News

The Government is closely monitoring a mobile app-based private car hailing service that was recently made available in Macao. The authorities will step up enforcement of laws that bar unlicensed passenger transportation services, and crack down on illegal car-hire services in Macao. Unlicensed car hailing services are not appropriate to effectively compensate for the lack of available taxis in Macao. Given its lack of transparency, the operational model of calling a driver using a mobile app creates difficulties for the Government to legally ensure the safety of passengers and the protection of their rights. Requesting passenger transportation services via this type of mobile app might also lead to overcharging cases due to the lack of a clear charge policy. It is obviously illegal for any private or unauthorised vehicle to provide passenger transportation services with the support of a mobile app. Any person found guilty of the offence could face a fine of 30,000 patacas. The Government has requested the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau and the Macau Government Tourist Office to investigate the case and to act accordingly. The Government fully understands the concerns of residents and visitors on the need to improve Macao’s taxi services. The Government has strengthened supervision of the industry and is currently revising related legislation. The goal of these measures is to ensure both residents and tourists can enjoy quality taxi services, in compliance with the policy of transforming Macao to a world centre of tourism and leisure.
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Consumer Council conducted its eighth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in October on 26 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Taipa and Coloane area. 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.
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The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) extends the “Promoting Honesty” video contest targeting secondary students until 15th January 2016. After hearing the opinions of some schools and teachers about the benefits of extending the video submission deadline so that students are able to have more leisure time to shoot and create short video clips, the CCAC decided to extend the deadline from 30th October 2015 to 15th January 2016, with the aim to encourage students to promote the values of honesty and integrity in their creative works. The list of awards will be uploaded to the CCAC’s website in March 2016 and winning students will be notified about prize collection. The “Promoting Honesty” video contest for secondary students features two categories of participants, namely Junior Secondary Group and Senior Secondary Group. Students, who can participate individually or in small groups, are required to, via the use of video cameras, cameras or mobile phones, shoot a one to three minute video with such optional themes as “fair competition”, “values about money”, “honesty and loyalty”, “incorruptibility” or “trustworthiness”. Not more than 15 entries will be selected from each of the two groups, and those shortlisted will go on to compete for the Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Merit Awards and a Most Popular Video award in their respective group. For details please browse the CCAC’s website www.ccac.org.mo or refer to the contest rules. Enquiry hotline: 2832 6300.
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The Government will continue to support businesses from Macao that seek to expand cooperation with neighbouring areas in mainland China, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. This would strengthen Macao’s efforts in promoting diversification of the city’s economy, he added. Mr Chui made the remarks in a meeting with Executive Director of Macau Legend Development Ltd, Ms Lam Fong Ngo, in Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province. The Chief Executive visited Tonglu County on 24 October to attend the opening ceremony of a hotel operated by Macau Legend, a Macao-based firm. The Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam, also joined the visit. In the meeting, Mr Chui was briefed on Macau Legend’s plans to make use of its new hotel development to enhance Macao-Zhejiang relations and improve cooperation in the tourism sector. The Chief Executive said strengthening regional cooperation could help Macao contribute further to the country’s development. Ms Lam said she hoped Macao and Zhejiang would strengthen cooperation, especially in tourism, by taking advantage of Tonglu’s rich tourism resources.
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Following the introduction of self-service kiosks for the renewal of Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card and the application for Macao SAR Passport and Macao SAR Travel Permit, the Identification Services Bureau introduces self-service kiosks for Macao residents to apply for the “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR” (hereinafter referred as “Visit Permit to HKSAR”). The self-service kiosks were put into official use in October 2015, adding convenience for Macao citizens. Eligible applicants do not need to obtain a number tag in advance of using the self-service; they can submit their application on their own with the abovementioned kiosks during office hours of the Identification Services Bureau. Chinese or Portuguese nationals who are aged 18 and hold a Macao SAR Resident Identity Card can use the self-service kiosk to submit the first-time application for the “Visit Permit to HKSAR”, or submit the renewal application for the “Visit Permit to HKSAR” within 9 months prior to the expiry date of their document. The self-service application procedures of the “Visit Permit to HKSAR” are simple. Applicants only need to go through the application process as instructed by the kiosk, including verifying fingerprints, taking onsite photo, scanning photo and identity card, and signing on the digital signature pad. Right after the application process, applicants have to present the payment slip to the service counter and pay the application fee to complete the whole application. The self-service kiosks for “Visit Permit to HKSAR” application are now available in the Identification Services Bureau at the China Plaza in “Avenida de Praia Grande” and the Government Services Centre in Areia Preta. Before using the self-service kiosks, citizens can browse the relevant demonstration videos in advance at the Self-Service Application Area, the Document Collection Counter and the official website (www.dsi.gov.mo) of the Identification Service Bureau. The Identification Services Bureau is grateful for citizens’ on-going support and valuable opinions and comments on the self-service kiosks. In the future, the Identification Services Bureau will continue to study the possibility of introducing more convenient electronic services.
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Consumer Council conducted a test on sausages to compare their ingredients of protein, starch, as well as the contents of nitrite, etc.. Test results show that all samples are satisfactory and the complete report can be found in the latest issue of Consumer Report. The test on sausages by the Council reviews that the quality of this kind of food product is determined by the contents ratio of protein. The less protein it contains, the more starch will be added and the texture of the food will be affected. Test results review that the amount of protein contained is not reflected in the prices of the products, consumers may refer to the report to see which sample is the ‘best buy’ for them. The Council also examined the contents of nitrite in the sausage samples. Nitrite is a carcinogen, China’s national standard GB/T20712-2006 states that the amount of nitrite contained should not be over 30mg/1kg. All tested samples are satisfactory but the contents of nitrite vary from 3.4mg/kg to 14mg/kg. Moreover, the contents of potassium also vary significantly. Consumers International (CI)’s Director General, Amanda Long, visited Consumer Council earlier. Ms. Long praised the work of the Council, especially its Consumer Arbitration Centre and ‘Certified Shop’ mechanism; she also expressed her support in the Council’s work to help build a platform for consumer protection among the cross-strait four regions. A detailed coverage of Ms. Long’s visit and an introduction to CI are included in the current issue of Consumer Report. Taiwan’s ‘Consumer Protection Law’ was amended earlier this June, some of the amendments are featured in this issue for consumers’ reference. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) and its WeChat official account. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals totalled 2,415,499 in September 2015, up marginally by 0.4% year-on-year. Same-day visitors held stable as the same month of 2014, at 1,242,519 (51.4% of total); overnight visitors rose slightly by 0.8% to 1,172,980. The average length of stay of visitors increased by 0.2 day year-on-year to 1.2 days; the average stay of same-day visitors (0.2 day) remained unchanged while that of overnight visitors (2.2 days) rose by 0.3 day. Visitors from Mainland China decreased by 1.4% year-on-year to 1,572,868, with those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme rising slightly by 0.6% to 657,621. Visitors from Mainland China came primarily from Guangdong Province (671,672), Fujian Province (73,622) and Hunan Province (64,569). Visitors from Hong Kong (543,835), Taiwan (84,453) and Japan (31,864) increased by 6.8%, 5.6% and 16.6% year-on-year respectively, while those from the Republic of Korea (36,223) declined by 22.6%. Long-haul visitors from the United Kingdom (5,116) and Canada (5,108) registered year-on-year increase, while visitors from the United States (13,721) and Australia (8,038) marked decrease. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by land increased by 2.3% year-on-year to 1,354,808; visitors arriving via the Border Gate (1,213,656) edged up by 0.2%, while those via the Checkpoint of Cotai (139,068) rose remarkably by 26.5%. Visitor arrivals by sea totalled 902,951, a year-on-year decrease of 1.7%, with those arriving via the Outer Habour (541,999) dropping by 3.5%, but those via the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa (340,396) rising by 2.6%. Moreover, visitor arrivals by air declined by 2.4% year-on-year to 157,740, of which those entering via the airport decreased by 2.2% to 156,618, accounting for 99.3% of the total. In the first nine months of 2015, visitor arrivals totalled 22,853,973, down by 2.9% year-on-year; same-day visitors (12,344,317) and overnight visitors (10,509,656) decreased by 1.7% and 4.3% respectively. Visitors from Mainland China (15,209,840) and the Republic of Korea (410,546) decreased by 3.8% and 2.4% respectively, while those from Hong Kong (4,925,706) and Taiwan (734,771) rose by 1.3% and 1.1%. Moreover, long-haul visitors from the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom recorded year-on-year decrease.
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After a long path spanning over 20 years and based on the experience gained in previous years, new elements were injected to the 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), both in terms of the exhibition layout and arrangement of the activities, aiming to facilitate exhibitors to explore new business opportunities while, at the same time, offering a new experience to the participants and visitors, in a bid to enhance the effectiveness and professional level of the event. Being weekend, the Fair attracted a large number of local resident. Also, professional buyers and traders also visited the Fair, lending an intensive business atmosphere to this edition of the MIF. Exhibitors from East Timor: Using MIF and the Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries to Promote Business An “exhibition-within-an-exhibition”, the Portuguese-Speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition was held concurrently at MIF. The exhibition occupied an area of over 2,200 square metres and attracted 150 exhibitors from seven Portuguese-speaking Countries plus various professional services enterprises already registered as suppliers with the Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries (the Portal). The exhibition covered the following sectors: food, wine, financial services, translation services, advertising media, convention, exhibition and advertising, E-commerce, tourism, legal consultation, as well as accounting and retail. The Senior Adviser to “Agência Especializda de Investimento de Timor-Leste” (AEI) Cristina Costa Dias Quinta said that her agency has organised a delegation of 18 to participate in this year’s MIF. Members of the delegation included representatives from four enterprises, among which, two of them are first-time participants. She recalled that, compared with 2005, when she participated in the event for the first time, there were improvements, both in terms of scale and also in the quality and quantity of the products on display, in addition to the increased number of exhibitors. She recognises the effectiveness of this year´s MIF, and pointed out that, through MIF, the enterprises could conduct exchanges and discuss business “face to face” with the exhibitors, procurement personnel, trade visitors, buyers and consumers, and avail of this opportunity to hold promotion seminars and business negotiations, as well as to explore co-operation opportunities through various channels, to help promote products from East Timor to the international market, as well as the diversification of economy in her country. “Things and Stories”, an enterprise from the Portuguese-speaking Country of East Timor, participating for the first time in the Portal Professional Service Supplier Exhibition Area, is engaged in the trade of unique ethnic garments and textiles, packaging and decoration articles. Ms Maite Monnereau, the Director of the company, said that participation in the MIF would enhance her company´s reputation and help in business expansion. She further explained that participation in the MIF, coupled with the presence in the Portal would facilitate her company to open-up the markets in Mainland China and Macao. The Director of Marketing and Communication of the same company, Mr João Ferro, said that he has received co-operation intents from companies in other regions and added that a factory in Mozambique has also expressed an intention to co-operate with them in the supply of cotton. Large Quantity of Orders Received by E-commerce Operators The General Manager of CAS Technology (Macao) Co Ltd, Mr. Kenny Qu, said that his company, a first-time participant in the MIF, is engaged in cross-border E-commerce and hopes that, they could establish interaction with the other participants through MIF, as a mean to promote his company´s products. He admitted that, in the beginning, he only aimed to test market response, but that during these few days, his company has already established co-operation agreements with many parties, and therefore he was pleasantly surprised by the excellent results, hoping to participate again in the future. Products on Display Well Received by Many International Buyers The General Manager of Jing-Da Food Co Ltd, Mr Hong Jianwei, a company engaged in the trading of tea from Taiwan, participating at the Macao SME Pavilion, said that the tea traded by his company is already selling to the Chinese cities of Shandong and Shanghai as well as to Southeast Asia. He added that the participation in MIF has attracted the attention of buyers from Canada, South Korea and Malaysia, and therefore was able to expand the company´s business network. As his company´s tea products are popular with the participants, it has received a large quantity of orders. He also disclosed that after MIF, he would conduct further co-operation prospects with the buyers. Local Enterprises Explore the International Market Through MIF According to Dr Choi Hoi Lam, Director of Hai Lan Pharmaceutical Factory Macao, her company has already entered into co-operation agreement with companies in Mainland China. She disclosed that her company has participated in MIF for eight consecutive years and that this year, through MIF, has received orders amounting to 25 million patacas, and that, coupled with the opportunity to display the company´s products to the overseas buyers, has this time achieved dual benefits. Famous Designers: MIF Has Become an International Cultural and Creative Exchange Platform where Your Dreams Can Come True The Macao International Design Exhibition, introduced this year, has invited famous designers, association of designers and academic communities to participate and exchange in the MIF. Architect Carlos Castanheira, from Portugal, exhibited several pieces of his Asian architectural works, including the most representative and challenging “The Building on the Water”. Mr Carlos Castanheira said that he was pleased to participate in this exhibition, so that more people could appreciate his works and believe that MIF would enable participants from different regions to better understand designs across different regions and thus help to promote exchange within the industry. The Fashion Festival held concurrently with MIF has attracted the participation, as exhibitors, of ten local clothing brands. Macau-based Worker Playground´s designer, Mr Cheang Chi Tat, said that MIF provides a platform for him to realize his dream. A booth was specially set up to feature his designs, it has attracted many visitors, who appreciated his works and wished to discuss business with him. This factor, along with the brand fashion show every day has enhanced the “soft power” of his brand, he said. MIF – An Ideal Place for Local Residents and Visitors to Visit This Weekend Today (25 October), the last day of the MIF, has attracted many visitors who arrived early in the morning, and there were crowds everywhere. A local resident, who has visited MIF for five consecutive years, said that MIF offers merchandises and digital products from different countries under a single roof, and therefore it is his favourite place to spend this weekend. A tourist from Foshan said that this year’s MIF is particularly rich in content and also offers a lively atmosphere, thanks to the many activities, shows and dancing exhibitions held throughout the day.
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The 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) came to a successful close today. During the four-day event, a total of 55 forums, conferences, as well as seminars and presentations were held. At the same time, the Organiser has arranged 574 business negotiation sessions at the Business Matching Zone, with the participation of professional buyers and arranged for the contract signing of 50 projects. Occupying an area of approximately 37,000 square metres with 1,900 exhibition booths, this year’s MIF has attracted the participation of delegations from over 50 countries and regions. A Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition was held concurrently, along with the debut of the Pavilion for Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Industrial Park on Hengqin Island and the Macao International Design Exhibition. Also, the exhibition area of the Chinese Medicine Health Industry Pavilion and the Macao International Printing Products Expo 2015 have been increased. At the same time, in response to the social development trends, this year´s MIF integrated elements such as the “Belt and Road” initiative, the Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, free trade zones, SMEs, E-commerce, youth entrepreneurship and Traditional Chinese Medicine, in a bid to explore new business opportunities. The Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Registered a Click-through Rate of over 30,000 An “exhibition-within-an-exhibition” - the Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition was held concurrently. In addition to displaying products from the Portuguese-speaking Countries, it was also used to publicise and promote the “Three Centres” and the products and services of registered users of the Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries (the Portal). As at 20 October, the Portal registered a total click-through rate of 30,874, and 5,894 visits; 205 professionals and 39 professional service providers have registered with the Portal, and also collected information regarding 1,106 products from the Portuguese-speaking Countries. A total of 183 suppliers/agents of food products from Portuguese-speaking Countries have registered with the Portal, with 304 registered users/buyers. 574 Business Negotiation Sessions Held During the Four-day Event Approximate 574 business negotiation sessions were held at the Business Matching Area, of which, 117 were business matching sessions with the participation of enterprises from Portuguese-speaking Countries. Businesses discussed involved wine, food and beverage, health products, furniture, skin care products, tableware, jewellery, tourism services, convention services and investment consultation services. Meanwhile, the Protocol Signing Centre has arranged the contract-signing of 50 projects, involving co-operation between government and business associations, trade and economic co-operation between Portugal and Macao, co-operation in the joint development of the financial sector market in the Portuguese-speaking Countries, co-operation in convention and exhibition, co-operation in the promotion of cultural exchange, co-operation in the exploration of international markets, co-operation in software development, co-operation in clothing brands, development of cross-border E-commerce, co-operation in the setting-up of pharmaceutical factory, overseas education tourism, introduction of branded merchandises to the furniture and building materials shop, health care products, beauty products, car care products, pharmaceutical goods, and retail and agency of energy-saving products. Various Forums Related to the “Belt and Road” Initiative and Youth Entrepreneurship Held During the Four-day Event A total of 55 forums, seminars and presentations as well as other promotion activities were held this year, including the International Trade and Investment Forum 2015, 12th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, 5th Jiangsu-Macao-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum, BeijingMacauPortuguese-speaking Countries Matching-making Symposium for Co-operation Projects, Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session, Presentation on the “Three Centres” and “Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, Young Entrepreneurs Forum of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, a forum entitled “One Belt, One Road” Macau Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunity, the Forum of Excellence in Achievement of World Chinese Youth Entrepreneurs, Seminar on SMEs and Leveraging Business Capacity – Transform and Leverage your Business to Grasp Opportunities, Seminar on Entrepreneurship and Innovation – 10 Tips for Starting Your Own Business and a forum entitled “Let Your Dream Fly, Start your Business”. The 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held on 20-23 October 2016.
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On the third day of the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair 2015 (MIF), the diverse programme and characteristics of exhibition zones attracted many trade visitors and buyers. Being a Saturday, the event was also popular with many local residents. About 40 business negotiations sessions and the contract signing of one project were held at the Business Matching Area for the on-site buyers. World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs Discussed About the “Belt and Road” Initiative The 12th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs was held in the morning of 24 October. The main theme for the event was “The Belt and Road – New World Economic Arrangement”. Over 1,600 delegates of Chinese business associations from around the world attended the event. The President of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, Mr Chen Deming, and the Panel Convenor of the Cross Strait CEO Summit, Mr Shih Yen-shiang, were invited as keynote speakers, who gave their speeches respectively, on “The Belt and Road Strategy Amid Economic Globalisation” and “Grasp Business Opportunities to Jointly Create a New Situation”. The speakers stated that, in view of the “Belt and Road” initiative, there would be substantial changes in the world´s trade and economic status, including the re-organisation of the world´s trade and economic map, adjustment in the worldwide industrial structure and great development opportunities for Chinese entrepreneurs. The President of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, Mr Chen Deming said that the “Belt and Road” initiative involves 5 types of links, namely, the strengthening of communication on policy affairs, links of facilities, trade flow, access to financing and support from the people. Mr Chen stressed that this is the way that the tie for mutual benefit could be tightened and promote pragmatic co-operation. He also pointed out that the “Belt and Road” initiative serves as a platform to allow for development in seven great major areas, namely: promote the steady growth of trade and structural upgrading, expand bilateral business with the countries along the route, and promotes the construction of trade and economic zones abroad, promote liaisons and links between infrastructure facilities and improve the level of regional economic integration. In turn, the Panel Convenor of the Cross-Strait CEO Summit, Mr Shih Yen-shiang stated that the “Belt and Road” initiative leads to the advancement of the current economic and trade structure and opens opportunities to trade with new markets. Therefore, in his opinion, the Chinese entrepreneurs should avail of the new trends in the emerging markets, by actively creating a brand new situation. Exhibition and Forum to Promote the Traditional Chinese Medicine in Macao Based upon the experience from the previous years, the Chinese Medicine Health Industry Pavilion has expanded this year, to encompass Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), beauty and fitness, health, medicinal diet, research and development. An exchange platform has therefore been built to promote business opportunities. At the same time, the International Forum on Development of Chinese Medicine (Macau) has invited famous Chinese medicine experts to conduct academic exchanges and explore the advantages and characteristics of developing TCM in Macao. The Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Forum focused on the culture of TCM, industrial development and clinical studies. A participant pointed out that Macao possesses exclusive conditions for TCM healthcare, and suggested the integration of resources at home and abroad, to build an exchange and co-operation platform for TCM, to promote the development of the TCM. 40 Business Negotiation Sessions held on the Third Day of the MIF On the Third Day of the MIF, about 40 business negotiation sessions were held at the Business Matching Area, and contract for a project was signed, involving co-operation in the development and agency of beauty products. Fascinating Fashion Shows and Ethnic Customs Performance Several activities were held during the day to give a lively atmosphere to the venue. Several fashion show sessions were arranged under the 2015 Macao Fashion Show, and the events attracted many visitors and took photos of the activity. Also itinerant performances of ethnic customs were offered, giving a lot of fun to the visitors. Being a weekend, the retail zone was particularly popular, as many local residents come on purpose to purchase items with very special characteristics. The “CCPTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing 2014/2015 Diploma Programme Graduation Show” will be held tomorrow, this being a fascinating event not to be missed. MIF Closes on the 25 October The 20th MIF will close on 25October. Opening hours will be from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with free admission. In response to green travel, during the MIF period, the Organiser continues to provide free shuttle bus at the following locations: Avenida Marginal do Hipódromo (near OCBC Wing Hang Bank), Avenida Dr. Mário Soares (near Macau square), Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (near the Pak Vai bus stop). At Taipa, the stop is located at Avenida do Guimarães (Central Park, in front of Nova Park). Drivers can consider parking their car at the car park inside the Venetian Macao-resort-Hotel or leave them at Central Park and then take the shuttle bus to go to the venue.
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