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2014 MFE Opens in July

In recent years, the development of Macao’s local brand and the chain and franchise operations have shown rapid growth, some traditional, local brands and enterprises as well as designer brands are also enhancing and transforming through brand collaboration, chain operation or agencies, and exploring neighbouring markets through partnerships.

INTERNATIONAL BRANDS SET UP IN MACAO AS A NEW TREND IN FRANCHISING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Motivated by the tourism industry, Macao’s retail, hotel and restaurant industries are going through vigorous development. The retail industry recorded an annual total sales figure of MOP66.4 billion in 2013, showing a 23% year-on-year increase. In the first quarter of 2014, total sales amounted to MOP18.31 billion, a rise of 15% when compared to the previous year. Foreseeing a bright future for Macao’s business environment, world-renowned brands are entering the local market through various means such as franchising, chain operations and patent licensing, to share in the prosperous market and also further enrich Macao’s business and tourism sector with increasing international exposure.

Currently around the world, chain and franchising operations are the most popular means for enterprises to expand as well as individual business start-ups. This operation model complies with requirements of social production and the changes in modern consumption patterns.Enterprises can take advantage of the relatively lower start-up costs, while receiving greater support and assistance in the selection of venue, design, staff training and marketing, and will be able to get the business on track in a relatively shorter period of time. As such, in recent years more business starters and SMEs are opting for the chain and franchising operation.

INCREASING INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN MACAO FRANCHISE EXPO
In response to the market development trends, IPIM has been organising a series of thematic events in franchising, chain operation and brand co-operation since 2008, including themed seminars, workshops, business matching sessions, the setting up of thematic websites, and a franchising operation area at major exhibitions, as well as organising entrepreneur delegations to conduct overseas site visits and seminars including Taiwan. In 2009, IPIM organised the first Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) with a change to the Chinese in 2011. After six years of effort, the size and international participation of MFE have improved every year. Other than the increase in venue size, European brands also participated in 2013, and the general public is participating more and more. As for advertising, Guangdong and Hong Kong media have been invited to be partner organisations to strengthen regional publicity and promotion. Popular forms of media including social networks on the Internet are also a part of the advertising programme with the aim of attracting visitors from different fields. MFE has gradually become a business start-up and investment platform, with effectively assisting young entrepreneurs to establish their businesses and local SMEs in brand building and upgrading corporate culture.

This year marks the sixth MFE and the exhibition and other business negotiation activities effectively promoted brand collaboration. Thus MFE has progressively become an annual major brand co-operation event in the region and has successfully attracted a number of local and overseas brands to establish their businesses in the city.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2014 MFE
• the three-day event will combine four major activities including exhibition, forum, businessmatching and brand promotion;
• there is increasing international participation, over 100 international brands from around the world will take part in the event this year including those from Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mainland China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Vietnam and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions;
• industries involved include food and beverage, retail, services, education, clothing and apparel, skin care and cosmetics products, leisure and entertainment, market planning;
• a food and beverage tasting area, multi-function area and a MFE square will be set up to encourage for on site business negotiation;
• forums and presentations will be held during the event with world-renowned experts and brand operators being invited to share their insights on the development trends of the franchising business, business opportunities and franchising strategies. A franchising academy, themed seminar on franchising business start ups and expansion, brand promotion activities organised by exhibitors will be held concurrently to further enhance the momentum for exchanges and business negotiations.
• franchising consultation services will provide updates and support services to business starters or existing franchising operators. Franchising experts from different countries and regions have been invited to provide professional advice, and assist local SMEs to solve problems encountered in their operations and enhance their competitive edge.
• This year’s MFE will also provide a brand repackaging area with a consultation service for those intending to establish or expand their businesses in franchising. Enterprises from Mainland China and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions are invited to showcase the results of their brand repackaging. A one-to-one consultation service will also be provided for SMEs and business starters to give tailor-made analysis and opinions.
• The 2014 Outstanding Franchising Operator Award will be presented again this year to acknowledge outstanding enterprises in different sectors of the franchising business.

2014 MFE has once again received the support and participation of various overseas business organisations including – Portuguese Franchise Association (APF), Italian Franchise Association (AIF), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), ASEAN Retail Chains & Franchise Federation (ARFF), Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), Indonesian Franchise Association (AFI) and Franchising and Licensing Association of Singapore (FLA), which will organise more local chain operators to participate in the event.

The 2014 Macao Franchise Expo (MFE), hosted by IPIM, the Brazilian Franchising Association, the Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macau International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and the Licensing and Franchising Association of HK, will be held from 4 to 6 July 2014 in Exhibition Hall A of the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel.