EXPLORE FRANCHISING OPPORTUNITIES IN MACAO AND UTILISE ROLE AS A CHAIN OPERATION PLATFORM

Macao’s retail and service industry have been developing rapidly in recent years and an increasing number of internationally-renowned brands have established their businesses in Macao Operating franchising and chain operations, providing a diversity of products and services to Local residents as well as tourists. As these business models have gradually gained popularity And become more sophisticated, more and more business starters and smes are engaging in the Franchising businesses.

Since its inception in 2009, Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) has been growing and improving constantly. Participating countries/regions have increased from 7 in 2009 to 14 in 2012, with the number of exhibitors growing from 78 to 156. Participating enterprises are involved in various Local and overseas brands, among which a number of them have started their businesses in Macao, Zhuhai and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.

STRENGTHENING LOCAL SMES THROUGH CHAIN AND FRANCHISING OPERATIONS
Being a city where east meets west, Macao possesses abundant cultural and historical resources. Following the completion of various major modern shopping centres, an increasing number of internationally-renowned brands are seizing the business opportunities available in the city. Over 28 million visitors annually has accelerated the growth of the local retail industry, according to statistical data, the annual retail sales volume amounted to MOP52.85 billion in 2012, a rise of 22% year on year. Integration of traditional signature products with chain operation and franchising business, created an effective and convenient short cut for local SMEs to further enhance their business and explore external markets.

MORE HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS WITH ENHANCED ATTRACTIVENESS AND INCREASED INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Since the first MFE in 2009, the event has been held in Macao concurrently for five years. It has improved in terms of experience and the variety of its contents. This year’s MFE will be held from 12 to 14 July at Exhibition Hall A of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. Co-organised by IPIM and various business organisations from the franchising business, the event this year has a larger exhibition area as well the content. Over a hundred exhibitors will showcase potential projects in franchising and chain operations, as well as brands seeking agents. Marketing, corporate advisory services and other supporting services will also be available.

• The three day event will feature four major categories including exhibition, forum, business matching as well as seminars and presentations for brand promotion.

• Participating international brands include enterprises from the four regions across the Straits, France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Portugal and Singapore.

• Participating industries include food and beverage, retail, services, education, apparel, beauty products, leisure and entertainment, brand agents and consultancy service.

• Renowned experts in the international franchising industry and chain operation have been invited to give speeches at the forums to share their valuable insights.

• More brand promotion events will be incorporated this year to intensify on-site exchanges and communications, a number of forums and presentations will be held to explore franchising and chain operation.

• Buyers and exhibitors from various overseas countries and regions are invited to explore business opportunities for future franchising co-operation.

• A Food and Beverage Tasting Area and a multi-functional area will be set up featuring special brand performances and MFE Square to encourage on site business negotiations.

• Awards ceremony, free brand design consultancy and exhibitors’ products display/show.

AN ARRAY OF EFFORTS TO PROMOTE CHAIN OPERATIONS AND BRAND BUSINESS
In accordance with market development, there is an increasing awareness of franchising, chain operation and patent licensing among Macao trade and economic authorities as well as the business sector. IPIM has introduced an array of services since 2008, including the setting up of a Franchising Pavilion at the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) with seminars, workshops and business matching sessions, as well as the introduction of a Franchising, Chain Operation and Brand Agent Business Opportunities Network, coupled with franchising operation consultation service provided by SMEC. IPIM has also actively participated in thematic exhibitions and seminars in Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Mainland China, SE Asia and Taiwan in recent years and organised delegations of Macao entrepreneur to visit various destinations including Taiwan for fact-finding visits and participate in enterprises training courses in chain operation. Since 2009, IPIM has been working with a number of franchising organisations, from both home and abroad, to organise the Macao Franchise Expo, aiming to encourage more SMEs intending to restructure their business as well as business starters seek potential partners through this networking platform and make use of the standard management model in chain operation to expand their brands and business, create business opportunities and improve their competitive edge.

2013 MFE is hosted by IPIM, Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and the Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the China Chain Store and Franchise Association, International Franchise Association and the Japan Franchise Association as the supporting organisations and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau as the co-ordinator. For further information about this year’s MFE and the latest updates, please visit the official website: www.mfe.mo, or call our hotline on+853 28313220/+853 6229 8000 (Macao).

Important Notice
All information is for reference only. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, IPIM will not be held responsible or be liable for failing to guarantee the accuracy of any information provided, nor for any damage caused by inaccurate information or omissions