News

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) attended the third edition of World Tourism Conference, an event jointly organized by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Government of Malaysia in Malacca, Malaysia from 21-23 October 2013. The theme of World Tourism Conference 2013 is "Global Tourism: Game Changers and Pace Setters". The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Bin Mohd Yassin; Minister of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia, YB Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz and the representative of Secretary General of UNWTO, Zoltan Somogyi, etc. MGTO Deputy Director Manuel Pires and Head of Communication and External Relations Department, Kathy Iong attended the opening ceremony and a series of panel discussions. World Tourism Conference serves as an exchange platform for UNWTO members. Various tourism ministers, officials and industry delegates came from worldwide to join the event. The conference hosted 13 panel discussions in 4 key areas. The sessions not only elaborated successful stories of different travel destinations and tourism organizations but also welcomed attendees to express their own perspectives. Official delegates and industry partners from different destinations also shared their tourism planning, development and marketing strategies with each other during panel discussions. The 4 key areas for discussion include Beyond Mass Tourism, Innovative Marketing, New Directions for Tourism Product Development as well as Tourism Debate: Boon or Bane of the Tourism Sector.
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To enhance the techniques in identifying victims and handling human trafficking cases, the Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee organized training programs for frontline officers of Health and Labour Affairs Bureau from 21-23 October. Over 200 participants took part in the training programs and invited trainers are from the International Organization for Migration. Topics of the programs include the trafficking in person's impact on health, the role of health care officers, the phenomenon of forced labour around the world, identification and evaluation of victims, case studies, group discussion, etc.
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The second review for the 2013 Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making, organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will take place on October 26, 2013, at the Dom Pedro V Theater. The programme has drawn an enthusiastic response, receiving a total of 27 applications, from which 15 fashion design works have been selected for second review, after a first round selection. The second review will take place in a closed-door session, at the Dom Pedro V Theater's Hall of Mirrors. As such, the Hall of Mirrors will be closed on that date, while other facilities will remain open. For more information, please contact Ms. Lam during office hours, on 2892 4040.
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The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) and the Law Reform & International Law Bureau (DSRJDI) of the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region organized the workshop on "Introducing how the EU Countries Implement Environmental Education in the Education Act", which took place , on October 17, in Macao. Two environmental experts from the European Union (EU) were invited to share their valuable experiences on how EU countries have implemented environmental education through the Education Act and the curriculum standards on environmental education and the implementation of Eco-Schools. The workshop, which took place in the Lotus Room, 5th floor, of the World Trade Centre – Macao, was organized by the DSPA and the DSRJDI with the aim to strengthen the exchanges of information between Macao and the European Union on environmental education, taking at the same time, the opportunity to learn from their valuable experiences on environmental education field. Within the framework of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, the workshop had as guest speakers Mr. Reiner Mathar, from Germany, and Ms. Anna Kristina Linusson, from Sweden, two environmental experts from the EU who shared their experiences on how the EU countries implemented environmental education in the Education Act and curriculum standards, its effectiveness, difficulties and the path to the development of implementation of Eco-Schools in the future. The workshop brought together several local institutions including government departments responsible for education, universities, teachers and students of higher education establishments, staff of educational institutions and environmental associations. In the workshop, the experts presented the origins of environmental education; the process of development; forms of presentation of environmental education elements under the education laws, demonstrated cases and characteristics of environmental education and management in Eco-Schools in some countries of the EU, ways on how to use education to promote the sustainable development and environmental protection and its vision for the future, which gave participants a perspective on the environmental education system and the trend of development in the EU countries. At the question-and-answer session, participants asked for clarification of the current situation and the trend of development of the environmental education in the EU. Some of the local experts in education shared their experiences in environmental education, which was followed by exchanges and discussions with the guest speakers. DSPA hopes that this initiative will promote the interactive exchange of ideas on environmental education, by deepening knowledge and understanding of the participants concerning the law on environmental education and Eco-Schools in different regions, in order to better promote the development of environmental education in Macao. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which comprises this workshop, has the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" as its main objective and will last until December 2013. The implementation of the Co-operation Programme is coordinated by the Law Reform & International Law Bureau and involves several other bodies and governmental departments of the Macao SAR.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Macau Economic Services and Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) together with representatives from 8 local tourism corporations ventured to promote Macau business and incentive tourism at America's Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings & Events (IMEX America) in the United States from 15 – 17 October. As the largest exhibition for the incentive travel, meetings and events industry in the United States, IMEX America launches its third edition in 2013. The event is held at Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas this year. MGTO not only promotes the Incentive Travel Stimulation Program among industry buyers but also introduces the latest trends and products of Macau business tourism on the floor. The Office also hosted a welcome reception for Macau exhibitors and overseas hosted buyers at its booth on 15 October, seeking to attract more event organizers and media to the destination's exhibit booth for familiarization and networking opportunities with business tourism corporations from Macau. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes also attended the related activity to promote Macau business and incentive tourism. Being part of the event last year, MGTO facilitated a platform for exchange and cooperation among hosted buyers and Macau industry delegates. Compared with last year, the exhibition floor has expanded by 17% with a total area of 1.2 million square feet. Over 2,500 exhibitors joined the event including 80 new comers. Exhibitors who came back for the event this year enlarged their booth area as well. The main program of IMEX America features education program, seminars hosted by experienced professionals, seminar about personal development, Association Focus, symposiums, forums, technology sessions, inaugural ceremony and welcome dinner, etc.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (125.03) for September 2013 increased by 6.12% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out, dearer prices of vegetables and rising rentals for dwellings. In comparison with September 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.80%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+7.45%) on account of higher rentals for dwellings, rising charges for eating out and dearer prices of vegetables. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 2.57%. The CPI-A (125.49) and CPI-B (125.39) increased by 6.84% and 5.93% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for September 2013 increased by 0.77% month-to-month. Higher tuition fee and charges for tutorial class in the new academic year, rising charges for eating out, dearer prices of vegetables and fresh pork drove up the price index of Education; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages by 2.08% and 1.37% respectively. However, price index of Recreation & Culture decreased by 2.10% due to reduced charges for package tours. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.96% and 0.73% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended September 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.42% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+9.00%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.77%); and Health (+6.73%) saw noticeable increase, while that of Education and Communication decreased by 2.68% and 2.02% respectively. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.97% and 5.37% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the third quarter of 2013 increased by 5.60% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.20% and 5.46% respectively. For the first nine months of 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.37% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.94% and 5.26% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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The 25th Macao Arts Festival (MAF), organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB), will take place in May next year. The CAB has been accepting projects for performances since August and applications will be open until November 8. Selected works will be included in next year's MAF programme. All registered local art associations are invited to present their proposals. There are no restrictions to genre or form of the shows, which can be original or have been shown before. However, shows must conform to the MAF's objectives, reflecting the rich regional culture and popular spirit, and possess high artistic quality and visual appeal. In order to encourage creativity and further develop artistic education, productions inspired by local literary works and children's plays will be first and foremost taken into account. Interested registered local associations should submit detailed proposals including the concept, the script, set design plan, production team and cast's brief introduction, budget estimate as well as any additional information regarding the Project. Proposals should be submitted until November 8 to the Cultural Events Department, Cultural Affairs Bureau Building, in an envelope marked 'Call for Local Performance Proposals for the 25th Macao Arts Festival'. For further details, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website at www.icm.gov.mo or telephone Ms. Chou or Ms. Lei on 8399 6653/ 8399 6605, during office hours.
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The four-day 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) concluded successively today. Featuring a wide variety of contents, this year's MIF achieved fruitful results both in terms of exhibition and sale, attracting over 116,000 visitors. During the event, more than 2,000 business matching sessions were concluded and 98 protocols were signed while 51 forums, seminars and promotion conferences were organised. Comprising over 1,900 exhibition booths and an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters, the MIF was joined by participants from over 50 countries and regions, of which Russia, Italy, Seychelles and Republic of Moldova are the first time to set up pavilion or send delegation to participate in this event. Moreover, the pavilions and exhibition zones of this year also possess a distinctive style. Today (Sunday) was the last day of MIF. Many citizens and tourists took the last chance to visit and make purchase at the MIF. A participating SME noted that their sales were satisfactory and their anticipated goal has been achieved as many citizens and tourists flocked to join the shopping spree on the last day. A citizen buying lots of commodities said that the MIF has seen a larger scale and a wider variety of products for sale, some of which are less commonly seen in the market and he also planned to revisit next year. Another participating enterprise expressed that via the SME International Business Day, they have benefited a lot and had a better understanding of the tastes and needs of local customers upon listening to the analyses on international market and business information given by the counsellors and experts from the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong. An exhibitor from Portugal noted that the MIF enables them to better understand the situations of investing in Macao and helps them expand the Mainland market via the role of Macao as a trade and business platform between China and Portugal. A participating enterprise from the Mainland said that the promotion of characteristic cultural products from various places is conducive to opening foreign markets. A trade visitor noted that via the MIF, he was given professional advice on relevant product/service re-packaging and business promotion. The four-day event attracted a total of 116,000 visitors, an increase of 12% year-on-year. The "One-Trip, Multi-Stop" service and the "Convention and Exhibition through Train" plan are also effective to help participating merchants in networking and developing business opportunities. During the MIF, more than 2,000 business matching sessions were concluded (an increase of 11.69 year-on-year), 98 protocols were signed (an increase of 11.36% year-on-year). This year, a number of co-operation agreements were signed between countries or regions, which further highlights the role of MIF as economic and trade platform and the role of Macao as a conduit for opening overseas markets and promoting regional co-operation. For instance, the signatories of these agreements include countries or regions from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, European Union, Southeast Asia, e.g. Russia, Romania, Switzerland, Dubai, Madagasca, Italy, Germany, the Philippines, etc. The projects signed cover construction and machinery co-operation between Macao and Russia, agency of European brand products, tourism promotion and co-operation, travel agency co-operation, etc. Other projects include some emerging industries, such as traditional Chinese medicine, cultural and creative industry, education, brand retailing, sports, etc., which fully demonstrate the effectiveness of MIF in promoting Macao's economic diversification. Furthermore, 51 forums, seminars and promotion conferences were held during the MIF, including the International Trade and Investment Forum 2013, 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception, etc. The number of visitors also exceeds that of last year. The MIF also organised a grand Lucky Draw this year. Results will be published on 22nd October 2013 (Tuesday) on Macao Daily and MIF's official website www.mif.com.mo. The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair is planned to take place from 23rd to 26th October 2014.
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The 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is again open to the public today (19th). Being a weekend today, many citizens and tourists took the opportunity to visit MIF, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A total of 481 business matching sessions were concluded and 12 contracts were signed today.
Pavilions with Special Features Help Promote Development of Various Industries
The 18th MIF features a number of featured pavilions, of which the Macao Creative Pavilion is built with paper rolls, a design being inspired by the symbols of sound, image and information communications, with an attempt to promote local brands and products. To enhance interaction with the audience, the Macao Creative Pavilion has organised a variety of activities including seminars, performances and workshops. The Macao Fashion Festival 2013, themed around "world heritages, culture, fashion and creativity", was held concurrently at the MIF. Apart from the works of local designers, top fashion designers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao and the Mainland are also invited to participate in the fashion show. The person-in-charge of this pavilion said that, being Macao's major annual international trade and economic fair, MIF not only provides local fashion designers the opportunities to obtain exposure on the international arena by showcasing high quality fashion works during the event, but also enhances the awareness and interests of local trade visitors and the general public in fashion design, thereby increasing the reputation of local designers. Debut of Asian Magic Association Convention in MIF, receiving high claims from visitors
The Asian Magic Association Convention was first organised at MIF. Visitors enjoyed the stunning magic performance presented by leading magicians from France, Japan, UK and the US in the Magic Show Pavilion. A magic interactive workshop was also organised in the Pavilion, lectures were given by world renowned magicians on the basic theories and skills of magic.
481 business matching concluded on the third day
On the third day of MIF, a total of 481 business matching sessions were organised 12 contracts were signed, covering areas of construction materials, medical treatment and products supply, technical media production services, establishment of branded diamond store, branded furniture and agency of franchising branded products.
Visitors to seize the last chance to visit MIF tomorrow
The 18th MIF also features various forums, seminars and presentations, including the 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs which gathered together leading entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Mainland as well as overseas countries and regions, and 2013Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum(MITMF)
"Traditional Medicine and Health Care". It will be the last day of MIF tomorrow. The opening hours are from 10am to 6pm; with free admission. Major events to be held tomorrow include the 2013 Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum (MITMF) "Medical Tourism and Economic Diversification", and the "Key Market Trends for the Retail Sector in the Asia Pacific" Seminar. The SME Exhibition covers diverse contents, including the Macao SME Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion, Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment. Furthermore, the International SME Pavilion features local signature products and food from Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and the Philippines. All citizens are encouraged to seize the last chance to join the shopping spree at MIF tomorrow. A Lucky Draw is also organised and scheduled to take place at 5:30pm tomorrow. Results will be published on 22 October 2013 (Tuesday) on Macao Daily and MIF's official website: www.mif.com.mo.
Free Shuttle Bus Service Provides Greater Convenience to Trade Visitors and the General Public
MIF visitors may take free shuttle bus service at the following pickup points: Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop) on the Macao Peninsular and Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa) on Taipa Island. Bus schedules are as follows: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue; 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Furthermore, visitors may also park their cars at the public parking lot of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP10 per hour apply). For more information on the 18 MIF, please contact the MIF hotline (853) 2882 8711 or visit the MIF's official website www.mif.com.mo.
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The four-day 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was opened to the public today (18th), attracting a great number of trade visitors and the general public. The pavilions and sales exhibition zones registered a boom in visitors flow. Today, a total of 733 business matching sessions were held and 73 contracts were signed. Business Day features five highlighted activities to aid SMEs to explore opportunities
The SME International Business Day (hereinafter "Business Day") was opened today. Officiating guests at the opening included President of Macao Investment and Trade Promotion Institute Jackson Chang, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce Kou Hoi In, Executive Directors of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Echo Chan and Irene V.K. Lau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Industrial Association of Macau Chui Yuk Lum, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Macau Shipper's Association Tang Kuan Fong, Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Macau Management Association Lau Veng Seng, Vice Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Macao Daniel Iong, Deputy Director General of Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center Mok Iun Lei, Controller of Macao Textile Merchants Association Alain Ku, Consultant of CCPIT Commercial Sub-council Tian Min and Chairman of Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong Wilson Lee. President of IPIM Jackson Chang said that SMEs is the primary target group of IPIM services, a series of services including "One-Stop Service" for investors, promotion services, business-matching as well as trade and economic information are provided to assist SMEs in publicity and promotion, enhance competitiveness and explore business opportunities. The Business Day this year continues to focus on promoting brand building, enhancing corporate values and encouraging more people to start business. It covers five major areas including SME service counter, business promotion and business start-up consultation, business and entrepreneurship seminars, incentives plans for SME as well as franchise and chain operation catalogue show, with a view to promote participating SMEs to seize business opportunities through the MIF platform. During the event, professionals from Hong Kong, Mainland and Taiwan were invited to provide professional opinions to SMEs on various areas including branding skills, re-packaging of product and services, market strategies and business promotion. Strengthen Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries and Promote the Business and Trade Platform MIF has always been regarded as an important platform in tapping the Mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries markets. In recent years, the Pavilion of Portugal has been increasing in size with a total area of over 1,000 square metres this year, an area twice as large as that of the previous year and there is also an increase in the number of participating exhibitors. According to Alberto Carvalho Neto, Chairman of the Portugal and China Young Entrepreneur Association, Portuguese exhibitors participating this year are enormous in number and also highly experienced, covering different sectors and profession including lawyers, architects and real estates developer, accounting and food manufacturing, so as to gain better understanding of the investment opportunities in Macao. He believed that Macao is playing an active role in bridging the trade and business links between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, assisting Portuguese entrepreneurs in business expansion as well as in tapping the Mainland market. The MIF platform enables Portuguese entrepreneurs to establish contacts with trade visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao and explore cooperation opportunities. A total of 733 business matching sessions were conducted on second day of MIF
A total of 733 business matching sessions were held today, resulted in the signing of 37 contracts covering co-operation in cultural tourism and labour services, establishment of Chinese restaurants, agency and marketing of aluminum alloy cables, products from Portuguese-speaking countries, construction materials, environmentally-friendly equipment and healthcare products, business consultancy on environment protection projects, research and development in Information and Technology industry, business development and promotion, soccer school, shopping arcade investments, research and development in traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Macao enterprises interested in establishing businesses in the Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park. More activities available at MIF, not to be missed!
Other highlighted activities at today's MIF include Jiangsu – Macau • Portuguese-Speaking Countries Agricultural Co-operation Roundtable Conference and "Ancient Capital Beijing, Glamorous Dongcheng District" Promotion Conference. Tomorrow's highlights include the 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, Forum : Are you ready to start your business?, 2013 Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum(MITMF) "Traditional Medicine and Health Care", Macau Animation Industry Investment Conference & 6th Macau International Animation Festival Promotion, 10th Asian Magic Association Convention. More featured activities, e.g. the Creativity Business Zone promoting cultural and creative industries, fashion show, Taiwanese Excellence Pavilion themed around Taiwan's future technologies and smart life, Health Culture Pavilion are also available at the MIF, suitable for all family visitors during this weekend. Free shuttle bus service for trade visitors and the general public
To encourage interested parties to visit the MIF in an environmentally-friendly way, free shuttle bus service are available between the MIF venue and various pickup points, including Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop) on Macao peninsular and Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa) on Taipa island. Schedules are as follows: 19th October: 9:30am to 7pm; 20th October: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue. 19th October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 20th October: 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Furthermore, visitors may also park their cars at the public parking lot of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP10 per hour apply). For more information on the 18 MIF, please contact the MIF hotline (853) 2882 2711 or fax (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website www.mif.com.mo.
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