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2012. The execution of this Programme is organised by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Economic Services, the Financial Services Bureau and the Institute of European Studies of Macao.
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Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011MFE) came to a satisfactory conclusion at 6:00 p.m. today (July 10). The 3-day event achieved satisfactory results, having received overwhelming response from the visitors. As of 3:30 p.m. today, a total of 12,234 admissions was registered. During this year´s MFE, the Organizers have successfully arranged 1,196 business matching sessions, which resulted in the signing of 21 cooperation protocols. 2011MFE is jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association, Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of China Chain Store & Franchise Association, International Franchise Association and Japan Franchise Association. The event, which was coordinated by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, took place from July 8 to 10, at Exhibition Hall D of the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel. The theme of this year´s edition of the MFE is "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be Seized". As of 3:30 p.m. today (third day of the event), there was a total of 12,234 visitors, corresponding to a 65% increase over last year. According to the figures collected by the Organizers, improvements were registered in all areas when compared with the previous edition. In this regard, number of exhibitors increased by 27%, to 156. A total of 13 countries/regions participated in the 2011MFE, including Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Macao, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Portugal, the United States of America and Mexico, which showcased their products and services in such diverse areas as food and beverage, retail, services, education, marketing strategy and business consultancy. To accommodate the 32% increase in the number of booths this year, which totalled 206, the area of the venue was accordingly increased by 42%, to 5400 square metres. During the 2011MFE, a total of 1196 business matching sessions were held (last year: 1033), of which 85% were specially arranged for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and business starters, corresponding to a 16% increase over last year.. A total of 21 cooperation protocols were signed (last year: 18),increase 16.7%), including 10 in respect of franchising of food and beverage business, one relating to chain store, 8 for sale agency of international branded products and two connected with brands promotion. Scale of this year´s edition of the MFE was further expanded. Professional level of the event has also been enhanced, with Macao acting as a portal platform to attract international brands and chain store operators to showcase international brands from home and abroad at the 2011MFE, aiming to strengthen exchange and achieve cooperation. According to the figures and the number of visitors collected by the Organizers, this year´s edition of the MFE has achieved the desired results and offered a lively atmosphere at the venue. It is believed that there are several reasons in the increase of the number of visitors, one of which due to the fact that the two days opened to the public fall on a week-end, which facilitated for people to bring along their whole family. The second being that spectacular performances are organized at the multi-purpose area: while showcasing the products, an entertainment flavour was added, which greatly contribute to offer a lively atmosphere. Besides, free food and beverage tasting at the Food and Beverage Area was also one of the main attractions of the 2011MFE. Furthermore, there were several professional presentations and forums, which greatly contributed to inspire the audience to think about starting a franchising business. At the business matching area, an ideal environment was created to facilitate exchange of ideas and to discuss about cooperation opportunities. The Organizers have also provided one-stop service at the venue, to provide consultation services to persons intending to start or develop their own business through franchising. According to the preliminary data collected from a survey conducted on the first two days of the 2011MFE, visitors´ age ranged from 18 to 30 years-old (44%) and from 31 to 45 years (38%). This shows that the MFE has met its objective of creating a platform for potential young entrepreneurs to start their own business. The survey also shows that a majority (85%) of the exhibitors are basically satisfied with the arrangements and planning, and have expressed that they would be interested to participate in editions of the 2011MFE. (most probably: 28%, likely: 69%). At the press briefing this afternoon, Ms. Echo Chan, Acting President of IPIM said that, in view of the yearly increase in the number of exhibitors and the level of internationalization, MFE has gradually become a platform for business ventures, and specially benefits young business starters and the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, as a means to build brand image and to enhance corporate culture. Ms. Echo Chan said that the Organizers will make use of the experience gained from the organization of the past editions of the MFE, to appropriately articulate with the development of the tourism industry and the adequate diversification of Macao´s economy, and will put more efforts into promoting the local brands to the international markets while attracting at the same time more international brands to invest in Macao. Macao Franchise Expo 2012 will tentatively take place from July 6 to 8 next year, and will continue to actively promote the franchising industry, working hand-in-hand with the local and overseas business communities to create more business opportunities.
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On second day of the 3-day event, Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011MFE) opened to the general public for the first time. Overall turnout was significantly higher than the first day, as trade visitors and the public were incessantly admitted to the venue. A total of 533 business matching sessions were held on 9 July, which resulted in the signing of 7 cooperation protocols. Gimmicks to improve brand awareness On the second day, the MFE has attracted large number of visitors, including a delegation comprised of approximately 300 experts and entrepreneurs from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. At the exhibition venue, some exhibitors devised ingenious schemes to attract attention, for instance, a cartoon design company from Zhuhai decorated its booth as a living room for small children, adorned with its own cartoon characters and children´s furniture. Attracted by booth´s cute design and the cartoon character, a lot of visitors stationed in front of the booth for pictures. Visitors interested in the exhibition content One of the exhibitors, an operator of animal hospital from Taiwan, expects to increase brand awareness through the MFE and conducted an opinion survey to collect market information from the public regarding development perspectives in the pet market, to plan for expansion overseas. Attracted by the unique characteristics of this type of business, many visitors have shown a lot of interest and inquired about initial investment costs, management model and other similar questions. After being briefed on the way the business is conducted, a visitor who happens to be also a pet shop owner, said that this has inspired him to consider combining his pet shop operation with an animal hospital, and would expand his business in that direction. Free food and beverage tasting particularly popular Aiming to create a lively atmosphere, the Organizers have especially devised a food area. Many food and beverage exhibitors offered free tasting, which received enthusiastic response from the visitors. There was from time to time a long queue at the Fujian gourmet booth. After tasting the food there, a visitor said that if branches of that restaurant were opened in Macao, she would certain pay a visit. The person-in-charge of the booth said that the warm response from the food tasting increased his company´s confidence in setting-up shops in Macao in the future. There is also an MFE Plaza at the venue, where visitors can rest and enjoy the food. The floor of the MFE Plaza is covered with imitation Portuguese cobblestones, giving a typical look to that area. Besides, a multi-purpose zone was set-up for the first time this year, where a "Bridal Catwalk Show" was held at 3:00 p.m. Models wearing elegant bridal gowns designed and made in Macao paraded before the public. Several cooperation protocols signed on Day 2 533 business matching sessions were arranged for the second day of the 2011MFE, resulting in the signing of seven cooperation protocols, as follows: franchise agreement on establishment of a food and beverage chain store in Macao, franchise agreement on the setting-up of a branded restaurant in Macao, agency for environmental protection energy saving lighting system, agency for Yunfu marble, agency for an international brand chocolate, and agency for Memorigin Tourbillon watches in Macao. The signing parties come from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico and Macao. Larger scale and increased professionalism For the first time, Macao Franchise Expo is staged at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, occupying an area in excess of five thousand square metres. There is an almost 30% increase, both in the number of exhibitors (over 150) and the number of booths (more than 200), as compared with last year. Also, the proportion of overseas exhibitors has increased, this year accounting for 70% of the total. Furthermore, the level of professionalism has also improved, as many famous international and local brands mark their presence. MFE has gradually become an ideal regional cooperation platform for franchise and chain store operations, providing excellent opportunity to young business starters and the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Only one day remaining, don´t lose the opportunity to visit 2011MFE There is only one day remaining – July 10 (Sunday). Opening hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Organizers have arranged free shuttle bus service for visitors to and from the venue. There are two routes, one departing from Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket, Iao Hong Branch) and the other one from Avenida do Doutor Mario Soares (Macau Square). The Organizers hope that Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises planning to transfer and upgrade their business to grasp this opportunity and visit the MFE. For enquiries, please call the 2011MFE Secretariat at 6212 8811 or visit the following MFE official website: www.mfe.mo
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With the objective of testing and assessing the efficiency of the Airport Emergency Plan, the government bodies and the aviation operators involved in search and rescue jointly conducted the "Full Scale Emergency Exercise 2011" which simulated the activation of the Airport Emergency Plan in response to an aircraft crash at Macau International Airport upon landing. About 100 people participated in the exercise which was deemed smooth. The exercise took place from 03:00 to 06:00 this morning. The scenario simulated the aircraft of a foreign airline that was carrying 69 passengers and 7 crew members on board. After landing at Macau International Airport, the right engine cowling impacted the runway and led to an outbreak of fire followed by the detachment of the right wing; the accident led to a number of casualties; the aircraft was also carrying 10 boxes of flammable goods. The Airport Emergency Plan was activated immediately after the accident. All responsible parties immediately arrived at the Airport Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate search and rescue work. With the effort of the coordination team and the search and rescue team, all the injured were admitted to hospital; the flammable goods were also unloaded to a safe place. The exercise was deemed smooth. Conducted in accordance with the work schedule approved in the beginning of this year by the Facilitation and Security Committee, the exercise was coordinated by Administration of Airports, Ltd., with the participation of Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs Services, Public Security Police Force, Judiciary Police, Fire Services Bureau, Security Coordination Office, Health Bureau, Maritime Administration, Civil Aviation Authority, CAM-Macau International Airport Company Ltd., Macau Security Company Ltd. (airport security) and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd. Full scale emergency exercises are carried out on a regular basis in Macau International Airport with the objective of testing and assessing the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan and the capacity of the participating entities on command and control, coordination, communication, resource allocation and so on when facing emergencies, so that the participants can further improve themselves in recognizing and dealing with contingencies.
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Organised by Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan (ACFPT), Macau International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association (MCFA) and the Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong (LFA), supported by China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and the Japan Franchise Association (JFA), the Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011 MFE) is held from 8 to 10 July at Hall D, CotaiExpo at the Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel. 2011 MFE - Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands was held on Level 4, Grand Hall of the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre one day before the opening of 2011 MFE. Industry leaders of chain brands from Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, Taiwan and overseas countries are invited to share their insights and experiences on franchise and chain stores and discuss the market trends of the field. Furthermore, to be in line with Macao's development as a World Tourism and Leisure Center, discussion was conducted on the development of related industry and the overall economic development of the city. The theme of the Forum is Chain and Franchise Operation and Development of the World Tourism and Leisure Centre. Keynote speeches were given by Ms. Echo Chan, Acting President of IPIM, Mr. Ricardo Camargo, Executive Director of Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), Ms. Susan Su, Director of Franchise Committee Office of the Franchise & Entrepreneur Department, China Chain Store & Franchise Association, Mr. Fred Ma, President of Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and Mr. Kyo Ito, Chairman of Franchise Committee in Japan Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants Association - Tokyo Branch.
Ms. Chang Ngai, Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Macao Daily News, was the moderator of the panel discussion. Mr. Harry Zhang, Chief Operating Officer of 7 Days Group Holdings Limited, Mr. Yu Cheng Lung, Deputy Chairman of Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Mr. Lan Jianjun, President of Hangzhou Xiaomuzhi Auto Repair Technology Co., Ltd., Mr. Kimiharu Nishino, Executive Director of Franchise Committee in Japan Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants Association - Tokyo Branch, Mr. Kevin Ho, Director-General of the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau, and Mr. Li Ying Fai, Vice Chairman of Association of Environmental Technology Application, Hong Kong, shared their experience and conducted interactive communications on the development, co-operation, strategies and of chain and franchise of international brands and business opportunities. The Signing Ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Co-operation between Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association and the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center was held at the forum. The two parties reached a consensus on co-organising learning activities, such as chain and franchise training, seminars and workshops. The Memorandum of C-operation was signed between Mr. Victor Manuel Kuan, Director General of Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center, and Mr. Jaman Wong, Chairman of Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association. In addition, the launching of the Macao Chain and Franchise Series - Presentations and Reports of the Macau Franchise Expo 2010 was held. The publication, issued by Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association, is a compilation of speeches made by leaders and professionals of franchise and brand agencies on business strategies about brands and successful experience in chain and franchise operations given at the forum of 2010 MFE. The forum attracted around 150 leaders of business organisations and chambers of commerce, professionals and academics, as well as representatives of industry and commerce from countries and regions including Brazil, Japan, Macau, Mainland China and Taiwan.
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After extended discussions between the interested parties, with the intervention of Monetary Authority of Macao (the "AMCM"), the Macao Insurers' Association and some taxi associations signed a platform agreement regarding the third party liability insurance of taxis on 7 July 2011 at the premises of the AMCM. Under this platform, it was agreed that the taxi owners can purchase insurance through any authorized intermediaries or direct from any authorized insurers, and depending on the insurance history of the taxi owners/drivers, insurers may offer policy limits higher than the statutory minimum limits (MOP3.000.000,00). Also, the daily compensation for loss of rental payable by the insurer, in the event of loss of use of the taxi, starting from June 1, 2011 shall be increased to MOP425 from MOP250. The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Dr. António Félix Pontes, Executive Director of the AMCM, and lawmaker, Ms Melinda Chan. Representing the Macao Insurers' Association, were Mr. Yu Kuok Leung on behalf of China Taiping Insurance (Macau) Co. Ltd, and Mr. Steven Chik on behalf of Macau Insurance Co. Ltd. The taxi associations included Associação Geral dos Comerciantes de Trânsito e de Transporte de Macau, Associação dos Comerciantes e Operários dos Automóveis de Macau, Associação Geral dos Proprietários de Táxis de Macau, Associação das Taxistas de Macau, Federação dos Negócios de Táxis de Macau, Associação dos Profissionais e Operadores de Táxis de Macau and Vang Iek Rádio Táxi Co. Ltd.
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The 16th edition of the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will take place from October 20 to 23 (Thursday to Wednesday) at the Convention and Exhibition Centre of Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The event is organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and governmental co-organizers include the Economic Services Bureau of Macao SAR, Macau Government Tourist Office, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission. Other co-organizers are: Macao Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, Macau Shippers´ Association, Macau Association of Banks, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, The Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Association of Macau, The Macau Chinese Enterprises Association and The Chinese Manufacturers´ Association of Hong Kong. The Permanent Secretariat of the Forum on Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao), International Lusophone Markets Business Association and the World Federation of Chinese Entrepreneurs Organization will act as partner organizations. The Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macao Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao will be in charge of coordination of the 16th MIF. The MIF is entering into its 16th edition this year. Macao International Trade and Investment Fair is the largest and the most important international economic and trade event held annually in Macao. Last year, there were 1400 booths, having attracted 760 exhibitors and eighty thousand visitors. A total of 1151 business matching sessions were held, culminated with the signing of 62 cooperation protocols, involving business up to the extent of 4 Billion Patacas. During the 4-day event, 35 forums and presentations were held, with 6700 participants. This clearly demonstrates that the MIF has effectively assumed its role as a regional service platform and a bridge for economic and trade exchanges. This year, MIF will maintain the theme "Cooperation – Key to Business Opportunities". By setting-up themed pavilions, conferences with different features, business matching activities and sourcing negotiations, MIF aims to further develop Macao as a world tourism and leisure centre and regional business service platform, while promoting the moderate diversification of Macao´s economy. MIF will display products, services, technology and investment projects of the exhibitors - companies and organizations - from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as from the Portuguese-Speaking Countries and other countries, to promote cooperation and exchange in such areas as economic, commercial, investment, tourism, MICE, creative industries, so as to jointly meet the new round of development opportunities. New Highlights to Develop Regional Cooperation To further promote the integration within MIF´s traditional markets (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Portuguese-Speaking countries and Macao) and to strengthen market ties with Taiwan, Southeast Asian Countries, Europe and The Americas, so as to broaden the development space for the MIF, a series of new measures were introduced, in the context of the content and professional services, to highlight the theme of the MIF - cooperation and development. Special Zones to Create more Business Opportunities In order to provide more investment and cooperation projects for the selection of the participants, in this edition of the MIF, besides improvement to the Industrial and Creative Zones, Electrical Appliances Zone and Taiwan Pavilion, and enrichment of the content in the SME´s Retail Sale Zone and Digital Technology Zone, new thematic zones will be introduced, for exhibition of mahogany furniture and small commodities. Promotional seminars to link-up the SMEs With a view of strengthening the cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, under the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement, the MIF will offer a Hengqin (Zhuhai) Exhibition Zone as well as a Nansha (Guangzhou) Exhibition Zone. Besides, in addition to a series of presentations on investment opportunities in Hengqin and Nansha, to provide cooperation and development opportunities to the SMEs, especially those from the above-mentioned territories. Participation of more professional visitors to promote multi-pairing Invitations were sent out to a large number of sourcing companies, leading enterprises and professional visitors to the thematic zones. The Organizers will provide "MIF Express" and "Special Benefits to Professional Visitors", in a bid to enhance the effectiveness of the business matching and negotiations. Optimization of "One Trip, Multiple-Stop" Service, to Share Synergy To further improve the effectiveness to the participants, MIF will continue to cooperate actively with its neighbouring partners to provide the "One Trip, Multiple-Stop" program, by organizing for the MIF participants, visits departing from Macao, to the Canton Fair and on-site inspection trips to Hengqin (Zhuhai) and Nansha (Guangzhou), in order to attract a larger number of participants and to share synergy, while providing the greatest benefits and more business opportunities to the participants. Furthermore, taking advantage of the platform provided by the MIF to promote "Made in Macao", "Macao Brand" and "Macao Design" products, as well as products from the Portuguese-Speaking Countries with agents in Macao, the Organizer will direct professional visitors to the recently-opened "Macao Ideas" – Macao Products Display Centre, where the afore-mentioned articles are on display. Professional Fashion Show to show Lifestyle and Creativity In cooperation with the Macao Cultural Institute and the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, respectively, MIF will continue to offer a Cultural and Creative Zone and also a Professional Fashion Show Zone, which will serve as cooperation and exchange platforms for the cultural and creative industry-related companies, designers, design agencies, brand operation organizations and apparel manufactures. Distinct Themes to Highlight the Trade and Investment Aspect Covering an area of 30 thousand square metres, the MIF venue will hold 1600 booths. Main exhibition zones include the Exhibition Zones of Provinces and Municipalities of Mainland China, the Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion, the European Pavilion, Macao Pavilion, Hengqin (Zhuhai) Exhibition Zone, Nansha (Guangzhou) Exhibition Zone, Cultural and Creative Zone, Apparel Zone, Electrical Appliances Zone and Mahogany Furniture Zone. Retail Zones include the Macau SMEs´ Zone, Taiwan Pavilion and the Digital Equipment Zone. Forums to promote cooperation and development "International Trade and Investment Forum 2011" and the "8th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Summit" will be held during the 16th MIF, where participants from Mainland China and abroad will discuss about economic and trade cooperation and development. Besides, several government entities and chambers of commerce, from Macao, Mainland China and abroad, will organize forums and seminars on trade cooperation and other specialized matters. A number of incentives to encourage SMEs´ participation To enable local the SMEs to make better use of the MIF platform to open-up business opportunities, the Organizer will continue to subside the local SMEs and provide a number of preferential treatments, as follows: • Special discount in booth rental There will be 140 booths in the "Macao SMEs ´Zone". The Organizer will provide the following benefits to eligible local SMEs: 40% off the booth rental, i.e., for a 9 square metres booth, after subsidy provided by the Organizer, the rental will be MOP3,600.00. Registration before July 20 will enjoy a 10% discount. Participants in previous local exhibitions organized by IPIM will be entitled to a 10% discount. • Additional Benefits Each exhibitor is entitled to broadcast its short advertising video in the 12 Macao Trade and Invest Kiosks, free of charge. Booths applications will be treated in accordance with the principle availability and priority. Geographic allocation will be made by means of lucky draw. Applications for exhibition at the "SME Zone" will be accepted from July 14 to 27 (Monday to Friday), from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applicants should come in person to the MIF Administrative and Services Centre and bring along the relevant application form together with the required documents. A briefing and recruitment session for the "Macao SME Zone" of the 16th MIF will be held on July 13, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC). SMEs interested to participate as exhibitors in the "SME Zone" are welcome. A vast array of services provided by the MIF To assist the local SMEs to explore business opportunities and to find suitable partners, the Organizer will provide a series of business matching services, covering business matching in franchise and chain store operations, brand agencies and other projects. Both on-line pre-business matching and on-site business matching services are available. For details, please call: (853) 2872 8328. During the preparations period of the MIF, the "MIF Administrative and Support Centre", located at the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC) (Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, no. 263, 20th Floor) will provide a wide range of services to the exhibitors and other merchants, from home and abroad. For further information about the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, please call MIF´s hotline at 853-28828711, fax (853-28828722 or visit the following official website: ww.mif.com.mo.
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