The Industrial Association of Macau (AIM) and the World Trade Center Macau (WTC Macau) signed an agreement on June 28 for the setting-up and launch of the AIM official website and the WTC Macau Business Database to promote the local manufacturing industry through the Internet and information technology.

    Both the AIM and the WTC Macau hope that by signing this co-operation agreement and the sharing of resources, they can assist foreign and regional traders in acquiring up-to-date information on Macau's business environment and its manufacturing industry, as well as help local manufacturers to enter the world of electronic commerce and expand their range of business opportunities.

    The agreement was signed by WTC Macau President António Leça and AIM President Peter Pan. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau SAR, Francis Tam, WTC Macau Board Chairman Peter Lam and the WTC Macau Executive Directors and the AIM Vice-Chairmen and Directors.

    The lighting ceremony for the launch of the AIM official Website and WTC Macau Business Database was performed by the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau SAR, Francis Tam, WTC Macau Board Chairman Peter Lam and AIM President Peter Pan.

    Mr Peter Lam said during the signing ceremony that "under the agreement, WTC Macau will provide AIM with Macau Business Database On-line services and conduct promotional activities for the website, "www.madeinmacau.net". It will certainly help overseas buyers to obtain AIM members' information, know more about Macau investment environment, and gain updated information on manufacturers in a quick and most convenient way."

    Mr Peter Lam also emphasised that, although WTC Macau and AIM are two different organisations with different structures, both share the same goal of promoting Macau's economic development and external trade.

    Mr Lo Shau Wing, Vice-Chairman of the AIM, stressed that "under the trend of economic globalization, e-commerce and information technology are undergoing rapid development. The application of the Internet in the business sector is becoming more and more popular. In order to adapt ourselves to the use of the present information technology in the manufacturing industry, the AIM has decided to establish the "www.madeinmacau.net" website, hoping that it can create more business connections and opportunities for local manufacturing industry."

    Following the signing and lighting ceremony, Mr Leung Vai-tac, director of the AIM, made a special demonstration to introduce the structure, services and facilities of the AIM and illustrated the application possibilities of the website.

    More than 200 WTC Macau members, AIM members, community leaders, government officials and local businessmen attended the event.