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Macao Post will participate the stamp exhibition “XXII LUBRAPEX”, located at Viana do Castelo, Portugal, during 26th April to 1st May, 2016. To commemorate this Exhibition, Macao Post issues the commemorative envelopes and provides the commemorative postmark cancellation service on site of the exhibition. For the convenience of the philatelist, the commemorative envelope with stamp priced at MOP5.00 will also be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters starting from 26th April. You may send your mail of this cancelled commemorative envelope at the following locations *: Philatelic Shop at Macao Post Headquarters: 26th April 9:00 – 17:45 Post Offices: 26th April to 1st May Office Hours to Public * No commemorative postmark cancellation service will be provided in Macao.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, money supply retreated in February. As total deposits increased at a faster pace than total loans, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector dropped from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits dropped 1.0% and 3.3% respectively. M1 thus decreased 2.9% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities dropped 0.6%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, decreased 0.9% to MOP469.6 billion. On an annual basis, M1 grew 3.0% whereas M2 dropped 2.5%. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 30.7%, up 0.1 percentage point from a month ago or 3.2 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 51.4%, up 0.2 percentage points month-to-month or 1.1 percentage points year-on-year. The share of Chinese Yuan (CNY) was 5.8%, down 0.6 percentage points month-to-month or 6.1 percentage points year-on-year. The share of United States Dollar (USD) was 9.8%, up 0.4 percentage points month-to-month or 1.7 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits decreased 0.9% from the preceding month to MOP456.6 billion. Of which, MOP, HKD, CNY and other foreign currency deposits decreased at respective rates of 0.6%, 0.6%, 9.9% and 2.6% whereas USD deposits increased 2.9%. Non-resident deposits rose 2.2% to MOP292.4 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 5.1% to MOP136.5 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 1.0% from a month earlier to MOP885.6 billion. The shares of MOP, HKD, CNY and USD in total deposits were 20.6%, 44.5%, 7.5% and 24.3% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 0.4% from a month ago to MOP390.8 billion. Among which, MOP110.0 billion was MOP-denominated, MOP258.3 billion was denominated in HKD, MOP2.1 billion was denominated in CNY and MOP17.0 billion was denominated in USD, representing 28.1%, 66.1%, 0.5% and 4.4% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans dropped 0.1% to MOP364.2 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP, HKD, CNY and USD accounted for 1.7% (MOP6.2 billion), 26.3% (MOP95.8 billion), 18.5% (MOP67.2 billion) and 47.6% (MOP173.4 billion) respectively. Operating ratios At end-February, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector kept virtually stable from the previous month at 65.9%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors dropped 0.7 percentage points to 85.3%. The one-month and three-month current assets to liabilities ratios stayed at relatively high levels, marked at 55.8% and 60.3% respectively. The non-performing loan ratio, an indicator for bank asset quality, was 0.1%, virtually unchanged from one month earlier and one year ago.
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Published by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and produced by 100 Plus Cultural Creative Development Ltd., the fourteenth issue of C2 magazine will be launched on 6 April. In recent years, Macao has launched different academic subsidy programmes and scholarships to attract and cultivate cultural and creative talents in Macao. In this edition, three cultural and creative rising talents are invited to share how they carve out their own niche in their respective areas. In the column “Feature”, C2 interviews three cultural and artistic rising talents who have studied abroad and returned to Macao. Lau Chi Keung, who studied sound production and gained practical experience in Singapore, has returned to work in collecting audio recordings and film scores for local films. Mok Sin Ting, director of physical theatre, chose to study in a renowned theatre school in Belgium. With her more mature attitude and creative skills, she began to receive positive feedback recently. The painter Lei Ieng Wai, born in the 1980’s, has developed outstanding skills during his study at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. He is now a full-time oil painter and works as a teacher at the same time. The column “Opinion” invites Michael I.F. Fong, an experienced local music producer who established the first individual brand and audio and video entertainment company in Macao, to give his insight on local music. He believes that music creation based on the unique culture of Macao can help the development of the music industry. “Extravaganza” highlights the Poly Macau Hotel Art Fair. Director of Poly Auction Macao Limited and founder of Chiu Ying Culture Co. Ltd., Sabrina Ho, is glad to know the success of sales and marketing of the fair. Besides, the fair also provides information about the market direction and the status of the art industry for local artists. “Brand Story” tells the story of the local theatre Hiu Kok Drama Association, which has been established more than 40 years. It devotes its passion to educating script and stage talents in the areas of scriptwriting and acting, and establishes a local brand image. “Blogs” columnists, Joe Tang, Ho Ka Cheng, Yi-Hsin Lin, Yap Seow Choong, Ron Lam, Ashley Chong and Cheong Sio Pang give more perspectives on the development of the cultural and creative industries. C2 is a trilingual magazine (in Chinese, Portuguese and English). Readers are welcome to browse or download the magazine at www.c2magazine.mo. C2 is a bimonthly magazine and issue on the first Wednesday every two months. The next issue will be launched on 1 June 2016. The email subscription function is now available. Please simply click the “subscribe” button on the right corner of our webpage and enter your email address to subscribe to C2 magazine. For the latest updates, you may also visit the magazine’s page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/c2magazine.macau, or on WeChat, by clicking “add friend” and inputting “c2magazine” in the ID column. For enquiries, please send an email to c2magazine.macau@gmail.com.
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Since its inception in 2008, the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region (*9+1*) has always given its strong support to the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) by jointly promoting the development of the convention and exhibition industry, so that MIECF could gradually become a branded environmental activity in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region (PPRD). Exhibitors at this edition of the MIECF, coming from PPRD, recognize that MIECF is a highly effective green development platform in helping enterprises to “go global”. The 13th 5-Year Plan of the People´s Republic of China has proposed to support Macao in building a world-class tourism and leisure centre and services platform for trade and economic co-operation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, and actively developing MICE and trade, so as to promote the diversification and sustainable development of local economy. In the meantime, Macao SAR Government is also making efforts in building “One Centre, One Platform”. Environmental protection has always been a focal point in the SAR Government´s policy, and relevant supporting work has already been launched, aiming to build a low-carbon city and to promote the sustainable development of the environmental industry. The MIECF, being held on a yearly basis, has made great contributions in this regard, such as information and technology exchange and so on. In order to align perfectly with the “Guiding Opinions on Deepening Regional Cooperation in the Pan-Pearl River Delta”, promulgated recently by the State Council of the People´s Republic of China, and to deepen regional co-operation in the PPRD, given its geographical position in the core area of co-operation between Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, this year’s MIECF continues to count on a strong support from the PPRD governments and relevant entities, with the participation of 215 related exhibitors. Fujian Enterprise: Successfully reached co-operation agreements with Dutch and Italian environmental companies Mr. Fu Taiping, CEO of Quanzhou Tianlong Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd., said that his trip to Macao and participation in MIECF have been very satisfactory. His company is engaged in refinery and large-scale shipbuilding and container business in Mainland China for over 25 years. He disclosed that through his company´s participation in the MIECF, he has contacted many merchants, including European environmental enterprises. In addition, his company has also reached co-operation agreements with Dutch and Italian companies. He agrees that MIECF has been a great help in developing the company´s business and hopes that next year he could again participate in the event. Guangdong Province: MIECF´s efficacy has been well recognized The Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Environmental Protection Industry of Guangdong Province, Mr. Ou Jun, said that in this edition of MIECF, Guangdong Province has set-up a 300-square metre stand. He mentioned that, among the provinces and regions in the PPRD, Guangdong Province and Macao maintain the closest relationship, either in terms of economic development or of geographical location. Therefore, Guangdong Province has always supported Macao in building an important green platform for the PPRD Region. Taking the opportunity of Guangdong participation in the MIECF, he organized a delegation of the Environmental Protection Bureau of Guangdong Province, the Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong Province, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Guangdong Branch, and the Federation of Industry and Commerce of Guangdong Province to travel to Macao for study visit and exchange. Summarizing the three-day event, Mr. Ou Jun stressed that some results have been achieved, particularly in the exchange of environmental technology, green matching and negotiations and new cooperation intentions. He hopes that the MIECF exhibition venue could be enlarged, so as to attract more exhibitors. Guangxi enterprise: Successfully introduced products to overseas clients through MIECF Guangxi Hong Sheng Yuan Environmental Protection Science Technology Co., Ltd. has been accompanying the growth of MIECF since 2008. The Chairman of Hong Sheng Yuan, Mr. Huang Min, said that through MIECF, his company has been appreciated by a United States and products have already been launched to the market and received very positive feedback. He added that, when joining the first edition of MIECF, the company´s annual turnover was only 30 million RMB, and that last year the turnover increased to 300 million RMB. He pointed out that MIECF´s efficacy is indeed spectacular. He hopes that MIECF could improve year after year, so that the environmental industry could make the best use of this green platform to conduct exchange and co-operation. Sichuan enterprise: MIECF helps enterprises to extend international environmental perspective This edition of the MIECF has attracted the participation of many large-scale enterprises, including the Xing Rong Group, a prime water supply and sewage treatment enterprise in Sichuan. The Deputy General Manager of the enterprise, Mr. Zhou Wenlin, said that, in addition to water supply and sewage treatment, it has also developed waste treatment business, including garbage power plants and hazardous waste disposal centre. While providing construction and technical support, the company also provides management services, to ensure smooth operation of the facilities at the location where they are installed. The company´s participation in MIECF is to better understand the actual situation of Macao, and to follow-up on the latest environmental development around the world, as this could help to extend the company´s international market perspective.
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Since its inception, nine editions of the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) have been held so far. The Provinces and Regions in the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) have always given their strong support to the said event. As a matter of fact, MIECF has already become a green platform for the environmental protection industry in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, and also for other countries and regions in the world, to share environmental technology and information, and to develop business. More activities were introduced to this edition of MIECF, aiming to promote exchange and co-operation between the environmental sector in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and their counterparts in the international market. MIECF is the first PPRD regional co-operation event since the promulgation of the “Guiding Opinions” Since its inception in 2008, the provinces and regions in the Pan-Pearl River Region (PPRD, collectively known as “9+1”) have always acted as Co-Organizers of each edition of MIECF. Every year, each province and region organizes high-level delegations to participate in the event. As a matter of fact, MIECF has already become a branded activity within the co-operation framework of the PPRD. This is also the first PPRD co-operation event since the recent promulgation of the “Guiding Opinions on Deepening Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Cooperation” by the State Council of the People´s Republic of China. A total of 215 units from PPRD are participating in MIECF this year. During the event, the Organizer arranged a visit to the European Union Pavilion for over 20 business representatives from PPRD, to learn about the latest environmentally friendly products and technologies, such as the kitchen waste processing technology of the Czech Republic, the French air detection and filtering techniques and the waste disposal technology designed by the Netherlands. Some companies have expressed intention to further co-operate with the owners of the environmental technologies displayed at the European Union Pavilion. Exchange of the latest solid waste treatment technologies and policies through MIECF The “PPRD Session - Solid Waste Management Policies and Technology in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region” - which is part of the Green Forum, was held today (April 1). Representatives of the nine provinces and regions in the PPRD introduced and exchanged views on the solid waste disposal policies and measures in their respective localities. Given that the environmental characteristics differ from place to place, it is necessary to attend to the local conditions and adopt targeted measures. Therefore, a lot of business opportunities will arise, but generally speaking, there is a common demand for high technology in setting-up facilities for treatment and management of waste. In another session held today – “PPRD Environmental Technology Exchange” – apart from operators of the PPRD environmental sector, the environmental elites from Europe, Portuguese-speaking Countries, the United States of America and Southeast Asia were invited for exchange on their environmental technology transfer and co-operation. The attendees were of the opinion that their participation in the MIECF allowed them to understand the latest environmental technologies and products; in addition, enterprises could also find co-operation opportunities, therefore playing an active role in the development of PPRD environmental protection industry, highlighting, at the same time, the MIECF's role as a green platform.
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The Green Public Day was held today (2 April), as part of the activities under 2016 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2016MIECF). A large number of visitors joined the event and participated in parent-child activities, enjoyed the various performances and shopped at the newly-introduced “Green Life Market”. Through these activities, the Organiser aimed at promoting green living and environmental behaviour in our daily life. Large number of interesting environmental activities The theme of this year´s Green Public Day is “Reducing Waste for a Green Lifestyle”. A series of activities encompassing environmental education, leisure and entertainment, such as game booths, environmental workshops, stage events and a lucky draw were specially designed for the visitors, as well as providing tips on waste reduction in our daily life, concerning clothing, food, shelter and transportation. Potted plants were also distributed at the venue. Through this series of parent-child activities and attractive performances, the Organiser aimed at promoting to the public the concept of green living and encouraged them to adopt environmentally-friendly practices. Guided tours for teachers and students to increase environmental awareness During the Green Public Day, the guided tours for local education institutions (universities, secondary and primary schools) were participated by over three hundred teachers and students from eight education institutions. During the visit, the visitors were briefed on the MIECF concept as well as the zoning and characteristics of the exhibition, so that they could have a deeper understanding of MIECF, reduction of waste at source as well as learning more about the cutting-edge environmental products on display at this annual event. In addition, the Organiser also set up a “Green Life Market”. About 20 enterprises showcased their green products which could be used in our daily life. The event attracted many visitors, giving a lively atmosphere to the venue. MIECF received many visitors today. Many of them were very interested in the products on display and considered that Macao should use more environmentally friendly products, to better protect the environment and enhance environmental awareness of the city.
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Several activities were held on the second day of the 2016 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2016MIECF). Exhibitors said that MIECF has provided them with a co-operation platform, to look for business opportunities and, at the same time, obtain the most updated information about environmental technologies from around the world, that will benefit their business development and planning in the future. Tomorrow (2 April), the last day of MIECF, is the Green Public Day. The event is open to the public and there will be a series of educational activities to promote the environmental message among residents, so as to adopt environmentally friendly practices in our daily lives. Satisfactory results in the PPRD-related activities In addition to the Green Forum, the most important event of MIECF, business matching and promotional seminars were also held today and obtained fruitful results. A total of 120 business matching sessions was arranged, including 53 involving the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region ( “9+2”). In addition to a session under the Green Forum, there was also a PPRD Session under the theme “Solid Waste Management Policies and Technology in the Pan-pearl River Delta Region”, to discuss about management policies for waste management and treatment in that region. Electric cars utilise Macao as a bridge for expansion to Portuguese-speaking Countries and the countries along the route of the “Belt and Road” One of the exhibitors, Koln Environmental Engineering Consultancy, has specially brought from Australia two big electric buses for exhibition at MIECF. According to its Managing Director, Mr. Johnny Ma, the company has confidence in the Macao market. As Macao is a small city with narrow roads and a large number of vehicles, the exhaust gas from vehicles seriously damage the environment, and therefore, this is the place that is particularly suitable for electric cars. Mr. Ma said that each fully charged vehicle manufactured by his company can travel up to 1200 km, and the longest charging time takes only 4 hours, and, if the electricity voltage is appropriate, then the charging will only take 2 hours. These vehicles are therefore time-saving, convenient and environmentally friendly, and therefore very suitable for the Macao market. Their participation in this year’s MIECF has already attracted the attention of the targeted markets, such as hotels and bus companies and therefore he believes that there are great potential for development. The company also plans to sell electric motorcycles in the future, and also expects to expand their business to Portuguese-speaking Countries and countries along the route of the “Belt and Road” using Macao as a bridge. Several enterprises have expressed intent to co-operate in the area of black cork from Portugal Another exhibitor, Hua Hong Construction & Engineering Co., Ltd., is promoting black cork imported from Portugal at MIECF. Mr. Zhang Jun Xian, Assistant Engineer of Hua Hong, revealed that the raw material of these black cork products come from the bark of oak trees, which can be regenerated. Such products are mainly used as building materials, their durability, thermal insulation, sound proof and fire retardant functions are especially suitable for the cold northern regions. Furthermore, the product can be reused and is environmentally friendly. It has been well-received and enterprises from Kunming and Harbin have already expressed intention to co-operate with the company. It is believed that as the product becomes more famous, more markets could be opened. All are welcome to join the Green Public Day activities 2016MIECF will close tomorrow (2 April). The Green Public Day is opened to the public and offers a series of very interesting activities. Free shuttle bus service will be provided, from Macao Central District, Northern District and Taipa District, to and from the venue. Parking spaces are also available at Exhibition Hall D, on a first-come first-served basis.
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The Green Public Day, an activity under the 2016 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2016MIECF) will be held tomorrow (2 April). Through a series of parent-child activities, coupled with a variety of performances, the said event aims to encourage the public to practise green living and develop good habits to reduce waste, and thus jointly create a green living environment. The theme adopted for this year´s Green Public Day is “Reducing Waste for a Green Lifestyle”. A series of activities encompassing environmental education, leisure and fun activities has been arranged, including educational workshops, stage events and a lucky draw, as well as small tips on waste reduction in our daily life, through the way we wear, eat, shelter and move, in the expectation that through this series of family activities and diverse environmental performances, the public could be encouraged to put into practice environmentally friendly behaviour. Furthermore, there is an onsite counter for the registration as “Green Fun” member. All existing and newly registered members can enjoy 50 points as bonus (limited only to Macao residents and each member is only eligible for one prize). During the Green Public Day, green guided tours have been specially arranged for local schools (including universities, secondary and primary schools). The guides at the venue will introduce to the visiting teachers and students the concept of MIECF, the reason behind the exhibition zone separation and their characteristics, so that the visitors could, through this annual local environmental event, acquire deeper understanding of waste reduction at source, as well as cutting-edge waste treatment technology, to raise their environmental awareness. In addition, this being a platform for environmental education, the Organiser hopes that the public could apply environmental protection concepts in their daily life. In view of this, a special “Green Life Market” has been set-up, where about 20 enterprises selling environmental products will introduce on site green products suitable for domestic use, so that the public can learn more about the products and purchase suitable daily necessities, and jointly share environmentally-friendly Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS). As a way to promote green travel and in order to facilitate participation of the general public, free shuttle bus service will also be provided tomorrow. Four routes are available as follows: departures from Avenida do dr. Pedro José Lobo (Macau Square), Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (in front of Pak Vai Parking Lot), Avenida Marginal do Hipódromo /near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta) and Avenida de Guimarães at Taipa (Central Park, in front of Nova Park), to and from the MIECF venue (Macau Venetian Resort Hotel). Besides, people driving their own car to the venue are recommended to take other passengers. Free parking spaces are available at Exhibition Hall D, on a first-come first-served basis (to enjoy this offer, drivers should have their admittance tickets validated by chop at the Reception Counter of the Green Public Day). For further information, please visit the official website: www.macaomiecf.com/miecf2016.
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The seminar on “EU and Fundamental Rights – A Complicated Relationship”, will take place on April 5th to 8th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, in the auditorium of the Civil Service Training Centre located on Alameda Dr. Carlos D' Assumpção n.° 322-362, Cheng Feng Commercial Centre, 7th floor. This first seminar will mark the beginning of the third Macao SAR - EU Co-operation Program in the Legal Field. The 3rd Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field between Macao SAR and the European Union, runs for 48 months, from November 2015 till November 2019, has as its main objective to “Promote the Development and Modernisation of the Macao SAR’s Legal System”. The execution of the Co-operation Programme is coordinated by the Legal Affairs Bureau, together with other entities and public departments of the Macao SAR, namely the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Economic Services and the Institute of European Studies of Macao. The current seminar is co-organised by the Legal and Judicial Training Centre and the Institute of European Studies of Macao. It will feature as a speaker Professor Miguel Poiares Maduro, Professor of the European University Institute, Visiting Professor of the Yale University, the College of Europe, the Catholic University of Portugal and the New University of Lisbon. This seminar will be conducted in Portuguese with simultaneous translation into Cantonese. Amongst other topics, the following items will be analysed: 1. The Origin and History of Fundamental Rights in the EU 2. The Scope of Fundamental Rights in the EU 3. Democracy and Fundamental Rights in the EU 4. Social Justice, Crisis and Fundamental Rights in the EU In addition to the legal training, the dissemination of legal issues has been one of the cornerstone activities under the Co-operation Programme. In order to take advantage of this seminar’s topic on human rights, a special edition of the Macau Law Journal (MLJ) regarding the application of seven of the core international human rights treaties in the Macao SAR will be displayed to the general public. In these publications, it is possible to find the main documents related to the international obligations derived from the application of these treaties to the Macao SAR, as well as a short record of policies, normative acts and practices concerning the protection of human rights in the Macao SAR. These documents were assembled in a systematic manner in the Chinese, Portuguese and English languages, with the aim of producing a ground-breaking compilation with user-friendly accessible material. The MLJ Special Edition aims to provide legal advisers, law students and researchers with a useful working tool, in order to enhance and to encourage the study of Human Rights in the Macao SAR as well as to disseminate them among the population in general.
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The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym) under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents the concert Shakespeare’s World – ZhangYi and Volodin, part of the “Shining Virtuosos” Series, to be held on Saturday, 9 April, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, featuring internationally renowned Russian pianist Alexei Volodin. Tickets are on sale at the Macao Ticketing Network. This year marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death and the Macao Orchestra specially presents thematic concerts about this master of literature. Led by highly acclaimed Chinese conductor Zhang Yi, the Orchestra joins hands with internationally renowned Russian pianist Alexei Volodin to perform the most well-known piece of Sergei Rachmaninoff, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43, which is also the soundtrack of the movie Somewhere in Time, creating a romantic, poetic and fascinating illusion. The programme of the concert also features two extraordinary pieces about Shakespeare, Tchaikovsky’s Overture-Fantasia “Hamlet”, Op. 67 and the Suite No. 3 in G Major, Op. 55, which demonstrate the sensibility and ecstasy of the composer by the master, offering aficionados an evening of fantasy and romance. Tickets for the concert are priced at MOP200, MOP150 and MOP100, with various discount plans available. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. For more details and programme enquiries, please contact OM through tel. 2853 0782 during office hours or visit the Orchestra webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om.
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