Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen

First organised in 1996, Macao International Trade & Investment Fair (MIF) has become the bridge that links Macao to Mainland China, Portuguese speaking countries, overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and the rest of the world in the promotion of commerce, investment and technical exchanges between enterprises and organizations. MIF has also become one of the most important international events in Macao and around the region. Following the implementation of the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the ninth MIF to be held between 21^st and 24^th October 2004, will indeed be a major event for both international companies as well as Mainland enterprises and investors.

CEPA is not only a critical factor in the successful development of the greater Pearl River Delta, the most vibrant economic zone in the world, but is also helping to promote greater economic integration between Macao and China. This, in turn, is making commerce and investment more convenient with greater freedom to trade goods and services. Local entrepreneurs and professionals will, of course, find it even easier to extend their reach into the huge China market and more importantly foreign investors will find Macao an attractive place to invest and for joining forces with local entrepreneurs to gain a foothold in the mainland market, taking advantage of the vast opportunities available there. Moreover, CEPA is helping to strengthen regional co-operation between Macao and the greater Pearl River Delta, which, sequentially, will bolster trade links with countries in Asia, Europe and North America.

The Government of MSAR is also giving its enthusiastic support to the development of value-added manufactured goods, with a emphasis being placed on building and promoting “Made in Macao” brands. Moreover, the Government of MSAR will make every effort to strengthen Macao’s advantageous role and function as a regional business and trade services platform as well as an intermediary. In particular, the “China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Product Fair” to be held during this year’s MIF is the follow-up work of the “Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao)” successfully held last year. It is also to implement the “Economic and Trade Co-operation Action Plan”, to further advance economic and trade development between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

I expect that both international and local organizations business people as well as investors will take full advantage of these current market developments to expand their business and utilise MIF as a key business platform for making Macao their preferred partner to enter into the mainland market with. Furthermore, I hope this event can also serve as a springboard for China enterprises in their quest to develop international markets. With this in mind, it is my fervent wish that this year’s MIF will serve as an unique opportunity for all businesses to achieve even greater results.