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Following the increase in environmental awareness around the world, low carbon lifestyles and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have become a trend for development around the world. Many major economies worldwide have been actively developing their green economy in recent years. Europe, the U.S. and Japan are actively undertaking environmental-related research and commercial projects. Green economy is not only a new engine for economic growth but also creates business and job opportunities; therefore it has become one of the emerging industries for development in many countries and regions.
The “2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition” (2012 MIECF) hosted by the Macao SAR government will be held from 29 to 31 March. The theme for this year is “Green Economy, New Energy for Growth” and promoting “Thinking Green, Going Clean and Living Cool”. Government officials responsible for environmental issues, experts and academics from various countries and regions will get together to explore latest environmentally important topics while the exhibition will bring together renowned local and international enterprises to explore green business opportunities.
Mainland Accelerates The Development Of Environmental Protection Industry
In recent years, the China government has introduced a series of policies and measures to foster the development of the environmental industry. The promulgation of the “Decision on Accelerating Cultivation and Development of Strategic Emerging Industries of the State Council” identified the energy-saving industry as one of the seven strategic emerging industries. Currently, the Mainland’s environmental industry is maintaining an annual growth rate of 15% to 20%. In 2011, there were around 35,000 companies engaging in the environmental industry, with total revenues of nearly RMB1, 000 billion. Following the promulgation of related policies and the active encouragement of the government, the Mainland environmental industry has a promising future.
At the “7th National Conference on Environmental Protection” held in Beijing on 20 December, the State Council announced the “National Environmental Protection Plan under the12th Five-year Plan”. It states that the government will increase resources allocated to environmental protection. The total amount invested in environmental protection will reach RMB3,400 billion within the next five years. The eight priority projects to be implemented include the reduction of pollutants emission, ecology and environment protection, prevention of environmental hazards in key areas, as well as the launch of a list of environmental foundation studies and experimental projects. The investment involved in the above-mentioned priority projects will reach RMB1, 500 billion.
The 7th National Conference on Environmental Protection also proposes to link increasing domestic demand with the development of the energy-saving environmental industry. One of the key aspects in increasing domestic demand is the development of the environmental protection industry. Extensive energy-saving and pollution remedial measures require large amounts of capital. The allocation of capital will create extensive market demand in technology, equipment and services; it will in turn foster the development of a large emerging industry and create greater returns and effectiveness.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce proposes measures to stimulate social consumption in five areas, including focused development in environmental products, as a means to encounter the adverse domestic and external economic situation.
The “12th Five Year Plan” also suggests that, within the next five years, the government will focus on the development of key technology, equipment, products and services which are highly effective in energy-saving, advanced and environmentally-friendly, as well as in recycling resources and providing fiscal, taxation and financial support. It demonstrates that China’s green industry will maintain steady development during the “12th Five Year Plan”, with the energy-saving and environmentally friendly industries being priority areas to attract and utilise foreign investment. The strong green demands and desirable investment environment will provide enormous market and development opportunities for local and overseas enterprises, particularly those in Macao.
Macao Supports Emission-Reduction And Energy-Saving To Promote The Development Of Environmental Industry
Macao has been actively promoting environmental protection in recent years and has introduced a number of energy-saving and emission-reduction measures. The measures include the setting up of a “Environmental and Energy-reduction Fund” in August 2011 by the SAR Government with a start up capital of MOP200 million, to improve the quality of Macao’s environment and encourage saving energy – and reducing emissions, wise use of water resources, as well as supporting and promoting the development of the environmental industry and measures to help remedy the quality of life while considering the impact on the environment. In September 2011, the first phase of the “Environmental Protection, Energy-saving Products and Equipment Subsidy Scheme” provided funds for enterprises and organisations to purchase or change to the use of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and water-saving products and equipment. The Revised “Motor-vehicle Tax Regulation” was passed in principle by the Legislative Assembly in January 2012. Light vehicles which comply with the emission standards can benefit from a tax reduction of 50% with a ceiling of MOP60,000. The measure is in place to encourage the general public to use environmentally friendly vehicles and reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emission.
Reducing urban pollution levels is an issue of worldwide concern. In recent years, Macao has been promoting the use of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are exempt from tax and some local car parks have also set up recharging stations. The 2012 Policy Address also mentioned the trial of electric buses. Basic support facilities for electric vehicles have a high potential for development. Moreover, Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM) also announced that they have hired a US consultancy company to conduct a study on the smart grid development blueprint with the objective of avoiding wasting energy and further improve the stability of the power supply as well as the quality of customer service. The environmental industry is an emerging sector that has been actively developing in recent years. It is anticipated that there will be an increasing demand for environmentally friendly and energy-saving equipment and technology in the future, thus providing great potential for the sector.
Making Use of The MIECF Platform To Explore Green Business Opportunities
2012 International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) hosted by the Macao SAR Government and co-ordinated by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Environmental Protection Bureau, will be held for the fifth consecutive year from 29 to 31 March. It aims to continue to promote Macao as an environmental industry platform between the Pan PRD region and the international arena and to promote environmental protection.
In November 2011, MIECF was awarded the UFI Approved Event Status, reflecting that the event is widely recognised. Over the years, MIECF has been actively making use of Macao’s role as an environmental collaboration and networking platform between the Mainland and the rest of the world, to promote co-operation and exchanges in the environmental industry and create business opportunities in fostering regional green economies.
The theme for 2012 MIECF is “Green Economy, New Engine for Growth” promoting “Thinking Green, Going Clean and Living Cool”. Professional exhibitions, high-level forums, Green Business Co-operation Day, Green Gala Dinner and Networking Activities, Business Matching and Green Public Day will be held in line with SAR Government policy to promote a green economy, with an aim of developing Macao as a low carbon city and nurturing green business and technology development.
The Green Showcase comprises of six major areas including energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building, green mobility, plus waste and water management solutions. A number of themed pavilions will be set up including those for the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD), European Union, USA and International. A “Prime Exhibitors Zone” will also be set up featuring leading brands. For details, please visit the website: www.macaomiecf.com/miecf2012/
Sources of information:
1. “Size of the Energy Saving and Environmental Protection Industry” (translation of the title, only in Chinese) Economic Daily News P06 Macro Information 22/12/2012
2. IPIM Press Release, 2012MIECF to be held in the end of March, Macao SMEs continue to enjoy exhibition incentives this year, 2012-01-09
3. “Environmental and Energy-reduction Fund”; “Environmental Protection, Energy-saving Products and Equipment Subsidy Scheme” Administrative regulations, background information from the Macau Government Information Bureau, 2011-07-20
4. “Hiring Consultancy firm to provide guidelines, Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM)
conduct study on the smart grid development blueprint” (translation of the title, only in Chinese)
Macao Daily News, A03 , Macao News, 2011-10-04
5. “50 experts discuss electric vehicle technology” (translation of the title, only in Chinese) Macao Daily News A02, Macao News, 2011-11-16
