MACAO, July 30 -- The Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF) opened Thursday at the Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Center in Macao.

The annual fair, held since 2009, with the sales volume of around 40 million patacas (5.01 million U.S. dollars) every year, is a carnival-style event embracing trade, cultural exchanging, and leisure to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Guangdong and Macao.

The four-day fair this year occupies an area of about 6,000 square meters, containing 289 booths, showing nearly 1,000 branded products including food products, daily necessities, gifts and souvenirs, and electronic products.

Flavosource Foodstuff Co Ltd has been participating in the fair for the third time. Nelson Liang, general manager said his company 's seasoning products were well received by the visitors at the fair held previously.

Noting that the company's highlighted product this year is the soy sauce containing selenium, Liang said the product has an attractive packaging and will satisfy those who value a healthy diet. He said his company is looking forward to further promoting its brand and products, seeking business partners and tapping international markets through GMBPF.

In order to stimulate the development of the cultural and creative industries and, at the same time, create opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Macao, GMBPF set up brand-new exhibition areas named "Young Business Starters" and the "Cultural and Creative Industries for Young Entrepreneurs."

Skydream Company Ltd is one in this area. The company's managing director, Chan Weng Hong, said their innovative product -- 4D puzzle of Macao featuring elements of the Historic Center of Macao would give the buyer a better understanding of the city's history and culture.

Free business mating services, "Shenzhen-Macao Economic &Trade Seminar" and "Seminar on the three Centers of Trade and Economic Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries" are also available at GMBPF.

Guangdong and Macao have fostered a closer economic relationship in recent years. The trade between the two up enjoyed a 5 percent and a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase in 2014 and in the first half of 2015 despite the challenging market conditions, Wu Ken, deputy secretary general of Guangdong provincial government said, adding that the achievement shows there is enormous potential for bilateral development and resource sharing.

With the "Belt and Road" initiative and the launching of the China (Guangdong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Guangdong and Macao would explore different channels, strengthen cross-boarder E-commerce and enhance customs clearance procedures in a bid to develop the collaboration to a new level, Wu added.