The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened Thursday, attracting 236 commerce and trade delegations from 50 countries and regions.

The fair, sponsored by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (MTIPI), boasts an event for over 30 seminars, conferences and product promotion programs.

It features an 18,000-square-meter exhibition area and 889 exhibition booths.

The four-day annual event has become an important trade platform for enterprises from the Chinese mainland, European and Portuguese-speaking countries, the organizers said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2007)