The 8th Macao International Trade & Investment Fair will be held from 23 - 26 October, 2003. On behalf of the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), I would like to extend my warmest welcome to exhibitors, buyers, trade visitors and all those involved, and wish the Fair enormous success!

The MSAR Government has maintained a free market economy and has been constantly improving the investment environment ever since Macao returned to China over three years ago. This has brought about strong economic growth locally in the face of general economic downturn around the world. The GDP growth rates for 2000 and 2001 were respectively 4.6 % & 2.1% and for 2002 the rate was even higher at 9.5%. With the gaming and tourism industries as leaders, the MSAR Government is also speeding up its industry optimisation and restructuring, while cultivating and supporting new industries such as convention and exhibition, offshore services, traditional Chinese medicine and environmental protection. In line with this, the establishment of the cross-border industrial zone is strongly supported by the Government. Having been a WTO member for more than a decade, Macao is still recognised by the World Trade Organisation as one of the most free and open regions for trade and investment. At the beginning of the year, vestors, Macao will step into a new peak period for economic development.

Macao, being one of the significant places in the greater Pearl River Delta Region that also includes Guangdong and Hong Kong, though small in its economic scale, is fully aware of its own advantages and limitations, and knows how to make the best use of itsies, the west Guangdong region and the Pearl River Delta region, while also facilitating trade and business between Mainland China and Taiwan. Macao has been strengthening its position as a regional economic service centre.

As the largest fair in Macao, and with the longest history and far-reaching influence, the Macao International Trade & Investment Fair has been effective in attracting investment, improving exports, and promoting trade and co-operation. The 8th MIF aims to cater to the needs of exhibitors, buyers, investors and trade visitors, and also to provide useful information that will generate business for all attending.

I extend my wishes for a fruitful and successful 8^th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair.

Francis Tam Pak Yuen

Secretary for Economy and Finance

Government of Macao Special Administrative Region