Special report: Macao eco-exhibit highlights 'green' opportunities

More than 400 different environmental projects will be showcased early next month when one of the world most prestigious eco-friendly forums opens its doors in Macao. The 2009 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition - known more informally as 2009 MIECF - will be held at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel between April 2 and 4.

Currently, some 200 delegates from universities, environmental groups and public bodies have signed up for the three-day "greenathon". Special delegations are also expected from the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, as well as a number of the consulates and embassies represented in both Hong Kong and Macao.

According to its organizers, the 2009 MIECF will provide the ideal platform for the 65 different organizations in attendance to seek eco-friendly business partnerships and exchange information on environmental technologies.

In line with the green agenda, Macao, as the hosting region, will also take the opportunity to showcase its own development agenda in the spheres of tourism, energy, traffic, business opportunities and ecological initiatives.

As part of the 2009 MIECF event, a specialist "Green Forum" will see the staging of three seminars, each covering an area of particular concern or relevance.

The three issues on the 2009 agenda are - "Energy Saving and Emission Reduction", "Disaster Management", and "Financial Co-operation for Green Businesses".

Despite the current international financial downturn, the organizers say they are confident that significant business opportunities will emerge from the event. To further facilitate this, the first day of the forum has been designated as "Green Business Day" and will see all attendees given the opportunities to explore potential business opportunities with delegates from other sectors.

In a bid to highlight with expansion of green technologies throughout China, the organizers also promise a "Green Matching" session. This will see Chinese enterprises paired with potential overseas partners with whom they have a particular fit.

For more information, please visit www.macaomiecf.com

(China Daily 03/23/2009 page12)