News

The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 20th to 23rd October 2011 (Thursday to Sunday) at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel. The 16th MIF is organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and co-organized by five government departments, namely Macao Economic Services Bureau, Macau Government Tourist Office, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, and Fujian Macau Economic Cooperation Promotion Committee and 10 non-government organizations, including Macao Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, Macau Shippers' Association, Macau Association of Banks, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Macau, the Macau Chinese Enterprises Association and The Chinese Manufacturers´ Association of Hong Kong, and include as its partners, the Permanent Secretariat for the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao), International Lusophone Markets Business Association and World Federation of Chinese Entrepreneurs Organization and Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association. Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macao Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao are entrusted to coordinate the event. Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is currently Macao's only annual international trade and investment fair accredited by The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). Grounding on its success in the past 15 years, MIF has established itself as a multidirectional, multilateral, and regional economic and trade fair that embodies exhibition, high level forums, themed conferences, business matching and purchasing activities, etc. This year, the 16th MIF has maintained the theme of "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities". The aim is to make use of Macao's unique advantage of a convergence of eastern and western cultures. In combination with superior facilities for conventions and exhibitions as well as tourism, the setting up of themed pavilions, characteristic conventions and quality fair services, MIF enables trade promotion organizations from around the world such as both sides of the Strait, Portuguese-speaking countries, European Union, and ASEAN, etc. to showcase their investment environment and investment projects, while the enterprises of these countries and regions will display their own products, services and technology, deepen mutual understanding, promote exchange and co-operation in bilateral economic and trade relations as well as investment, tourism, conventions and exhibitions and cultural areas. Larger in scale and more internationalized
This year, the MIF has an exhibition area of over 30,000 sqm which comprise more than 850 exhibitors from home and abroad totalling over 1,650 booths, representing an increase of 18% year-on-year. In particular, Nepal and Kenya are participating at MIF for the first time. Countries like India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Korea and Peru are setting up their own exhibition areas for the first time. Meanwhile, up to now, over 3,700 trade visitors of 350 delegations from over 60 countries and regions have pre-registered their participation in the 16th MIF, an increase of more than 12% year-on-year, indicating that the MIF is becoming more influential year after year. Rich, diverse and more professionalized contents in exhibition areas
The MIF this year has adopted new measures in respect of the exhibition arrangement and professional fair services, to highlight the theme of regional co-operation and development. In particular, Our Institute will continue to join hands with the Permanent Secretariat for the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao) in setting up the Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, and Macau Shippers' Association will also continue to jointly organize Macau Concept Pavilion. The major pavilions include:
Major pavilions of participating countries and regions: Macao Pavilion, Chinese Provinces and Cities Pavilion (including Beijing, Guangdong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Heilongjiang, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Fujian, Guizhou, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Liaoning, etc.), European Pavilion, German Guild Hall, AmCham Corner, Pavilion of Portugal, Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion, ACIML's Exhibition Area, Latin-American Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, ASEAN Pavilion, and International Trade and Investment Promotion Institutes Pavilion;
(The above pavilions mainly display investment environment, investment projects and featured products.)
Specialized pavilions for investment projects: Zhuhai-Hengqin Pavilion and Guangzhou Nansha Pavilion;
Themed pavilions: Macau Concept Pavilion, Macau Creative Pavilion, Beijing Pavilion, Charming Taiwan, Cultural and Creative Industry and Fashion Show Area, Hongmu（MAHOGANY）Furniture Pavilion, Small Home Appliances Pavilion, and Convention and Exhibition Pavilion;
International SME Exhibition (Exhibition & Sales Area): Macao SME Pavilion, Thailand Pavilion, Vietnam Pavilion, Nepal Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion, and China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion – Commodities, Culture & Handcrafts, etc. High-level Forums and Specialized Conferences
During the 16th MIF, a total of 47 sessions of forums, seminars and presentations will be held, including a series of high level forums such as the "International Trade & Investment Forum 2011" and "The 8th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", while seminars and programmes related to the contents of the exhibitions are introduced, which include "Hengqin New Area Investment Environment & Policy Innovations Promotion", "Nansha New Area Investment Environment Seminar", and "The Luxury of Hongmu（MAHOGANY）Furniture Development International Forum", in an effort to promote exchanges and co-operation in economy and trade of the enterprises of Macao and Mainland China with overseas enterprises, especially those of the Portuguese-speaking countries, to further consolidate Macao's function as a regional trade and business service platform. In particular, the "International Trade & Investment Forum 2011" this year has invited not only ministerial-ranking senior government officials and business leaders as guest speakers, but also a renowned economic expert from Mainland China: Dr. Cao Yuanzheng, chief economist of the Bank of China, to deliver a presentation. It is hoped that by means of the knowledgeable presentation by a renowned economic expert from the Mainland, it will reinforce the appeal of the event. Business Matching Service Fortified and More Market-Oriented, Specialized Purchasing Counters for Leading Hotels and Thematic Cocktail Receptions for Business Matching
During the 16th MIF period, a series of professionalized ancillary services and incentive plans have been launched, which have enhanced the effectiveness of invitation to buyers and trade visitors, so as to strengthen the function of business matching and increase the success rate of business deals. The 16th MIF has set up new prestigious buyers counters for leading hotels in Macao, these hotels will have their purchasing managers and representatives stationed at the MIF to have purchasing meetings with local and overseas trade visitors. Meanwhile, the 16th MIF will organize for the first time cocktail receptions for business matching. On the second day of the Fair, there will be 4 sessions of business matching cocktail receptions, with the themes of European Union wines and food, small home appliances, Hongmu（MAHOGANY） furniture and cultural & creative industry. The receptions will provide a venue for networking and negotiations and for creating new business opportunities among the exhibitors and buyers in the respective trades. To improve the functions of business and trade service platform, the 16th MIF is providing a wide range of free business matching services. Trade visitors may log into MIF's online business matching service platform where they will be served by business matching officers online to make pre-arrangements for matching as well as for matching onsite. (Website: http://bm.ipim.gov.mo/matching_index.php) Besides, there will be a wide range of purchasing meetings, professionalized seminars and presentations, with an aim of promoting business co-operation. As of today, more than 2,200 new business matching projects from all over the world have been collected and over 1,000 business meetings and have been pre-arranged. Exclusive Exhibition & Sales Area for SMEs to Exploit Business Opportunities
In order to provide more directly the businesses in Macao, especially the SMEs with business opportunities and prospects for co-operation, the MIF this year will introduce and make improvements in a number of themed exhibition and sales areas, e.g. Thailand Pavilion and Taiwan Pavilion. There will continue to be the Macao SME Exhibition (Exhibition and Sales Area) organized by Macao Chamber of Commerce and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and co-organized by The Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association and Macao Businesswomen Association, with an objective of enhancing the support to the SMEs in Macao. Meanwhile, the 16th MIF will continue to hold the "SME International Business Days" (hereafter referred to as "Business Days"), which will offer a rich variety of programmes, services and highlighted activities, such as the inauguration ceremony of "Business Days", "SME Service Counter", SME Promotion Incentive Plan and themed seminars. IPIM will also provide incentives to Macao enterprises which intend to exhibit their products at Macao Ideas and to local or overseas enterprises which are interested in participating in Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) in 2012. Professional Fashion Shows to Feature the Glamour of the Industry
IPIM is again partnering with Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center in setting up the Cultural & Creative Industry and Fashion Show Area, to create a networking platform for co-operation and exchanges for the cultural and creative industries-related enterprises, designers/design institutions, organizations engaged in brand name products and apparel manufacturers. MIF Provides a Diverse, Innovative Range of Fair Services Enhancing "One Trip, Multi-Stop" Service to Make Better Use of Resources of the Convention and Exhibition Industry
In order for trade visitors to gain better results of participation, MIF will continue to join hands with neighbouring partners, making Macao a bridge to provide the "One Trip, Multi-Stop" service, and channelling the trade visitors to Canton Fair and to Zhuhai's Hengqin and Guangzhou's Nansha for site inspection, so as to create a pool of trade fairs and share resources, with an aim of providing trade visitors with maximum benefits and business opportunities. MIF has been striving to provide local and visiting participants with an all round quality service. The MIF this year will continue to set up onsite service counters for tourism, posts, telecommunications and transportation, to ensure greater ease and efficiency for exhibitors and trade visitors from home and abroad. On the other hand, to further improve the fair services, the 16th MIF will provide all visitors with free wireless broadband internet service inside the MIF venue. Besides, "MIF VIP Channel" will be extended to the Lotus Bridge Border and Pac On Provisional Maritime Ferry Terminal in addition to Border Gate and Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal. Free Shuttle Buses
The first day of the 16th MIF (20 Oct) is open to trade visitors only. It will be open to the public from 21st to 23rd Oct. Free shuttle bus service to and from the MIF venue will be available for both trade visitors and the public. Official Hotels
Official Hotels include: Macau Landmark, Hotel Beverly Plaza, Hotel Golden Dragon, Emperor Hotel Macau, Rock Hotel, Taipa Square Hotel, Grand Waldo Hotel and The Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel. News Express to Capture Business Opportunities
To give all visitors a swift and comprehensive overview of the vast array of activities that are taking place at the 16th MIF, including trade and economic investment projects, conferences, activities, and onsite services, the organisers are publishing the "News Express", which will be distributed at 9:30 AM daily during the MIF period at the lobbies of the official hotels and the onsite service counters. Wireless Internet (wifi), QR Code & Apps
The 16th MIF will provide free wireless broadband internet service inside the MIF venue. Smartphone users may also download more information about the Fair by means of QR Code and Apps. Survey
With the objective of obtaining a more scientific and systematic conclusion about the different activities undertaken by the MIF this year so as to improve the capability and standard of event organization, the Organiser will entrust again the University of Macau's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities to conduct a survey on the 16th MIF. Parking Lot
Exhibitors and trade visitors of MIF may enjoy free parking at the Venetian. Details are as follows:
*Holders of exhibitor and trade visitor badges may enjoy up to 24 hours free parking at the guest car park of the Venetian on 19th Oct.
*Holders of MIF admission ticket may enjoy up to 4 hours free parking at the guest car park of the Venetian from 21st to 23rd Oct.
*Government officials, VIPs, media entities and exhibitors, upon presentation of Vehicle Pass, may enjoy free parking in Hall D from 20th to 23rd Oct. During the preparatory period of the Fair, the "MIF Administrative & Service Centre" located at Macao Business Support Centre on 20th Floor of China Civil Plaza Building at no. 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção in Macao, will be dedicated to providing a wide range of services to local and overseas exhibitors and trade visitors. For further enquiries about The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), please contact us at the hotline tel: (853) 2882 8711, fax: (853) 2882 8722 or visit our website at: www.mif.com.mo
…

With the objective of testing and assessing the efficiency of the Airport Emergency Plan and the action plans of the involved entities when a security emergency occurs in Macau International Airport, a number of government bodies and the aviation operators jointly conducted the "Hijacking Exercise 2011" in the early morning of 18 October 2011 which simulated the scenario of an illegally seized aircraft landing in the Macao airport. The Airport Emergency Plan was immediately activated to respond to the emergency. The government security forces saved all passengers. The exercise was deemed smooth. The exercise took place from 23:30 last night to 02:30 this morning. An aircraft which was carrying 50 passengers and 10 crew members on board and which was being illegally seized landed in Macau International Airport. The Airport Emergency Plan was immediately activated and all responsible parties arrived at the Airport Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and work together to deal with the incident. The negotiators of the Judiciary Police were called in to negotiate with the four hijackers. Then after thorough assessment of safety issues by EOC, the Special Duty Unit of the Public Security Police Force were commanded to take control and overcome the hijackers. All the hostages were saved. There were no casualties. The whole process was deemed smooth. About 350 people participated in this exercise. Conducted in accordance with the work schedule approved in the beginning of this year by the Facilitation and Security Committee, the "Hijacking Exercise 2011" was coordinated by Public Security Police Force with the participation of Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs Services, Judiciary Police, Fire Services Bureau, Civil Aviation Authority, Air Macau Company Ltd., CAM-Macau International Airport Co. Ltd., Administration of Airports, Ltd., Macau Security Company Ltd. (airport security) and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd.. Security exercises are carried out on a regular basis in Macau International Airport with the objective of testing and assessing the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan and the capacity of the participating entities on command and control, coordination, communication, resource allocation and so on in dealing with security emergencies, in order that deficiencies can be fixed.
…

Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and College of Tourism, Huaqiao University, (CTHU), PRC signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on 18 October at IFT. President of IFT, Dr. Fanny Vong and Dean of CTHU, Dr. Zheng Xiangmin presided over the ceremony. College of Tourism of Huaqiao University was established in 2004, the formal tourism department (founded in 1983) of Huaqiao University, which is one of the few higher educational institutes in tourism verified by the Ministry of Educational of the People's Republic of China and also one of the earliest schools that are empowered to grant post graduate degree in tourism management in China. The college comprises three departments: tourism management, hotel management and tourist planning and attraction management; provides different programmes including PhD, MA and undergraduate education; and runs the Tourism Research Institute and Landscape Designing and Planning Centre, Tourism Experiment Centre and the Macao and Fujian Research Institute of Huaqiao University. CTHU, PRC and IFT entered into the Memorandum of Cooperation in order to promote international cooperation in education and research. This cooperation opens up future opportunities for academic staff/student exchange and study abroad programmes, joint research programmes and co-organisation of conferences and seminars which suit the interests and demand of local professionals. The implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation facilitated the expansion of IFT's international network and levels of world-wide recognition. Both CTHU and IFT look forward to the tremendous cooperative opportunities that lie ahead.
…

The Workshop on "THE QUESTIONS ABOUT ABOLITION OF THE INVESTIGATING MAGISTRATE: FRENCH EXPERIENCE", will take place on October 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Auditorium of the Public Administration Building located in Rua do Campo n.° 162, basement 1. This event is jointly organized by the Legal and Judicial Training Centre and by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau. Integrated in the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Program in the Legal Field, the workshop will have as speakers: 1. Ms. Fanny Cyrille BUSSAC, Vice Prosecutor in Paris, France; 2. Nathalie Sandra MALET, Training Coordinator at the National School for the Judiciary, France. The 'workshop' will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation into Cantonese and Portuguese and the following topics will be discussed in this session: I. Present criminal procedure in France (Nathalie MALET);
II. Strengthening of criticism of the existing system (Fanny BUSSAC);
III. The reform proposal (Fanny BUSSAC);
IV. A controversial reform (Nathalie MALET). The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2012. The execution of this Programme is organised by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau (DSRJDI), with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ), the Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), the Economic Services (DSE), the Financial Services Bureau (DSF) and the Institute of European Studies of Macao (IEEM).
…

Set up by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, located on the ground floor exhibition hall of the Macao Tourism Activities Centre, "Macao Ideas", the first Macao products display centre is providing a tailor-made QR Code Book Mark for individual exhibitors, which will be distributed in the centre and overseas exhibitions to visitors as a souvenir. Each QR Code Book Mark will include a unique QR Code for each exhibitor, users can decode and retrieve exhibitors' information stored in the QR Code using their Smartphones and they can also share the information to others via social networking sites. Visitors can learn more about "Macao Ideas" and its exhibits by using the QR Code system during the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (16th MIF) from 20 to 23 October. "Macao Ideas' QR Code Bookmark will be distributed as a freebee at the venue. About Macao Ideas Opening Hours：
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays and Public Holidays Address: Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Ground floor of Tourism Activities Centre Telephone: 853 2870 0620
Fax: 853 2870 0621
Email: macaoideas@ipim.gov.mo
Website: http://macaoideas.ipim.gov.mo
…

Located on the ground floor exhibition hall of the Macao Tourism Activities Centre, "Macao Ideas" is the first Macao products display centre set up by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, aimed at promoting products "Made in Macao", "Macao Brand", "Macao Design" and "Sole Distributorship of Portuguese-Speaking Countries Products". "Macao Ideas" welcomes local enterprises to exhibit their products in the centre so as to advertise and promote their products and increase exposure as well as to open up overseas markets. To encourage more enterprises to exhibit their products any enterprise applying or any existing enterprise wishing to renew can get a discount on their exhibition fee if they join "Macao Ideas" during the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (16th MIF) from 20 to 23 October 2011. The centre has displayed over 600 different products from 85 enterprises since its opening on 9 May 2011. The number of visitors both from the business sector and the general public has reached thirteen thousand five hundred from nearly 20 countries around the world.63 business associations have visit "Macao Ideas", more than 800 enquiries about the exhibits as well as requests for business negotiations have been received. The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute will continue launch a series of advertising and promotional activities to build up brand awareness of "Macao Ideas" so as to bring in more business opportunities for local enterprises. So far there have been a variety of promotions, such as producing an exhibitors directory , flyers introducing the four main categories of products displayed in the centre, advertisements in local media to name a few, the Institute is implementing other promotional strategies targeting enterprises in mainland China, South East Asia and overseas, including advertising on the online and printed channels of the Ministry of Commerce People's Republic of China, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and popular international E Commerce platforms. Moreover, the Institute is introducing an electronic magazine, a QR Code bookmark for individual exhibitors and website. All aimed at assisting enterprises to penetrate target markets and bring more business opportunities to local entrepreneurs. About Macao Ideas Opening Hours：
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays and Public Holidays Address: Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Ground floor of Tourism Activities Centre Telephone: 853 2870 0620
Fax: 853 2870 0621
Email: macaoideas@ipim.gov.mo
Website: http://macaoideas.ipim.gov.mo
…

The "SME International Business Days" ("SME Days") will be held from 20 to 23 October 2011 at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel during the "16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair" (MIF). The event aims to enable SMEs to take advantage of the business opportunities expedited by the MIF international platform. SME Days feature a variety of services and themed activities to assist SMEs to expand their customer network and broaden business co-operation opportunities using the MIF platform. The activities include (1) Macao Ideas product promotion, (2) SME Service Corner, (3) SME Promotion Incentive Packages and (4) Seminars and Presentations on franchising operations, e-commerce, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as brand management. Enjoy 50% Discount for Display Space in Macao Ideas
Macao Ideas – the first Macao products display centre, is an integrated exhibition venue for "Made in Macao", "Macao Design", "Macao Brands" and "Sole Distributorship of Portuguese-Speaking Countries' Products". It has collected over 600 different exhibits and attracted over 13,000 visitors since its opening in May 2011. It is an ideal local products sourcing platform for businesses and enterprises and thus encourages more enterprises to exhibit their products in Macao Ideas to provide a bigger stage to advertise products and explore overseas markets. Existing and new Macao Ideas exhibitors applying for exhibition space during 16th MIF SME Days are entitled to 50% discount! Free On-site Franchise Consultancy Services The organiser has also invited business consultants from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to provide free on-site franchise and branding consultancy services plus information and enquiry services for local SMEs,including "One-stop Service for Macao economic and trade consultation, information on global markets, Mainland China business and legal advisory service, CEPA information on exhibitions and franchising. An Overseas Products/Services and Franchise Catalogue Show will be held concurrently, to allow local enterprises to acquire market information from around the world. Interested parties are welcome to pre-register their enquiries. Various promotion incentives – 20% Discount to Join 2012 MFE
"SME Days" features various Promotional Schemes/Packages that suit SMEs' needs, designed to equip enterprises with the tools to expand their businesses, including Financial incentives for participation in exhibition and fairs, SME Business Promotion Package and E-Commerce Promotion Incentives Besides, enterprises or entities interested in joining the "Macao Franchise Expo 2012" (2012 MFE) as exhibitors can enjoy a 20% discount on exhibition enrolment fees. Three Themed Seminars on Franchising, E-Commerce, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
SME Days has lined up a series of seminars on Franchising, E-Commerce, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Brand Management. industry experts and professionals from Hong Kong and Macao and Taiwan have been invited to share their insights on related topics such as "How to create opportunities in a highly competitive market" on 20 October, "E-commerce Seminar" and "How to Turn Good Ideas into Franchise Businesses" on 21 October "How can SMEs achieve expansion by franchising", "Managing the Risks of External Trade Business" and "Making Your Website an Effective Marketing Tool" on 21 October, and "Success in Branding, Innovation and Entrepreneurship" and "Free Software: A Cost-Effective Option for SMEs" on 23 October . The seminars aim to enable SMEs to grasp market trends and developments as well as broaden their horizons. Registration is now open so sign up as soon as possible! The opening ceremony of the "SME International Business Days" will be held at 12:30 pm on 21 October 2011 in the Protocol Signing Centre (Macao Pavilion) of the 16th MIF, Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. All interested parties are welcome. For more details, please visit the MIF website at http://www.mif.com.mo/mif2011/en/schedule.php or contact SME Service Centre (SMEC). Enquiry hotline: (853) 2872 8212.
…

The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was informed by the Embassy of Montenegro in Beijing that, holders of the Macao SAR Passport have been exempted from visa requirements when entering Montenegro for a stay of maximum 90 days. On the basis of reciprocity, nationals of Montenegro are also exempted from visa requirements when entering the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for a stay of maximum 90 days. At present, a total of 93 countries and territories have agreed to grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the Macao SAR passport holders.
…

The 19th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA 2011) was held in Bangkok Convention Centre in Thailand from 4 to 6 October this year. Joined by 28 local trades, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) participated in the trade show to promote the latest MICE products and offerings of Macau. IT&CMA is the region's premier meetings and incentive travel tradeshow and has attracted thousands of international buyers and delegates to participate each year. It is at the same time a platform for promoting the Asia-Pacific region as a MICE destination as well as a source for MICE visitors. The number of Macau trades participating in the leading international MICE trade shows has been increasing over the years, which does not only imply that more new offerings are being launched in Macau's MICE market every year, but also signifies a rise on the level of confidence from the local trades to promote and support Macau to continue to develop as a premier MICE destination in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking the convenience of time and location, MGTO held jointly with Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau a mini mart and networking luncheon named MICE Macau & Thailand Seminar, on 7 October after IT&CMA. The seminar brought together 31 representatives from corporate companies, travel-related agents and event organizers from Thailand with 22 trade from Macau, for service and products update and business discussion. During IT&CMA 2011, MGTO participated at the Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) Press Conference. AACVB announced its latest movements, which included: a new membership structure, which will extend membership opportunities to provincial and city-level CVBs, that AACVB membership will now be available to MICE Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs), venue operators, Destination Marketing Companies (DMCs), Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) and associations that want to be more involved in regional co-operation and develop more business leads.
…

The high-level government and economic forum has been the highlight of Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). This year's International Trade and Investment Forum 2011 will also invite Mainland, local and overseas senior government officials, and business leaders to speak on the theme Regional Co-operation to Explore New Development. Mr. Cao Yuanzheng, Mainland renowned economic expert and Bank of China's Chief Economist, who has been awarded Special Government Grant from the State Council, will give a thematic speech titled China's Role Over the Balancing Process of the World Economy to analyse and share his views and insights on the macro economic and financial outlook. All these speeches will definitely make the forum an informative and attractive event. International Trade and Investment Forum 2011 – the major event of 16th MIF will be held at 3pm, on Thursday, 20 October (the opening of MIF) in the Sicily Room of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, will give an opening speech. Other speakers include Ms. Helena Nosolini Embaló, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, Guinea-Bissau, Mr. João Mendes Gonçalves, Minister of Economy and Development, Timor-Leste, Mr. Yu Ping, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr. Liu Zhiqiang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Kou Hoi In, President of Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce. A thematic speech titled China's Role Over the Balancing Process of the World Economy will be made by Mr. Cao Yuanzheng, Mainland renowned economic expert and Bank of China's Chief Economist, who has been awarded Special Government Grant from the State Council. The Forum is jointly organised by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Investment Promotion Agency of Ministry of Commerce, PRC, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and Macao Chamber of Commerce with the theme of Regional Co-operation to Explore New Development. All from the industrial and business sectors are welcome to join this free admission event. Spaces are limited, please register now. For further enquiries and registration, please contact Ms. Kuok of IPIM's Research and Information Division on 8798 9127, fax: 2872 8208 or 2859 0309, or email to ipimpcom@ipim.gov.mo.
…