News

The “2016 Annual Work Meeting of Joint Working Committee on Tourism to Support Macao's Aspirations to Build a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure" was held in Zhuhai, Guangdong this morning (24 February). The meeting was attended by officials from the entities concerned, including China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province and the People’s Government of Zhuhai Municipality. The meeting discussed numerous issues on the agenda regarding measures to foster Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure in light of the latest prospect. The meeting parties also confirmed the tasks in 2016 and signed the meeting memorandum. Vice Chairman of CNTA, Du Jiang, and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Alexis Tam, both delivered a speech during the annual work meeting as the Conveners of the “Joint Working Committee on Tourism to Support Macao's Aspirations to Build a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure" (“Joint Working Committee on Tourism”). Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Yao Jian, addressed the meeting as well. Following the remarks, Head of the Department of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of CNTA, Liu Kezhi, and MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, both the Secretary General of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism, presented current trends in tourism and elaborated on the directions of tourism planning involving Macao in the 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the overall planning on Macao tourism development and regional cooperation in tourism. Major members of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism and the officials from the Mainland and Macao discussed various issues and reached a consensus during the work meeting. The agenda include new means and paths to deepen regional tourism integration and cooperation between Macao and the Mainland in 2016, application of diverse platforms to foster development and joint promotion of new tour routes and products. The meeting parties also shared the Mainland’s and Macao’s latest tourism trends, and exchanged ideas to strengthen cooperation on tourism industry management. The Convener of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism and CNTA Vice Chairman, Du Jiang, expressed congratulations on the success of the meeting and stated clear requirements for the Joint Committee’s tasks to carry out in 2016. He pointed out the necessity to take a broader perspective on the latest prospect faced by Macao along its path to develop into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Mainland tourism industry, in its prime at present, will generate a new momentum for Macao tourism industry to go forward. The 13th Five-Year Plan, Belt and Road Initiative, free trade zones and CEPA are among the national strategies which have rolled out incredible advantages and golden opportunities in history for Macao’s transformation into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. The Joint Committee is required to fully recognize that its annual tasks to foster Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure help to fulfill and realize the Country’s macroscopic strategies for tourism industry development in the new era at practical level. In order to do so, the Committee has to incorporate the strategies into its annual task accomplishment and give full play to the function of its system. More than that, the Committee serves to enhance communication and coordination for stronger team efforts and greater influence of its system.   The Convener of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Alexis Tam, remarked that the proposals in the 13th Five-Year Plan indicate the Country’s continuous support to Macao’s positioning as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, and its development into a world-famous and modern tourist destination that meets global standards. The SAR Government understood that building the city into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure is a huge project at many levels, which not only involves collaboration among departments with different functions in the SAR Government but also requires concerted efforts and support of all local residents. The SAR Government will put stronger efforts in coordination, and strive to deepen and widen the level of cooperation across various entities, fields and levels regarding urban transportation, accommodation, hospitality and manpower in tourism industry as well as promotion of tourism awareness among other aspects. By making such endeavors, the SAR Government is dedicated to transforming Macao not only into a great city to live and work in, but also into a fascinating destination to visit and explore on foot with vibrant choices of fun and entertainment. Secretary Tam believes that the work meeting will further enhance cooperation between CNTA and MGTO, and will certainly make a positive influence on the SAR Government’s formulation and implementation of work planning for the future. Last but not least, Secretary Tam expressed gratitude to CNTA for its long-term support to the SAR Government’s work in tourism which has created favorable conditions for Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Yao Jian, expressed that the Central Government highly regards and supports Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Once again, the proposals in the 13th Five-Year Plan clearly suggest supporting Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and a service platform for business cooperation between China and Portugal, as well as adequate diversification and sustainable development of Macao’s economy. He pointed out that despite the complex and ever-changing prospect of the global economy, the tourism industry in China and across the world is trending upward against the economic downturn. The positive trends have created important opportunities and given confidence for Macao to uplift the local economy and unleash its competitive advantages as a tourism destination. Over the years, the SAR Government has taken active measures to build the city into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure with a harvest of achievements. In 2015, the SAR Government established the Committee for Development of the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, chaired by the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, and announced a groundwork proposal for the Macao SAR’s five-year development plan. The plan has laid a key foundation for Macao to enhance its top-down design, coordination, planning and systematic implementation of tasks to build the city into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. After the Conveners made concluding remarks, the two Secretaries General of the Joint Working Committee on Tourism signed the meeting memorandum. Officials and guests who attended the meeting include: Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Center, Li Jianping; Deputy Head of the Department of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of CNTA, Ren Jiayan; Deputy Heads of Economic Department of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Kou Ming and Zhu Hong; Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province Director General, Zeng Yingru, and Deputy Director General, Mei Qijie; Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government, Long Guangyan; Director of Zhuhai Culture Sports and Tourism Bureau, Wang Lingping; Director of the Management Committee of Hengqin New Area, Niu Jing among others. Coming from Macao, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Ip Peng Kin, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Advisors of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Charles Lam and Stella Leong, MGTO Deputy Director Cecilia Tse, among others. In June 2015, the Macao SAR Government and CNTA signed the “Agreement between Macao and the Mainland about Establishment of a Joint Working Committee on Tourism to Support Macao's Aspirations to Build a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”. Since establishment, the Joint Working Committee on Tourism unfolded a range of tasks, including invitations made to superiors, experts and scholars from the Mainland and Macao to participate in an expert seminar for discussions on the issue about how to foster Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure under the latest prospect. The Committee also arranged a delegation of Taiwanese media and travel agency executives to inspect multi-destination tour routes in Macao and Zhuhai, to enhance regional cooperation in tourism. In addition, the Committee supported Macao to host the Global Tourism Economy Forum and Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo, as part of its strenuous endeavor to foster Macao’s development into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today said the media plays a significant role in connecting the Government and the public by providing information on policies and social issues. He added that the contributions of the media for the development of Macao are widely recognised by the community. Mr Chui made the comments during today’s lunch he hosted for representatives of local news outlets reporting in Portuguese and English. The Chief Executive said the Government would introduce additional measures to ensure a good working environment for the media. The Government strictly upholds the freedom of the press and freedom of publishing, he added. Mr Chui said key directions for the city’s sustainability included: upholding the rule of law; maintaining social stability; allocating more resources to economic diversification policies; and providing more development opportunities to local talent, in particular in training of young people. The Government is confident about Macao’s development outlook, given that the city’s sound fiscal reserve system allows local authorities to cope well with potential challenges emerging from the ongoing adjustment period in the city’s gaming industry, said the Chief Executive. This strategy so far has proven effective, allowing the Government to continue providing support to the local economy while consistently enhancing the people’s livelihood, he added.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 amounted to MOP 15.59 billion, down by 10.5% year-on-year and up by 6.8% compared with the revised figure of MOP 14.59 billion in the third quarter. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (MOP 3.37 billion) accounted for 21.6% of the total, followed by sales of Goods in Department Stores (14.4%), Adults' Clothing (13.0%), Leather Goods (9.8%), Motor Vehicles (7.1%) and Goods in Supermarkets (6.6%). As regards the rate of change, value of retail sales of Footwear (-29.1%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (-22.8%), Leather Goods (-17.3%), Communication Equipment (-13.3%) and Goods in Department Stores (-11.5%) recorded notable year-on-year decline, while that of Motor Vehicles (+11.7%) and Adults' Clothing (+11.0%) showed increase. After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 rose by 8.5% quarter-to-quarter. Attributable to the sales promotion of automobile dealers prior to the vehicle tax hike, volume of retail sales of Motor Vehicles rose substantially by 38.9%. Moreover, retail sales of Communication Equipment (+23.9%), Leather Goods (+20.3%), Goods in Pharmacies (+18.7%) and Adults' Clothing (+18.1%) also registered notable growth. Volume of retail sales for the fourth quarter decreased by 7.7% year-on-year, with significant decrease in sales of Footwear (-24.5%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (-16.0%), Leather Goods (-11.3%) and Goods in Department Stores (-10.0%); nevertheless, sales of Adults' Clothing increased by 14.1%. Total value of retail sales for the whole year of 2015 amounted to MOP 60.89 billion, down by 10.4% year-on-year. Value of retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (MOP 13.53 billion), Goods in Department Store (MOP 8.93 billion) and Adults' Clothing (MOP 6.91 billion) accounted for 22.2%, 14.7% and 11.3% of the total respectively. Notable decrease was observed in sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (-25.0%), Leather Goods (-21.9%), Goods in Department Stores (-13.7%), Footwear (-12.4%) and Motor Vehicles (-9.1%). On the other hand, sales of Communication Equipment and Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles increased by 15.9% and 13.4% respectively. Volume of retail sales for 2015 dropped by 7.9% year-on-year, with marked decrease in sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (-20.0%), Leather Goods (-18.9%), Goods in Department Stores (-13.9%) and Motor Vehicles (-9.9%). Furthermore, value of retail sales of Automotive Fuels decreased by 6.6% year-on-year due to receding gasoline prices, whereas the corresponding volume of retail sales increased by 11.7% on account of the rise in number of licensed vehicles. In respect of retailers’ comments, about 60.0% of the retailers stated that sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased from the previous quarter, up by 3.3 percentage points compared with the corresponding figure in the third quarter; 29.0% reported stable sales volume and 11.0% stated an increase. In terms of the retail prices, about 61.1% reported stable prices, 34.3% noted a decrease and 4.6% stated an increase. Moreover, about 68.8% of the retailers expressed that the stock level remained stable compared with the fourth quarter of 2014, while 21.6% indicated that the stock level decreased. As regards business outlook for the first quarter of 2016, 48.0% of the retailers anticipate that sales volume will decrease from the fourth quarter of 2015, 39.4% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 12.6% predict an increase. Concurrently, 70.9% anticipate stable retail prices, 21.4% expect a decrease, while 7.7% predict an increase.
…

In January 2016, IFT Multimedia Library has become the first World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Depository Library in Macao. Launched by UNWTO in 2003, the Depository Library programme aims to foster the access to the research analysis and reports which are published by UNWTO with public audience. Till now, there are approximately 60 libraries in 30 countries and regions having joined the programme and been included as the depository libraries, and IFT Multimedia Library has recently become the first one in Hong Kong, Macao and Chinese Taiwan. From 2016 onwards, IFT Multimedia Library will receive UNWTO’s all English official publications and make them accessible to the public, in order to provide more abundant and complete tourism related information and to support research in tourism related areas for Macao and neignbouring regions. In addition to IFT’s faculty and students, IFT Multimedia Library also welcomes those of other higher education institutions to borrow books and publications with the Macau Academic Library Alliance Card. Practitioner of Tourism and Hotel Industry are eligible to apply for an Industry Library Membership to borrow resources from the Library while scholars and researchers are also welcome to use the resources on site through application. Established in 1995, the Institute for Tourism Studies, Macao (IFT) offers the most extensive selection of tourism and hospitality related bachelor degree programmes in Macao, and about twenty thousand participants attend its vocational and professional training courses annually. IFT collaborates with 97 universities and tourism organisations around the world, and builds strong links with 500 leading tourism and hospitality corporations to offer internship opportunities to its students. Being the first institution accredited by the UNWTO.TedQual Certification System for tourism education, IFT has the most bachelor degree programmes certified under the System of any tertiary education establishment worldwide. IFT has received the Medal of Merit in Tourism from the Macao SAR Government, and won twice the Gold Award in ‘Education and Training’ from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
…

The Government is committed to promoting a balanced development of the city’s gaming and non-gaming offerings, and to encourage the use by casino operators of more services and products from local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, made the comments today, when he attended the press conference for the promotional campaign “Macau Loves Locals”. The Secretary expressed his support for the campaign, which he said was in line with the Government’s strategies to promote diversification of the city’s economy. The “Macau Loves Locals” campaign offers discounts and promotions to Macao residents – who bring along a valid identification – when enjoying non-gaming offerings at hotels and resorts operated by the city’s six casino operators. Mr Leong spoke highly of the diversification efforts made by the six casino operators during the ongoing adjustment period in the city’s gaming industry. Such efforts were helpful to enhance Macao’s tourism competitiveness internationally and to support Macao’s economic sustainability as they encouraged a greater involvement of local SMEs, he added. Asked by reporters, the Secretary said key factors taken into consideration in the mid-term review of the city’s gaming industry included how obligations set out in the gaming concessions had been executed and the opinions of the public regarding the operations of integrated resorts. Regarding the drafting of a master plan for economic diversification, the Secretary said a proposal has been submitted to the Chief Executive. Such proposal included mid- to long-term measures for diversification of the city’s economy, in a bid to accomplish the goals under the “Centre and Platform” policies. “Centre and Platform” refers to transforming Macao into a world centre for tourism and leisure and into a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. The Government would closely monitor the expansion of the city’s non-gaming offering, which is perceived as essential to implement the “Centre and Platform” policies, Mr Leong said. The Government would also continue to optimise gaming-related regulations, in a bid to strengthen supervision of the industry. The Secretary urged casino operators to take on greater social responsibility and to provide more on-the-job training to local employees in order to help them advance their careers. The Government attaches great attention to the challenges that might arise due to the ongoing adjustment period in the gaming industry. The Government will take all necessary steps to minimise any possible impact on the city’s economy, Mr Leong added.
…

The Government will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure a good working environment for the media, improving communication channels between the Government, the press and the public, said today the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. A better working environment for the media and improved communication between the Government, the media and the public would contribute to the development and long-term stability of Macao, Mr Chui told representatives of local Chinese media during a lunch. The Government highly respects and values the freedom of the press and publishing freedom, the Chief Executive stated. As the media sector thrives – making use of modern technology and new platforms to disseminate information – the public has now more ways to receive news; hence, more opportunities and challenges have emerged for the media industry, Mr Chui stated. The Chief Executive noted the devoted spirit and effort of media companies better to serve the public, and their long-term contribution to the implementation of the principle “One country, two systems”. Mr Chui additionally said the Government would – in accordance with the Basic Law – make every effort to attend to deep-rooted social issues. In a year of potential volatile external environment, it is crucial that such social issues are addressed with the support of the Central Government and the collaborative efforts of the local community, he stressed. Mr Chui also said the Government’s efforts to build a long-term social welfare system had not wavered, despite the ongoing adjustment period in the city’s gaming industry. His team would keep working closely with the local community – under the Government’s policy strategy of “boosting the economy, focusing on people’s livelihood, and ensuring stable development” – to transform Macao into an international city with more favourable conditions for living and working, and to develop the city’s transport, travel and entertainment sectors. The Government would make every effort to maintain a proper and sound management of its maritime boundaries – including a newly demarcated area of 85 square kilometres of maritime waters – and to make use of further development opportunities that might emerge in the future related to the city’s maritime economy, Mr Chui said.
…

Hosted by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, with the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute as Host Co-ordinators, the 2016 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF) will be held at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 31 March to 2 April. This year, the event is held under the theme “Green Economy – Opportunities for Waste Management”, providing a multilateral platform for exchanges on green commerce, technology and information between environmental industries in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and the international markets. Incepted in 2008, this year marks the ninth year of the MIECF. It is a significant annual event in the environmental industry, constantly enhancing its quality and standards and promoting exchange and co-operation between business partners. In 2011, MIECF received recognition from UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and become an important green platform for innovative opportunities in the environmental industry and for publicising environmental concepts. The 2015 MIECF Green Showcase covered an area of around 16,900 square metres and successfully attracted more than 9,600 visitors during the three-day event. The Green Forum, comprising of 6 forum sessions and one seminar were attended by more than 3,600 people coming from nine countries and regions, with the participation of more than 50 speakers including environmental pioneers, leaders in multi-national environmental enterprises and regional policy-makers. The three-day event has concluded the signing of 28 projects, and 296 on site business negotiations have been conducted in the business-matching area. The Green Public Day held during the last day of MIECF was participated by over 2,400 visitors. Other than the two major components, the Green Forum and the Green Showcase, various activities such as the Green Business Networking Cocktail Reception, Green Public Day, Green Matching, Seminars and Presentations will continue to be held during 2016 MIECF to strengthen commercial and technological exchange on advances in environmental protection between international and Pan-Pearl River Delta Region entities, to promote co-operation and developments in international environmental protection, to publicise environmental protection concepts and to create business opportunities in the environmental industry. For further information, please visit the official website:http://www.macaomiecf.com/miecf2016, or call: +853-87989675.
…

The Macao Orchestra (OM, from the Portuguese acronym) under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents the concert Horn Concerto by Radovan, part of the Shining Virtuosos Series, to be held on 5 March, Saturday, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, featuring international horn player Radovan Vlatković, who will debut in Macao. Tickets are on sale at the Macao Ticketing Network. The concert Horn Concerto by Radovan will be conducted by the Music Director of the Macao Orchestra, Lü Jia, and features Richard Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat Major, the extremely challenging work for the complex musical instrument, performed by Radovan Vlatković. The OM will also perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 5 “Fate”. Radovan Vlatković was Principal Horn of the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and received the First Prize at the ARD International Competition in Munich. His recording of the Mozart concertos was awarded the German Recording Critics’ Prize. He received the Croatian Porin Award for his Life's Work in 2012. Aficionados should not miss this marvelous performance. Tickets for the concert are priced at MOP200, MOP150 and MOP100, and various discount plans are available. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. For more details and programme enquiries, please contact OM through tel. 2853 0782 during office hours or visit the Orchestra webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/om.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI increased by 3.81% year-on-year to 107.36 in January 2016, higher than the 3.73% growth in December 2015. The increment was attributable to soaring prices of vegetables, dearer charges for eating out, and rising rentals for dwellings and parking spaces. In comparison with January 2015, notable increase was observed in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco, up by 39.11%. Higher tuition fee, rising wages of domestic helpers and dearer rentals for parking spaces drove up the price index of Education; Household Goods & Furnishings; and Transport by 8.91%, 5.96% and 5.95%. Meanwhile, price index of Clothing & Footwear (-2.23%) and Communication (-1.26%) registered decrease. The CPI-A (107.60) and CPI-B (105.30) rose by 3.92% and 2.87% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for January 2016 rose slightly by 0.04% month-to-month. Price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; Health; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 1.03%, 0.88% and 0.54% on account of dearer prices of tobacco, rising charges for in-patient services and eating out, as well as higher prices of vegetables due to the extreme cold weather. Despite a slowdown in rental growth, management fees for dwellings increased, causing the price index of Housing & Fuels to rise by 0.34%. On the other hand, seasonal sale of winter clothing and lower charges for package tours pushed down the price index of Clothing & Footwear and Recreation & Culture by 2.08% and 1.80%. The CPI-A increased by 0.06% month-to-month while the CPI-B dropped by 0.10%. For the 12 months ended January 2016, the average Composite CPI increased by 4.48% from the previous period. Price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+20.55%) and Housing & Fuels (+7.39%) showed marked increase. The average CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 4.76% and 3.55% respectively over the previous period. 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.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said he was confident that – under its new leadership – the Customs Service would strive to provide the city with better services, namely regarding the management of Macao’s maritime waters, thus contributing to the city’s development. Mr Vong Iao Lek was sworn in this afternoon as Director-General of the Macao Customs Service. The ceremony was held at the Government Headquarters and was presided over by the Chief Executive. Mr Chui stressed the need to ensure a smooth leadership transition and to maintain the regular operations of the Customs Service. The Chief Executive convened a work meeting on Saturday (20 February) – following the announcement of Mr Vong’s appointment – to review the leadership transition in the Customs Service. Mr Vong and the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, attended the meeting. Mr Wong served as interim Director-General of the Customs Service since 31 October 2015. Mr Chui said today that the work of the Customs Service was of particular importance to the development of Macao, especially following the demarcation of the city’s maritime boundaries. Such boundaries include a newly demarcated area of 85 square kilometres of maritime waters to be administered by Macao. The Customs Service will also play an important role in helping the city to take advantage of the development opportunities arising from the transformation of Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure, and contribute for Macao to become a commercial and trade cooperation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries (known as “Centre and Platform” policies), Mr Chui added. Asked by reporters, the Chief Executive reiterated that Mr Vong had been nominated to lead the Customs Service after careful and comprehensive consideration of his capabilities and past experience in leadership roles. The State Council ratified Mr Vong’s nomination on Friday (19 February). Mr Chui said that the Macao SAR principal officials do not necessarily have to be appointed from the field they are put in charge. He added that there had been similar cases to that of Mr Vong in the past, with those appointed achieving successful results. The main factors under consideration when selecting a candidate for a principal official position included policy-making abilities, sense of responsibility, and management and execution skills, the Chief Executive added. During today’s ceremony, Mr Vong said that to head the Customs Service is a challenging position. He added that, with the support of a professional and united team, he was confident to contribute for Macao’s stability and help achieve the Government’s vision for the city. Mr Vong’s priority at the Customs Service would be to ensure the proper management of the city’s newly demarcated maritime area. Building an effective and efficient team – making use of modern equipment and facilities – would help achieve that goal, he added. Earlier today – prior to the swearing-in ceremony – Mr Wong and Mr Vong met with the top management of the Customs Service. During the work meeting – held at the Customs Service headquarters – the Secretary urged all staff to support Mr Vong; he added that his office would give full assistance to the Customs Service whenever needed. The Secretary extended his gratitude to all staff of the Customs Service for their work during the period he headed the service.
…