News

On the occasion of the 28th Macao International Music Festival, the Macao S.A.R. Government, through the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), invited consuls of various countries accredited in Hong Kong and Macao to visit the territory on 29 October 2014 and participate in activities organized by IC such as A Retrospective Exhibition of Decorated Arches of Macao in Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of Macao's Handover to China. They then enjoyed a performance of Hairspray – The Musical, by Bronowski Productions, Ltd. (United Kingdom), the closing performance of the 28th Macao International Music Festival at the Macao Cultural Centre.
The delegation visited A Retrospective Exhibition of Decorated Arches of Macao in Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of Macao's Handover to China, jointly organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Macao Foundation and the Macao Artists Society, accompanied by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Mr. Ung Vai Meng, the Vice-President, Dr. Leung Hio Ming and the Head of the Cultural Events Department, Mr. Kent Ieong, and by the President of the Macao Artists Society, Mr. Lai Ieng, recognising and understanding the characteristics of the pailou culture during the National Day celebrations. The visit facilitated the delegation's understanding of the construction of National Day pailou (decorated arches) in the past. The delegates were impressed by Macao's pailou culture, and experienced its unique cultural practice.
Exhibits include 30 special paintings by National Day pailou old days designers and members of the Macao Artists Society, whilst valuable photos and models of National Day pailou are also displayed. The delegation was interested in the construction of the pailou and appreciated the process of the production crews who built them in one night. In the evening, after enjoying a dinner hosted by the Bureau, the consuls' delegation attended the closing performance of the 28th Macao International Music Festival, Hairspray - The Musical, featuring an inspirational and encouraging story. The original Broadway production debuted on 15 August 2002 and ran for over 2,500 performances, being warmly received by numerous audiences. In 2003, Hairspray won 8 Tony Awards and 10 Drama Desk Awards.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tour totalled 1,028,000 in September 2014, up by 9% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China increased by 11% to 840,000, with 330,000 coming from Guangdong Province, up by 21%. Visitors from Taiwan (62,000) increased by 10%, while those from the Republic of Korea (34,000) and Hong Kong (34,000) decreased by 4% and 5% respectively. In the first three quarters of 2014, visitor arrivals in package tour reached 8,825,000, up by 19% year-on-year. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies were 124,000 in September, up by 12% year-on-year; those travelling in package tour totalled 43,000 and the main destinations were Mainland China (74% of total), the Republic of Korea (7%) and Taiwan (7%). In the first three quarters of 2014, outbound residents totalled 1,146,000, up by 7% year-on-year. There were 98 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of September 2014, providing 28,000 guest rooms, up slightly from a year earlier; 5-star hotels accounted for 66% of the total supply, with 18,000 rooms. A total of 852,000 guests checked into hotels and guesthouses in September, down by 1% year-on-year. Guests from Hong Kong (102,000) and Taiwan (31,000) decreased by 25% and 15% respectively, while those from Mainland China (547,000) increased by 6%. The average length of stay of guests was 1.4 nights, up by 0.1 night year-on-year. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses increased by 2 percentage points year-on-year to 85%, with 4-star hotels leading at 87%. In the first three quarters of 2014, hotel guests totalled 8,066,000, up by 1% year-on-year; the average occupancy rate stood at 86%, an increase of 4 percentage points. In the first three quarters of 2014, visitor-guests accounted for 69% of the total overnight visitors, down by 1 percentage point year-on-year.
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Consumer Council conducted its seventh 'Supermarket price survey' in October on 28 October for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 11 supermarkets in Sé Parish. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that Total Receipts of the Gaming Sector reached MOP363.07 billion in 2013, up by 18% year-on-year. Receipts from Gaming & Related Services (e.g. food & beverage, currency exchange, etc.) increased by 18% year-on-year to MOP362.75 billion, of which Receipts from Food & Beverage totalled MOP564 million, up by 28% year-on-year. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP156.65 billion, up by 14% year-on-year. Expenditure on Purchase of Goods, Commission Paid and Customer Rebate increased by 13% to MOP115.74 billion. Operating Expenses (MOP21.17 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP16.18 billion) went up by 21% and 13% respectively. Non-operating Expenditure such as depreciation and interest paid totalled MOP3.57 billion, up by 15% year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy registered an increase of 21% year-on-year, at MOP225.87 billion. Gross Fixed Capital Formation increased by 36% to MOP4.35 billion owing to an increase in land premiums and major renovation projects.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2014 (the "GTEF" or "Forum") adjourned this afternoon (28 October), concluding the two-day meeting with tremendous success. As an advanced international platform for tourism exchange and a bridge for multilateral cooperation, this edition has invited over 40 ministerial officials, globally‐renowned corporate leaders, experts and scholars from around the world to address the Forum under the theme "Maritime Silk Road - From Macau We Begin". Close to 1,000 delegates from different countries and cities around the world attended the occasion, including delegations from four provinces and autonomous regions in Mainland China. Approximately 180 local and overseas media representatives attended and covered the event. Ms. Pansy Ho, Secretary‐General of GTEF summarized the Forum in her remark, "From our distinguished speakers, we learned that the 21st century Maritime Silk Road initiative is about economic integration and cultural diversification. We have also learned that tourism has been and will continue to be an effective tool to balance the socio-economic development along the Maritime Silk Road countries; and even to recharge and revive a country through changes to tourism offerings that are beyond the limitation of borders and seasonality. From this edition, we take away many valuable lessons: clarity of vision; political will and strategic prioritization; 360-degree relationship between all stakeholders; inclusiveness; cultural sensitivity; co-existence of competitiveness and cooperation; and appreciating everything that represents the Maritime Silk Road." Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macau Government Tourist Office of the Macao SAR Government, delivered a closing remark, "Government officials and industry leaders shared their thoughts about the driving force for cooperation on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Tourism elites have started planning for the future brand new Maritime Silk Road, and shared their insights on welcoming future tourists from the Maritime Silk Road. These discussions have not only become valuable references for the future development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road as a new tourism trend, but also brought practical suggestions and directions for countries and cities along the Maritime Silk Road." Director Senna Fernandes then introduced the Pacific Alliance countries (Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia) as GTEF 2015 partner countries. The new partnership stands for GTEF's ground-breaking strategic collaboration with Latin American countries, expanding the Forum's reach of positive impact in the tourism realm. Mr. Rodolfo López Negrete Coppel, Chief Executive Officer, Mexico Tourism Board; Mr. José Miguel González Serrano, Consul General of Chile in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR; Mr. Miguel Angel Rodriguez, Consul General of Colombia in Hong Kong; and Mr. David Málaga, Consul General of the Republic of Peru in Hong Kong and Macao presented the latest tourism information on their respective countries. The fourth edition of the GTEF will be held in November 2015. The organizer is looking forward to carrying on the achievements of the first three editions, continuously functioning as an international platform of tourism exchange and cooperation which allows the participating tourism industry partners to fully leverage the Forum to forge broader and more inclusive tourism cooperation across industries, sectors and regions. Meanwhile, the new addition of Pavilion Exhibition brings fascinating dimensions to the Forum through a variety of exhibitions, presentations and performances. It will be opened to the public on 29 October 2014, expected to create more networking opportunities for participating countries and regions with different sectors in Macao. About the organizational structure of Global Tourism Economy Forum
Co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Global Tourism Economy Forum is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government. The Forum also earns great support from its supporting units including Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Ho Hau Wah is the Chairman of GTEF, while Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, Cheong U is the Executive Chairman of GTEF. The third edition of the Forum is dedicated to responding actively to our Country's initiatives of establishing the 21st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and leading discussions on the transformation of the MSR region under the theme of "Maritime Silk Road – From Macau We Begin". The Forum also aims to explore strategic intercontinental cooperation in tourism and business opportunities across nations, provinces and cities along the MSR route.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2014 (the "GTEF" or "Forum") officially commenced today (27 October) as an event hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government hosted a grand welcome dinner tonight to greet the Forum's domestic and overseas guests, extending wishes that tomorrow's discussions will inspire more creative ideas and innovations that foster global tourism cooperation. Ms. Cecília Cheung, Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, stated in her welcome message on behalf of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, "This year the Macao SAR celebrates the 15th Anniversary of Establishment. Over the years, the Macao SAR has been moving forward in steady progress with devoted efforts to become a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, and forging ahead with the adequate diversification of our economic development. Being the host city of the first three editions of GTEF, Macao has earned a wealth of valuable experience. The Macao SAR Government will join hands with local trade to foster international cooperation in tourism in an active role. Meanwhile, by hosting international meetings to gain more experience, we will further equip ourselves comprehensively and seize the chance to show our destination to the world while enhancing Macao's international status and influence." Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GTEF; H.E. Dr. Massoud Soltanifar, Vice-President of Islamic Republic of Iran, and President of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization; Mr. Qiang Wei, Party Secretary of the Communist Party of China Jiangxi Provincial Committee; Mr. Márcio Favilla Lucca de Paula, Executive Director for Operational Programmes and Institutional Relations, UNWTO; Mr. Hu Zhengyue, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Du Yili, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA); Mr. An Qiyi, Vice-Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC); Dr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Scott Supernaw, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF; and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of GTEF are among the prestigious guests in the welcome dinner. To showcase the diversity and attractiveness of MSR cultural treasures, a porcelain musical instrument performance was presented by Jiangxi Provincial Song and Dance Theatre to liven up the welcome dinner. The entertainment was extended to the after-dinner Fujian Province Dance Drama – Dreams Seeking on Silk Sea Route performance presented by Fujian Provincial Song and Dance Theatre at the University of Macau. The third edition of the Forum is dedicated to leading timely and systematic discussions on the transformation of the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) region, and actively responding to our Country's initiatives of establishing the 21st century MSR under the theme of "Maritime Silk Road – From Macau We Begin". The Forum also aims to explore strategic intercontinental cooperation in tourism and business opportunities across nations, provinces and cities along the MSR route, carrying on the same exploratory spirit of our predecessors who reshaped the economic landscape over the past decades.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2014 (the "GTEF" or "Forum"), hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, commenced at the Venetian Macao at 4 p.m. today (27 October). The event is co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The opening ceremony was officiated by prestigious guests including Mr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR; Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GTEF; H.E. Dr. Massoud Soltanifar, Vice-President of Islamic Republic of Iran, and President of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization; Mr. Qiang Wei, Party Secretary of the Communist Party of China Jiangxi Provincial Committee; Mr. Li Gang, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Márcio Favilla Lucca de Paula, Executive Director for Operational Programmes and Institutional Relations, UNWTO; Mr. Hu Zhengyue, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Ms. Du Yili, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA); Mr. An Qiyi, Vice-Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC); Dr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Scott Supernaw, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Honorary Vice Chairman of GTEF; and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of GTEF, among other guests. The third edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2014 is dedicated to our Country's initiatives of establishing the 21st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) under the theme "Maritime Silk Road – From Macau We Begin", and taking the lead in discussing the transformation of the MSR region, exploring strategic intercontinental cooperation and business opportunities in tourism across nations, domestic provinces and cities along the MSR route. The Forum has invited 40 ministerial officials, globally-renowned corporate leaders, experts and scholars to kick start in‐depth analyses and formulate innovative solutions for sustainable prosperity of the MSR region. The Forum has been steadily growing in terms of scale. This edition has attracted close to 1,000 delegates from various countries and cities around the world, including four domestic provinces and autonomous regions as the Forum's key partners, as well as around 180 international and local media representatives. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GTEF, addressed, "Tourism is defined as the fifth strategic pillar industry of the Country's Twelfth Five-Year Plan and an indispensable element for building the new MSR Economic Belt. Global elites in tourism and related industries will leverage on the Forum as a platform for collective discussions and high-level dialogue, discussing tourism as a driving force for building the new MSR and exploring new directions for the new growth momentum of global economy. This can extend the influence of tourism economy to various regions and aspects for achieving reciprocal benefits." Mr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, stated, "This edition of the Forum will focus on "Maritime Silk Road - From Macau We Begin", a meaningful and contemporary theme. Looking back into our history, Macao was one of the major coastal ports along the Maritime Silk Road; it also functioned as an exchange channel for different civilizations in the past. The ancient Maritime Silk Road once prospered the economy of the cities along the route. More importantly, it has carried on the spirit of peace and cooperation, openness and reciprocity from generation to generation, writing a glorious chapter of mutual learning and exchange between civilizations in history. This latest edition of the Forum will unfold a series of profound discussions on the Maritime Silk Road in response to the demand on a greater realm for international trade and commerce. It also meets the trend of the times to foster cooperation across Asia and to promote global peace and development." Following the opening ceremony, congratulatory messages were delivered by representatives of the Forum's supporting units, including Mr. An Qiyi, Vice Chairman of ACFIC; Ms. Du Yili, Vice Chairman of CNTA; Mr. Qiang Wei, Party Secretary, the Communist Party of China Jiangxi Provincial Committee; Mr. Márcio Favilla Lucca de Paula, Executive Director for Operational Programmes and Institutional Relations, UNWTO; Mr. Ji Xiangqi, Deputy Governor, the People's Government of Shandong Province; Mr. Lan Tianli, Vice Chairman, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Dr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of WTTC; and Mr. Scott Supernaw, Chairman of PATA, underlining their dedication to foster global cooperation in tourism and maximize the fruitful benefits through the promising 21st century MSR initiatives. Asia is playing an increasingly prominent role in international tourism. To gain a full picture of the current trends, UNWTO and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC) seized the precious opportunity to announce their Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends during GTEF • Macau 2014. According to the report, home to a rich and diverse host of destinations, Asia and the Pacific has seen strong growth in inbound tourism across the region and welcomed a total of 248 million international tourist arrivals in 2013, about 23% of the world's sum. According to UNWTO's long-term forecasts, this share is expected to reach 30% by 2030, a percentage equivalent to 535 million international tourists. The joint research reflects the two entities' shared commitment to promote tourism as an economic drive, and their determination to share knowledge and experience, promote discussions and debates, find solutions, effectuate reform in policies and practices, and make a positive impact on people's lives through the ever-changing and far-reaching tourism economy. A series of topical panels will begin on the second day of the GTEF. The much anticipated "Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs" session in the third edition of GTEF will deepen the fruitful results of Ministerial Round Table in Collaboration with UNWTO achieved in the previous edition. The session will invite tourism ministers and corporate leaders for the first time to have an in-depth dialogue on the current and future development of tourism and related industries under the topic of Tourism – A driving force for cooperation on the 21st century Maritime Silk Road. H.E. Dr. Massoud Soltanifar, Vice-President of Islamic Republic of Iran, and President of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization; Mr. Tith Chantha, Secretary of State of Tourism of Cambodia; Mr. Darko Lorencin, Minister of Tourism of Croatia; Mr. Rapil Zhoshybayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Commissioner of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2017; Dr. Yaddehige Don Nihal Jayathilaka, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development, Sri Lanka; Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Chairman, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board; Mr. Yousuf Ahmad Lootah, Executive Director, Tourism Development and Investments, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Mr. Georgios Drakopoulos, Special Advisor to UNWTO Secretary General on Private Sector Relations are among the governmental dignitaries confirmed to attend on behalf of different countries around the world and along the MSR. This is followed by the "Dialogue with Travel & Tourism Leaders by China Daily" session as a timely industry response to the intriguing MSR prospect from the perspective of "Maritime Silk Road" Tourism for Future Tourists; the "Passage from the Past to the Present" session aiming to identify the new direction for establishment of The New Maritime Silk Road through grasping the MSR's glorious past with present and future measures across the region; and the "Shaping the Present for the Future" session to accommodate new tourism trends on the 21st century MSR backdrop under the Creative strategies to win today and tomorrow. The fascinating panels are enriched with Tourism Presentation and Scenery Pictures Exhibition by Jiangxi and Shandong, Presentation by Kazakhstan, Fujian Province Dance Drama – "Dreams Seeking on Silk Sea Route", GTE-Forum 2015 Partner Country Presentation and the Networking Reception organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), among other programs. IPIM again supports the event by organizing a networking reception as an ideal platform for delegates to discuss business opportunities, partnership and agreements so that the Forum can achieve substantial results. The new addition of Pavilion Exhibition also brings fascinating dimensions to the Forum; presenting a variety of exhibitions, presentations and performances, the pavilion will be opened to the public on 29 October 2014, expected to create more networking opportunities for participating countries and regions with different sectors in Macao. The first three editions of GTEF are hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government. The Forum also earns continued support from its supporting units including Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO).
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 2,769 establishments were operating in the Construction Sector in 2013; number of persons engaged totalled 34,007. Value of Construction and Other Receipts amounted to MOP48.47 billion. Intermediate Consumption that represents operating costs was MOP38.09 billion. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy totalled MOP10.38 billion. There were 1,121 establishments operating in construction projects with permits in 2013, up by 2 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 3,328 to 24,637. Value of Construction and Other Receipts (MOP45.74 billion), Intermediate Consumption (MOP36.44 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP9.31 billion) increased by 48.3%, 49.3% and 44.5% respectively year-on-year. Gross Fixed Capital Formation totalled MOP314 million, down by 11.3% year-on-year. Value of private construction projects (MOP37.91 billion) surged by 101.6% year-on-year owing to the construction of private housing, hotels and gaming facilities; value of construction of hotels and gaming facilities (MOP23.99 billion) increased by 105.5%, and that of private residential buildings (MOP11.79 billion) rose by 135.1%. Value of public construction works (MOP7.28 billion) decreased by 37.8% year-on-year, due to a notable decline of 71.4% in that of public housing (MOP2.17 billion) as the construction of major public housing complexes neared completion. Value of construction of infrastructures (MOP3.72 billion) increased by 46.5% year-on-year, with that of Light Rapid Transit & roads (MOP1.87 billion) and piers (MOP1.35 billion) rising by 70.4% and 149.7% respectively. Analysed by industry, Value of Construction (MOP35.80 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP6.95 billion) in construction of buildings and civil engineering increased by 100.1% and 101.0% respectively year-on-year. Value of Construction (MOP4.50 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP1.22 billion) in completion of buildings decreased by 30.6% and 18.6% respectively. Value of Construction (MOP4.53 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP1.04 billion) in specialized installation went down by 13.0% and 18.9% respectively. Coverage of the Construction Survey 2013 comprises all establishments engaging in construction projects, in the reference period, including those undertaking simple renovation projects that are newly added to the survey. There were 1,648 establishments engaging in simple renovation projects in 2013, and number of persons engaged was 9,370. Value of Construction and Other Receipts amounted to MOP2.73 billion. Intermediate Consumption and Gross Value Added totalled MOP1.65 billion and MOP1.08 billion respectively.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that both the unemployment rate (1.7%) and the underemployment rate (0.3%) for July-September 2014 held stable as the previous period (June-August). Total labour force increased to 398,700 and the labour force participation rate reached 74.0%. Total employment was 392,100, an increase of 3,400 from June-August. Number of the unemployed was 6,600, down by 200; fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 26.6% of the total unemployed, up by 3.5 percentage points. Compared with the second quarter of 2014, the general unemployment rate (1.7%) and the unemployment rate of local residents (2.3%) for the third quarter remained unchanged. Total employment registered an increase of 8,500, with those aged 16-24 rising by 2,900. Analysed by industry, employment in the Construction sector increased by 5,100 quarter-to-quarter to 56,000; employment in Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities rose by 2,600, at 55,600. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed held stable as the previous quarter, at MOP13,000 in the third quarter; median earnings of those engaging in Gaming and the Construction sector amounted to MOP17,000 and MOP13,000 respectively. Moreover, median earnings of the employed residents stood at MOP15,600, up by MOP600 quarter-to-quarter.
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The four-day 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) come to a successful close as the final session concluded on Sunday (26 October). During the event, more than 40 forums, seminars and promotion conferences were held, while over 1,500 business-matching sessions were concluded and more than 130 project agreements were signed. Positive feedback from traders and the public
The 19th MIF, comprising over 1,900 exhibition booths and an exhibition area of 30,000 square metres, attracted participants from more than 50 countries and regions, including Peru and Indonesia which are participating individually for the first time with diverse and attractive contents. A Pavilion for Food and Beverages from Portuguese-speaking Countries was set up for the first time this year with the participation of a number of Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) enterprises showcasing their speciality products and concluded several project agreements. In addition, CPTTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing 2013/2014 Diploma Program - Graduation Show, one of Sunday's highlights, attracted a large crowd and a positive response from attendees. Successful SME exhibition
The SMEs Exhibition and Trading Zone also attracted big crowds as the general public took advantage of the final day of the fair as well as the public holiday. One exhibitor from Taiwan, participating in the event for the fourth year, said that all of his products were sold out every year, but this year all products are sold by Sunday morning. The exhibitor said he would be back for the 2015 show.
Mainland visitors attended MIF for the first time welcomed the unique opportunity to know about many special products, especially the branded commodities from PSCs. He also found a lot of products from Taiwan and other overseas countries at reasonable price and he has a very fruitful trip at a venue. More than 1,500 business-matching sessions concluded at MIF
During the four days of MIF, more than 1,500 business-matching and project negotiation sessions were concluded, and over 130 project agreements were signed. This year, a number of co-operation agreements were signed between various countries or regions. Judging from the contents and the diversity of origins, they highlighted the role of MIF as an economic and trade platform and make use of Macao as a channel for opening overseas markets and promoting regional co-operation. Signatories of the agreements included representatives from Mainland China, Macao, Democratic Republic of the Congo, United States, Peru, Brazil, Portugal, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The projects signed covered emerging industries including traditional Chinese medicine, food and beverages, cultural and creative industries, tourism, retailing and sports. The wide range of coverage also highlighted the effectiveness of MIF in promoting Macao's economic diversification.
The Organisers said that the number of projects related to cultural and creative industries and traditional Chinese medicine has increased this year, highlighting the development of these two sectors in Macao. Among the 40 forums, seminars and promotion conferences at the 19th MIF were the International Trade and Investment Forum 2014; the 11th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs; the 4th Jiangsu-Macao – Portuguese-speaking Countries Business Forum; and Fujian, Macao and the Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Exchange Networking Session.
MIF also organised a lucky draw for participants this year. Results will be published on Tuesday (28 October) on the Macao Daily News newspaper and on MIF's official website www.mif.com.mo. The 20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair is scheduled to take place from 22 to 25 October 2015.
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