[2019/07/26] “Macao Franchise Expo 2019” Kicks Off Today

The “Macao Franchise Expo 2019” (2019MFE) opened today (July 26). Featuring “Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be Seized” as the theme, it has attracted nearly 180 exhibitors of various areas such as dining, retail, brand agent, consulting services.

The opening ceremony was held at 11:00 this morning at the Multi-Function Area of Cotai Expo Hall A at the Venetian Macao. Mrs Irene Va Kuan Lau, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), pointed out in her speech that as an annual international franchise event of Macao, MFE was recognised by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) as an “UFI Approved Event” last November. It is the first franchising exhibition in the Greater China to receive this honour. And this honour is a recognition of the degree of internationalisation and professionalisation, as well as branding operation of MFE. The 2019MFE has attracted nearly 180 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions, and some new zones have made their debut at this year’s MFE. Meanwhile, a consultation area is set up to provide advisory services on the regulations and related commercial affairs of the Greater Bay Area cities. She also noted, “In the future, we will continue to perfect this platform to create even more opportunities for franchise, investment and start-ups, as well as SME business transformation, while helping SMEs and entrepreneurs in Macao to innovate business models and improve their brand operations. Let us work together to create more business opportunities.”

The 2019MFE continues to be held concurrently with the “2019 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair”. On the first day, 12 agreements relating to food, purchase of healthy beverage, brand agency and strategic co-operation were signed at the Signing Centre. Signatories hail from Beijing, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Macao and Taiwan. More than 120 meetings were successfully held in the Business Matching Area. Meanwhile, IPIM organised 5 Macao purchasing agents to join in nearly 20 business matching sessions with enterprises from Congjiang of Guizhou Province.

This year marks the 11^th anniversary of MFE and the exhibition area has expanded to about 6,000 square metres whereon 200 booths are set up. The 2019MFE continues to integrate elements of the Greater Bay Area to promote regional co-operation. In addition, in order to help enterprises better seize new development opportunities, access to various information and find suitable partners, this year’s expo is divided into 6 exhibition areas. In addition to the “Gourmet Avenue”, “Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilions” and “Branding Consultation Pavilion”, several new areas including the “New Retail and Business Support Zone”, the “Special Brands Area” and the “Renowned Brands Zone” have been introduced at the event. Moreover, the “Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands” was held this afternoon to provide inspiration for enterprises’ future development planning.

This year’s MFE is once again held concurrently with the “2019 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair”, generating the synergy to enhance the effectiveness of the two fairs and striving to expand the reach of franchise projects of the MFE to cities in the Greater Bay Area. Elements of the Greater Bay Area have been integrated into the 2019MFE. Aside from the participation of several exhibitors from the Greater Bay Area, a consultation area is set up to provide advice services on the regulations and related commercial affairs of the Greater Bay Area cities. Lectures will also be held in the Multi-Function Area to discuss regulations of business operations and trademarks in Greater Bay Area cities through case sharing.

The 2019MFE will be open to the general public on 27 and 28 July. In order to encourage the public to use environmentally friendly public transportation, 4 shuttle bus routes between the Venetian Macao and Northern District, Central District and Taipa Village are available, with pick-up points set at Rua do Dr. Pedro José Lobo (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (near Rua Gago Coutinho, Pak Wai Bus Station), Rua do Mercado de lao Hon (Opposite to Jardim de Iao Hon, near the ISQUARE Computer Plaza), and Rua de Seng Tou (near Urbanização Jardim Nova Taipa Block 21). Free parking is available in Halls D and E on a first come first served basis due to limited availability. Free Wi-Fi is available on site. For more details of the 2019MFE, please visit its official website: www.mfe.mo, or follow MFEMacau on WeChat.

Officiating guests of the opening ceremony of the Macao Franchise Expo 2019 include: Mr Leong Vai Tac, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR Government; Mr Wang Xindong, Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ms Terry Sio, President of Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association; Mr Jaman Wong, Chairman of Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association; Mr Bruno Amado, International Project Manager of Brazilian Franchise Association; Ms Penny Chou, Director of International Affairs of Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan; Mr Wilson Lee, Chairman of Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong; Ms Susan Su, Director of Franchise Committee Office of the Franchise & Entrepreneur Department, China Chain Store & Franchise Association; Mr Albert Kong, Executive Council Member of Franchising and Licensing Association (Singapore); and Ms Cristina Maria Matos, CEO of Portuguese Franchise Association.