Hosted by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the “2019 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition” (2019MIECF) concluded successfully today (30 March). During the three-day event, a total of 44 agreements were signed and a total of 350 business matching sessions were held at the Green Matching Area. The Opening Ceremony and a series of forums held during the three-day event attracted more than 4,700 participants.

The 2019MIECF was supported by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, co-organised by the governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, and co-ordinated by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA). This year’s event was themed “Promoting Ecological Civilization and Green Development”.

The 2019MIECF offered the Green Forum and the Green Showcase. A total of eight green forums were held, together with one keynote speaker special session. This year’s MIECF had the honour to invite Mr Michael Liebreich, Founder of New Energy Finance, former Chairman of the Advisory Board at Bloomberg New Energy Finance and Senior Contributor, and Chairman and CEO of Liebreich Associates, as the keynote speaker. In addition, a fantastic array of forums were joined by about 70 guests from Mainland China, the Netherlands, Portugal, Timor-Leste, and Britain, as well as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including pioneers of environmental protection, senior leaders of multinational corporations, and policy makers.

Covering a total area of about 16,900 square metres, the 2019MIECF was joined by over 500 exhibitors from Mainland China, “Belt and Road” countries, European countries, and Portuguese-speaking countries. This year’s MIECF offered the “Greenovation Zone” for the first time, expanded the area of the “Greater Bay Area Eco-Products and Solutions Pavilions”, and continued to offer the “Green Building Area” for participants to adapt better to national policies and seize opportunities of green development worldwide. Additionally, a guided tour was organised for delegates from over 30 government departments. A special government procurement matching session was also available on the afternoon of the second day of the 2019MIECF.

The final day of the 2019MIECF was the “Green Public Day”, which witnessed a large flow of visitors who participated in a series of family eco-activities and enjoyed a variety of performances in the bustling atmosphere. During this year’s MIECF, technical visits were organised for guests to the Macao Electronic Waste Recycling Treatment Facility and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge & Macao Port for them to learn about local efforts to promote environmental protection and the development of infrastructure. On the last day of the 2019MIECF, another visit was arranged for participants, including the public, to the Macao Electronic Waste Recycling Treatment Facility.

In addition, a tour was organised today (30 March) by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) for a total of 25 traders participating in the 2019MIECF, especially those from Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as representatives from the local environmental protection industry, to inspect environmental projects and technologies of green companies in the city of Zhuhai, Guangdong province, with the aim of learning about local facilities and projects relevant to environmental protection such as those involving waste disposal, biomass thermal engineering, and unmanned ship technology to promote exchange and development of different parties. An enterprise representative showed interest in the waste oil regeneration technology in Zhuhai, saying that the company would explore the possibility of supplying Zhuhai with waste oil collected from Macao as raw material. In addition, a Brazilian company pointed out Brazil’s interest in China’s waste disposal technology, adding that he was pleased to participate in the inspection tour to exchange ideas with relevant companies and that his company is exploring the possibility of introducing China’s waste disposal technology into Brazil.

Meanwhile, another city tour was also arranged by IPIM for traders to visit Macao’s Central District and participate in the activity “Let’s Hang Out – Lusophone and Macao Products Bazaar”. Jointly hosted by IPIM, the Macao Association for Promoting Community Economic Development, and The Industry and Commerce Federation of Macau Central and Southern District, and co-organised by the Permanent Secretariat to the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) and the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Federation of Entrepreneurs, the activity allowed traders to have a first-hand experience of Macanese culture, and at the same time, promote development of community economy.

Thanks to the continuous improvement of the quality and professionalism of its activities, the MIECF has grown into an international eco-event of profound importance since its debut 12 years ago. Apart from recognition by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) as a “UFI Approved Event” in 2011, it was also granted the “Excellence Conference and Exhibition Award” of Macao in 2017.

The next MIECF will be held from 26 to 28 March 2020.

The MIECF serves as a platform for enterprises to explore green business opportunities

Multiple matching sessions held at the Green Matching Area

A tour was organised by IPIM for traders participating in the 2019MIECF to inspect environmental projects and technologies in Zhuhai, Guangdong province

The Green Forum of the 2019MIECF continues to play a role as a regional environmental protection platform