The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) included several seminars, matchmaking events and business presentations on its third day (Saturday, 25 October). They were designed to create business opportunities for participating delegates and exhibitors, as well as new experiences for the general public, via cultural performances and fashion shows.
The bustling show floor helped to generate 400 business matching sessions, while 16 co-operation and business agreements were signed. World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs
On Saturday, activities at MIF included the 11th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, featuring contributions by speakers discussing new patterns of global development. The summit's theme was: "Chinese Entrepreneurs to Expand the International Stage".Speakers from Mainland China, Taiwan and other regions joined delegates for speeches on the topic of "A New Pattern of Global Economic Development". The summit was attend by more than 1,000 Chinese entrepreneurs from around the world.
Hu Angang, Director of the Institute for Contemporary China Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, pointed out that China had become a focus for the world. The scholar said that once the know-how of enterprises catches up with the pace of the country's economic development, opportunities would spring up everywhere. Dominic Chan, Deputy Director of the supervisory committee of the Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association, said Macao was a 'right time, right place' as well as offering the right connections for business success. He suggested young people should think thoroughly and seize opportunities to develop their own businesses. He also mentioned that, through MIF, opportunities for business negotiations and industry information-sharing were being created, and new friends were being made, and therefore good chances for business expansion were being offered.
The 2014 World Outstanding Young Chinese Entrepreneur Awards were also announced during the summit. Ms. Regina Sam, Managing Director of Great Time Limited, the winner from Macao, encouraged young people to gain work experience in institutions or companies relevant to their career path before starting a business.
At the Youth Entrepreneurship & SMEs Operation Seminar, several speakers spoke of the challenges of running a company – such as financing, managing people and the need for patience and perseverance – but said that good ideas plus effort could help dreams come true. Business matching sessions
First estimates are that 400 business matching sessions were conducted and 16 protocols and contracts were signed on the third day of MIF. The latter covered the fields of trade in "ligaloes", a plant extract used for medicinal purposes, and other agricultural products; tourism services; cultural and creative products; painting and calligraphy-related exhibitions; creative, cultural and communications co-operation; wedding business; and branded furniture products. MIF final day Sunday, 26 October
Local visitors were happy to see the 19th MIF adding new elements to its offering, including more exhibitions and sales areas as well as fashion shows and food tasting areas.
Day three saw a large and diverse crowd, including many first-time visitors from Mainland China.
On Sunday, the final day of the event, opening hours are from 10am to 6pm, with free admission. The highlight will be the "CPTTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing 2013/2014 Diploma Programme - Graduation Show".
Visitors may take free shuttle bus service at the following pickup points: Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (Macao Square) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop) on the Macao peninsula; and Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa) on Taipa Island. Bus schedules are as follows: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel's CotaiExpo; 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Alternatively, visitors may also park their cars at the public car park of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP15 per hour apply). Visitors may also consider parking at the Central Park at Taipa (charges of MOP3 per hour apply) and take a shuttle bus there to the MIF venue. For more information, please visit the MIF official website www.mif.com.mo.
