The 2017 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2017MIECF) marks the 10-year milestone of MIECF. Over the past nine years, MIECF has fully delivered its functions as an international “green platform”, via which various organisations and enterprises from the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Region, the European Union (EU), the Portuguese-speaking Countries, and from countries and regions along the “Belt and Road” have established contact and promoted co-operation in the environmental sector.

The President of the Macao Society of Ecology, Ho Wai Tim, says his organisation has been co-operating with enterprises from Hong Kong since the 2012MIECF, especially on technology for supervision of environmentally-friendly construction. There are now six local engineering companies engaged in this field, he adds. Mr Ho hopes that the local companies involved in supervision of environmentally-friendly construction can expand, and engage in offshore engineering this year. Mr Ho recalls that during last year’s MIECF his organisation promoted a project for an electric bus. The major achievement was that the project was later adopted by some local enterprises, he states. Mr Ho believes that MIECF acts as an important platform for exhibitors to interact with enterprises and organisations from across the world, establishing connections and a network for further exchanges.

MIECF helping enterprises enhance competitiveness

Chan Ka Seng, whose company engages in the manufacturing of traditional plastic products, says they are fully conscious of the increasing awareness globally about environmental protection and the environmental impact of plastic production. During last year’s MIECF, the company seized the opportunity to sign an agreement with an enterprise from Zhongshan, in Guangdong Province, for a project regarding production of bags made from ‘bio-based’ plastics. The companies have been working together on the research and manufacturing of bags from bio-based plastics, says Mr Chan. The difference between such bags and standard plastic bags is that the former can be recycled, he adds. Currently, most of the bags made from bio-based plastics is exported to Australia and Canada. Mr Chan’s company is now working to expand to other products – such as boxes for the fast food industry, storage boxes, mats and slippers – the technology used to make bags from bio-based plastics. Mr Chan says that at 2017MIECF, his company will be looking for overseas partners so as to expand its product line, as well as to promote such products to EU countries, to countries and regions along the “Belt and Road”, and to places within the PPRD Region.

António Trindade, whose company is in the solar power sector, says they have taken part in every edition of MIECF so far. Via its participation, the company has been able to collaborate with enterprises from Portugal in the field of solar power. The company even invested in two photovoltaic solar power stations in Portugal, in 2013 and 2016 respectively. Mr Trindade says he believes MIECF to be an important platform, bringing together environmentally-friendly enterprises and technologies from across the world. In addition, Macao is also fulfilling its role as a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. The city additionally enjoys the support of the country’s policy concerning promotion of co-operation within the PPRD Region, as well as the opportunities arising from the “Belt and Road” initiative. Thus, enterprises that have technology with development potential can seize more opportunities by making full use of the Macao platform, and have access to broader space for growth.

Wan Wa Fan, whose business is related to environmentally-friendly building materials, says her company has been able to export its products to other countries and regions via participation in MIECF. The company has managed to enter the market in Portugal as well as markets of countries and regions along the “Belt and Road”, including Cambodia and the Philippines. Ms Wan believes that MIECF is an excellent platform to help local enterprises expand in the international market.

MIECF’s professionalism growing

Lio Yan I belongs to a company developing photovoltaic power generation systems in Macao. The company has participated in MIECF since the event’s first edition. Ms Lio says she feels MIECF has matured into a more professional event, especially regarding business-matching services. The event has managed to meet the needs of exhibitors and professional visitors, highlighting MIECF’s role as a “green platform”, she says. Via participation in MIECF, her company has been able to develop a network of business contacts and to work with major hotels based in Macao; co-operation agreements are still ongoing. This is evidence that MIECF is very helpful for local companies in terms of establishing connections and expansion of their business, she adds.

The 2017MIECF will be held from 30 March to 1 April at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The event offers a series of activities, including the “Green Forum”, the “Green Showcase”, a series of business matching services, and presentations and promotional seminars, welcoming both professional visitors and the general public.

Various organisations and enterprises from the PPRD Region, the EU, the Portuguese-speaking Countries, and from countries and regions along the “Belt and Road” have boosted co-operation in the environmental sector via MIECF, with participating institutions and enterprises.