Organized jointly by the Department of International Trade Promotion, under the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government, by Koelnmesse Co., Ltd., and by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, THAIFEX – World of Food Asia 2013 was held from May 22 to 26, 2013 at the IMPACT Challenger, in Bangkok, Thailand. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) organized a 37-member Macao Business Delegation to visit the event, on May 21-23. THAIFEX – World of Asia 2013 is currently Thailand´s fair specialized in food products fair, in terms of scale, level of professionalism, prestige and degree of internationalization. There are 1,340 exhibitors in this edition of THAIFEX, occupying 3,100 booths, up 10% from last year. THAIFEX is one of the most important food products fair in Asia and an ideal platform for the sourcing of merchandises and exchange of information. A number of trade professionals gather at this event annually, for mutual introduction, to explore and discuss about the latest international trends and products and to identity the business opportunities. During the period of their stay in Bangkok, members of the Macao Business Delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, under the Ministry of Commerce of the Royal Thai Government, Mr. Phusit Ratanakulsereroengrit, who briefed the delegation on the latest investment environment in Thailand and the import and export laws and regulations currently in force in Thailand. On the other hand, the Executive Director of IPIM, Mrs. Irene V. K. Lau, and the Senior Manager of IPIM´s Promotional Activities Department, Mr. Sam Lei, also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Mr. Nopparat Maythaveekulchai. Both sides exchanged valuable views on how to support the development of the convention and exhibition industry and the best way to attract more MICE activities to their respective territories. The above-mentioned activities facilitated the business contacts and negotiations between members of the Macao Business Delegation and the exhibitors at THAIFEX, in the areas of food ingredients, foodstuff, frozen food, dairy products, wine, kitchen utensils, cutlery and food production equipment. It was the first time that IPIM has organized a 37-member business delegation to visit the subject event. Principal members of the said delegation included the Executive Director of IPIM, Mrs. Irene V. K. Lau, the President of the Macao Federal Commercial Association of Wine and Food Industries in Portuguese Speaking Countries and Regions, Mr. Ip Sio Man, the Vice-president of the Board of Directors of the "Associação de Pequenas e Médias Empresas de Macau", Mr. Iong Ieng Chun, the President of the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, Mr. Wong Kin Chong, the President of the Board of Directors of the Macau Small and Medium Enterprises of Catering, Mr. Ieong Weng Seng, the President of the Board of Directors of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Lam Cheok Wa, the Executive Director of Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Mr. Antonio Wong Chung Tak, the Vice President of "Ou Mun Peng Sek Sao Son Ip Seong Wui", Mr. Ling Man Yi, the Vice-President of the Macau Union Suppliers Association, Mr. Derek Szeto Bickong, and the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association, Mr. Sio Chan Tim.
