MACAO - The 21st edition of Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened here Thursday with participation of delegations from over 50 countries and regions.

The theme of the three-day event is "Cooperation - Key to Business Opportunities."

Macao's Secretary for Economy and Finance Leong Vai Tac said during his opening speech that the Macao Special Administrative Region has worked hard to develop the exhibition industry as one backbone to its diversified economy, and the IMF is an important part of that effort.

"This fair has been recognized as a platform for regional trade and investment cooperation, and we will continue our effort to innovate and made greater contribution to regional cooperation," Leong added.

This year's exhibition covers more than 30,000 square meters, and sets up over 1,600 exhibition booths and several exhibition areas. More than 40 forums, promotion meetings and seminars have been or will be held during the trade fair.

Portugal and Beijing have been invited as the partner country and the partner city respectively. Both sides organized high-level delegation groups who seek bilateral and multilateral cooperation opportunities through large exhibitions and promotion activities.

The 21st MIF also sets up for the first time a commercial and trade service area for small and medium-sized enterprises from China and Portuguese-speaking countries, which will provide information relating to the products, services, investment projects and business laws for companies who intend to expand markets in the Portuguese-speaking countries.