The 2013 Macao International Franchise Expo (2013MFE) will be held from 12 to 14 July 2013 in Exhibition Hall "A" of Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The expo aims to cultivate entrepreneurship among the new generation of aspiring businesspeople and to encourage the creation of branded products by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and thus generate more business opportunities and assist in building more local and international brands. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises intending to develop their business through franchising, are welcome to participate in this event, to learn more about the franchising business model and to network with potential business partners. Application deadline is 31 May 2013. Eligible local SMEs may apply to IPIM for "Financial Incentives for Participation in Exhibition Activities", to enjoy up to 60% off the exhibition fee. Bigger event, featuring more international brands Consisting of several activities, including an exhibition, forums and seminars, business matching and service and products promotion, 2013MFE is in line with the policy of the Macao SAR Government, to promote moderate economic diversification, by providing expansion opportunities for SMEs preparing to transform their business as well as career choice opportunities for youths. Since its inception in 2009, there have been great improvements, in terms of the content and the size of the event. Whereas in 2009, there were only seven countries and regions participating as exhibitors, this number increased to 14, in 2012. Also, the number of exhibitors has doubled, from the original 78 to 156. Well-known brands from home and abroad have participated in the previous MFEs. Some of these brands have already successfully begun operations in Macau, Zhuhai and other parts of the Pearl River Delta Region. Last year, 1,300 business matching sessions were held and 25 co-operation memoranda were signed. It is worth mentioning that several franchise associations from Malaysia, the Philippines South Korea, and Thailand acted as co-organisers for last year's MFE, while the panel of speakers included many well-known specialists in the franchising field, such as representatives from China Chain Store & Franchise Association, Franchise Association of New Zealand, International Franchise Association. This clearly shows that the highlights of the event are increasing and that it is becoming more international, evidence that this annual event, designed to build up brands and promote franchising is gradually receiving more attention and support. Richer content and additional highlights
Significant enhancements will be introduced to this year's MFE, both in terms of the size of the venue and in the content. It is expected that the number of exhibitors will reach 200, showcasing franchising and brand agency projects from different regions, as well as other ancillary services, such as marketing and corporate advisory. Aiming to maintain its high quality and international features, the Organiser has invited enterprises from the Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, and also from France, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea and the United States to participate as exhibitors, to showcase their brands in the catering, retail, services, education, leisure and entertainment, brand agency and advisory services sectors. With regards to forums and seminars, the Organiser plans to invite a number of international specialists in the fields of franchising and chain store operations to share their insights. In additional, more brand promotion activities will be held in the venue, to create a warm atmosphere for networking. The organizers hope that MFE will encourage more SMEs and business starters to make use of such business exchange platform for brands of different countries and regions to seek business partners, enhance their business capacities and competitiveness through franchising business models, hence triggering more business opportunities. 2013MFE is jointly co-organised by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA), and coordinated by Association of Advertising Agents of Macau. For further information and the latest news regarding Macao Franchise Expo, please visit the official website – www.mfe.mo - or call the following hotlines: +853 2831 3220/+853 6229 8000.
