MIF showcases Portuguese craftsmanship and innovation

The 29th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) kicked off Oct. 16, featuring over 1,300 exhibitors from around the globe. Running through Oct. 19, this year’s event is themed “Economic Diversification and Development Opportunities” for MIF and “Brands Gathering with Business Opportunities” for the concurrent Macao Franchise Expo (MFE). Both fairs aim to foster collaboration and innovation across various industries.

Held over 38,000 square meters across six exhibition halls, the fair is divided into ten distinct zones, including a new smart exhibition area with cutting-edge technology. Notably, the event is hosting 183 exhibitors from Portuguese-speaking countries this year, demonstrating the fair’s international appeal.

In the Portuguese-speaking countries market zone, the Portugal-China PME Chamber of Commerce – SMEs is showcasing esteemed fashion brands and manufacturers from Portugal, such as Boogie’Woogie, SICI93 – Nextil Group Luxury Division, and Isabel Perreira. Speaking with the Times, Pereira expressed her excitement about participating in the MIF, saying she feels “honored and grateful” to showcase the exceptional quality of Portuguese products. She highlighted that Portuguese craftsmanship rivals that of Italian brands, stating, “Italian brands are renowned for their craftsmanship, as we should be too.”

Brazilian exhibitors also brought their offerings to the fair, primarily focusing on food products like honey, meat, goat’s cheese, nuts, coffee, and cachaça – a Brazilian distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. 

Paola Comin, secretary of commerce and international relations at the Global ESG Institute, highlighted the role of CONAF (the National Confederation on Family Farming) to the Times in supporting family farmers through discussions on sustainable agricultural practices and food security.

“It is crucial to promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices among businesses through resources and training,” Comin said.

Paulo Dinis, Executive Director of the AEP Foundation, also shared insights with the Times about his efforts to promote the internationalization of Portuguese companies through the Global Diaspora Network. He emphasized AICEP’s critical role in assisting companies to enter the Macau market.

“Portuguese companies benefit from support for internationalization, which helps them get closer to this market,” he said.

Dinis outlined a long-term vision for sustainable economic growth in Macau, noting its historical significance as a gateway for Portuguese products.

“Macau represents an opportunity to take Portuguese products further in a constantly growing market,” he said. He underscored the importance of innovation and knowledge transfer in strengthening bilateral relations and discussed investment potential in tourism and sustainability sectors.

Two exclusive livestream sales sessions titled “Macao Premium Goods” are scheduled for Oct. 17 and 18. These sessions will feature over 100 products from nearly 20 exhibitors across various categories, from health foods to cultural items. Both the public and merchants are encouraged to participate in these online sales events.

The MIF is open to the public free of charge from Oct. 17 to 19. Four shuttle bus routes will facilitate transportation between the event venue and various locations in Macau. For more information about the event schedule or exhibitors, interested parties may visit the official MIF or MFE websites. Nadia Shaw