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The activities held on the second day of the 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) continued to be diverse and attractive. Some exhibitors agreed that the new planning concept of the MIF exhibition zones will provide them better opportunities to look for businesses, while other exhibitors are of the opinion that through the MIF, Macao´s SMEs will be attracted to use E-commerce in business development. Exhibitors Agreed with the Effectiveness of the Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition The Portuguese-Speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition, specially introduced this year, attracted more than 150 exhibitors, including 16 professional services suppliers already registered on the “Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (the Portal). The Customer Services Manager of Ucan.com Group Limited, Mr Hang Lam, hoped that, the MIF and the Portal could help to fully utilise the strengths of the mobile applications developed by his company so as to open up the Macao and Mainland China markets and thus help traditional SMEs promote online marketing of their products. Another exhibitor, Ms Matilde Branquinho said that among all the products she brought to MIF, red wine was the most welcomed item. She believed that her company´s participation in MIF was successful and hoped that they could continue to join next year. Mr Jorge Cimeira, also from Portugal, said that, compared with last year, the set up of the Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition at this year’s MIF is effective. He also disclosed that his company has already received invitations from a number of Mainland investors on being an agent of his products in the Chinese market. E-commerce exhibitors debut at the MIF Following the new trends in E-commerce, various E-commerce operators, on-line shops operators and cross-border E-commerce operators have, for the first time, organised delegations to participate in the MIF, to conduct procurement negotiations, showcasing their services and explore business and co-operation opportunities in the Portuguese-speaking Countries. Ms Terry Fung, Strategic Partner Manager at Google Hong Kong believed that the series of activities held during MIF can enhance the awareness of Macao´s SMEs on E-commerce development and make use of this platform to develop their own business. Increase in the areas of the exhibition zones to provide more business opportunities The Pavilion for Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Industrial park on Hengqin Island introduced for the first time this year, as well as the exhibition area for Hengqin, Zhuhai, involving 4 projects engaging film and video production, logistics, information technology and trading with Portuguese-speaking Countries, showcases the development blueprint of future projects . An exhibitor said that the exhibition has specifically targeted on the opportunities in Zhuhai and Hengqin. Cultural and Creative Items Attract Attention from Visitors On the other hand, the Macao Creative Pavilion organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, adopted the theme “artistic roadmap”, hoping that visitors of the Pavilion could follow in the footsteps, support Macao´s cultural points of interest and the local cultural and creative industries. Moreover, in addition to fashion show and the brand collection show, the Macao Fashion Festival Zone, also provided networking opportunities for designers. The Macao International Architecture Joint Exhibition included over 400 fine works, collected throughout the world, including, in particular, works by renowned British architect Dame Zaha Hadi and the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. Furthermore, the Shenzhen Museum brought to the MIF works of art of great Chinese masters also attracted the attention of many visitors. In the Macao International Printing Products Expo 2015, the latest printing technologies adopted by the four territories across the Strait of Taiwan were on display.
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The “SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony, Cocktail Reception and Protocol Signing Ceremony” was held on the second day of the 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). By providing a SME Service Counter and consultation service on opening new business, the event aimed to provide SMEs and business starters a platform to equip themselves by upgrading and transforming their operational models and explore business opportunities. MIF is opened to the public for three consecutive days starting from 23 October. Several activities with special characteristics attracted a large number of visitors. On the second day, several high-level forums and promotional seminars and presentations were held, active networking was noticed all over the venue. Approximately 283 business matching sessions were held, contributing to the signing of 26 agreements at the venue. Series of activities at International Business Days to support SMEs Being one of the key activities of the MIF, the SME International Business Days continues to encourage the participation of a greater number of enterprises and business starters, and introduced various services such as the Service Counter for SMEs, business promotion consultation, information on business start-up, SMEs business operation and transformation, as well as seminars for youth entrepreneurs. Several business consultants, branding experts, business management professionals from the four territories across the Strait of Taiwan were invited to provide free of charge personalized “one-to-one” consultation service to analyse the condition of the business, to help them to solve the difficulties that they encounter during their day-to-day operations. Several seminars were held specifically to help SMEs business transformation, including the “Seminar on SMEs and Leveraging Business Capacity – Transform and Leverage your Business to Grasp Opportunities”, where experts from different business sectors shared their knowledge and experience on SMEs transformation and upgrading. Promoting Macao’s Role as the Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries To promote the development of Macao as a Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, several business negotiation and matching sessions as well as promotional seminars were held between different Mainland provinces and municipalities and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. The activities included the 5th Jiangsu–MacaoPortuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum and the BeijingMacaoPortuguese-Speaking Countries Matchmaking Symposium for Co-operation Projects, with active discussions on exploring business opportunities. During the Presentation of One Platform, Three Centres and Business Luncheon of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries, as well as the Presentation on the “Three Centres” and “Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries”, the functions of the “Three Centres” and the Portal were elaborated. The Latin American Forum: Extension to One Belt One Road – How the Ancient Maritime Silk Road can foster China-Latin America Ties for Promoting the Economic Integration of Asia and Latin America and the Cultural Exchange of the Two Regions, analysed the opportunities and challenges facing the “One Belt, One Road” initiative from different perspectives. The Forum of Exchange in Achievement of World Chinese Youth Entrepreneurs explored opportunities for young business starters and some outstanding youth shared their experience with the audience. 283 Business Matching Sessions were held on the 2nd day of the MIF Approximately 283 business matching sessions were held, with the participation of professional buyers. Also, 26 co-operation agreements were signed at the Protocol Signing Centre, related to co-operation between chambers of commerce, development of cross-border E-commerce platform, marketing and agent of products, involving healthcare products, cosmetics, building materials, baby products, energy-saving products, sanitary goods and flooring. Public Open Days Attracted Many Local Visitors to Shop at MIF On the first day of the public open day, a large number of local residents visited the MIF. At the Macao SMEs Exhibition Zone and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries SME Pavilion, the flow of visitors was particularly intense. Activities to be held on 24 October include: the International Forum on Development of Chinese Medicine (Macao), 2015 Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Forum, the 12th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs as well as the Cultural and Creative Industry Networking Meeting. In support of green travel, free shuttle bus service is available, with stops at Avenida Marginal do Hipódromo (near OCBC Wing Hang Bank), Avenida do Dr. Mário Soares (near Macau Square) and Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (near Pak Vai bus stop); and in Taipa, at Avenida do Guimarães (Central Park, Nova Park). Drivers may consider parking their cars at the public car park of Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel or park at Central Park and then take the shuttle bus to the venue.
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One of the key activities under the 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) – the International Trade and Investment Forum 2015 - was held on 22 October. The event attracted the participation of over 400 persons, including government officials, business leaders, experts and scholars from home and abroad, to discuss about the opportunities for regional economic development under the “Belt and Road” initiative. The Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Mr Leong Vai Tac, the Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr Yin Zonghua, the Vice Chairman of All-china Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Xu Guanju, Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment of Timor Leste, Mr Filipus Nino Pereira, State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea Bissau, Mr Degol Mendes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AICEP Portugal Global, Mr Miguel Frasquilho, President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ma Iao Lai, and Deputy Director-General of Development Research Centre of the People´s Government of Guangdong Province, Mr Li Huiwu were invited to participate and jointly analysed the connection between the “Belt and Road” initiative and regional economic development. Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said that the implementation of the national “Belt and Road” initiative provides new development potential for Macao in its development as the “World Tourism and Leisure Centre” and the “Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”. He pointed out that the set up of the pilot free trade zones and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area, coupled with the further liberalisation of the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), will further enhance the cumulative effect, creating the necessary conditions for Macao to push forward its economic development. New Opportunities Brought About by the “Belt and Road” Initiative The Deputy Director-General of Development Research Centre of the People´s Government of Guangdong Province, Mr Li Huiwu made an introduction on the “Belt and Road” initiative, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay Area, and also analysed co-operation opportunities with countries along the route. The Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr Yin Zonghua said that, as far as the business community is concerned, the development of the “Belt and Road” initiative would mean huge opportunities. He pointed out that Macao, being the gateway of western culture entering into China, is an important bridge for Mainland China to access to the Portuguese-speaking Countries and, therefore, Macao enterprises should fully rely on the city´s geographical advantages and the favourable factors brought about by CEPA. In this speech, the Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Xu Guanju, said that Macao, as a free trade port, enjoys great advantages in the fields of tourism, convention and exhibition, logistics and information. It also maintains close links with the Portuguese-speaking Countries, and therefore could push forward regional co-operation, deepens economic development of trade in services and also has a multiplying effect and plays a leading role for Chinese enterprises to “go global” through Macao. The President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Mr Ma Iao Lai, said that the implementation of the national “Belt and Road” initiative has brought about unprecedented opportunities for the development of Macao´s economy. Given that Macao is currently undergoing economic adjustment, and therefore it is possible to use its own advantages to further promote regional cooperation, to achieve a win-win situation, and thus promote the adequate diversification of Macao´s economy. Macao Plays an Active Role as Services Platform for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries The Vice Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment of Timor Leste, Mr Filipus Nino Pereira suggested the creation of a free trade zone between Portuguese-speaking Countries and China under the principle of mutual benefits. He also expressed his opinion on how to achieve economic integration. The State Secretary of Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea Bissau, Mr Degol Mendes, said that Macao, as a services platform, plays an important role in the economic and trade co-operation between China, Macao and Portuguese-speaking Countries, to achieve mutual benefits of the parties involved. Mr. Miguel Frasquilho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AICEP Portugal Global highlighted the active role played by Macao in the development of the trade and economic co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. He said that the future development of the “Three Centres” (a commercial and trade service centre for SMEs of PSCs, a food product distribution centre for PSCs, a centre for conventions and exhibitions for economic and trade co-operation between China and PSCs) clearly shows the co-operation potentials between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries in the fields of trade and investment, especially in agricultural food products.
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The 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was officially inaugurated on 22 October at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. Occupying an area of over 3,700 square metres, the event showcase products and services from over 50 countries and region, including, the “Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”, “free trade zones”, “small and medium-sized enterprises”, “young entrepreneurship”, “Internet+”, “Traditional Chinese Medicine”, and “cultural and creative industries”, with over 1,900 booths, all of them availing of this cross-industries platform to create business opportunities. Furthermore, the organiser has arranged the signing of 17 co-operation agreements on the first day of MIF, as well as approximately 90 business negotiation sessions at the Business Matching Zone specially for professional buyers. The officiating guests included the Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr Chui Sai On, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People´s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Li Gang, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People´s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr Pan Yun Dong, Secretary of state for Planning and Regional Integration of Guinea Bissau, Mr Degol Mendes, Deputy Minister of Commerce, Industry and Environment of East Timor, Mr Filipus Nino Pereira, Vice Minister of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Mr Luo Li Ming, Vice Mayor of the People´s Republic of Beijing Municipality, Mr Cheng Hong, Vice Governor of the People´s Government of Jiangsu Province, Mr Zhang Lei, Vice Governor of the People´s Government of Shaanxi Province, Ms Wang Li Xia, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr Leong Vai Tac, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AICEP Portugal Global, Mr Miguel Frasquilho, Vice Chairman of China Council for the International Trade, Mr Yin Zhong Hua, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Su Zhi Gang, Deputy Secretary-General of the People´s Government of Guangdong Province, Mr Zhang Ai Jun and the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Jackson Chang. In his welcome speech, the Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Mr Leong Vai Tac said that Macao has accumulated twenty years of experience in the organisation of this major event and that the degree of international participation and scale of the MIF has been enhancing, with continuous innovation of its concept and presentation. And that, through a series of activities and services, MIF aims to reinforce regional co-operation and to show to Mainland China and abroad the advantages of Macao as a World Tourism and Leisure Centre as well as a Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. He stressed that, in the future, MIF will continue to utilise its role as a regional branded exhibition, and will focus on the introduction of more innovative elements in order to be in line with the national development strategy of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the positioning of the Macao´s development as “One Centre, One Platform”, with constant improvements and upgrading. A variety of activities held on the 1st day of the MIF For the first time, an “exhibition-within-an-exhibition” concept has been introduced, in the form of the “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition”, the opening ceremony of which was also held today. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr Jackson Chang, President of IPIM, said that, in order to better develop the role as the Business and Trade Co-operation Service Platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and to advance the construction of the three strategic centres, the “Portuguese-speaking Countries Products and Services Exhibition” was set up covering a total of 2,000 square metres. The exhibition attracted over 150 enterprises from seven Portuguese-speaking countries showcasing their products shown at the venue, involving several sectors, such as food and beverages, tourism, financial services, E-commerce and education. Furthermore, at the same time, a “Portal Professional Service Supplier Exhibition Area” was also set up, with the participation of 16 professional suppliers already registered in the “Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”, including, mainly, translation services, media, convention and exhibition, advertisement, e-commerce, accounting and retail services. In addition, several forums were also held on the first day of the MIF, such as the “International Trade and Investment Forum 2015”, with discussions focusing on the “Belt and Road” initiative and regional development co-operation; the “Zhuhai Cross-border E-commerce Conference” which focused on promoting the Zhuhai´s bonded area and investment guidance on the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Area, as well as the “2015 Macao International Design Exhibition – The Cultivation of International Design Talents and the Combination of Enterprises Development Needs” Forum. Other current activities included the “Fujian, Macao and Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session” and the “Macao Fashion Festival 2015”. 17 Agreements Signed on the First Day of the MIF Furthermore, approximately 90 business negotiation sessions were held at the Business Matching Zone. A ceremony was also held for the signing of 17 co-operation agreements, including co-operation agreement between the China Council for International Trade (CCPIT) and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-operation framework agreement on business convention and market development between Guangxi and Macao, memorandum of co-operation between the Department of Commerce of Hunan Province and the Macao Convention and Exhibition Association, memorandum of co-operation between the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Convention and Exhibition Affairs and the Macao Convention and exhibition Association, memorandum of co-operation between the China Chamber of International Commerce Anhui Chamber of Commerce and the Macao Convention and Exhibition Association, co-operation framework agreement between the College of International Education of the Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai and AGPM, co-operation framework agreement between CS Global Consultancy Limited and AGPM, as well as the letter of intent for co-operation of the Shi Ji Hua Mao project in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. MIF Opened to the Public for Three Consecutive Days Starting from 23 October Major events to be held on 23 October include the “SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony, Cocktail Reception and Protocol Singing Ceremony”, “Seminar on SMEs and Leveraging Business Capacity – Transform and Leverage your Business to Grass Opportunities”, “5th Jiangsu-Macau‧Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum”, “Beijing‧Macao‧Portuguese-speaking Countries Matchmaking Symposium for Co-operation Projects”, “The Forum of Excellence in Achievement of World Chinese Youth Entrepreneurs”, as well as seminars and presentations on the “Three Centres” and the “Economic & Trade Co-operation and Human Resources Portal between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries”. MIF will be opened to the public starting from tomorrow until 25 October. Free shuttle bus service is available during the MIF period at the following locations: Avenida Marginal do Hipódromo (near OCBC Wing Hang Bank Areia Preita Branch), Avenida Doutor Mário Soares (near Macau Square), Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (near Pak Vai bus stop), Avenida do Guimarães, at Taipa (Central Park, Nova Park). The general public may also park at the public car park of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel or at Central Park and then take the shuttle bus to the venue.
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The Government is considering setting up representative trade offices in Portugal and in Brazil, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said today. If the proposal is realised, it would form part of Macao’s policy of extending business ties between enterprises in Macao and mainland China with those in Portuguese-speaking Countries, he said. The Secretary gave the news today on the sidelines of the 5th Jiangsu – Macao Portuguese-Speaking Countries’ Business Forum, during the 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF). Major functions of the proposed agencies would be to provide professional consulting services, such as legal and accountancy advice, to parties from Macao and the mainland interested in investments relating either to Portugal or to Brazil, Mr Leong said. The two such offices are likely to start trial operations next year, said Mr Leong, noting there was great demand for such trade agency representation. The proposed measure is part of the Government’s effort to build on Macao’s strategic role as a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, he said. In addition, Mr Leong said the Government has paid close attention to the employment market amid the period of adjustment in the city’s gaming industry. He further stated that Macao’s recently established hotel and resort projects have provided employment opportunities and been a factor in keeping the local unemployment rate at a stable and low level. Mr Leong stressed he has full confidence in the city’s gaming industry and its competitiveness, adding he believed the industry would expand at a healthy pace.
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The Macao Orchestra, under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will cooperate with the famous American artist Dan Kamin to present Journey into the World of Music – The Lost Elephant, a Comedy Concert, which will be conducted by Francis Kan, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium on 6 December, Sunday, at 3:00 pm. In the virtual music jungle, Dan Kamin will use amazing movement skills together with simple props representing each animal, to have a thrilling show with kid audience. This is also a golden opportunity to introduce classical music to them. Dan Kamin created a series of physical comedy action in Benny and Joon and conducted training for Robert Downey, Jr. in Chaplin, who was awarded with Oscar nomination. Kamin’s Comedy Concertos, which combine comedy with classical music, have become popular in the worldwide symphonies. In addition to The Lost Elephant, his programmes include Charlie Chaplin at the Symphony, The Classical Clown, The Horrible History of Music, The Haunted Orchestra, and Stop the Music!. Asian orchestras such as those symphonies in Singapore, Shanghai, Hangzho and Malaysia invited Kamin to have performance several times. In this concert, Kamin plays as a zookeeper to search for the missing elephant. Summoned by the extraordinary music played by the Macao Orchestra like Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee, Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Camille Saint-Saens’ Swan, he has wonderful interaction with different animals in the jungle. Eventually, the missing elephant is drawn forth under the music. With the perfect combination of comedy and classical music, the audience can experience a wonderful journey. Tickets for Journey into the World of Music – The Lost Elephant, a Comedy Concert are priced at MOP150 and various family discount packages are available by purchasing tickets personally at the Macau Ticketing Network or via the Internet. The Macao Ticketing mobile application and the self-service ticket purchasing machines do not support the purchasing of discount packages yet. Booking Hotline: (853) 2855 5555. For details of programme, please visit the Macao Orchestra website: www.icm.gov.mo/om; for enquiries, please call 8399 6699 during office hour.
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Macau International Airport conducted the full scale emergency exercise early this morning (23 October 2015) to simulate an aircraft crash upon landing which led to injuries and deaths. The airport emergency plan was immediately activated. The exercise was deemed smooth and achieved its goal. The full scale emergency exercise started at 03:00. At its final approach to land at Macau International Airport, the aircraft encountered sudden system error resulting in failure of flight instruments. The captain immediately declared emergency. After touching down on the runway, the aircraft veered off the runway to the left and eventually broke into two parts, with one part crashing onto the water. The aircraft was carrying 75 passengers, 2 flight crew members and 5 cabin crew members. More than 20 people were injured or killed as a result of the accident. When the Administration of Airports, Ltd. (ADA) was informed of the accident, they immediately activated the airport emergency operations centre to take charge of the accident. The Fire Services and the rescue team arrived on spot to provide search and rescue services; the injured were sent to hospital for medical treatment in a timely manner; a family reception area and a counseling centre were respectively set up in the passenger terminal to provide enquiry and counseling services to the uninjured and the family members of the injured and the deceased. The exercise was concluded at 05:30 with good results. All participating entities were able to act in accordance with the airport emergency plan as well as their own contingency plans. The number of participants was 300. The Administration of Airports Ltd. was the coordinator of the exercise. Other participating entities were Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs Services, Public Security Police Force, Judiciary Police, Fire Services Bureau, Health Bureau, Social Welfare Bureau, Marine and Water Bureau, Civil Aviation Authority, CAM-Macau International Airport Co. Ltd., Air Macau Co. Ltd., Macau Security Company Ltd. (airport security) and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI for September 2015 increased by 4.23% year-on-year to 106.49, down by 0.41 percentage points from the 4.64% growth in August. The increment was attributable to higher rentals for dwellings and rising charges for eating out. In comparison with September 2014, in addition to the increase in tobacco tax that pushed the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco up significantly by 38.42%, price index of Education (+8.93%) and Health (+6.12%) also saw notable increase upon higher tuition fee and dearer charges for out-patient services. On the contrary, price index of Communication and Clothing & Footwear decreased by 0.98% and 0.65% respectively. The CPI-A (106.70) and CPI-B (104.69) increased by 4.37% and 3.22% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for September 2015 increased by 0.14% month-to-month. Higher tuition fee in the new academic year drove up the price index of Edcuation by 8.64%. Price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.24% owing to higher charges for eating out, as well as dearer prices of fresh fish, seafood and vegetables. Milder growth in rentals for dwellings caused the price index of Housing & Fuels to rise marginally by 0.05%. On the other hand, price index of Clothing & Footwear; Recreation & Culture and Transport decreased by 1.66%, 1.54% and 0.45% respectively upon seasonal sale of women’s clothing and footwear, receding charges for package tours and lower prices of airfare and gasoline. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 0.14% and 0.13% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended September 2015, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.08% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+9.91%); Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+8.33%); Health (+5.62%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+5.30%) showed marked increase. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.51% and 4.35% respectively over the previous period. The average Composite CPI for the third quarter of 2015 increased by 4.54% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 4.85% and 3.51% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first nine months of 2015 rose by 4.79% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 5.18% and 3.93% respectively. The Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general households. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP10,000 to MOP29,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP30,000 to MOP54,999.
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The CCAC completed an investigation report on municipal ordinances and municipal regulations. At the beginning of this year, during the inspection of an ombudsman case involving the Transport Bureau (DSAT), it was found that the said Bureau has been charging and imposing fines on those who allegedly violated the regulations based on the provisions of the Regulation of Use of the Centre for Driving Lessons and Exams. However, such Regulation was no longer effective since 2nd June 2001. During the investigation of the reasons for the DSAT to apply expired regulations for management and law application, the CCAC found that the Regulation of Use of the Centre for Driving Lessons and Exams is a regulation promulgated by the former municipal body and the problem with the regulation already existed when the Transport Bureau was established. Taking into account that the content of the municipal ordinances and municipal regulations are closely related to the daily life of the residents, particularly in relation to important livelihood issues such as the market management, sales of fresh products, etc., the CCAC deems that it is necessary to conduct a specific study and follow-up on the existing municipal ordinances and municipal regulations, so as to better facilitate the revision and perfection of such laws and regulations. When conducting the preliminary study on the municipal ordinances and municipal regulations that are still in force, the CCAC found that a significant number of norms are already outdated, and there may even be a possible existence of a scenario where the reality of the situation contradicts with the normative content. Thus, a comprehensive follow-up and investigation has been conducted targeting at the normative issues on the Licensing Regulation on the Establishment for Retail of Meat, Seafood, Poultry and Vegetable (hereinafter “Licensing Regulation”) and the Regulation of Municipal Market of the Macao Municipal Council (hereinafter “Regulation of Municipal Market”). The Licensing Regulation stipulates that certain establishments shall be used for selling only one kind of food. For example, those permitted to sell meat shall not sell seafood, poultry, vegetable and fruits. Such provision apparently does not meet the demands related to everyday life and fit for the economic environment nowadays. Meanwhile, some articles of the Regulation of Municipal Market are obsolete or no longer adopted. Being too superficial and abstract, they are insufficient to provide an efficacious system of inspection and punishment. In this sense, it is difficult to effectively regulate the operation of the markets. Therefore, the CCAC recommends the DSAT to formulate a new set of rules about the use and management of the Centre for Driving Lessons and Exams as soon as possible in order to fill the gap in the legal system left by the extinguishment of the Regulation of Use of the Centre for Driving Lessons and Exams; and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau to revise Article 3 of the Licensing Regulation - which restricts certain establishments from selling more than one kind of food, to conduct a complete review and revision of municipal ordinances and regulations including the Regulation of Municipal Market so as to amend and perfect the provisions which do not fit in with the reality of everyday life but are still in force. For the detailed content of the investigation report, please visit the CCAC’s website.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will deliver the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2016 on 17 November at the Legislative Assembly. The session will be held at 3pm. It will be followed by a press conference at the Government Headquarters at 5pm, when Mr Chui will answer questions from the press. The following day (18 November), from 3pm to 6pm, Mr Chui will attend the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to explain his policy programme to legislators and to answer their questions. The public can see and hear the policy address and press conference, and the following day’s question and answer session with legislators as they happen. The television channels and radio service of Macao’s public broadcaster Teledifusão de Macau (TDM) will broadcast both events live. The live broadcasts can also be viewed online via the following routes: the Government Portal website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo); the website of the Office of the Chief Executive (http://www.gce.gov.mo); the website of the Legislative Assembly (http://www.al.gov.mo); the website of the Government Information Bureau (http://www.gcs.gov.mo); and the official channel for Macao Government news on YouTube (www.youtube.com/macaogcs). Chinese and Portuguese versions of the 2016 Policy Address document will be available for download on these websites. In preparation for the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2016, the Chief Executive has met with representatives of associations and people from all walks of life in Macao in order to hear their views on key topics.
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