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Trade fair opens door for SMEs

By Max Hong (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-24 16:59

The 13th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is expected to attract more participants than ever from home and abroad with its much diversified displays, said fair organizers.

The largest trade and economic annual event in the city will be held at The Cotai Strip TM Convention and Exhibition Center at the Venetian Macau from October 23 to 26, said Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM).

The fair has contributed to the realization of numerous large investment projects in Macao, and also has generated tremendous trade and investment opportunities and promoted co-operation with global business partners.

This year's MIF will see a wider range of exhibiting pavilions, with the main displaying booths featuring companies from the mainland, European Union, and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Some new booths, such as "2010 Shanghai World Expo Pavilion", "Franchise/Agency Business Pavilion" and "Taiwan Pavilion", will contribute to the diversity of the fair.

Economic conferences and forums on cooperation in the convention and exhibition industry aiming to bring in visitors from various countries and regions will also be held during the event.

"We are committed to bringing into play the full advantages of Macao as a platform and are keen to help small and medium- sized enterprises to explore new markets, seek business partners, obtain market information and establish agency business," IPIM said in a statement.

IPIM said it would provide financial support to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for their participation in the 13th MIF.

The exhibition will serve as an incubator for SMEs to promote their products and seek investment opportunities.

In order to enable more SMEs to open up business opportunities through the MIF, the IPIM will grant each exhibition booth of nine sq m $725.

Each local SME may apply for the amount which will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis, according to IPIM.

To attract more trade visitors, the fair organizer will work with countries and regions which have direct flights to Macao and invite their chambers of commerce to the event. The event's website, www.mif.com.mo, has more details.