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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that both the unemployment rate (1.7%) and the underemployment rate (0.3%) for July-September 2014 held stable as the previous period (June-August). Total labour force increased to 398,700 and the labour force participation rate reached 74.0%. Total employment was 392,100, an increase of 3,400 from June-August. Number of the unemployed was 6,600, down by 200; fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 26.6% of the total unemployed, up by 3.5 percentage points. Compared with the second quarter of 2014, the general unemployment rate (1.7%) and the unemployment rate of local residents (2.3%) for the third quarter remained unchanged. Total employment registered an increase of 8,500, with those aged 16-24 rising by 2,900. Analysed by industry, employment in the Construction sector increased by 5,100 quarter-to-quarter to 56,000; employment in Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities rose by 2,600, at 55,600. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed held stable as the previous quarter, at MOP13,000 in the third quarter; median earnings of those engaging in Gaming and the Construction sector amounted to MOP17,000 and MOP13,000 respectively. Moreover, median earnings of the employed residents stood at MOP15,600, up by MOP600 quarter-to-quarter.
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The four-day 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) come to a successful close as the final session concluded on Sunday (26 October). During the event, more than 40 forums, seminars and promotion conferences were held, while over 1,500 business-matching sessions were concluded and more than 130 project agreements were signed. Positive feedback from traders and the public
The 19th MIF, comprising over 1,900 exhibition booths and an exhibition area of 30,000 square metres, attracted participants from more than 50 countries and regions, including Peru and Indonesia which are participating individually for the first time with diverse and attractive contents. A Pavilion for Food and Beverages from Portuguese-speaking Countries was set up for the first time this year with the participation of a number of Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) enterprises showcasing their speciality products and concluded several project agreements. In addition, CPTTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing 2013/2014 Diploma Program - Graduation Show, one of Sunday's highlights, attracted a large crowd and a positive response from attendees. Successful SME exhibition
The SMEs Exhibition and Trading Zone also attracted big crowds as the general public took advantage of the final day of the fair as well as the public holiday. One exhibitor from Taiwan, participating in the event for the fourth year, said that all of his products were sold out every year, but this year all products are sold by Sunday morning. The exhibitor said he would be back for the 2015 show.
Mainland visitors attended MIF for the first time welcomed the unique opportunity to know about many special products, especially the branded commodities from PSCs. He also found a lot of products from Taiwan and other overseas countries at reasonable price and he has a very fruitful trip at a venue. More than 1,500 business-matching sessions concluded at MIF
During the four days of MIF, more than 1,500 business-matching and project negotiation sessions were concluded, and over 130 project agreements were signed. This year, a number of co-operation agreements were signed between various countries or regions. Judging from the contents and the diversity of origins, they highlighted the role of MIF as an economic and trade platform and make use of Macao as a channel for opening overseas markets and promoting regional co-operation. Signatories of the agreements included representatives from Mainland China, Macao, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United States, Peru, Brazil, Portugal, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The projects signed covered emerging industries including traditional Chinese medicine, food and beverages, cultural and creative industries, tourism, retailing and sports. The wide range of coverage also highlighted the effectiveness of MIF in promoting Macao's economic diversification.
The Organisers said that the number of projects related to cultural and creative industries and traditional Chinese medicine has increased this year, highlighting the development of these two sectors in Macao. Among the 40 forums, seminars and promotion conferences at the 19th MIF were the International Trade and Investment Forum 2014; the 11th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs; the 4th Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum; and Fujian, Macao and the Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session.
MIF also organised a lucky draw for participants this year. Results will be published on Tuesday (28 October) on the Macao Daily News newspaper and on MIF's official website www.mif.com.mo. The 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair is scheduled to take place from 22 to 25 October 2015.
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The third day of the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) on Saturday (25 October) continued the event's tradition of themed pavilions, displaying the best that local, regional and international firms have to offer.
Among the themed areas this year are the Pavilion for Food Products from Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the Peru Pavilion, the Indonesia Pavilion and a Floral Carnival Zone.Exhibitors praised this edition of MIF for helping them make new contacts and helping them to achieve their business goals. Pavilion for Food Products from Portuguese-Speaking Countries
The pavilion – a new feature for 2014 – assists in many of the public policy aims of Macao, Mainland China and their trade partners. They include the goal of promoting business cooperation and a services platform between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries. The pavilion is also in line with the Macao SAR Government's policy of setting up what is known as the "Three Centres" for commercial and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries – a commercial and trade service centre for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries; a food product distribution centre for Portuguese-Speaking Countries ; and a centre for conventions and exhibitions for economic and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries .
MIF has also set up what is known as the Portuguese-speaking Countries Enterprises Exhibition Zone. In addition, a Portuguese-Speaking Countries Food and Beverages Networking Meeting was held on Saturday. Exhibitors from Portuguese-Speaking Countries were invited to showcase wine, olive oil, biscuits and cakes, jam, rice, smoked sausages and dried fruits, among other speciality food products.
Those taking part included a traditional, third generation, family farming business from Brazil, which exhibited organic wine and fruit juice. The business not only owns the farm, but also ensures that family members are personally responsible for all cultivation, production and packaging, so that the quality of the products is ensured. The producer expected MIF as a platform to access to the Mainland China market. This company had already had meetings with many enterprises from the Mainland during MIF. Peru and Indonesia present pavilions
This year's edition of MIF attracted participating enterprises from over 50 countries and regions. They included, for the first time, entities from Peru and Indonesia. The Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, Chalief Akbar, noted that his nation had previously participated in MIF as a part of the pavilion for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) but this year, for the first time, it had its own.
Mr Akbar praised MIF as Macao's best-organised trade fair, pointing out it offered a variety of business matching, seminars and other activities, to provide enterprises with an economic and exchange platform. Indonesia's reason for having a pavilion this time is further to promote Indonesia's tourism industry as well as a investment promotion for infrastructure projects. During the first three days of MIF, Indonesian exhibitors have succeeded in establishing a series of business contacts.
The representative of Peru's Pavilion hopes to promote the country and its unique products to Macao and overseas buyers. One of Peru's most characteristic products is the alpaca, an animal which can not only be seen in all of Peru's tourism spots but also whose fur is used as raw material to manufacture coats, scarves and carpets, among other textiles. Also of note are quinoa and maca, plants widely grown in Peru and used as ingredients for health foodstuffs. Floral Carnival Zone brings colour to MIF
MIF's Floral Carnival Zone showcases the flower industry's most fascinating side, enabling professionals, on the one hand, to understand the development of this industry while, on the other hand, offering local customers and merchants more choices and encouraging business cooperation. Some MIF participants were surprised to find this floral carnival, but said it added diversity and colour to the fair.
Additionally, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Exhibition Zone was also set up this year. The Director of the Exchange Division of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Exchange Center for Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, Liao Ning, said that, through MIF's international trade platform, it is possible to promote the Traditional Chinese Medicine industry on a global level as well as introduce the latest developments. He anticipated to return to next year's MIF and bring more information on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Exhibition Zone was once more a feature of the fair, encompassing cultural and creative enterprises from Macao, Mainland China, Europe, America and Southeast Asia.
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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.
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The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) covers an exhibition area of over 30,000 square metres, has various characteristic exhibition zones. The fair provides business communities with a platform for co-operation in trade and economic, and brands promotion, showcases distinctive fashion products to the public. Electronics Fair shines light on technology products
This year the Economic, Trade and Information Commission of Shenzhen Municipality led a delegation of Shenzhen information technology (IT) enterprises to participate at MIF in the "Macao (Shenzhen) Electronics Fair".
It covers electronics manufacturing and trade enterprises, and features the latest cutting edge and innovative IT products. An exhibitor who participated MIF for the first time praised the professional and high-quality services available at MIF, commenting on the considerate arrangement that had been shown in the planning of the pavilions, and saying they felt very honoured to participate. The exhibitor said MIF was a good platform to assist him connect his business to the world. Another exhibitor said Macao's commitment to building a world tourism and leisure centre, meant there were plenty of opportunities for e-commerce. He said he could publicise his products effectively via the MIF platform, and he intends to participate again next year. SME Exhibition and Trading Corner shows results
This year, the SME (small- and medium-sized enterprises) Exhibition and Trading Zone includes the Macao SMEs Exhibition Zone; Overseas SMEs Exhibition Zone; Taiwan Exhibition Zone; Digital Image and Photography Exhibition Zone, Chinese Ethnic Exhibition Zone, in order to assist SMEs in exploring more business opportunities. The Macao SMEs Exhibition Zone attracted more than 100 enterprises to participate, to exhibit and sell their products including foods, electronics, jewellery, clothing and accessories and household products. Among the Overseas SMEs Exhibition Zone this year, enterprises from Madagascar, Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia and Mozambique, showcasing goods including unique arts and crafts, food products, clothing and accessories, in order to explore new markets. Some of the enterprises that have been returning to MIF said the event has helped boost their brand awareness. One local coffee business SME participated MIF for the third year said that MIF boosted their brand awareness and this year they would like to introduce more about specialty coffee to the fair visitors. Another enterprise from Thailand, now in its third year of attending MIF, said they have gained good results at the fair, adding that they have successfully conducted business with local agents and some of their products are now available in Macao's supermarkets.
The first public day of MIF attracted a large and good-natured crowd. Some attendees said they chose Friday because the crowds are not as big as at the weekend, and they are able to see plenty of exhibits and do some shopping. Others said they would recommend MIF to their friends and families – especially because of the food and drink tasting areas that have been set up in the SMEs Exhibition and Trading Corner, and the very reasonable purchase prices for goods on display.
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"SME International Business Days" ("SME Days") were among a wide range of events taking place on Friday (24 October) during the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). It was the first of three consecutive days the fair is open to the general public. A total of 800 business matching sessions were successfully arranged, with 15 protocols and contracts signed. Business Opportunities Embedded in SME Days "SME Days" is one of the signature events of MIF, helping SMEs to expand their customer network and explore markets at home and abroad. The services on offer were well received and included the SME Service Corner, services on marketing advice and business operation, two seminars on branding, entrepreneurship and SME operation, promotion events on SME incentive packages and "Macao Ideas" products, as well as the "Franchise & Chain Stores Catalogue Show". The organiser of "SME Days" also invited several brand consultants, entrepreneurs and business mentors from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, to provide complimentary consultancy services on creating brand image, product and service packaging, as well as to provide advices on enterprises' overall operation. A corporate consultancy service is also being offered during MIF by China Business Advisory (Guangdong). On the second day of MIF, a number of relevant enquiries by local enterprises were received during the event. The second day of the fair also saw a seminar called "How to Build and Leverage your Brand Value". Cynthia Lee, a designer of deluxe packaging for the China and Taiwan markets, explained the importance of brand image in differentiating one product from another and in promoting a business.
Professor Jacky Hou Po-Hsien, Assistant Professor of Department of Creative Product Design of Tungnan University, in Taiwan, pointed out that the key to brand establishment is to produce quality products. Only with outstanding products can one enhance brand value, said the academic. Seizing business opportunities The second day of MIF, and first day of public access, included a wide range of seminars, forums and business matching sessions, providing exhibitors and visitors with information on investment environments across the world as well as about opportunities for co-operation across different industries. The "Latin American Business and Investment Series" showcased the trade and investment potential in Latin America from three different perspectives.
Other events included the "1st Happy Wedding Urban Tourism Cultural Development Forum," and the "Happiness Industry, Wedding Industry and Cultural Tourism Commercial Estate Summit". A keynote speaker for that segment pointed out that Macao, taking advantage of its role in developing a world centre of tourism and leisure, can become a major destination for weddings. In other parts of the fair, the "Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Agricultural Cooperation Roundtable Conference" enabled enterprises to explore business opportunities through promotional exchange and negotiation sessions. In the Macao Fashion Festival event, the session "William Tang: The Intelligence in Fashion", shared insights into experiences of working in and creating designs for, that creative industry. Business matching sessions concluded with multiple protocols signed First estimates are that over 800 business matching sessions were conducted and 15 protocols and contracts were arranged on the second day of MIF, covering the fields of co-operation in conventions and exhibitions; cultural exchange and promotion, global market expansion, cultural and creative industry investment, printing, investment promotion by the European Trade Centre, marketing of tobacco, wine and sake, brand image authorisation, and the marketing of relevant products, technology and research and development of environmentally-friendly clothing materials. Enriching activities to explore The first public day of MIF attracted good numbers to several thematic exhibition zones. They included the Portuguese-speaking Countries' Food and Beverages Exhibition Zone, Macao Floral Carnival Zone, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Exhibition Zone, and the SMEs Exhibition and Trading Zone. On Saturday (25 October), activities at MIF include the "11th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", "Cultural and Creative Industry Networking Meeting", "Macao Convention and Exhibition Industry Networking Meeting", "Youth Entrepreneurship & SMEs Operation Seminar", "Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders (Macao) Summit" and "Portuguese-speaking Countries' Food and Beverages Networking Meeting". In addition, there are also two fashion brands shows, which will introduce the latest designs made by over 10 renowned local fashion designers. As MIF encourages green commuting, 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 7pm on 25 October and 9:30am to 5pm on 26 October running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel's CotaiExpo; 10:30am to 8:30pm on 25 October and 10:30am to 6pm on 26 October 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.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in October on 23 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened on Thursday (23 October 2014). Activities included forums, seminars, and conferences, to promote the investment environment, investment projects, services, technology and branded products of Mainland China and other overseas countries and regions. The event aims to create new business opportunities for all participating enterprises and trade visitors. International Trade and Investment Forum 2014
The International Trade and Investment Forum is the signature forum of MIF each year. This year, under the theme "Regional Co-operation and Mutual Development", senior officials from China and overseas, as well as experts in their field have been invited to participate as keynote speakers. They include: Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR; Mr Lu Peng Qi, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; Mr Su Zhi Gang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of Guangdong Chimelong Group Co., Ltd; Mr Daniel Ysau Maurate Romero, Deputy Minister of Labour and Promotion of Employment of Peru; Mr. Ma Iao Lai, President of the Macao Chamber of Commerce; Mr Chen Xiang, Deputy Director-General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Mr Alexandre David de Sousa Costa, State Secretary for Foreign Trade of Angola, Mr Degol Mendes, State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, and Mr Miguel Frasquilho, Chairman of AICEP Portugal Global. Mr Lu Peng Qi mentioned in his speech that economic integration and regional co-operation have become mainstream elements of global economic development. He added that Macao could take advantage of its cordial relations with the European Union and Portuguese-speaking Countries when co-operating economically with the Pearl River Delta Region, the Pan Pearl River Delta Region, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian Countries.
Mr Miguel Frasquilho stated in his speech that enormous potential is seen in business co-operation and investment promotion between Portugal and China and their enterprises, in view of the economic ties between the two sides. Portugal and its government, as well as AICEP Portugal Global, have been striving to enhance bilateral economic co-operation between the two countries, he said. Macao – being a link between Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking Countries – can help with meetings that create business opportunities and networking among high-level officials. That in turn can promote information exchange and foster closer economic partnerships, Mr Frasquilho said. The International Trade and Investment Forum was attended by around 350 delegates and representatives from the Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong Portuguese-speaking Countries and overseas governments, trade and investment promotion organisations, chambers of commerce and business communities. The 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum
The 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum was also held during the day. The forum this year was themed as "Cooperation - Key to Business", with the aim to further promote co-operation between Jiangsu and Portuguese-speaking Countries in fields of trade, investment, tourism, education, and agriculture. A "Council for the Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries" was also established during the forum. Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session
The Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session also took place on October 23. Mr Wu Bing Cheng, Deputy Director of Department of Commerce of Fujian Province, stated that Fujian has opened its door to overseas enterprises not only in the traditional textile and light industries, but also in a diverse range of industries such as biomedical sciences, advanced materials, new energy, environmental and energy saving as well as cultural and creative industries. Overseas businesspeople are always welcome to invest in Fujian.
In addition, the Chairmen joint Conference from associations of the convention and exhibition industry from Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao and the Pearl River Delta Region, the "Shenzhen – Macao Trading Expo" and the "Yangzhou City Promotion Conference for the 4th Jiangsu – Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum" were also featured during day one's activities.
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Macao's annual major trade and economic event, the 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was officially opened on Thursday (23 October 2014). This year, MIF is again being held under the theme "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities". The event floor covers 30,000 square metres containing 1,900 exhibition booths, attracting exhibitors and trade visitors from a total of more than 50 countries and regions. Exhibitors from Peru and Indonesia have joined MIF for the first time. The first day of the event was a success, organised a total of 600 business matching sessions and 29 project agreements were signed. The opening ceremony of 19th MIF was held in the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel on Thursday morning, and was attended by representatives and delegates from over 50 countries and regions.
Officiating guests at the ceremony included the Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui Sai On; Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Yao Jian; Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr Feng Tie; Deputy Minister of Labour and Promotion of Employment of Peru, Mr Daniel Ysau Maurate Romero; State Secretary for Foreign Trade of Angola, Mr Alexandre David de Sousa Costa; State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea-Bissau, Mr Degol Mendes; Vice Governor of the People's Government of Jiangsu Province, Mr Fu Zi Ying; Vice Governor of the People's Government of Hubei Province, Mr Gan Rong Ku; Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Ms Zhao Yu Fang; Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr Tam Pak Yuen; Chairman of AICEP Portugal Global, Mr Miguel Frasquilho; Vice Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Mr Luo Li Ming; Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr Lu Peng Qi; Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Su Zhi Gang; and President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mr Jackson Chang.
Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, said in his opening speech that with the support of the Central Government, its relevant departments and other agencies from different business sectors in Macao, MIF had become a famous international exhibition in the region and a key platform for business and trade exchanges and co-operation around the world. He added that MIF in its turn would continue to provide services and support to all those seeking new business opportunities. First day full of exceptional activities
Given the proximity between Macao and its neighbouring city Zhuhai, a common goal is to deepen co-operation between the two places andand to take advantage of the potential and opportunities of Hengqin Island. During the first day of MIF, the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, supported by IPIM, organised a seminar under the theme "Hengqin, the Highlights of Cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao". The seminar introduced the business environment and investment opportunities in Hengqin, including the opportunities for Macao citizens to make investments in Hengqin and promote economic diversification.
Macao Fashion Festival 2014 also launched on day one of MIF. Two fashion seminars and six fashion shows will be held during MIF, and 13 different fashion designers will feature in the Macao Fashion Festival Exhibition Zone. The opening show is called "Style – Encounter Moment". Macao Goldsmith's Guild, The Macao Academy of Flower Arrangement Designers, plus designers from Hangzhou and Taipei have also been invited to present an event called "New Fashion – Creative", featuring fresh ideas in jewellery and fashion, and. The objective of the activity is to promote cross-strait co-operation and exchanges between fashion and jewellery sectors. First day promotes business matching sessions and new agreements
The first day of MIF has already been a success. According to preliminary data, about 600 business matching were held during the first day of the event and 29 agreements were signed, including: Co-operation agreement between CCPIT Jiangxi Sub Council and IPIM, Co-operation Agreement between Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province and Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute to Provide Consultancy Services, Co-operations between governments and business chambers, Co-operation Agreement on Guangdong and Macao TCM Park Investment(Land-Rental), Agreement on payment services for an international online shopping platform, Sales Agreements on pharmaceutical products, branded cars, golf products, wine, printed fabric products, as well as other co-operation projects on establishment of food science and technology research base, Sichuan Macao Street. MIF opens to the public from 24 to 26 October
This year, many new exhibition zones have been set up. The Portuguese-speaking Countries Enterprises Exhibition Zone displays for the first time a Pavilion of Food and Beverages from Portuguese-speaking Countries. There are also a Macao Floral Carnival Zone, an Arts and Creative Industry Exhibition Zone; Macao (Shenzhen) Electronics Fair and Chinese Medicine Exhibition Zone.
The main features for Friday include the SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony, including a cocktail reception and protocol signing ceremony.
There is also a SME Service Counter providing consultancy services on marketing, entrepreneurship and business operation, as well as a catalogue show on brand re-packaging and branded products. There are also other sessions and seminars planned for the day, including the "Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Educational Cooperation Roundtable Conference"; "Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-Speaking Countries Agricultural Cooperation Roundtable Conference"; "Latin American Business and Investment Series"; and "How to Build and Leverage your Brand Value".
The 19th MIF is open to the public from 24 October to 26 October. Free shuttle bus service to the venue is available at different locations for the convenience of exhibitors and the public during MIF. Pickup points on Macao Peninsula include Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (Areia Preta Royal Supermarket), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop), and Taipa at Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central da Taipa). Schedules are as follows: 24-25 October: 9:30am to 7pm; 26 October: 9:30am to 5pm, departing from the pickup points to the MIF venue. 24-25 October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 26 October: 10:30am to 6:30pm, departing from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Visitors may also park in the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel's public car park. Alternatively, visitors can park at the Central Park of Taipa, then take the shuttle bus there to the venue.
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Chao Koi Wang, a Macao citizen studying in Taiwan, won the first prize in the international competition category at the 4th Bangalore International Short Film Festival, which concluded in India recently, with his film A Boy's Prayer. The film A Boy's Prayer, directed and written by Chao Koi Wang, overcame 500 entries from 50 countries to be ranked at the top in the international competition category of the Festival. This film is inspired by a yellow garbage truck, and describes a boy who encounters a pretty cleaning girl by chance, who encourages him to pursue his dreams. The film was subsidised by the Taiwan Public Television Service and the Subsidies for Short Films in Taiwan, and premiered in Taiwan in the middle of last month. In addition, A Boy's Prayer was selected for a number of international film festivals, namely the 6th International Children's Television Festival "Dytiatko" in Ukraine, the Access Code Short Film Festival in Srinagar, India, the 3rd Golden Orchid International Animation Festival, the 8th Annual Indie Fest USA Int'l Film & Music Festival, the Grace Film Festival 2015 in the United States, and the 6th Kuan-Du Film Festival 2014 hosted by the Department of Filmmaking of the Taipei National University of the Arts. Born in Macao, Chao Koi Wang is attending a Master's degree programme in the Department of Filmmaking at the Taipei National University of the Arts. His bachelor graduation project March Rhapsody entered many film festivals and received several awards. He is enthusiastic about local film production. Currently, he is editing the film Disclosure, one of the stories from Macau Stories 3. Chao Koi Wang is attending his Master's degree programme with the financial support of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC). He is one of the cultural and creative talents receiving a subsidy from IC to study in other regions within the Financial Support for Cultural and Arts Studies Plan. In recent years, IC has proactively been cultivating talents of the cultural and creative industries, providing opportunities for them to go abroad and further their studies. The Plan aims at equipping Macao with talents for the development of the local cultural and creative industries.
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