Macao 2012-Jul-06 – 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, Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association and Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong, supported by Chinese Chain Store & Franchise Association, International Franchise Association and Japan Franchise Association, co-organized by Korea Franchise Association, Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association, Philippines Franchise Association and Thailand Franchise Association, and coordinated by Association of Advertising Agents of Macao, the Grand Opening of the Macao Franchise Expo 2012 (2012MFE) takes place at Hall D of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel.
With the slogan "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be seized" this year, the event continues to strive to promote international franchise and chain business, and brand co-operation through various types of means, including exhibition, forum, business matching and product/service presentations. Also, 2012MFE promotes local brand products on an international scale and fosters a more desirable business communication platform for local young business beginners and SMEs. A total of 493 business matching sessions is successfully achieved on July 6 and of 15 cooperation protocols are signed.
Representatives of IPIM stresses that, in line with the regional strategy to build Macao into a "world-class tourism and leisure centre" and an "economic and trade co-operation platform", the 2012MFE provides new opportunities for brand co-operation, chain and franchising operations. In recent years, a number of world famous brands have entered the Macao consumer market by means of franchising, chain operation and licensing, bringing in new content and fresh ideas to the local consumer market. The awareness and participation of local business and industrial sectors, particular SMEs, in such business models have been increasing largely and constantly, Chan notes.
Following the boom of the local retail industry, the retail sales volume amounted to Mop 12.88 Billion in the first quarter this year, a rise of 28% year on year. The growth, along with the gradual introduction of world-renowned brands into the local market, has resulted in a diverse range of products and services for local residents and nearly 3 million tourists annually, she points out. 2012MFE – The Expanding International Business Platform
Building on foundations of previous fruitful results and experiences, 2012MFE, being the fourth edition of the event, is committed to promoting and establishing a business platform to welcome international brands from different countries and regions to take part in the exhibition to look for business partners in Macao. 20I2MFE has recruited 156 exhibitors from 14 different countries or regions, which include Mainland China, America, Japan, South Korea, Britain, France, Malaysia, Thai, Singapore, Philippine, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, attracting over 150 franchise and chain operators and brand agencies from a variety of industries like food and beverages, retail, services, education, strategic planning and marketing, and so on, showcasing a total of 165 brands. The venue this year covers a total of 5,400 square metres with 207 booths. The number of premium booths has reached to 23 (comparing 9 in the MFE 2011), an increase of about 155%. There are a total of 107 overseas exhibitors (around 70%. The number of Macao exhibitors increases from 38 in 2011 to 49 this year, an increase of 28%. The event has gained ever increasing worldwide and market exposure, with the greater participation of international organizations. It has also introduced four franchise associations as co-organizers and two local enterprises as partner organizations.
During the event, three sessions of Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands under different themes, as well as a number of thematic seminars and presentations will be held. A series of one-stop support services is provided, enabling local and overseas business visitors to obtain practical information on franchising operations.
The forum on the first day of the expo is themed at "Beyond Macao – Opportunities of Development in Regional Franchise Business", and groups of famous international chain business specialists and senior corporate officials from Taiwan and Macao were invited to shares their visions. 15 Cooperation Protocols Signed On the First Day On the first day of the event, a total of 493 business matching is successfully achieved and has contributed to the signing of 15 cooperation protocols, including cooperative brand product promotion, brand chain operation and licensing, agency stores of Australia Milk powder, Europe snack and beverage brands, establishing branded delicacy centre and food research and development centre and so on. The cooperation protocols are initiated and signed by enterprises from numerous countries and regions including Macao, Mainland, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia and Britain Virgin Islands.
Officiating guests at the Macao Franchise Expo 2012 included Echo Chan, Acting President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Wang Jia Bao, Director of Economic Affairs Department (Representative of Wang Xin Dong, Director General) of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Liu Jianbo, Director-General, Department of General Affairs, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Sou Tim Peng, Director of Economic Services of the Government of the Macao SAR, and representatives of 2012MFE organizers, supporting organizers and co-organizers, etc. The opening ceremony presided over by the officiating guests marked the kick-off of the 3-day event.
Forum Highlight on July 7
The topic of the forum on July 7 is "From Building Your Own Brand to Managing Chain Store Operations" and will be held in the Ballroom J of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm. Through focus questions by the moderator and experience sharing of guest speakers of the field, including professors, leaders and senior representatives from Taiwan brand enterprises and business associations, it is expected that the audience can gain more knowledge on formula of success for franchise and chain business, as well as future trends of industry development. The forum is free of charge and open to public. Brand Re-packaging Consultancy Pavilion Enhances Product Value
In order to strengthen the brands both locally and internationally, the Organizers specially invite representatives from Beijing, Taiwan, and Hong Kong counterparts, who are expertise in brand packaging services, to share their insights and provide opinions tailored to different needs for international brands in "2012MFE Brand Re-packaging Consultancy Pavilion". Invited consultants illustrate and explore the techniques and skills in product packaging and examine how brand packaging strategically enhances the brand value. Also, on-site consultancy services will be available for business beginners and SMEs.
Free Admission. Don't Miss the Opportunity!
Admission throughout the three-day event is free. Business representatives and general public are all welcomed to visit the expo. Similar to the previous MFE, some of the exhibitors will provide free-tasting, together with MFE Square, a multi-functional area, which is expected to allow exhibitors to demonstrate their products and boost the match making atmosphere with fabulous Wedding Dress Shows, Latte Art demonstration, parade of MFE Mascot and cartoon characters. July 7 and July 8 will be open to general public. The opening hours on July 7 (Saturday) are from 11:00am to 8:00 pm and the opening hours on July 8 (Sunday) are from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm.
For public convenience, two routes of shuttle bus service will be available on Saturday and Sunday. Round trip shuttle 1 goes between Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket, Areia Preta) and MFE venue. Round trip shuttle 2 goes between Avenida Doutor Mário Soares ( Macao Square ) and MFE venue.
For other enquiries, please contact the secretariat of 2012MFE, Tel: (853) 6212 88ll or visit the MFE official website: www.mfe.mo.
