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Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) opened to the public starting today (5 July), following a first day for professional visitors. It attracted many local businesspeople and members of the general public. There were a number of activities providing attendees with professional advice on brand packaging and chain operations. There was positive feedback from franchisors and potential franchisees. Sunday (6 July) is the final day of 2014MFE and is also open to the public. Information on exhibitors can be obtained at the exhibition. Some exhibitors will provide franchising promotions. As an annual event, MFE has been playing the role of a business platform for exhibitors to seize business opportunities and seek partners for cooperation. MFE's role in promoting franchise development in the regional market has been enhanced this year with more enterprises hoping to expand their market by franchising and more people wishing to start their business through becoming a franchisee.
To better assist the exhibitors and business start-ups, more activities have been organised this year, providing professional consultation services and expert advice. Events that took place today included a seminar on "Change Package to Create More Value for the Product". Ms. Cynthia Lee, a deluxe packaging designer from Taiwan, shared her experience on how to promote brand value through product packaging and brand features. She explained the package design concepts of several renowned enterprises and the impact of suitable packaging for products. Participants asked questions regarding package design, storage and logistics as well as materials. Ms. Cynthia Lee said that each product was likely to have its own packaging design according to the product's needs. She added that it is easy to reach Macao by overland route from Zhuhai in Mainland China, and therefore it should be easy to deliver tailor-made packaging to Macao. She also pointed out that a trademark usable by products of local enterprises, should be specifically designed for Macao. That would also help overseas consumers and buyers easily locate Macao products and have the effect of making "Made in Macao" a recognised brand. The Macao Ideas, the Macao Products Display Centre, also held a seminar on "Exploring of Macao Branded Products Networking" this afternoon. There is a total of 112 exhibitors in Macao Ideas, of which several food and beverage exhibitors from Macao participated in this event. There were product-tasting events open to all.
The "Brand Repackaging Consultancy Service" and the "Franchise Consultancy Service" also featured at MFE this year. Participants considered these services of great help in solving inquiries on chain operations via professional tailor-made advice from experts. Such support helps enterprises consider and plan their own franchising and chain operations. People intending to become a franchisee can also acquire information on matters needing attention before stepping into that field. Co-organised with the Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association, the "Franchise Academy" was held this afternoon. The event invited professionals to share their experience and insights, introducing relevant information on preparations for starting a business. That includes legal knowledge, information on financing and business promotion, and market trends. The event helped prepare business starters for their future path. A total of 826 matching sessions as well as 8 group matching sessions (with the participation of 67 organisations) were successfully held today, the second day of 2014MFE. The day saw good attendances at the expo, with visitors offered promotions by local exhibitors as well food and beverage tasting. Promotions included franchise owners offering a franchise fee below 10,000 patacas People intending to start their business may seize the business opportunities according to their interests and conditions. On the final day, 6 July, a session called "Franchise Start-up - I Am Boss", as well as the brand repackaging and franchise consultancy services from the previous days. The new session will include people sharing their experience, of the joys and challenges of starting a business. On Sunday a lucky draw session will be held. And from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Macao's São Paulo Sports Association will hold a demonstration of football technical skills at 2014MFE. Macao residents are welcomed to attend the final day. A shuttle bus service will be available between downtown Macao and the 2014MFE venue. For more details, please visit the MFE official website: www.mfe.mo
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Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) has set up a "Brand Repackaging Consultancy Service" and "Franchise Consultancy Service" to help entrepreneurs and small- and medium-sized enterprises understand how to create a franchised business. The service includes on-site experts and consultants in marketing and branding. There are also specialists in market development and brand retailing focusing on the Mainland China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia markets and providing professional analysis and advice. A total of 34 participants received assistance from the two consultancy services during the Expo.
Ms. Cynthia Lee, deluxe packaging designer from Taiwan, said that effective packaging for the product is very important. The packaging must be able to protect the goods during transit, against factors such as extremes of climate. As a result, the physical quality of packaging is very important, she explained. Another aspect is the appearance of the package, to ensure it suits the target market and the product's characteristics. For example, were Chinese medicine to be packaged in a Western style, the target consumer might doubt its effectiveness. But if traditionally Western products such as chocolate or fashion products were to use packaging based on traditional Chinese motifs or designs, consumers might equally doubt the quality of the products inside.
As to the costs of packaging, Ms. Cynthia Lee noted that the packaging need not necessarily be luxurious. The most important aspect is the value of the product. Too lavish a package for a popular product could even have the effect of making the consumer distrust the quality of what is inside. If the packaging is for a product to be offered as a gift, the purchaser will be concerned about the recipient's feelings, Ms. Cynthia Lee explained. Packaging for gifts to be given to superiors or important people should be of higher quality than for gifts given to friends and relatives, where the packaging should be more modest. So when considering the design of product packaging, it is important to determine the target market first, to avoid any negative impacts on sales. Mr. Albert Kong, Committee Member of the Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore) and Chief Executive Officer of Asiawide Franchise Consultants Pte. Ltd, said that entrepreneurs should prepare thoroughly before considering joining a brand. That is because a franchising company tends to set the pace of business success. Bigger ones can be more stable, and offer more support to franchisees via head office in such areas as legal advice, training, and finance. Franchisors should not ignore the operation of the franchisee once they have received the initial franchise fee, because the quality of the franchisee's operations will ultimately affect the image of the brand. Therefore, franchise companies should hold to the idea of making money in partnership with the franchisees by helping them to operate and develop, rather than making money simply from franchisees' fees. Mr. Albert Kong welcomed activities at 2014MFE such as the business matching service to help would-be franchisees meet corporations and franchisors. But he explained that franchisees should consider various issues if they want to find the right franchise business. First of all, franchisees should consider if they are interested in a product or a service, and also the development of the products or services in the market, the legal issues of target markets, the financial capacity required, and the chemistry between franchisees and franchisors. These are the most important issues, he said, and will affect the future development of the franchisee. Mr. Albert Kong added that while he believed that chain operations is one effective way for businesses to expand, the most important thing is the strength of the product; that the brand owner is not afraid of competition; is not afraid of copycat behaviour by rivals; and can cultivate an excellent management team. With such an approach, business can be developed very well. Therefore, choosing a right path is the most important thing to develop an enterprise. Mr. Chien Chieh Shin, General Manager of C&Connection Biomedical International Corp., said that chain business is the best choice for expanding an enterprise quickly. But he added that participants must determine the direction of development and the image of the enterprise before joining. Franchisors should allow the franchisee to provide products or services connected to local consumers' tastes, because standard products might not be suitable for all markets. To persist with a rigid standard for products could be to invite corporate disaster. Mr. Chien Chieh Shin said when franchisees choose a franchise business, they should consider the future of the product, product characteristics, and product cost. Commenting on the challenges created in target markets by varying legal systems and standards, he said there was no such thing as a perfect legal system. The most important thing for franchisors was to find a trusted franchisee. Once that was achieved, legal issues could be solved.
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The Macao Franchise Expo 2014 (2014MFE) started today (4 July) at Exhibition Hall "A" of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The annual Expo, now in its sixth edition, aims to promote entrepreneurship among a new generation of aspiring businesspeople and to encourage the creation of new branded products.
A total of 167 exhibitors from sectors covering food and beverage, retailing, education, entertainment, finance, brand agencies, plus real estate and professional consultancy services, will display their products and services at the Expo. Participating companies come from Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland and Vietnam.
Onebiz Group is one of the exhibitors from Portugal participating in this year's Expo. Established in 1997, the group owns 19 brands, with a footprint in 31 countries, operating in six main business areas: financial services, consulting, real estate services, health and beauty, education and sales. It has defined franchising as the growth and expansion strategy for its various businesses.
"We have our own brands and business concepts, but we also have a brand whose main goal is to support the expansion of brands from our customers," says the chairman of Onebiz, Mr. António Godinho.
This is the first time Onebiz is joining MFE, following its participation in last year's Macao International Trade and Investment Fair as an exhibitor. The involvement in the Expo is part of Onebiz's strategy to accelerate expansion in Asia. The company established a subsidiary in Macau last year, in partnership with local investors.
At MFE, Onebiz "is looking for partners, namely small- and medium-size investors, who wish to establish their own businesses by using one of our brands," says Mr. António Godinho. "We hope to initiate some contacts and find at least two or three partners to expand some of our business areas to Macau and elsewhere in Asia," he adds.
Italian company Ma.Re is also making its debut at MFE. The firm specialises in Murano glass, a unique kind of silicate glass made on the Venetian island of Murano, where Ma.Re is based. All pieces are handmade by skilled glassmakers. Some can take up to a month to create. Ma.Re's product portfolio features art pieces, but also chandeliers and other luxury items. One of the company's latest collections includes ornamental glassware especially designed for yachts, inspired by sea elements.
"There is nothing similar to Murano glass here," says Mr. Renato Manzoni, one of the founders and owners of the company, which was established in 1987. "We believe in this market. Our products have high quality and we believe this is the right market to sell them."
Ma.Re has recently established a subsidiary in Macau in partnership with a local investor. At 2014MFE, the company is looking for potential partners to promote its products in Mainland China and other areas of Asia.
Mr. Hang Jiguang, general manager at Fujian Strong Commerce and Exhibition Co Ltd, says there are 44 companies from Fujian participating in 2014MFE. He explains Fujian companies hope to find business partners that can help them to grow. Fujian entrepreneurs are also looking for opportunities to expand overseas using Macau as platform, and to attract companies from Macau to invest in Fujian.
One of the highlights of this year is the "Fujian Street", where exhibitors from Fujian province will display their products. The exhibitors there include merchants in food and beverages, floristry and crafts. The first day of 2014MFE (4 July) was only open to trade visitors and not the general public. Many trade visitors praised the diversity of exhibitors at the event. Among them was Mr. Zhenying Xun, Chairman of Guangzhou General Chamber of Commerce, who was visiting the Expo for the first time. He highlighted the event was rich in content, with many different firms, positioning itself as a trade cooperation platform between companies and investors. In his opinion, MFE is a good place for firms from Mainland China willing to bring international brands into their domestic markets to establish ties with overseas companies.
Mr. Zhenying Xun noted that there is an increasing interest in Macau products in Mainland China. He mentioned the existence of plans to set up commercial areas in China themed on Macau and selling products characteristic of the region. With that in mind, he decided to take part in 2014MFE as a professional visitor to establish business contacts with Macau companies to prepare for future cooperation.
The 2014MFE will be open to the public on Saturday (5 July) and Sunday (6 July). Macao residents are welcomed to attend and explore business opportunities. The seminar on "Change package to create more value for the product' will be held, with food and beverage tasting of Macau specialty products. The organisers have set up a shuttle bus service between downtown Macau and the exhibition hall.
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From 4 to 6 July, the Macao Franchise Expo 2014 (2014MFE) is taking place at Exhibition Hall A of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. This year's event has attracted more exhibitors than previous editions, including plenty of renowned domestic and overseas brands. More activities are organised this year. Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), said this year's MFE continues to play the role of a regional platform, showcasing comprehensive opportunities in franchise and chain business for local SMEs, and hence leveraging their business capacities. The opening ceremony of 2014MFE was held at 11am on 4 July. The invited officiating guests and leaders included: Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance; Ms. Qiu Hong, Deputy Director of The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Li Nan, Deputy Director General and Counsellor of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR; Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Mr. Sou Tim Peng, Director of Macao Economic Services; Mr. U Kin Cho, Representative of the Macao Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the organisers, supporting organisations and co-organisers. Mr. Jackson Chang said in the opening ceremony that since MFE's first launch in 2009, it has been working in line with the Macao SAR Government's policy to support the growth of local small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), by encouraging them to adopt the new business models of franchising, chain operation and brand building, as a means to develop their business. The 2014MFE is in its the sixth edition. The international status of MFE has been further enhanced, and it continues to play the role of a regional chain and franchising platform, showcasing comprehensive opportunities in franchise and chain business. Mr. Jackson Chang said that with the fruitful foundation of the previous years, MFE has grown into a signature event for Macao franchising and chain operations. Not only has MFE become an effective platform to introduce businesspeople, investors and young entrepreneurs to new co-operative models of franchising and chain-store operations, but also plays a positive role in promoting Macao's adequate economic diversification. Covering a total area of 6,000 square metres, with 215 booths set up by 167 exhibitors from 14 different countries and regions, this year's MFE features a diverse line-up of industries, including food and beverage, retailing, education, finance, brand agencies, real estate, consultancy services and various specialty industries such as pet beauty, hairdressing and photography. Other highlights include "Fujian Street" featuring a variety of products from Fujian province, and a showcase of Macao Products Display Centre "Macao Ideas" - to display Macao specialty products and promote the city's cultural and creative industries. MFE has received huge support from and participation by a number of overseas franchise associations. This year, overseas associations such as the ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation, Indonesian Franchise Association, Assofranchising of Italy, Philippine Franchise Association and the Portuguese Franchise Association have joined as co-organisers. For the first time there are also exhibitors from Latvia, Switzerland and New Zealand, further enhancing the international status of the event. As an event comprising exhibition, forum, business matching, seminars & presentations, with the focus on entrepreneurship this year, the "Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands" was successfully held on 3 July. Leaders from franchising business associations, experts and academics gathered to exchange ideas on seizing business opportunities in chain and franchise operations. Other concurrent activities during the three-day event include the "Franchise Academy" - a themed seminar on franchising business start-ups and expansion; and brand promotion activities organised by exhibitors as well as the "Franchise and Chain Award Ceremony". A franchise consultation service, the one-stop service for Macao economic and trade consultation, as well as the "Brand Repackaging Consultancy Area" will feature again in the Expo, providing professional advice and a consultancy service to business starters and SMEs to leverage their brand image. This year MFE continues to play the role of a regional chain and franchising platform. On 4 July a total of 6 contracted projects were signed. The enterprises and institutions paired were: Hunan Changsha Commerce Bureau and Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Healthguard Health Foods Co. Ltd and Punggi Ginseng Farming Corp; Buzhilin Restaurant Ltd and Chan Chong Po; Hanmay Company Ltd and It's Skin Co. Ltd; and Chao Wine Castle Co. Ltd with Goldland Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd. The 2014MFE gala dinner was also organised by IPIM. Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of IPIM, said that being the official department designated to promote trade and investment in Macao SAR, IPIM provides a multitude of services for investors from around the world. IPIM also has a "one-stop service" for MICE Bidding and Support in Macao, which will provide comprehensive services to event organisers and ensure events in Macao run smoothly. During 2014MFE a series of activities are being supported by local organisations and chambers. On the afternoon of 4 July, a reception for the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association was held. The association is assisting in providing consultation services for the "Brand Repackaging Area" this year. The help includes promoting and providing advice to business start-ups and SMEs via industry experts and professionals. The "Franchise and Chain Award Ceremony" hosted by the Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association was organised at 6.30pm on 4 July. Ms. Echo Chan said in the ceremony that IPIM has been making efforts to provide services on franchising, chain operations and brand cooperation including holding seminars, workshops, business matching, setting up themed websites, providing a bigger franchising/agency pavilion in the exhibition, organising study trips and training courses. Since MFE's launch in 2009, it has achieved positive effects in promoting franchising and brand co-operation. In the past few years, participants successfully found their ideal partner through MFE events. Among them are several overseas brands that found suitable franchisees in Macao. Ms. Echo Chan also said that Macao is beginning to see more local enterprises, especially SMEs, expand their business through franchising and chain operations with the goal of transforming or upgrading their business. Therefore, starting from 2013, the "Macao Franchise and Chain Operations Training Seminar" has been held in two consecutive years. The aim is to promote SMEs' brand image and upgrade their business for further expansion through franchising.
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The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, has met with a delegation led by Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, and Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok today, to discuss mutual legal assistance and subsequent follow-up work. Macao and Hong Kong have been achieving good progress in arrangements for the surrender of fugitive offenders and mutual legal assistance. The expert team is currently revising and rationalising the texts of the agreements and will continue to exchange views on relevant matters. At present, the two special administrative regions are implementing two mutual legal assistance agreements related to criminal cases and civil cases -- the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement that came into force in 2005, and the Arrangements Concerning Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards that came into force in 2013. The meeting was held at the Government Headquarters and Macao officials who attended included Assistant Prosecutor, Mr Ma Iek; Acting Chief of Office of the Secretariat for Administration and Justice, Ms Ku Mei Leng; Director of Law Reform and International Law Bureau, Ms Chu Lam Lam; Advisor to the President's Office of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Chen Li Cheng; and Advisor to the Office of the Secretary for Security, Mr Ho Chi Un.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on household cleansing products, and shampoo & shower gels on 3 July. Results of the mentioned 2 surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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The "Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands" was held this afternoon at the fourth floor of Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. The keynote speakers discussed about the prospects of international franchising business and exchanged views on future development of the industry. The participants indicated that the Forum helps to give a better understanding of the current trends and markets for corporate franchising in various countries and regions. The Forum also helped enterprises and other organisations build up business relationships. The Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands, with the theme of "Young Entrepreneurship – In Search of Franchising Opportunities", is one of the series activities of Macao Franchise Expo 2014 (2014MFE). The opening ceremony of the Forum was held at 3pm on 3 July. Executive Director of Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) Echo Chan said that Macao's brand development and franchise operations have become increasingly active, with many young entrepreneurs as well as Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) joining the franchising business. To be in line with the market development, the theme for this year's Forum is "Young Entrepreneurship – In Search of Franchising Opportunities", with the objectives of providing more business opportunities to young entrepreneurs and local brand enterprises through the co-operation in chain and franchising operation. Director of the Franchise Committee Office of the Franchise & Entrepreneur Department, China Chain Store & Franchise Association Susan Su said that the association has been co-operating with the Macao SAR Government since the first MFE. The association is pleased to see that the chain and franchising business has been developing quickly and expanding in Macao and has been widely applied in various industries. E-commerce is developing fast in Mainland China in the past two years and has great impact on the with particular reference to the actual stores. However, the e-commerce development also brings in opportunities, allowing for franchisors to expand their network. Franchising has experienced steady growth on Mainland China, especially in the 3rd and 4th tier cities. The franchising business in Macao has more international exposure than those on Mainland China. Therefore, as long as Macao makes use of its advantages, it will have a chance to develop its own franchising brands, and at the same time expand businesses to other countries and regions through e-commerce. Speakers at the Forum included: Vice President of Portuguese Franchise Association, Co-founder and Managing Director of Onebiz Group António Godinho; Secretary General of ASEAN Retail-Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF) Chris Daniel Wong; Legal Counsel of the Italian Franchising Association Fabrizio Fiori; President of Macau Cultural and Creative Industries Development Association, Chief Executive Officer of 678 Cultural Creative Park Ltd Andy Szeto; Director of Administration of Long Profit International Co. Ltd Cheang Chi Hou; Committee Member of Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore), Chief Executive Officer of Asiawide Franchise Consultants Pte. Ltd Albert Kong; Chairman of Franchise Committee in Japan Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultants Association - Tokyo branch Kyo Ito; Supervisory Council Vice Chairman of Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association, Chief Executive Officer of Azona Enterprises Ltd Dicgo Chan; Deputy General Manager of Operation Headquarters of YuLoong Wu Wen Na; Hong Kong branding designer and consultant Tommy Li; Director and Project Manager of Meet & Sweet Café Ieong Chon Hei. Two panel discussion sessions were also organised for the Forum. The moderators and panellists led a dialogue focusing on market development and operation strategies and shared their experiences in finding marketing opportunities in chain operations and business start-ups. The panellists introduced the franchising market in various countries and regions and discussed the challenges to be faced when joining a franchise. The panellists also pointed out that brands may need to pay extra attention in assisting the franchisees, so as to ensure the quality of their brands. At the same time, the franchisees should also be aware whether the franchisor can provide necessary assistance and support. Moreover, it was pointed out that if brands is growing too fast, it may lead to management problems and insufficient backup support which will threaten the operation of the brand. The panellists also shared their experience in franchise development. They agreed that the SAR Government has provided plenty of positive support to SMEs, and also helps in terms of policymaking and policy execution. Macao is a city with free economic trading. Most imported products are exempted from taxes, with fast and convenient customs clearance procedures and efficient logistics facilities, all of which help lower business operation costs. Macao has a diverse source of customers. The number of visitors in Macao has been increasing annually, which accelerates corporate development, especially for the beverage industry, which depends greatly on visitors. A panellist said that the advantage of the franchise system is that the brand's head office can provide technological and operation backup support which will relieve the pressure of business starters with no prior experience. The head office also takes charge of the research and development for new products, saving the franchisees' time and money. The brands themselves have already built up their reputation and that provides confidence to customers. Operation procedures and policies are required for all companies. However, the brand's head office will train and send staff to ensure the standard of workflow is met and helps franchisees to build up their management model more quickly. Franchisees can also enjoy the advantage of facilities set up as well as business strategies provided by the head office. When it comes to the co-operation between young entrepreneurs and Portuguese corporations, a panellist suggested that Macao can be the bridge between Mainland China and Portugal as well the Portuguese-speaking countries. Being proficient in Portuguese is essential when bringing products from these countries into China. Since some companies and organisations are not familiar with Macao, it will be beneficial for them to co-operate with Macao SMEs. It will also help build up better communication with Portuguese speaking countries. Some panellists also pointed out that the Macao corporations can learn from the successful experience of international companies when introducing international brands. It helps improve Macao corporate operations and build up Macao brands. Macao's proximity to Mainland China gives enterprises the advantage in expanding into the Mainland market. Macao corporations also have support from the SAR Government as well as various business chambers. It all adds up to great potential as long as they can improve their own business practices. A panellist also pointed out that not every brand can develop a franchise system. Franchisors need to establish systems, including those for manufacturing and start-ups, in order to maintain consistent standards. At the same time, brand owners need to calculate whether they have enough financial support. Healthy financial aid from banks or securities companies is essential. Regarding the questions raised by the participants on how to bring Macao brands into Mainland China, the panellists believed that SAR government support is necessary. As there is a surplus supply of shopping malls in the Mainland, resulting in difficulties in promoting investment. Therefore, preferential policies are provided to attract more franchising operation. If the plan was to set up a shopping centre promoting Macao products, IPIM is a proper channel to help bring in Macao companies and products. Various chambers in Macao can also set up cooperation with mainland corporations. For local enterprises that wish to expand their franchise stores on the Mainland, a panellist shared his experience that while increasing the number of stores, the brand also need to gradually establish management process . They may need to establish their own management team before considering expansion into the chain and franchise business. The panellist also pointed out that existing brands that represent Macao should be maintained, and even be transformed if they have become outdated. Other events at the Forum included a coffee tasting session, introduction of corporate products and items, and a networking cocktail reception. The purpose was to allow people to meet in order to provide business opportunities, relevant assistance to business starters, and methods on how to help existing business upgrade their operations. The audience indicated that the Forum had provided plenty of useful market information, helping them easily grasp the trend of markets in various countries and regions. Overall speaking, the Forum provided a better understanding of franchising and thus a platform of better communication and co-operation. Participants also pointed out that the Forum helped them to focus on issues that require attention when building up franchises. That allows them to plan more effectively for expanding their own business into the franchise sector. Participants also said that the Forum enabled them to know more about the attending companies and that attendance at the remaining three days of 2014 MFE will help them to improve cooperation and build relationships. Starting from 4 July, 2014MFE will take place at Exhibition Hall "A" of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel for three consecutive days. The opening ceremony will be held at 11am on 4 July. A total of 170 exhibitors from sectors covering food and beverage, retailing, education, entertainment, finance, brand agencies, plus real estate and professional consultancy services, will display their products and services. The final two days of 2014MFE will be open to the public. Macao residents are welcomed to attend and explore business opportunities.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply continued to grow in May. As total loans increased at a faster pace than total deposits, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector rose from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 0.9% and 5.0% respectively. M1 thus increased 4.3% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities grew 1.6%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased 1.9% to MOP473.8 billion. On an annual basis, M1 dropped 1.1% whereas M2 rose 16.3%. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 23.9%, down 0.4 percentage points from a month ago or 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 49.2%, virtually unchanged from the previous month but down 5.9 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits increased 1.9% from the preceding month to MOP464.2 billion. Of which, MOP deposits, HKD deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 0.2%, 1.9% and 3.5%. Non-resident deposits rose 3.1% to MOP208.9 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector also increased 1.8% to MOP87.6 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 2.2% from a month earlier to MOP760.6 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 18.3% and 39.9% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 2.5% from a month ago to MOP299.5 billion. Among which, MOP84.8 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP189.8 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 28.3% and 63.4% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans rose 3.5% to MOP317.0 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 1.7% (MOP5.4 billion) and 21.8% (MOP69.2 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-May rose 0.3 percentage points from the previous month to 54.3%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors also grew by 0.6 percentage points to 81.1%. Detailed Monetary and Financial Statistics are available in the latest issue of Monthly Bulletin of Monetary Statistics on AMCM Internet Website. (http://www.amcm.gov.mo/publication/Publication.htm)
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, attended the meeting of the Macao organizing committee (OC) for the 8th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting at the Government Headquarters this morning where the Macao OC members briefed him on the preparatory work for the event, which is progressing smoothly. A joint press conference will be held next Tuesday by the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Chief Executive's Office and Secretary-General of the Macao OC, Mr Alexis Tam, and all departments concerned, to give the public details of the event. During the meeting, Mr Tam reported on the overall progress with preparations in the past few months. The Macao OC has held three co-ordination meetings with the National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and corresponding departments in the mainland, and the overall arrangements for the ministerial meeting are confirmed and implemented. The government departments responsible for tourism, information, security and protocol also reported on meeting schedules and venue arrangements, news coverage and promotion support, security, protocol, human resources and recruitment of volunteers. Details were discussed and further decisions were made during the meeting. The Chief Executive re-iterated that the forthcoming APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting is an important mission of Macao, assigned by the Central People's Government, and one of the most important tasks of the Macao SAR this year. Through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CNTA, the Macao OC and the government departments concerned, there is smooth and orderly progress with preparations, and comprehensive arrangements have been made. With support from other government departments, the Macao OC will continue striving to ensure this year's APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting will be safe and successful. Other officials attending this morning's meeting included Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U; Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam; Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Commissioner of the Public Security Police, Mr Ma Io Kun; Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; Acting Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Ms Lei Ut Mui; Director of Financial Services Bureau, Ms Vitória Alice Maria da Conceição; and Advisor to the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ko Chin Hung. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and China is once again the APEC host country. With the blessing of the Central People's Government, the Macao SAR Government will host the upcoming APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting 2014. To make sound preparations for organizing a successful tourism ministerial meeting and achieving the goal of the Central People's Government, the Chief Executive signed an Executive Order in January to set up an organizing committee for the APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting, which is responsible for all co-ordination work. The order clearly indicates that all public departments and bodies must offer assistance if requested by the organizing committee.
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Consumer Council conducted its first 'Supermarket price survey' in July on 2 July for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Areia Preta and Avenida de Venceslau de Morais in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. 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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