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Consumer Council conducted its latest ‘Supermarket price survey’ in October on 24 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 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), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. 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. With reference to the local seven 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that receipts and expenditure of the Transport, Storage & Communications Sector totalled MOP 28.69 billion and MOP 23.11 billion respectively in 2015, up by 3.1% and 1.5% year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy amounted to MOP 9.84 billion, up by 10.3% year-on-year. Gross Surplus increased by 10.5% to MOP 5.70 billion. Gross Fixed Capital Formation surged by 101.6% to MOP 2.85 billion. A total of 2,789 establishments were operating in the sector, an increase of 272 year-on-year; number of persons engaged rose by 2.0% to 19,404, of which 81.4% were employees. Receipts of the Transport & Storage Sector totalled MOP 18.94 billion, down by 2.6% year-on-year. Owing to a decline in travel agency business, receipts of Supporting & Auxiliary Transport Activities (MOP 9.87 billion) dropped by 3.8%. Moreover, receipts of Air Transport (MOP 4.02 billion) fell by 11.9% due to various factors such as reduction in fuel surcharges and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in South Korea. Expenditure of the Transport & Storage Sector decreased by 4.7% year-on-year to MOP 16.06 billion; Operating Expenses (MOP 7.83 billion) shrank by 3.7%, dragged down by a 23.6% drop in fuel expenses (MOP 1.87 billion) on account of lower oil prices; meanwhile, expenditure on rent of machinery & equipment (MOP 1.21 billion) rose by 15.6%. As the decline in receipts was lower than that in expenditure, Gross Value Added (MOP 6.17 billion) and Gross Surplus (MOP 2.89 billion) of the sector grew by 10.2% and 12.0% respectively year-on-year. Gross Fixed Capital Formation increased by 52.9% to MOP 1.53 billion owing to an increase in acquisition of aircrafts by Air Transport establishments. There were 2,758 establishments operating in the Transport & Storage Sector, an increase of 274 year-on-year; number of establishments in Land Transport went up by 202 to 2,148. Number of persons engaged grew by 1.1% year-on-year to 16,915, with those working in Supporting & Auxiliary Transport Activities rising by 4.5% to 7,720. Meanwhile, number of persons engaged in Land Transport dropped by 2.7% to 5,914, of which self-employed taxi and truck drivers (3,058) accounted for 51.7%. Receipts of the Communications Sector grew by 16.2% year-on-year to MOP 9.75 billion, of which receipts of Telecommunications Services (MOP 9.00 billion) rose by 13.7%. Expenditure of the sector increased by 19.3% to MOP 7.05 billion, with Purchase of Goods & Services and Commission Paid growing by 23.3% to MOP 5.38 billion. Gross Value Added of the sector totalled MOP 3.68 billion, up by 10.5% year-on-year. Gross Surplus increased by 9.0% to MOP 2.81 billion. Gross Fixed Capital Formation surged by 219.7% to MOP 1.32 billion owing to an increase in acquisition of telecommunications equipment and real estate. There were 31 establishments operating in the Communications Sector, down by 2 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 7.9% to 2,489.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals totalled 2,427,086 in September 2016, up slightly by 0.5% year-on-year. Overnight visitors rose by 11.8% year-on-year to 1,311,533, accounting for 54.0% of the total; same-day visitors dropped by 10.2% to 1,115,553. The average length of stay of visitors increased by 0.1 day year-on-year to 1.3 days; the average stay of overnight visitors and same-day visitors was 2.2 days and 0.2 day respectively. Visitors from Mainland China rose modestly by 0.3% year-on-year to 1,577,481 in September, of which those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme increased by 4.7% to 688,600. Mainland visitors came mainly from Guangdong Province (668,142), Hunan Province (71,912) and Fujian Province (63,347). Visitors from the Republic of Korea (55,075) and Taiwan (91,536) increased by 52.0% and 8.4% respectively, while those from Hong Kong (526,671) decreased by 3.2%. Long-haul visitors from the United States (14,816) and Canada (5,268) increased year-on-year, while those from Australia (7,968) and the United Kingdom (4,785) decreased. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by land increased by 1.8% year-on-year to 1,379,116, attributable to a 22.9% growth in visitors arriving through the Checkpoint of Cotai (170,979); meanwhile, visitors entering through the Border Gate (1,206,649) dropped slightly by 0.6%. Visitor arrivals by sea decreased by 4.6% year-on-year to 861,422; those disembarking at the Outer Harbour (505,700) dropped by 6.7% while those at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa (355,722) rose by 4.5%. Visitor arrivals by air increased by 18.3% year-on-year to 186,548, with 185,675 arriving at the airport. In the first three quarters of 2016, visitor arrivals totalled 22,868,794, up slightly by 0.1% year-on-year; overnight visitors rose by 8.5% to 11,407,491 while same-day visitors dropped by 7.2% to 11,461,303. The average length of stay of visitors increased by 0.2 day year-on-year to 1.2 days; the average stay of overnight visitors rose by 0.2 day to 2.2 days while that of same-day visitors remained stable at 0.2 day. Visitors from Mainland China (15,137,496) and Hong Kong (4,795,478) decreased by 0.5% and 2.6% respectively year-on-year, while those from the Republic of Korea (477,454) and Taiwan (809,278) increased by 16.3% and 10.1%. Moreover, long-haul visitors from the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom registered year-on-year growth.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals totalled 2,427,086 in September 2016, up slightly by 0.5% year-on-year. Overnight visitors rose by 11.8% year-on-year to 1,311,533, accounting for 54.0% of the total; same-day visitors dropped by 10.2% to 1,115,553. The average length of stay of visitors increased by 0.1 day year-on-year to 1.3 days; the average stay of overnight visitors and same-day visitors was 2.2 days and 0.2 day respectively.
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The 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) concluded after being great success today (22nd October). Despite being closed yesterday (21st October) due to Typhoon Haima, this year’s MIF achieved remarkable outcomes. Over 380 business negotiation sessions were held in the Business Matching Area, of which 110 were made through the Online Business Matching Service Platform, resulting in contract signing of more than 50 projects. Occupying an area of over 30,000 square metres with more than 1,600 exhibition booths, this year’s MIF attracted the participation of delegations from over 50 countries and regions. Portugal and Beijing, the very first MIF “Partner Country” and “Partner City”, both sent high-level delegations to Macao for the occasion. A “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition” was held concurrently to strengthen Macao’s role as “Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries”, enhance its global influence and promote diversification of economic development. MIF connects global companies with business opportunities Zhang Xiao Ying, Director Assistant of General Manager of Guangdong Hengjian Asset Management Co. Ltd., said that, as a first-time exhibitor, the company hoped to promote co-operation between Guangdong and Macao for mutual benefits, as well as create opportunities for collaboration and development. A successful outcome was achieved through taking part in the exhibition. As the company is going global, Macao acts as its first promotion stop. As a major business and trade event in Macao with international exhibitors, MIF provided the company with desirable advertising. Hunan Jiade Group Co. Ltd.’s scope of business includes imports and exports, hotel, logistics, e-commerce and import commodities exhibition. CEO of the company Mr. Steven Lee was very satisfied with their first-time participation in MIF. Consensus on business partnerships were reached with companies from Brazil, Macao and Portugal over the last two days. Co-operation agreements were also signed. Mr. Leonardo Arend, General Manager (Shenzhen) of CHINAINVEST & ASIAINVEST from Brazil, stated that the company has been participating in the MIF for three consecutive years. Based in Shenzhen, the company places great importance on Macao and Hong Kong markets. This year, they showcased products such as honey, drinking water and wine, hoping to raise brand awareness, expand their customer base and develop Macao’s market. Local company Interlink International Trading Limited participated in MIF for the first time this year. Ms. Stephanie Guan, General Manager of the company, hoped to expand their market in Portuguese-speaking countries through the MIF platform. Business negotiations were made with a number of companies during the exhibition, which will be of great help to the company in terms of market adjustment and product design. Mr. Karlo G. Tomazelli, person-in-charge of LUGANO, one of the exhibitors of in the “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition”, said that this was their first time they had exhibited in MIF. They have mainly brought along chocolate products to test the market. He was pleasantly surprised by the outcome as visitors have shown interest in the products. He wished to participate in MIF again in the future. SME Exhibition enthusiastically received The last day of MIF, which happened to be a Saturday, attracted many families. The SME Exhibition which gathered gourmet treats and products from all over the world was enthusiastically received by visitors. Chun Jheng Enterprise Co. Ltd. from Taiwan has participated in MIF several times. Its responsible person Mr. Li pointed out that exhibitor incentives were what attracted the company’s continuous participation. Products that they have brought along this time were all sold out. Macao resident Mr. Wong came with his family to do some shopping on their day off. He found the exhibition a convenient choice for that as it offered a wide selection of products from all over the world. The 22nd Macao International Trade and Investment Fair will be held on 19-21 October 2017.
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Joining the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) for the seventh consecutive year, Beijing was invited to be the “Partner City” of the 21st MIF this year. “Partner City – Beijing Pavilion” and “Beijing Time-honoured Brands Pavilion” were set up to showcase the diversified “Beijing Glamour” and deepen collaboration between Beijing, Portuguese-speaking countries and Macao. The new initiative proved to be welcome and was supported by exhibitors and visitors alike. Covered in a vibrant red and decorated with festive red lanterns, the “Beijing Pavilion” represents the charm of the East. Under the theme of “Beijing Glamour, Co-operative Innovation and Development”, the Pavilion was divided into several exhibition areas, including Service and Trade Exhibition Area, Traditional Chinese Medicine Exhibition Area, Beijing International Horticultural Exposition 2019 Exhibition Area, Beijing Olympic Winter Games in 2022 Exhibition Area, Pinggu District Exhibition Area, which all introduced investment and co-operation opportunities and provided visitors with wonderful interactive experiences, such as a pharmaceutical demonstration, health consultation, ice sports demonstration and new specialty tasting. The “Beijing Time-honoured Brands Pavilion”, imitating Beijing’s traditional Hutong architectural style, exuded a nostalgic atmosphere. Traditional handicrafts such as face masks and paper-cuttings were available to purchase on-site, while specialty snacks by famous “time-honoured” brands were there for visitors’ to taste and enjoy. First-time exhibitor Beijing Evolver Robotics Co. Ltd. showcased multi-functional intelligent robots in the “Beijing Pavilion” Service and Trade Exhibition Area. Ms. Yang Ya Ru, responsible for the company’s strategic co-operation, stated that Evolver participated in this year’s MIF in the hope of letting prospective clients from around the world better understand Beijing and the company’s development for the purpose of exchange and co-operation. Being this year’s MIF “Partner City Beijing helped enterprises from the city attract more attention. The company successfully obtained preliminary business partnerships on the first day and other business meetings were scheduled for yesterday (22nd October). The overall result proved to be highly satisfactory. Visitor Ms. Yan, who has attended previous MIFs, appreciated the new initiatives this year. She remarked that MIF is improving year after year and that the “Beijing Pavilion” is especially well-decorated this year. She was particularly fond of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Exhibition Area, where she could receive an on-site consultation. Originating from Beijing, visitor Mr. Chow visited the “Beijing Time-honoured Brands Pavilion” to reminisce about the old Beijing and to taste “oil tea”, a gourmet’s delight from his childhood.
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The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) steps into its 21st year with innovative ideas. Apart from having Portugal as its very first “Partner Country”, a fashion show was organised for the first time at the “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition”, offering visitors a new channel to experience the charm of Portuguese-speaking countries from a new perspective. As a “Partner Country”, more than 100 enterprises and associations from Portugal participated in this year’s MIF. Themed “Surprising Portugal”, the Portugal Pavilion attracted the interest of many of those attending. In addition, the “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition” was held again this year with more than 140 exhibitors showcasing their unique products and services. A fashion show was also organised for the first time, providing a visual way to appreciate the glamourous fashions from Portuguese-speaking Countries. Fashions brands from Angola, Brazil, Macao and Portugal featured in the show attracted the great interest from many visitors. The show not only provided visitors with a channel to learn more about fashion brands from Portuguese-speaking countries, but also helped enterprises from those countries and Macao connect with the international market through MIF. Newly added this year, the “SME Service Corner for China and Portuguese-speaking Countries” provided information on products, services, investment projects and laws and regulations provided on the “Economic and Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal Between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”, along with consultancy services on trade and investment in Portuguese-speaking Countries. During the Fair, numerous events related to Portuguese-speaking countries were held, including the “Jiangsu-Macao Portuguese-speaking Countries High-level Roundtable on Infrastructure Building”, “Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session”, “Uvas, Vinhos e a Lua de Outuno!” (Portuguese wine tasting), “Jiangsu-Macao Portuguese-Speaking Countries City Alliance Conference” and “Seminar on Portugal, Atlantic platform for the industrial and logistic investment in Europe”. Discussions and exchanges were made on topics such as infrastructure, the investment environment, shipbuilding, environmental protection and beverages in Portuguese-speaking countries, enhancing Macao’s development as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.
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Due to Typhoon Haima, the 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) adopted typhoon contingency measures yesterday (21st October). The venue was closed for the day and some programmes were postponed or cancelled. This is the first time that MIF has had to temporarily close its doors due to a typhoon since its inception. Today (22nd October), the last day of this year's MIF, will be open to the public. Opening hours of the SME Exhibition will be extended to 8 p.m. Rich in content and diversity, the last day of the MIF features several forums, meetings and seminars on economy, trade, tourism and culture, including “The 6th Jiangsu – Macau • Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum” and “Seminar on Portugal, Atlantic platform for the industrial and logistic investment in Europe", postponed to today due to the typhoon, “Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region • Macao Special Administrative Region-Economic & Trade Co-operation-Promotion Conference”, “The Seminar on Co-operation Between Macao and Guangdong Enterprises & Intellectual Property Protection”, “Promotion Conference for the Cultural Tourism Industries of Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province”, “2016 Harbin-Macau Economic & Trade Co-operation Promotion Conference”, “Boundaries Breaking – Phantoms Tourbillon Design Launch Show” and “The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st -Century Maritime Silk Road Foshan, Macau and Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum”. The programme aims to deepen exchanges and co-operation between various parties to achieve a mutually beneficial result. Meanwhile, the opening hours of the SME Exhibition will be extended to 8 p.m. The exhibition features Beijing Time-honoured Brands Pavilion, Macao SME Pavilion, Portuguese-speaking Countries Products Pavilion, China’s Ethnic Groups Pavilion and Taiwan Pavilion, where more than 100 enterprises are showcasing their products such as food, jewellery, clothing, household items and handicrafts. At the Beijing Time-honoured Brands Pavilion, introduced for the first time this year, visitors will be able to enjoy and purchase traditional food and handicrafts from Beijing. The organiser encourages green travel and promotes community economy by providing a free shuttle bus service between the venue, Northern District, Central District and Taipa to facilitate visitors. For enquiries, please call the MIF Administration and Service Centre on +853-2882 8711 or email info@mif.com.mo. For latest updates, please add MIF official WeChat account: MIFMacau or visit MIF website at www.mif.com.mo.
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The Jiangsu-Macao Cooperation Park will be built in Changzhou Prefecture, Jiangsu Province, it was announced today following a new memorandum of understanding signed by the two governments. The memorandum of understanding between the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region on building the Jiangsu-Macao Cooperation Park, was signed in Macao by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and the Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Shi Taifeng. The Park will be positioned as a platform for: advancing Jiangsu-Macao cooperation; promoting cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries; allowing young entrepreneurs from Macao to establish a business in the mainland; and boosting exchanges and training initiatives involving civil servants from Jiangsu and Macao. Both sides will now focus on the planning for the Park, under the principles of scientific decision-making and timely planning. The two governments will commission an internationally renowned consulting firm to carry out the works. The Government hopes the Park will provide further impetus for closer cooperation between Jiangsu and Macao, and will help advance Macao’s role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (known as “Platform” policy), thus increasing the city’s contributions to national development. The Park is expected further to push forward Macao’s adequate economic diversification and to offer new development opportunities for Macao’s population, particularly young people. The cooperation between Jiangsu and Macao is a successful example of the implementation of the framework “One country, two systems”. The Park is an innovative project that will be complementary to the strengths of each side. Macao and Jiangsu have established a productive framework for working together: the two governments signed in March a memorandum of understanding regarding establishing a joint taskforce to study the planning for the Jiangsu-Macao Cooperation Park; and a memorandum of understanding on exchange initiatives involving civil servants from Jiangsu and Macao. The Government attaches great importance to regional cooperation. It continues to strengthen ties with Guangdong Province and other areas of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, while additionally exploring cooperation opportunities with places covered by the Yangtze River Economic Belt; it is under the initiative that the Government is pushing forward cooperation with Jiangsu Province. Macao and Jiangsu have an active partnership in economy and trade. Since its first edition in 2011, the Jiangsu – Macau – Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum has been taking place in the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), a trade event held annually in Macao. The Forum aims to further the relationship between Jiangsu, Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries. In addition, there are other ongoing cooperation efforts between Jiangsu and Macao, covering: tourism, education, training of social workers and health care.
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The exhibition of photographs to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dr Sun Yat Sen opens tomorrow (22 October), featuring a total of 270 historic and valuable photographs and a number of artefacts associated with him. The exhibition will be held until 13 November at Macau Forum, a venue on the city’s peninsula. It is part of the Government’s efforts to foster among members of the public a better understanding of Dr Sun Yat Sen, including: his contributions to national independence; to social advancement; to people’s wellbeing; and his relationship with Macao. The exhibition is being hosted by the Government, and is organised by the Chief Executive’s Office and the Government Information Bureau. It has the cooperation of the Museum of the Former Residence of Dr Sun Yat Sen, in Zhongshang Prefecture, Guangdong Province, and of a committee in Macao comprising members from different sectors of the community. The exhibition is divided in two parts. The first aims to explain Dr Sun Yat Sen’s life story, making reference to major historical events and social reform at that time; thereby outlining his visions and goals for the revitalisation of China. The photographs in the first part will give details on how Dr Sun Yat Sen united overseas Chinese in order to contribute to the salvation of China. The second part of the exhibition aims to show Dr Sun Yat Sen’s close relationship with Macao; a place where he worked as a medical doctor, providing the sort of help that was much needed at that time. For Dr Sun Yat Sen, Macao was a doorway to the rest of the world – a base for him to promote his revolutionary ideologies – as well as a place he lived with his family. The exhibition to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dr Sun Yat Sen opens to the public from 22 October to 13 November, and can be viewed between 10am to 7pm. Admission is free, and guided tours are available during those hours. Programme of the exhibition can be viewed at: http://www2.gcs.gov.mo/sunyatsen/leaflet.pdf
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