A wide range of subsidies have been introduced for Macao-based businesses with grants available towards the rental of exhibition booths, stand construction fees, basic facilities and production fees for printed materials (flyers, pamphlets) and audio-visual materials (CDs/DVDs).
Whilst MGS has been a rapidly growing focus for international exhibitors and visitors, the show represents the only gaming industry expo organised and owned by Macao and Asia 's broad ranging gaming businesses. As part of its commitment to the region, MGS has stepped up its activity to promote a diverse range of local businesses and the new government subsidy scheme will allow local exhibitors, who are registered with Macao Financial Services Bureau (DSF) and who meet specific requirements, to benefit from the initiative.
The local stand exhibitors program is offered in conjunction with the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and aims to expand trade and business opportunities throughout the area.
Event Director and General Manager at MGS, Marina Wong, explained: “These new financial incentives for this year's exhibition will help companies from the Macao region make the most of the international opportunities available. Promoting organisations from the local area is an important dimension for MGS and reflects our message of 'By Asia, For the World'. The show is expanding with an even more diverse selection of gaming and non-gaming exhibitors already signed up, and the vibrant business community in Macao is a valued part of the exhibition's offering."
Additional features included in the subsidy grants for eligible local exhibitors at the Macao Gaming Show will be expenses of up to 50 percent paid by IPIM towards transportation for products and samples, as well as two round-trip economy class air tickets for each enterprise.
Marina Wong concluded: "We are positioning MGS as the Gateway to Asia, and as such it must be a collection of what's best from Macao, the Asia Pacific region and the entire world. It must be diverse, innovative and ground-breaking and there are plenty of businesses on the show floor that fit that bill. With the significant incentives available from the IPIM initiative, and the subsequent exposure through MGS 2015, we think the benefits for companies from Macao will be a major boost to gaming, tourism and leisure in the region."
Last year, Macao Gaming Show drew a record number of international visitors to the expo - 12,000 drawn from 20 countries - and over the next two years, MGS will be investing extensively to build on this growth with a more expansive focus on local businesses and what the Macao region can offer the world.