Invited by ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF), a business delegation led by Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), including representatives from Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau (organiser and co-ordinator of "Macao Franchise Expo 2013") went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to participate in the "ASEAN Franchise Expo & Symposium 2013"(AFES 2013) from 7-9 March 2013. The objectives of the trip was as to foster exchanges and co-operation with franchise and retail chain industries of the ASEAN region, as well as promoting the upcoming "Macao Franchise Expo 2013"(2013MFE). Organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism of Malaysia (KPDNKK) and ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF) and supported by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the "ASEAN Franchise Expo & Symposium 2013" was held from 8 to 10 March at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. There were a total of 80 booths set up in the exhibition. Besides local Malaysian brands, enterprises and associations including those from mainland China, Australia, Indonesia Japan, and Singapore took part representing food and beverage, retail, beauty products, education, and information technology sectors to name a few participated in AFES 2013. The opening ceremony of AFES 2013 was presided by Dato' Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob, Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, and representatives from various ASEAN countries. During the visit to Macao Pavilion at the exhibition, Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of IPIM introduced the current Macau trade and investment environment and activities organised by IPIM to Dato' Ismail Sabri, including 2013 MFE to be held from 12 to 14 July, the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) and Macao International Trade And Investment Fair (MIF). ARFF, the AFES 2013 organiser, expressed interest in participating in 2013MFE to promote brand co-operation opportunities for its member companies. Some exhibitors from food and beverage, food manufacturing, information technology, healthcare and beauty industries wished to make use of Macao and the MFE exhibition platform to explore the mainland China market. In addition, the Macao delegation attended the "ASEAN Outstanding Business Award 2013"and exchanged information and made connections with representatives from Malaysian franchise and retail chain industries. The Macau delegation also paid courtesy visits to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association (MRCA), during which Ms. Echo Chan gave a presentation on collaboration between Malaysia and Macao, trade, the business and economic development of Macao, as well as tax and CEPA incentive arrangements. Ms. Chan also encouraged Malaysian enterprises to take part in exhibitions in Macau, and utilise the Macao regional business platform as a gateway for Malaysian brands to open up business opportunities in mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr. Tim Sio, Vice Director-General of the Macau Chain Stores & Franchise Association expressed his desire to search for suitable partners in Malaysia, hence strengthening collaboration between Malaysia and Macao. Mr. Osborn Lo, Vice Director-General of the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau hoped to gain information and a deeper understanding on the Malaysian franchise industry, to improve future co-operation opportunities through stronger ties with ASEAN enterprises. Organised by the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) and Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association (MRCA), the delegation also conducted site visits to several renowned brands including Bonia (Leather bag and shoes), Tutti Frutti (Frozen yogurt) and Zell-V (Healthcare products), in order to gain a deeper understanding of Malaysian franchise and retail chain operation and management.
