2013 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF), hosted by the Macao SAR government, will be held from 21 to 23 March 2013. The event aims to develop Macao as a co-operation platform for the environmental industry between Pan-PRD region and countries overseas. In order to strengthen the publicity of MIECF, the official co-ordinators, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Macao Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), visited relevant departments and organisations in Beijing, to appeal for their continuing support and participation in the event. Organisations Visited Continued Support 2013 MIECF A delegation of seven, including Mr. Jackson Chang, IPIM's President, Mrs. Irene V.K. Lau, IPIM's Executive Director and Ms. Vong Man Hung, DSPA's Deputy Director, visited the National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC) and met Mr. Zhao Penggao, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Resources Conservation and Environment Protection. The delegation explained the theme of 2013 MIECF, details of activities and the progress of the organisation of the event. Zhao agreed that MIECF plays the role as a platform for the green industry between Mainland and the rest of the world. The theme for 2013 is Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards a Green Future, which is in line with the current international environmental trend. NDRC will continue to support MIECF and its related activities. During the trip to Beijing, the delegation also visited Mr. Wan Jifei, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and both parties exchanged views on 2013 MIECF co-operation, the direction of Macao's economic development and collaboration with the convention and exhibition industries of the two sides. Wan said that IPIM is an important co-operation partner of CCPIT in Macao; the two have developed far-reaching reciprocation through the mechanism of Entrepreneurs Meeting for Commercial and Economic Co-operation between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries as well as the Mainland and Macao Chamber of Commerce Joint Committee and achieved favourable results. It is hoped that the two organisations will further enhance collaboration in various areas and jointly develop more co-operation platforms to foster trade and economic exchanges between the two sides and to provide quality services for enterprises. The delegation also visited the Ministry of Commerce, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) to introduce 2013 MIECF. Leaders of the above-mentioned departments, business associations and organisations were invited to organise delegations to take part in the exhibition, as well as conduct friendly discussions on the co-operation with Macao's convention and exhibition industry. 2013 MIECF Themed on the Sustainable Development of Cities In its sixth year, the theme for 2013 MIECF will be Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards a Green Future, promoting international co-operation, fostering the development of low carbon societies, with the ultimate goal of Thinking Green, Going Clean and Living Cool. Major forums, themed exhibitions and networking activities will be held to serve as a platform to promote networking between local and international environmental industries, and foster business opportunities for the latest green technology and projects. MIECF has been successfully held in Macao for five consecutive years, with constant growth in terms of participating enterprises, exhibition area and attending professional representatives. 2012 MIECF attracted the participation of over 8,500 people, including more than 6,400 professionals, a total of 398 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions were set up covering a total area of 16,900 square metres. During the three-day event, 702 business-matching sessions were conducted and the signing of 35 contracts completed. MIECF has become a major platform for participating enterprises to showcase green technology, establish customer networks and explore green business opportunities.
