The annual event for economy and trade, the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was officially opened today (17th October 2013). Comprising of a total of 1,900 exhibition booths, exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions are participating in the 18th MIF, of which Russia, Italy, and the Republic of Moldova set up pavilions in the event for the first time, resulting in an exhibition with increasing international participation and more diverse contents. The first day of the event was an enormous success, concluding a total of 632 business matching sessions and 30 projects signed. Opening ceremony The opening ceremony of the 18th MIF was held in the Sicily Room, Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel yesterday morning, which was attended by delegates from over 50 countries and regions. Officiating guests at the ceremony included Chief Executive of Macao SAR Chui Sai On, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR Qiu Hong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR Cai Si Ping, Secretary of State for Support and Promotion of the Private Sector, East Timor Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, , Aide to the Minister, Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Chairman of Russian-Chinese Centre for Trade and Economic Co-operation Sergey F. Sanakoev, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Jiangsu Province Fu Zi Ying, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Zhao Yu Fang, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Tam Pak Yuen, Vice Chairperson of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Su Zhi Gang , Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, Hou Yu Lan, Secretary-General of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Xu Hu Bin, President of Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce Kou Hoi In, and President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Jackson Chang. In his speech, Tam Pak Yuen said under the theme "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities", several thematic exhibitions have been organised during this year's MIF to showcase the development potential of industries in participating countries and regions as well as their business advantages. The Organiser has invited world-renowned trade and economic professionals and business leaders to be keynote speakers of high-level forums, conferences and lectures to analyse the development trends of global politics and economies and explore co-operation opportunities. In addition, MIF also seeks to promote liaisons and exchanges through the organisation of a number of business matching sessions and cocktail receptions. International Trade and Investment Forum 2013 Being the major and the highlighted forum of MIF, the International Trade and Investment Forum 2013 was held in the afternoon of the opening day. Various high-level officials and renowned experts have been invited to participate as keynote speakers, including Tam Pak Yuen, Su Zhi Gang, Xu Hu Bin, Sergey F. Sanakoev, Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, Ma Iao Lai, President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Alberto de Mello Caboclo, Vice President of International Relations, Life Member of Deliberative Assembly, Sao Paulo Football Club and Wen De, Technology Officer of Alibaba Group. During the forum, the speakers conducted in-depth discussions on the development trends of the global economic market, opportunities brought by regional economic co-operation and the role of Macao as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and proposed a number of recommendations to foster active exchanges, such as enhancing the role of Macao as a platform, strengthening the integration of the industry chain, as well as innovating service models to accelerate regional economic amalgamation. The forum was attended by a variety of representatives of government departments, trade/investment promotion institutes, chambers of commerce, and business sectors from various countries and regions including Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Strengthening regional co-operation and building a platform for business and trade exchanges and co-operation between China and Portugal To further promote economic and trade co-operation between Macao, Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries and strengthen Macao's distinctive multi-cultural features and role as a service platform for regional business and trade, the Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception was held yesterday. Numerous business matching sessions and protocols concluded on first day On the first day of MIF, a total of 632 business matching sessions were concluded and 30 protocols were signed, covering co-operation between governments and chambers of commerce, shopping centre co-operation investment project, co-operation in convention and exhibition and passenger transport and tour bus rentals, establishment of fine arts centre and museum and research and development centre and the base for clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine, ecological traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing base co-operation, electrical appliances, healthcare products, heat resistant energy-saving insulation coating of glass, nano-ceramic energy-efficient lighting products, furniture agency, wines and electronic travel card. MIF is open to public from 18th to 20th In addition to various business and trade forums and conventions, MIF has specially launched a series of activities in line with the new market trends, e.g. the Creativity Business Zone promoting cultural and creative industries, fashion show, Taiwanese Excellence Pavilion themed around Taiwan's future technologies and smart life, Health Culture Pavilion. Highlights of yesterday's activities included the Jiangsu – Macau ‧ Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum, "Ancient Capital Beijing, Glamorous Dongcheng District" Promotion Conference, Macao Fashion Festival 2013 - Jewel & Glamour, SME service counter, consultation, entrepreneurship counselling, re-packing gallery show, brand catalogues show, Seminar on Leveraging Business Capacity – Establish a Successful Brand and Create New Values, China Regimen & Health Care (Macau) Forum. During the Fair, the 10th Asian Magic Association Convention which assembled the world renowned magicians to showcase their talent was also held. MIF was opened to the public from 18th to 20th, during which free shuttle bus services (the public shuttle bus route and official hotel shuttle bus route) are available at different locations for business visitors and the public. Pickup points on Macao peninsula include Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop), and Taipa island Avenida de Guimaraes (Parque Central Da Taipa). Schedules are as follows: 18th to 19th October: 9:30am to 7pm; 20th October: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue. 18th to 19th October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 20th October: 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Visitors may also park their cars at the public car parking of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP10 per hour apply). For more information on the 18 MIF, please contact the MIF hotline (853) 2882 2711 or fax (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website www.mif.com.mo.
