MIF kicks off emphasizing cooperation between China and lusophone countries

The 21st edition of the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was opened yesterday morning in a ceremony attended by the Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, among other guests.
This year’s edition is shorter (three days instead of four) and there is a reduction of about 20 percent in terms of number of exhibitors. With Portugal as invited guest, the atmosphere of the recently held Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum Macau is still in the air. During the opening ceremony, several officials recalled the Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang’s  conclusion from the recent event.
The cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries was well highlighted and noted in several speeches. The executive director of the Institute for Promotion of Trade and Investment of Macau (IPIM) noted that there was a decrease in participation this year, most likely due to the close scheduling of the Forum and the MIF.
The opening speeches highlighted the fact that, for the first time, there are two partnerships. One partner country (Portugal) and the other partner city (Beijing)  will be represented with a special exhibition pavilion each featuring the economic investment environments of both and they will partner again in the preparations for special upcoming events such as the Winter Olympic Games, to be held in Beijing in 2022.
The officiating guest representing Portugal, Paulo Alexandre Ferreira, Deputy Minister for Economy and State Secretary for Commerce, stressed in his speech the innovative features of the country as well as the quality of its universities.
“Portugal is now a modern country, well-endowed in terms of technological infrastructure, communications and institutions of learning,” said Ferreira after explaining the strategic position of the country “in the European vanguard.”
The Mayor of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, Wang Anshun emphasized the constant initiatives in his municipality, designed to improve innovation, coordination and environmental protection, under the larger “One Belt, One Road” initiative.
The official from Beijing remarked on the growth of foreigner investment that reached USD 13 billion in 2015. It was also noted that the investment of the municipality in projects in foreign countries reached USD9.6 billion, a sum that represents a growth of 150 percent when compared to the one of 2010.
On the Macau government side, Secretary Lionel Leong remarked on the role of the event in regards to the cooperation between Guangdong and Macau, as well as for the Young Entrepreneurship, Cooperation of Chinese Traditional Medicine and Finance and E-Commerce trade and services.
Macau and Shenzhen were discussed as examples of where cultural and creative industries, in the areas of design and fashion, had flourished.
There will be a fashion show from the Portuguese-speaking countries held in the exhibition area to showcase the products and services from those countries. Macau, Angola, Brazil and Portugal will be some of the countries’ and territories represented.
The fair will be open for trade visitors and to the general public today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the main hall, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the exhibition and sales area.
The MIF 2016 closes its doors tomorrow at 6 p.m.