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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for October on 15th October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Horte e Costa, Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga and Rua da Emenda areas in Santo António Parish. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Being a key event of the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), the International Trade and Investment Forum 2013 will be held at 2:45pm on 17 October (the opening day of MIF) in the Sicily Room of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. This year, the organiser has invited a number of ministerial officials from the Mainland and overseas, leaders of local and overseas chambers of commerce, business organisations to share their views on the theme "Macao - Regional Economic Collaboration Reciprocation". A leading official from Macao Special Administrative Region Government will give a speech at the Forum, with other speakers being Mr. Su Zhigang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Chairman of Guangdong Chimelong Group Co Ltd, Mr. Xu Hubin, Secretary General of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr. Ma Iao Lai, President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, Secretary of State for Support and Promotion of the Private Sector, Timor-Leste, Mr. Sergey F. Sanakoev, Aide to the Minister, Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East, Chairman of Russian-Chinese Centre for Trade and Economic Co-operation, Mr. Carlos Alberto de Mello Caboclo, Vice President of International Relations, Life Member of Deliberative Assembly, Sao Paulo Football Club and Mr. Wen De, Technology Officer of Alibaba Group. The speakers will give thematic speeches on various economic topics such as the analysis of Mainland private enterprises economic development, Macao's participation in regional co-operation and working with other countries and regions in exploring business opportunities under the trend of global economic development, introduction of the investment environment and market developments in Portuguese-speaking countries, opportunities brought by the industrialisation of sport as well as the opportunities and challenges for E-Commerce. The International Trade and Investment Forum 2013, being one of MIF's major conferences, is jointly organised by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Macao Chamber of Commerce. Guests from the business community and other sectors are welcome to join. Places are limited so please register early. Simultaneous translation services are available in Putonghua, Cantonese, Portuguese and English. For further information and registration, please contact Ms. Kuan in IPIM's Research and Information Division on 8798 9127, Fax: 2872 8208 or 2859 0309 or email ipimpcom@ipim.gov.mo
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Being one of the city's major annual international trade and economic event, the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will take place in the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 17 to 20 October 2013. The event is organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), with World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) as the Special Supporting Organisation, and governmental Co-organisers including the Macao Economic Services , Macau Government Tourist Office, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province, Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission and Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee with Co-organisers that include Macao Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Imports and Exporters Association, Macao Textile Merchants Association, Macau Shipper's Association, The Macau Association of Banks, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, The Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association, The Macau Chinese Enterprises Association and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Partner Organisations including the Permanent Secretariat for the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), International Lusophone Markets Business Association, World Federation of Chinese Enterprises Organisation, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hunan Sub-council, as well as Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau as Co-ordinators of the event. With the joint efforts of the various participating organisations in preparing and promoting the event over the years, making full play of Macao's distinctive advantage of having a diverse cultural background and its role as a regional business and economic service platform, MIF was the first Macao event accredited by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and the city's a signature exhibition, receiving more and more recognition and attention from around the world . With the theme "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities", the 18th MIF has updated and the contents and worked with different sectors in response to the structural changes and demands of the market. It has not only introduced partners from diverse businesses to exhibit and bring innovative services but also development opportunities for business visitors. An exhibition imbued with sparkling highlights and attraction Strengthen Regional Co-operation and Promote Macao's Role as a Trade and Economic Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries
MIF has been long been regarded an important gateway to tap Mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries markets. In recent years, the size of the Portugal Pavilion has expanded annually. This year, the pavilion covers an area of over 1,000 square metres which is twice the size of that of last year, with an increasing number of participating exhibitors. Furthermore, TEKTONICA, the biggest and most influential international building and construction exhibtion in Portugal is also participating in the 18th MIF. Products and services on display in the Portugal Pavilion feature a wide variety, including food, wine, renewable energy, legal services, accounting services, real estate, construction materials, machinery, cultural and creative arts, financial service, interior design and decoration. The Angola-China International Logistics and Trade City construction project in Angola will be showcased for the first time. The Park, covering 480,000 square metres, is a locally-operated trade and business logistics platform based on the concept of China-Africa macro logistics concepts.
To complement the 10th anniversary of the Ministerial Conference of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic and Trade Co-operation Forum (Macao) held in November this year, the Organiser has enriched the contents of the Portuguese-speaking Countries Pavilion, for instance, adding a photography exhibition, organising a business matching cocktail reception and wine tasting activities., with a view to encouraging participants' involvement in the Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking Countries pavilions, strengthen Macao's role as a service platform for business and trade, and promote complementary and beneficial co-operation between entrepreneurs from around the world.
Moreover, the Portuguese-speaking countries participating in the 18th MIF include Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Portugal, Creativity Business Zone to assemble cultural and creative forces and develop new opportunities
The 18th MIF has specially integrated the Cultural and Creative Zone into a nearly 5,000-square-foot Creativity Business Zone, which includes a number of popular cultural and creative activities, i.e. the Macao Creative Pavilion, Macao Fashion Festival, Shenzhen International Cultural Industry Fair Co. Ltd, ,Pavilion of Quintessential Art Exhibits in Cultural Industry, in addition to various cultural and creative products and services from France, Korea, Italy, Mainland China and Taiwan, all debuting in Macao. The Creativity Business Zone features a vivid theme and abundant contents, including the Macao Creative Pavilion organised by the Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau, themed around film and television, music and multimedia design. The 270-square-metre Pavilion will have a series of programmes relating to the theme of MIF during the four-day event, for instance, the director and producer of "The Way We Dance", Adam Wong and Saville Chan, will give talks on the production and marketing of a micro film. During the Fair, other fascinating activities, such as presentations, performances and workshops on different topics, will be held. In addition, the 10th Asian Magic Association Convention which gathers the world's leading magicians to show their skills is also another example combining creativity, art and industrial operation. Being known as an "incubator of national cultural and creative industries", the Onelink International Plaza of Guangzhou will participate in MIF for the first time and introduce itself as a modern business and trade centre which combines wholesale, exhibition, sale and trade and generates an annual turnover of over RMB10 billion. A delegation of over 100 buyers has been organised to take part in MIF in order to deepen co-operation between Guangdong and Macao and look for business opportunities via MIF's business and trade platform. It is hoped that the setting up this Pavilion, will be more effective in promoting exchanges between professionals in the creative and cultural industries, promoting the integration of cultural and creative forces and business opportunities in Asia. Macao Fashion Festival: an enchanting, eye-catching fashion show
Held for several consecutive years, the Macao Fashion Festival has caught enormous attention since its debut. A number of fashion shows will be presented under the theme of "World Heritage, Culture, Fashion and Creativity" this year. In addition to exhibits by local designers, visitors may also appreciate fascinating clothes by renowned designers from across the Taiwan Strait. The Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Fashion Summit and "Story of Chinese Fashion Labels" Seminar will be organised at MIF to conduct an in-depth study of regional development trend of the clothing industry and share brand building success stories , with a view to further promoting Macao's closer co-operation with neighbouring regions in the clothing industry and create opportunities for the development of creative fashion industry. Promote health culture and introduce opportunities arising from emerging industries
This year's MIF also features the Health Culture Thematic Pavilion and a series of themed activities to introduce the latest trends and new opportunities in related industries, including health food, an area of interest for consumers and promote leisure and health tours, health care, healthy tea consumption and hot springs. Forums and seminars, such as the Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum, Laozi Forum "Nature, Cital, Life" and consultation seminar on international traditional medicine. Rich contents to advance business and trade exchanges from multiple dimensions  Inspirational themes to highlight trade and investment  Enhanced size, more international and enriched contents
The number of exhibition booths and total space of the 18th MIF are approximately the same as last year and over 50 countries and regions will be participating in the Fair. Of these countries and regions, Italy, Russia, Republic of Moldova and Seychelles will be setting up pavilion or organising delegation to participate in this event for the first time. The 18th MIF will consist of over 1,900 booths and an area of 30,000 square metres, with a number of main pavilions, including Chinese Provinces and Cities Pavilion, Macao Pavilion, Portuguese-speaking Countries Pavilion, European Pavilion, Portugal Pavilion, German Guild Hall, ASEAN Pavilion, Fujian Pavilion, Macao Manufacturers and Trades Pavilion, Zhuhai Pavilion, Nansha Pavilion, Zhongshan Cuiheng Pavilion, Creativity Business Zone, Pavilion of Quintessential Art Exhibits, Asian Magic Association Convention and Fashion Festival. The SME Exhibition Area includes the Macao SME Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, a China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion, plus the Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion. The 18th MIF is marked by enriched contents, strong themes and highlights. Two functional zones are planned this year, namely the exhibition and sales exhibition zones, to facilitate display and exchanges in more areas and strengthen the effectiveness of business matching to satisfy the various needs of exhibitors, entrepreneurs, industry representatives and the general public. To further strengthen economic and trade co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, MIF has invited representatives from Hengqin island of Zhuhai, Nansha city of Guangzhou and Cuiheng village of Zhongshan to introduce their respective current investment environments, strategic positions, development advantages and latest plans,. In addition, the Beijing Hasan International Investment Management Co Ltd will be here to introduce the development of its commercial centre and related construction projects in Angola. The 18th MIF is highlighted by the richness and diversity of its contents. Organised by Taiwan Trade Centre and themed around "future technologies and smart life", the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion covers nine major Taiwanese industries, namely information communications, energy conservation and environmental protection, home ware and living, sports and leisure, interactive education, machinery, intermediate industries, medical treatment, and culture and creative industry. This is the epitome of Taiwan's industries and a major indicator of Taiwan's future industrial development. The SME Exhibition area to attract visitors and assist SMEs to explore business opportunities
The SME Exhibition area will be set up again this year as in previous years the general public did a lot of shopping. The area will include the Macao SME Pavilion, China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion-Commodities, Cultural Products and Handicrafts, Digital Imaging & Photography Equipment Pavilion, International SME Pavilion and Taiwan Pavilion. Among which, the Macao SME Pavilion, set up by the Macau Chamber of Commerce and IPIM, co-organised by the Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association and the Macau Businesswomen Association has received the active participation of over 157 local enterprises, an increase of 20% year on year. This year's International SME Pavilion has attracted the participation of enterprises from Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and the Philippines. Economic and trade forum series provides information on new opportunities During the MIF, various high-level forums, seminars, presentations on the investment environment and projects in different places, thematic conferences for specific trades, and products/services presentations will be held to facilitate multilateral exchanges and co-operation in business, trade and economy. Major activities include the International Trade and Investment Forum 2013, 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, 3rd Jiangsu – Macau • Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum, 2013 Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum, "How Does the Wine Industry in China respond to the World Market?" Forum, Mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Fashion Summit, 2013 Shenzhen-Macao Co-operation Conference of Cultural and Creative Industries, Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception. Wide range of business visitors to strengthen the effectiveness of business matching
To further enhance the effectiveness and attraction of MIF, this year, the Organiser has invited not only buyers, renowned enterprises and entrepreneurs to participate in the event and put a lot of effort into promoting the "Convention and Exhibition through Train" and "Incentives for Trade Visitors", but has also invited buyers to set up counters at the venue. In addition, the "One-trip, Multi-stop" service will also be available at MIF to take clients to the Canton Fair and carry out field inspections of Hengqin Island, with an aim of expanding co-operation between these events and promoting regional economic and trade collaboration. Extended business and trade platform to expand development space for SMEs
Determined to provide a platform for co-operation, promotion and development for SMEs, MIF has organised chambers of commerce and enterprises from different countries and regions to participate in this event, in addition to providing a series of business-matching services, including buyers' meeting, franchising and chain store, and brand agency, for Macao SMEs to explore business opportunities and look for collaboration partners. Different networks, products, services and technological interactions will also be utilised to help participants achieve greater development. Business matching series to strengthen the role of service platform for business and trade
A series of business-matching sessions and buyers' meetings will be available to entrepreneurs at MIF who can login to the online business matching service portal established by the organiser and contact our specialists to assist you in the pre-matching process in order to participate in the business matching session, buyers' meeting, presentation and exchange cocktail reception, thereby facilitating business co-operation between enterprises. At present, over 3,000 business matching applications have been received from all over the world, involving 2,600 investment and co-operation projects, 390 supply projects and 180 procurement projects. Over 1,100 meetings have been pre-scheduled. According to the needs of different markets, including SMEs, cultural and creative industries, food and beverage industry, and hotel industry, the Organiser has arranged the Cultural and Creative Industries Networking Cocktail Reception, Portuguese Wine Networking Cocktail Reception and Dongguan-Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao) Forum to provide a networking platform specifically for exhibitors, buyers and investors. In addition, a series of professional services and incentive plans for trade visitors will be available at MIF to attract a wide range of buyers and trade visitors. To this end, the organiser has set up the Convention and Exhibition through Train" and "Incentives for Trade Visitors", invited large purchasing groups to participate in the event, set up a professional procurement area at the Buyers' Corner and launched networking cocktail reception, in addition to providing venues to participants free of charge so that they can organise cocktail receptions. Exhibition service upgrades to both in terms of quality and quantity
The convention and exhibition industry is a key direction and new highlight in the development of moderate diversification in Macao. As a signature event MIF has sought to continually improve and advance and has dedicated itself to providing participants with more comprehensive and quality services since its inception in 1996. This year, MIF has once again set up an on site consolation service counter in order to provide visitors and participants with a wide array of information on tourism, postal services, telecommunications and on-site logistic services. Moreover, free wireless broadband and mobile phone Wifi services are available in all MIF venues while an exclusive "MIF VIP Channel" has been set up at the Border Gate and Cotai Checkpoint (Lotus Border). Shuttle bus service: a free and convenient service for participating exhibitors and visitors All visitors to the 18th MIF are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus service. The 18th MIF is scheduled to open to professional visitors on 17 October and the public from 18 to 20h October. A free shuttle bus service is available at different locations and official hotels (namely the public shuttle bus route and official hotel shuttle bus route) for the convenience of exhibitors and the public during MIF. Pickup points on Macao peninsula include Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo, Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop), and Taipa island Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa). Schedules are as follows: 17th October: 11:30am to 7pm; 18th to 19th October: 9:30am to 7pm; 20th October: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue. 17th October: 12:30pm to 8:30pm; 18th to 19th October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 20th October: 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Visitors may also park in Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel's public car park (charges are MOP10 per hour). Hotel accommodation
The official hotels for MIF include the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Hotel Taipa Square, Best Western Hotel Taipa, Hotel Royal, Holiday Inn Macau, Hotel Golden Dragon, Casa Real Hotel, Hotel Beverly Plaza, Emperor Hotel Macau and Rocks Hotel. Questionnaire survey
In order to have a more scientific and systematic conclusion to the activities organised this year , enhance and improve the organisation and standards of the event, MIF has commissioned the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the University of Macau to conduct a questionnaire survey on 18th MIF. During the Fair, the MIF Administration and Service Centre is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to local and overseas exhibitors and merchants. For more information on the 18th 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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The 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) enters its third week, bringing chamber, indie and symphonic music to the city. After the success of Mozart's opera Bastien und Bastienne, by the Mozart Opera Institute, the MIMF proceeds with a concert by the Dragon Quartet, to take place on October 16 (Wednesday), at 8pm, at the Dom Pedro V Theatre. The Dragon Quartet was formed in 2012 by the celebrated Chinese musicians Ning Feng and Gu Chen (violins), Jin Zhenhong (viola) and Qin Liwei (cello). In addition to presenting audiences with the traditional masterworks for string quartet, the Dragon Quartet rediscovers rarely performed but outstanding pieces, and promotes contemporary works, especially those of Chinese authorship. This quartet of internationally established soloists brings you a diverse programme of cherished and refreshing works, culminating in Shostakovich's beloved String Quartet No. 8, for an unforgettable musical evening! On October 18 (Friday), at 8pm, Mount Fortress welcomes the Taiwanese indie singer-songwriter Deserts Xuan and her band Algae. The Taiwanese singer is known for her compelling solo performances featuring just her voice and a guitar. She has performed extensively in live music clubs and on university campuses, presenting her latest compositions, which describe her attitude towards life and society. Following her 2006 debut album, My Life Will…, Deserts Xuan released three more records, the latest of which is 2012's Games We Play. Even more recently, she has become prominent on the internet and in student circles and has been distinguished with numerous awards, among them "Best Taiwan/Hong Kong Artist" at the 2009 Beijing Pop Music Awards and "Best Singer-Songwriter", "Best Lyricist", "Best Song Producer" and the "Chairman Award" at the 13th Top Chinese Awards 2013. Deserts Xuan has appeared in Taiwan's Spring Scream and Hohaiyan Rock Festivals, as well as in other music festivals in Mainland China, and has garnered a loyal following within the younger generations. Opening for them at Mount Fortress is local band L.A.V.Y., an old-school rock band consisting of four experienced musicians who never fail to deliver fantastic live performances attracting fans from within the territory and beyond. L.A.V.Y. draw inspiration for their songs from all facets of life, searching for meaning in emotions, dreams and the rapidly changing day-to-day. Admission is free but seating capacity is limited, on a first-come, first-served basis. Also on October 18 (Friday), at 8pm at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, the Festival holds its first symphonic concert, by the Gulbenkian Orchestra, which, steered by recently appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Consultant Paul McCreesh, returns to Macao after a long absence, presenting a programme featuring works by Luís de Freitas Branco (Two Melodies), Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro (Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra) and by Antonín Dvorák (Symphony "From the New World"). Established in 1962 by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as a mere twelve-piece ensemble, the Gulbenkian Orchestra today boasts a permanent body of sixty-six musicians and a repertoire spanning from the classical period to the 20th century. Each season, in addition to giving their regular series of concerts in the Portuguese capital, the Orchestra travels to perform at numerous other venues throughout Portugal and around the world. A concert not to be missed by one of Portugal's most prestigious and talented orchestras! Tickets for the 27th MIMF are still available, in limited numbers, at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets. Telephone bookings may be made on 2855 5555.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB) has organized the participation of local cultural and creative entities, in particular audio-visual, music and multimedia design industries, in the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), and have set up the "Macao Creative Pavilion" to showcase and promote the city's creative brands, products and services. The CAB expects to stimulate further exchanges, co-operation and business matching between Macao's cultural and creative sectors and overseas counterparts. The exhibition will take place at the Venetian Macao Convention and Exhibition Center, from October 17 to 20. During this period, assorted seminars and performances will be staged at the "Macao Creative Pavilion", and all are welcome to attend. The CAB has been organizing the "Macao Creative Pavilion" in the MIF since 2001, promoting Macao's original brands and products to visitors, allowing them to better understand and support Macao's cultural and creative entities. This year, the CAB was invited by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) to set up this pavilion once again. In coordination with the already launched "2013 Support Programme for the Production of Feature Films", this year's 270-square-meter pavilion features audio-visual, music and multimedia design industries. The design concept of the pavilion is centered on audio, visual and information communication symbols; paper tubes are shaped in various forms to portray orchestral instruments, photographic lenses, cinematographic film, communication channels and data transmission means. To enhance interaction with visitors, a variety of seminars, performances and workshops will take place at the pavilion during the four-day event. The CAB invited 19 entities chosen from the Macao Database for Cultural and Creative Industries to participate and exhibit their products at the "Macao Creative Pavilion". The exhibitors include Pride Entertainment Productions Co. Ltd., Macao Film Limited, Salon Multimedia Macao Ltd., Creative Macau - Center for Creative Industries, Chessman Entertainment Production Co. Ltd., Good Media Production Co. Limited, Macau Creative Industry Company Limited, 7C Co. Ltd., AomenTV Limited, Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District, Mirage Visuals Co. Ltd., 100 Plus Music Ltd., Amateur Continuing Study Centre, Icon Digital, Vivitam Pro Image Design Ltd., Todot Design, Craxh Production Limited, The Cut Audio and Visual Association and Free Dream Production Studio.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP130.3 billion (USD16.31 billion) at the end of September 2013. The reserves fell by 0.9% from the revised value of MOP131.4 billion (USD16.45 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves dropped by MOP2.5 billion or 1.9%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-September 2013 represented 15 times the currency in circulation or 126.0% of Pataca M2 at end-August 2013. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, dropped 0.09 points month-to-month and 0.08 points year-on-year to 97.47 in September 2013. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for October on 10th October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 9 supermarkets in Toi San, Ilha Verde and Fai Chi Kei areas in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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1st October Golden Week officially ended after a week. According to preliminary statistics, the total visitor arrivals in Macau during 1 – 7 October hit 896,847 of which 722,746 came from the Mainland. Compared with the corresponding 7-day period of last year, the total visitor arrivals during 1st October Golden Week surged by 5.7% this year, while the number of Mainland visitors grew by 12.1%. Know that Most Mainland tour-group visitors departed from Mainland China through Shenzhen and arrived at Macau via Hong Kong. As the "Tourism Law of the People's Republic of China" officially took effect on 1st October this year, Mainland visitor arrivals via Macau Ferry Terminal during 1st October Golden Week dropped drastically by 11.8% compared to the same period of last year, as opposed to the trends at other ports (including Barrier Gate, Cotai Frontier Post, Airport and Cross-Border Industrial District). Similarly, Mainland visitor arrivals via Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal and Inner Harbour saw an evident fall of 27.58% and 33.13% respectively. The average occupancy rate for 3 to 5 Star hotels was 88.71%, a year-to-year growth of 0.21%. The average occupancy rates for 3-Star and 4-Star hotels were 87.65% and 85.24% which dropped slightly by 0.8% and 0.43% respectively, whereas the rate for 5-Star hotels was 93.22% (a rise of 1%). The average room rate of 3 to 5 Star hotels was 1,933.71 patacas, a year-to-year increase of 11.04%. On the other hand, the average room rate of guest houses was 615.17 patacas (a growth of 16.83%). The average room rates of 2-Star and 3-Star hotels were 1,101.19 patacas and 1,773.96 patacas respectively (an increase of 20.03% and 10.82%), while the average room rates of 4-Star and 5-Star hotels were 1,639.2 patacas and 2,387.97 patacas which escalated by 10.22% and 11.78% respectively. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) received 5 tourism-related complaints, 2 assistance requests and 2 commendations during 1st October Golden Week. The complaint cases mainly involved tourism service including hotel check-out formalities, service quality, taxi charge, shopping and tour guide service. The Office has followed up with the cases or transferred them to related departments for settlement. During the Golden Week, MGTO carried out 75 inspections at various ports and sightseeing spots. In terms of measures against illegal accommodation, MGTO carried out 6 joint actions, 32 premise inspections and sealed 3 premises allegedly operated as illegal accommodation in total. During the past 1st October Golden Week, MGTO adopted a series of measures not only to cater for the needs of citizens and visitors but also to perfect service quality in the tourism industry. The measures include tourism notification system activation, food guide publication and distribution, strengthening inspection duties and launching an online system for room-rate report, etc. The Office also promoted the 4 walking tour routes to visitors through various channels during 1st October Golden Week.
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Members of the public can once again visit the front block and gardens of Government Headquarters at the Open Day, on 19 and 20 October between 9 am and 6 pm. During the two-day opening, a bunch of rich programmes will be prepared for visitors, including performance by the Public Security Police Band and students from the School of Music and School of Dance of the Macao Conservatory.
There will also be guided tours of the first floor of the Headquarters and a photo exhibition of old Macao in the multi-purpose conference room. Meanwhile, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will hold a flower show, showcasing the beauty of some 20,000 different colours carnations at Government Headquarters. To enrich the exhibition, the flower show will be arranged in Chinese and Western styles and models. For more details, please browse http://www2.gcs.gov.mo/openday or www.gov.mo.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on tissue papers on 9th October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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