Portuguese-speaking countries | Lusophone exhibition to become standalone event

After two years of preparation, the 2017 Portuguese-Speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition (Macau), also referred to as PLPEX, will be hosted by the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) as a standalone event for the first time in its history.

The exhibition will be held concurrently with the 22nd Macau International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), from October 19 to 21 at The Venetian Macao.

Seeking to capitalize on projections for trade growth between mainland China and Portuguese-
speaking countries, some organizations are trying to develop the city into a “business co-operation service platform” to facilitate this growth.

One way in which this goal is being realized is through a professional convention and exhibition platform for showcasing the products and services of Portuguese-speaking countries to consumers and investors in mainland China.

PLPEX principally aims to assist enterprises from China and Portuguese-speaking countries in exploring mutual business opportunities.

According to a statement from IPIM, there has been a continual annual increase in the number of participating governmental institutions and representatives from enterprises in Portuguese-speaking countries. Last year, PLPEX attracted more than 140 enterprises and business units as participants.

IPIM said the exhibition’s growth warrants its staging as a standalone event. The exhibition will cover a total area of more than 300 square meters.

The Institute expects attendance from more than 200 enterprises from Macau, mainland China and eight Portuguese-speaking countries – namely Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor.

Sectors covered in the exhibition are mainly food and beverage, tourism, e-commerce, healthcare and general investment.

In addition, PLPEX will feature several seminars and forums for special topics, including a fashion show, a gourmet experience and a cultural exhibition, aimed at Portuguese-speaking countries.

PLPEX and MIF will also co-host a session titled, “China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries SMEs Investment and Trade Matching Session”, whereby participants can utilize an online business-matching services platform to seek cooperation and business transactions among attending enterprises.