MACAO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum and Exhibition (2018MIECF) is open here on Thursday, with the theme Shaping of Eco-Cities for Inclusive Green Economy.

Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Chui Sai On said on the opening ceremony that Macao was dedicated to pushing forward the development of a green economy and making use of opportunities arising from major national strategies of China.

He also noted that Macao's functions as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries helped reinforce environmental cooperation between international and mainland entities.

The three-day event provides a total of six panel sessions and a special session, with an aggregate of more than 50 speakers from various countries and regions, such as China, Australia, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, to discuss the latest issues concerning international environmental protection.

The 2018MIECF has an expo floor area of more than 16,900 square meters, attracting more than 490 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions to showcase products and solutions that curb air, water and soil pollution, and build eco-cities.

The exhibition will set up business-matching sessions, including one for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, one for government procurement. A one-on-one meeting session between representatives of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and suppliers of green technology from the European Union is also arranged.

During the "Green Public Day" on Saturday, the organizers will also offer a variety of activities mainstreaming environmental protection, including games for families and exhibitions on waste reduction and recycling.

2018MIECF was hosted by the Macao SAR government and supported by China's National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.