News

The updating of Macao’s boundaries would help create more favourable conditions for developing the local maritime economy and assist the city in its efforts to enhance regional cooperation. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, made the comments today on the sidelines of a committee meeting of the Legislative Assembly. The State Council approved on Wednesday (16 December) a draft version of a new administrative division map for the Macao SAR. According to the draft, 85 square kilometres of waters surrounding Macao, and an area of land where the Border Gate with Zhuhai is located, will be placed under Macao’s management. Mr Leong said that following the boundary demarcations, Macao could further develop maritime activities, including: maritime-related tourism, such as a proposed scheme to enable pleasure craft to travel between Macao and Zhongshan in Guangdong Province; and maritime-related trade, such as that via the “Dawan area” – a coastal hub for logistics that serves Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao. These initiatives were in line with the “Centre and Platform” approach applied to the development of Macao’s economy he added. The “Centre and Platform” approach is one of the Government’s strategies for achieving an adequate diversification of the local economy. It refers to the transformation of Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and to Macao becoming a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. The Secretary said the Government would spare no effort in ensuring effective management of the newly demarcated boundaries. He added that the Government would work closely with all sectors regarding the necessary planning for the administration of those areas. In addition, Mr Leong commented on the news that the U.S. Federal Reserve had raised its interest rates. He said the Monetary Authority of Macao would adjust Macao’s base lending rate accordingly, given that Macao’s currency – the pataca – is indirectly pegged to the U.S. dollar via an association with the Hong Kong dollar. With regard the U.S. rate rise, the Government would closely monitor the local housing market and the reaction of the local banking and property development sectors. He advised property buyers to pay close attention to their ability to afford such transactions.
…

Consumer Council conducted its ‘Supermarket price survey’ in December from 15 to 17 December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in N. Sra. de Fátima 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. 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.
…

The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) is to take on responsibility for administering 85 square kilometres of waters surrounding the SAR, and also for administering the land area where the Border Gate with Zhuhai is located, according to an executive meeting today of the State Council. During the meeting, the State Council approved the draft version of a new administrative division map for the Macao SAR. It adjusts Macao’s land boundaries and defines maritime areas to be placed under Macao’s management. The Government is confident of managing the waters capably and effectively, stated the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, in a written statement issued today. Mr Chui expressed sincere gratitude to the Central Government, to the Guangdong Government and to the Zhuhai Government for their strong support on the issue. Receiving approval to manage the newly demarcated 85-square-kilometres of waters has profound significance, said Mr Chui. It signifies the full implementation of the principle of “One country, two systems”, and clearly defines the application of the rule of law of Macao in those areas, the statement added. The demarcation of such maritime waters could also assist in accelerating the diversification of the city’s economy; could foster further regional economic integration; and could maximise Macao’s contribution in the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (also known as the “Belt and Road” initiative), Mr Chui wrote. The Chief Executive said the Government would diligently and effectively perform its administrative role in the new areas placed under the administration of Macao, and apply scientific principles to its management. The Government would additionally step up its efforts in playing an active role in national policy and in boosting the nation’s maritime economy, Mr Chui said. Any fresh proposal for land reclamation involving Macao’s newly demarcated waters would be reported to the Central Government; and there would be no gaming venues or commercial gaming activities in such areas, Mr Chui added. The Government would strictly respect the Central Government’s jurisdiction on defence and foreign affairs matters in relation to the newly demarcated boundaries, he stated. Following the announcement made by the Central Government, the Government Spokesperson’s Office held a press conference this evening at the Government Headquarters. Officials attending the press conference included: the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Government Spokesperson, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the Secretary for Security and interim Director General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Wong Sio Chak; the head of a joint task group on this topic and Director of the Marine and Water Bureau, Ms Wong Soi Man; the head of a functional group for defining land boundaries and Director of the Cartography and Cadastre Bureau, Mr Cheong Sio Kei; the Director of the Legal Affairs Bureau, Mr Liu Dexue; and the Consultant of the Chief Executive’s Office, Mr Kou Chin Hung. Ms O told reporters that the Decree of the State Council outlining the new administrative division map of Macao was expected to be issued on 20 December. She said that the Government would soon issue three administrative regulations in support of the administration of the maritime boundary. They are: a regulation specifying immigration clearance procedures for crew members of vessels; a regulation on marine dumping of waste; and amendments to the articles of the Marine and Water Bureau. The Government would also initiate procedures to make any required amendments to relevant legislation; to train professionals for administration of the demarcated waters; and to acquire the necessary equipment for such administrative work, Ms O added. The demarcation of Macao’s waters would give the Government the opportunity to engage in environmental management initiatives near Canal dos Patos, a waterway between Macao and Zhuhai, Ms O stated. The Government has reached agreements with, respectively, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the State Oceanic Administration in relation to demarcation of Macao’s waters, Ms O said. The agreements would help align the administration of Macao’s waters with the nation’s overall development plans, and would also facilitate access for mainland vessels wishing to use Macao’s waters, Ms O said. The Government would soon set up an interdepartmental group, led by the Chief Executive, to plan further Guangdong-Macao cooperation in this area; to develop the maritime economy; and to manage the waters as demarcated, she added. The Secretary for Security and interim Director General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Wong Sio Chak, disclosed the Government would adopt a policy whereby the authorities would be able to send officials to any point around Macao’s waters within half an hour of being called. It would additionally introduce a system of maritime inspection with 24-hour-per-day capability. To cope with the new duties of the Macao Customs Service in relation to the demarcated waters, the team for enforcing maritime control would be expanded to 190 people, Mr Wong said. President Xi Jinping announced during a visit to Macao last December, the initiation of working procedures to specify Macao’s management role of its customary waters. Today’s announcement by the State Council said the policy is a way for the Central Government to show its support in helping the Government further to maintain the prosperity and stability of Macao and the sustainability of its economy. Following President Xi’s announcement last December, the Government set up a cross departmental task group led by the Chief Executive and coordinated by the Chief Executive’s Office to follow up the matter. The task group has representatives from 14 departments and aims to cooperate with the Central Government in ensuring there is clarity regarding Macao’s boundary demarcations and those of its waters.
…

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) regularly provides training opportunities targeting related professions in travel trade and other related sectors to enhance service quality and work efficiency across the tourism industry. Such efforts are made to cater for visitors from a growing diversity of market segments and nationalities, foster quality tourism and thus build a positive destination image. A total of 75 workshops, courses and seminars were held by the Tourist Office this year. Dedicated to “enhancing tourism service quality as well as strengthening industry training and management” as one of its major goals this year, MGTO organized a total of 75 training courses, workshops and seminars in 2015, which won active participation and support among industry partners. Joined by over 2,300 participants in total, the training opportunities were created for tour guides, personnel of travel agencies as well as hospitality, retail and catering industry, etc. Internship was also offered to tourism office personnel from Portuguese-speaking countries. Launched by the Tourist Office last year, the Quality Tourism Services Accreditation Scheme (QTSAS) went on targeting the catering sector in 2015. In line with the scheme, MGTO held an explanation session about QTSAS assessment criteria and a mid-term session for merchants to evaluate and share their progress. Besides a training course named City & Guilds “International Introductory Award in Hospitality Customer Service” for award-winning merchants of 2014, two workshops — “Service Mentality of Frontline Staff” and “Managing Difficult Customers” were held, to help frontline employees embrace a positive attitude at work and improve their service skills. The “Star Merchant Award” was presented to a total of 84 qualified merchants in 2015, with four of them also entitled to the “Service Star Award”. Besides the catering industry, QTSAS will target travel agencies as well next year. In 2015, the Tourist Office also joined hands with the Supporting Office to the Secretariat of China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic Cooperation Forum (Macao) to coordinate internship opportunities at MGTO for tourism office personnel from Portuguese-speaking countries. Through the internship program, the foreign trainees were able to gain a better understanding of local tourism development and MGTO’s daily operation. MGTO took this opportunity to encourage mutual learning and exchange between Macau and the Portuguese-speaking countries, while assisting the countries to train new tourism professionals. There were tourism office personnel from Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and East Timor coming to MGTO for training and internship opportunities respectively from March to May this year. In response to current trends in the industry while catering for local trade’s related demands and suggestions, MGTO regularly offers training opportunities targeting relevant professions in partnership with local trade and training institutes. The workshops or classes offered include “Injecting Positive Energy to Excellence Customer Service” Workshop for retail personnel, City & Guilds “International Introductory Award in Conflict Handling” Course for frontline staff of travel agencies, "Effective Travel Agency Supervisory Management" Workshop for travel agency supervisors and managers as well as “Islamic Culture in Tourism Seminar” for tour guides, hotel and travel agency personnel, among others. Besides an endeavor to meet local trade’s demands for training, MGTO equally emphasizes the importance of staff training in the Office. The “Workshop for Effective Complaint Handling”, “International Business Etiquette and Professional Image” Seminar and “Upgrading Media Releases in the Internet Era” Workshop were actively attended by MGTO staff. MGTO welcomes local trade to voice their suggestions about training, and will keep organizing a variety of apt training sessions based on market trends and demands, supporting industry partners to continuously enhance tourism service quality and jointly fostering quality tourism in line with the city’s goal to become a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.
…

University of Macau (UM) scholars won 11 awards at the Fourth Outstanding Achievement Awards for Macao Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, according to the recipient list released today (14 December). The 11 awards include two first-class awards, one second-class award, one third-class award, and one Mention award in the monograph category, as well as two first-class awards and four Mention awards in the paper category. This year 56 paper were awarded out of more than 293 submissions from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (94 monographs, 199 papers). The award-winning works by UM scholars include Commercial Arbitration between China and the Portuguese-Speaking World by Fernando Dias Simões, Essays on the History of Macau in Ming Dynasty by Tang Kaijian, the Arrangement on Mutual Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters between China and Macau: Inherent Problems, Six Years’ Experience and the Way Forward by Tu Guangjian, Reading Different Cultures through Cultural Translation: On Translation of Site Names in Macau Historic Centre by Zhang Meifang, Macao Dialect-culture Archives by Sio Chio Ieong, the Research on Macau Criminal Law (General Theory of Crimes) by Zhao Guoqiang, A Study on Lou Kau Family by Lin Guangzhi, An Archaeological and Genealogical Study of Macao Teacher Education Policy by Vong Sou Kuan, The Effects of Reading Engagement, Family and Academic Background on Reading Literacy Performance: A Study of Learning Characteristics of the Academic Resilient and Advantaged Low-Achievers by Ieong Man Kai, Cheung Kwok Cheung, Sit Pou Seong, and Mak Soi Kei, and two books by Jiang Chaoyang and Zhao Xinliang, respectively. The event was co-organised by the Macao Foundation, Guangdong Social Sciences Association, and the Social Sciences in China Press.
…

The Government attaches great importance to the development of Macao’s gaming industry, and would continue to enhance gaming regulations in order further to improve Macao’s economic competitiveness. This is according to remarks made by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, in a meeting with representatives of the city’s six casino operators. Mr Paulo Martins Chan, the new Director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, was also at the meeting, held earlier this month. Mr Leong said the Government would work closely with the sector to overcome challenges relating to the ongoing period of adjustment in the gaming market. In this regard, he said the development of non-gaming elements would further help Macao to diversify its economy. The local economy had maintained a steady course, with the unemployment rate below 2 percent despite the drop in gaming revenue in the past 18 months, Mr Leong stated. The Secretary thanked the gaming operators for their support of the Government’s initiatives; for using local suppliers and locally produced merchandise; and for the industry’s efforts in pressing ahead with non-gaming attractions in integrated resorts. It was the first time Mr Chan had met representatives of the six casino operators in an official capacity since he took his current post. Mr Chan said the Bureau would step up efforts to enable a healthy development of the casino industry and would continue improving gaming regulations. He noted the industry is one of the pillars of Macao’s economy. Representatives of the gaming operators said during the meeting that they agreed with the need to maintain Macao’s competitiveness internationally. They added they would continue to cooperate with the Government in propelling a healthy development of the gaming industry.
…

Hosted by the Macao SAR Government, coordinated by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), the 2016 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2016MIECF) will be held at the Macao Venetian-Resort-Hotel from 31st March to 2nd April 2016. 2016MIECF has adopted the theme “Green Economy – Opportunities for Waste Management”, to disseminate the concept of “Thinking Green, Going Clean, Living Cool”. MIECF´s Green Showcase will cover several areas of environmental protection, namely Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Green Building, Green Mobility, Waste and Water Management Solutions, Environmental Services, Air Quality and other environmental products and services. As in the past editions, apart from welcoming the participation of environmental enterprises from various green industries, industry areas of “Waste Management” and “Green Building” will be set up to respond to the key environmental needs in the region. Macao enterprises in the environmental field are welcome to present advanced environmental technologies and solutions and reach out to international markets including Portuguese-Speaking countries and beyond. More than 50 government departments, regional and international environmental-related trade associations, organizations and chambers of commerce, from Macao, Mainland China and overseas acted as co-organizers/supporting organizations for 2015MIECF, having successfully attracted over 7,200 professional visitors from 59 countries and regions, who travelled to Macao specifically to attend the event. 462 entities and enterprises exhibited their products and services on a floor area exceeding 16,900 square metres. During the 3-day event, a total of 296 business matching sessions were held and 28 protocols were signed on site. As an annual regional trade platform for the green industry, MIECF intends to encourage the active participation of a greater number of local enterprises in the field of environmental protection. In this connection, 2016MIECF will again offer an incentive plan, by which eligible enterprises will be subsidized up to 60% of their participation expenses. The Organizer hopes that local enterprises will actively participate in this event and, via Macao as a green business platform, promote technical exchanges and co-operation with their counterparts in the regional and international markets, namely in the Pearl River Delta Region and overseas. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises interested in participating as exhibitors and wishing to apply for the SME exhibition subsidy must meet the following criteria: at least 50% of the company shareholders are Macao residents or wholly-owned Macao enterprises, and the relevant companies should be registered with the Macao Finance Services Bureau (DSF) for at least 2 years and have fulfilled tax obligations. Due to the limited number of booths available, application will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis and the Organizer reserves the right of final decision. The deadline for application is 30th December, 2015 (Wednesday). Relevant application form is available for download at MIECF official website (www.macaomiecf.com). Alternatively, the form can be picked-up/presented during office hours at IPIM - Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (Avenida da Amizade, no. 918, World Trade Centre, 4th Floor, tel.: 2871 0300) or at the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC) under IPIM (Alameda Dr. Carlos D´Assumpção, no. 263, China Civil Plaza Building, 19th Floor, tel.: 8798 9605). For enquiries, please contact us by e-mail: miecf@ipim.gov.mo or call: 8798 9675.
…

The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP143.8 billion (USD18.01 billion) at the end of November 2015. The reserves decreased by 0.8% from the revised value of MOP145.0 billion (USD18.16 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves at end-November 2015 represented 12 times the currency in circulation or 103.0% of Pataca M2 at end-October 2015. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca rose 1.75 points month-to-month and 6.50 points year-on-year to 107.13 in November 2015, implying that overall speaking, the pataca appreciated against the currencies of Macao’s major trading partners.
…

The Cultural Affairs Bureau has recently launched the QR Code for “Cultural and Creative Venues．Works of Literature” to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Inscription of “The Historic Centre of Macao” on World Heritage List. The Bureau has installed a QR code sign on each of the bronze information boards of the city’s World Heritage sites and plazas, except in Mandarin’s House and “Leal Senado” Building which are still under the construction and will be installed with QR code sign later. Public can scan the QR code with their mobile devices in order to link to the corresponding website, where they can get general information about cultural and creative venues nearby. The website also offers Chinese and Portuguese literary masterpieces and poems about most of the scenic spots. The website linked to the QR Code for “Cultural and Creative Venues．Works of Literature” is separated into two parts: “Cultural and Creative Venues” and “Works of Literature”. The “Cultural and Creative Venues” mainly offers an overview of the cultural and creative venues in the vicinity of the World Heritage sites and their locations. Users may click the name of the venue to access basic information such as the venue’s brief introduction, address, telephone number, website and opening hours. “Works of Literature” provides a collection of renowned literary quotes and poems relevant to the tourist attractions. The QR code enables residents and tourists to explore the city and the nearby cultural and creative venues through a convenient platform, and deepen their understanding of local original brands and products. It not only helps to enhance the promotion of Macao’s cultural and creative industries, but also helps to widen the public’s knowledge about Macao’s World Heritage sites. Local literature can then be widely known to the public.
…

The Suncity Group 62nd Macau Grand Prix was held successfully on November 19 to 22, reliant upon the support of the general public in Macau. The Event has reached to an end, with a count of 80,000 spectators during the 4 days and ended in spectacular fashion by generating a total revenue over MOP53 million from publicity, sponsorship and ticket selling, breaking the revenue record of 4 days event, which included MOP12.7 million from ticketing, surpassing the bestselling record in the history of the Macau Grand Prix (MGP). In 8 races of this year Grand Prix, registered 90 teams of 221 drivers and riders, origin from 31 countries/regions, amongst them 49 were local. Media participation counted 1,023 journalists from 19 countries/regions, with a total of 220 organizations for coverage, including 27 TV stations with the event live or delayed broadcast. Over the 4-day period, the Macau Grand Prix official website received more than 15 million Website Hits, with the increase of 5 million hits and 53% from previous year. The top 10 Web visitors include Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Japan, United States of America, Germany, Canada and Australia. This popularity has proved that the Macau Grand Prix is a worldwide motorsport event. The visitors to the Macau Grand Prix included students and teachers from 21 kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, as well as 11 local tertiary education entities. In addition, Macau Grand Prix theme exhibitions took place in 18 local primary schools and in 8 public areas. Moreover, with the support from the Macau Government Tourist Office, 7 local associations had organized promotional activities for the festivity of the Grand Prix, namely: The Macao Federation of Trade Unions, the General Union of Neighbours Association of Macau, the Industry and Commerce Federation of Macau Central and Southern District, the Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, the Industry and Commerce Federation of Islands of Macao, Macau Federal Commercial Association of Convention & Exhibition Industry and Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District. The Grand Prix has role in promoting the diversity of the city’s tourism industry. According to the statistic from Macau Government Tourist Office and Public Security Police Force, during the 4-day period, 400 thousand visitors arrived in the city, with impressive hotel occupancy of 3 to 5 star hotels recorded in 93.47%. The success of the Macau Grand Prix was due to the support, understanding and co-operation of the people of Macau. Would like to take this opportunity to to thank Macau residents for their invaluable support of the Grand Prix.
…