Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), special supporting organisation World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), and co-organised by 15 economic and trade promotion institutions and chambers of commerce from Macao, Mainland China and Hong Kong, co-ordinated by Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao, the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 17th to 20th October 2013 in the Convention and Exhibition Centre at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel . MIF is one of the largest annual international economic and trade events in Macao as well as the first exhibition to be accredited by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). After 17 years of continuous innovation and development, MIF has now become a branded Macao fair. MIF's role in boosting Macao's economic growth is becoming increasingly significant, in particular, with the introduction of new technology, capital and expertise. It fosters technological progress and the upgrading of the local tourism and leisure industry, as well as other business areas, such as finance, manufacturing, convention and exhibition, cultural and creative industries. MIF provides Macao's SMEs as well as enterprises from abroad with more business opportunities. It serves as a regional trade and investment platform and an important co-operation and service platform, linking China, the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region in particular, Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the European Union and the rest of the world. Enriched Exhibition Content to Open Tremendous Business Opportunities for Trade Visitors The 17th MIF held in October last year, had over 1,600 booths and more than 20 themed exhibition zones, 330 trade and economic delegations from more than 50 countries and regions participated in the event, engaging in 1,847 business matching sessions. This fully reflects, once again, the vital role played by MIF as a regional co-operation platform and hub for trade exchanges. The theme of this year's MIF is "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities", covers an exhibition area of over 32,000 square metres. There will be various themed pavilions, as well as pavilions for a number of Chinese cities/provinces, various overseas countries. An Asian Creativity Business Zone and a Healthcare Pavilion will be established in MIF this year. Major features include: domestic and foreign investment environments and investment projects, cultural and creative industries, food and wine, fashion design, healthcare, professional product and magicians' supplies and equipment, a financial investment exhibition, digital photography equipment and the opportunity to buy international SMEs' products. This year's seminars, forums and promotional activities highlight the investment environments and projects services, technology and products of Mainland China and overseas countries, so as to create more business opportunities for trade visitors. The Organiser will continue to support the participation of local small and medium-sized enterprises by providing a number of concessions Macao SME Exhibition Zone organised by Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and co-organised by the Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Macau Businesswomen Association and co-ordinated by Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao. A total 120 booths will be set up in the Macao SME Exhibition Zone. For eligible Macao SMEs, the organiser will provide the following concessions: a discount of 40% off the rental fee of a nine square metre standard booth, with an original rental fee of MOP9,000.00, the discounted price is MOP3,600.00. Enterprises making their registration on or before 19 July, as well as those that have previously participated in exhibitions organised by IPIM are both entitled to a 10% discount. The Recruitment and Briefing Session for the Macao SME Exhibition Area will be held at 3:00 p.m. on 5 July (Friday) in the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC), located on 20th Floor, China Civil Plaza, 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, Macao. Interested parties are cordially invited to participate. Applications for exhibition in the Macao SME Exhibition Zone will be held from 8 to 26 July (Monday to Friday), from 09:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Applicants should register in person and bring along their application form and all required documents to IPIM's SME Service Centre (Address: 19th Floor, China Civil Plaza, 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, Macao). Each SME can only apply for one booth, on a first-come-first-served basis. The exhibition venue will be zoned in accordance with the nature of the business and the allocation of each booth will be decided in a draw. Enterprises applying for preferential schemes related to exhibition in the Macao SME Exhibition Zone should meet the following requirements: small or medium-sized enterprises (employing less than 100 people in Macao) incorporated in Macao; have fulfilled obligations as a tax payer and have been registered with the Macao Finance Bureau for at least two years (as of 17 October 2013), a Macao resident should own at least 50% of the company or by a company incorporated in Macao. After satisfying the above criteria, the applicant should also meet one of the following two requirements: it has participated in at least one MIF in the past or other exhibitions organised by IPIM or is a company manufacturing Made in Macao Products, holder of Macao Brand or is an agent for Macao Products. For further details, please contact the MIF Co-ordinators Administrative and Service Centre on (853) 2882 2711, fax: (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website: www.mif.com.mo.
