MACAU; Macau is seeking to expand its business and trade networks to Spanish-speaking countries, Southeast Asia and other overseas markets, building on its established role as a commercial and trade service platform, according to officials and experts.
They discussed the role of the special administrative region (SAR) at the opening ceremony of the 31st Macau International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), which is taking place from Oct 21 to 24. The event was organised by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macau SAR.
Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai and Secretary of State for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Portuguese Republic Joao Moura, along with other distinguished guests, attended the event.
Held under the theme “Macau: the Global Hub of Business Convergence”, the event runs concurrently with the 2026 Portuguese-Speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition (Macau) (PLPEX) and the Macau Franchise Expo 2026.
The three exhibitions cover a combined exhibition area of 30,000 square metres, attracting exhibitors and buyers from more than 50 countries and regions to Macau, according to the organiser.
Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau SAR Government Ng Wai Han said this year's exhibitions had showcased several notable developments aimed at strengthening global connectivity and matching businesses across industries. For the first time, MIF has established a Spanish-Speaking Countries Industry Pavilion to foster closer trade and business ties with Spanish-speaking countries.
“PLPEX has brought together featured industries, products, and services from nine Portuguese-speaking countries, while strengthening business matching in areas such as cross-border e-commerce, agricultural co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and the blue economy,” she said.
“The country's 15th Five-Year Plan has presented important opportunities for Macau to further expand international economic and trade co-operation and enhance its role as a platform,” Ng added.
Lucas Chachine, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Mozambique, said Macau was well positioned to serve as a platform for Mozambique's services and diverse range of products to reach China and wider markets. - Xinhua
