Guangdong-Macau fair opens with 49 deals

Connecting companies from Macau, Guangdong, Hengqin and Belt and Road markets, the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF) opened Thursday with 49 cooperation projects signed on site, covering health care, convention and exhibition services, sports, catering and kitchen equipment.

Speaking at the fair’s opening ceremony, Che Weng Keong, president of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), said the fair has grown into a major trade event and an effective platform for commercial cooperation since its launch in 2009.

“Since its inception in 2009, GMBPF has developed over the past 17 years into not only a major economic and trade event under the Guangdong-Macau co-operation framework but also a practical and efficient business cooperation and service platform,” Che said.

He said the platform helps companies from Macau, Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area expand overseas, attract investment and build connections with Portuguese-speaking countries, ASEAN members and Belt and Road markets.

This year’s fair includes exhibitors from Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Che said, “As the China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Platform, a core city of the GBA and an important gateway for the country’s high-standard opening-up, Macau has maintained a dedicated ‘Belt and Road’ Products Zone through the fair over the years. This has attracted enterprises from Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore to exhibit and participate in the event.”

Moreover, Pakistani companies participated in the fair for the first time, showcasing halal food products as part of events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, Che highlighted.

“This initiative not only enriches the fair’s ‘Belt and Road’ elements but also provides a valuable opportunity for exchange and mutual learning,” the IPIM president said. “It will support Macau in consolidating and enhancing its position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, promoting halal food culture, meeting the diverse needs of Muslim visitors from across the region and around the world, and further expanding its international network of partners.”

The fair is jointly organized by IPIM and the Guangdong Provincial Department of Commerce. Its six themed zones focus on Guangdong products, Macau specialties, Belt and Road goods, smart senior living, healthy living and food tasting.

More than 80 supporting activities are scheduled during the event.