News

To commemorate the World Heart Day, Macao Post announced that a Temporary Post Counter will be set up at the Amizade Plaza, at 16H00 to 19H00 on 28th September 2014 providing the commemorative postmark cancellation service for the "World Heart Day". On that day, Macao Heart Foundation will sell the commemorative envelope and a cover, priced at 20.00 patacas and 30.00 patacas at the mentioned location. The revenue will be for the charity purpose. Various philatelic products will be available for sale during the above activity. Welcome to visit and collect Macao Stamps.
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To enhance tax transparency and combat cross-border tax evasion, the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes has been advocating the implementation of a newly announced standard known as the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), through which jurisdictions can automatically exchange financial account information they obtained from local financial institutions. At present, over 60 jurisdictions around the word have already committed to implement this new single global standard by 2017 or at the latest by the end of 2018. As a member of the Global Forum, Macau SAR expresses its support to the new standard. In order to fulfill its international obligations, Macau SAR will soon initiate the legislative procedures necessary for the amendment of relevant domestic laws to ensure timely compliance with the new standard. Unlike the existing practice where exchange of information is only carried out on request by other jurisdictions, with main references to the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), the new standard will allow automatic exchange of financial account information for tax purposes among participating jurisdictions on an annual basis, and financial institutions are also required to follow the due diligence procedures consistent with the new standard. Macau SAR has successfully passed the Phase I and Phase II Peer Reviews conducted by the Global Forum in 2011 and 2013 respectively, confirming that both its legal framework and actual operations with regards to exchange of tax information meet internationally agreed standards. Until now, Macau SAR has concluded tax treaty with 20 jurisdictions, of which 5 are Double Taxation Conventions and 15 are Tax Information Exchange Agreements.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) announced the result of the community opinion poll regarding the new add-on walking tour routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" today (24 September). Interviewees indicated an above-average degree of support towards the proposed new walking tour routes. The poll was conducted through five channels to collect feedback and opinion among local residents, businesses and visitors regarding the new routes. Many valuable suggestions are worth being taken into consideration as supporting reference when the Office adjusts and optimizes the project in the future. MGTO held a Briefing Session on the Community Opinion Poll Result for "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" New Add-On Walking Tour Routes today (24 September). MGTO Deputy Director Cheng Wai Tong attended the session together with the representatives of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau; Cultural Affairs Bureau; Transport Bureau as well as Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau. During the session, Deputy Director Cheng presented the result of the poll. Five channels to collect public opinions
After hosting a series of six explanation sessions, MGTO commissioned a private research institute to conduct a community opinion poll in May and June to attend the concerns and feedback of citizens and businesses. The poll was conducted through five channels, including 1) street survey; 2) online questionnaire; 3) collection of social opinion; 4) search on the Internet and 5) Leisure Café, to gather feedback and opinion from local residents, businesses and visitors regarding the proposed new tour routes. Street survey
The assigned research institute conducted a series of street surveys in the parishes which encompass the MGTO-proposed new routes. The survey interviewees are residents and businesses along the tour routes. The surveyors had 1,257 valid questionnaires completed through interview in person. Among the questionnaires, 905 were filled by residents whereas 352 came from business owners. The result of street surveys shows that the overall degree of support towards the new walking routes among all the interviewees is indicated as 6.71 (0 – 10), which is above the intermediate level; the interviewees' level of concern is 5.28 (0 – 10); the degree of awareness about MGTO-proposed new walking routes is 29.6% (out of 100%); the level of acceptability for the concept of "Parish" adopted in the new tour routes, major road indication as well as recommendation of nearby attractions is 6.6 (0 – 10). The new routes suggested by MGTO are located at four parishes including Parish of the Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Parish of the Santo António, Parish of the Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Parish of the São Francisco Xavier. The survey shows that all four parishes show an above-average level of acceptability towards the new add-on tour routes, all indicating a level higher than 3 points (1 – 5). Moreover, the interviewees expressed a similar point of view regarding the potential influence of the new routes in different parishes. They believed the new tour routes will have a positive effect upon the parishes' economy and community culture, but at the same time worried that the new routes may worsen the problem of traffic congestion among other issues. On the other hand, 37% of interviewees raised practical suggestions mainly about ways to improve the supporting transportation system and public/tourism facilities. Online Questionnaire
Local residents, business owners and visitors can fill in the online questionnaire anonymously. The Office received 295 valid questionnaires in total. The degree of support for the new walking routes among online interviewees is 8.33 (0 – 10); their degree of concern is 7.91 (0 – 10); the level of acceptability for the concept of "Parish" adopted in the new tour routes, major road indication as well as recommendation of nearby attractions is 8.16 (0 – 10). Similarly, the online interviewees believed that the new tour routes will create a positive effect upon the parishes' economy and community culture, whereas close to 50% of interviewees gave practical suggestions about optimizing the supporting transportation system and public/tourism facilities. Collection of social opinion
MGTO organized six explanation sessions about community opinion poll in May to collect suggestions from Tourism Development Committee, citizens, businesses and media. A total of 29 suggestion forms were received, including 77 practical suggestions. Those suggestions regarding the four new walking routes are mainly about training of tour route guides, enhancement of Macau residents' awareness about local tourism attractions, improvement on facilities along the routes (public restroom/transportation/signage), more effective promotion strategies and results of efforts to divert visitor from more populated tourist areas, etc. Search on the Internet The Office collected news and critic articles reported by traditional media and from online forums and social networks about the new add-on walking routes, which comprise a total of 93 traditional news reports with 15 critic articles included, 162 posts on online forums and 24 posts on social networks. Traditional media, online forums and social networks expressed similar concerns which focus on the four new walking routes proposed by the Government, including the extension of Community Tourism Project (launching four new routes), recommendation of tourism attractions nearby, indication of main roads and the concept of "Parish" adopted in the new routes, etc. They also expressed different opinions ranging from fear that the new four routes may lead to higher rent for businesses, hope for less influence upon citizens' life to improvement of facilities along the walking routes, etc. Leisure Café The project of Leisure Café has invited MGTO's market representatives from around the world, dividing them into groups to stroll along the proposed new tour routes and have a leisure discussion in restaurants along the routes. Through the above activity, the project collected points of views from the market representatives. The representatives enjoyed the sightseeing walk in general and expressed that walking is a great way to see the beauty of real life in Macau. Ice-cream venders, local cafés, unique cuisines, village aroma, nostalgic lanes, architecture that combines Chinese and Portuguese style, temples of various functions in Macau's local communities – all these dynamic local elements have molded the city's real and colorful dimensions distinct from solely the gaming industry. As both visitors and tourism marketing professional, the representatives mainly suggested the following regarding the new tour routes: improvement of tourism signage and elaborate introduction of attractions, refine public and supporting facilities, transportation facilitation measures and so forth. The representatives generally agreed that these new tour routes are worth promoting in the markets, offering alternative tour routes under the strategy to diversify tourism products, the routes can be recommended especially to individual visitors and those who visit Macau again or stay for a longer period.
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To celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of the People's Republic of China, Macao Post announces that a Temporary Post Counter will be set up at our Philatelic Shop located at Macao Post Headquarters at 9:00 to 17:30 on 1st October 2014 providing the commemorative postmark cancellation service for the "Celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of the People's Republic of China". A commemorative envelope priced at MOP2.50 will be issued, and various philatelic products will also be available for sale during the above activity. Welcome to visit us and collect Macao Stamps!
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Regarding the media's enquiry into Wynn Macau's statement about the land deal in Cotai on 23rd September 2014, the CCAC makes the following response: The relevant investigation is still underway. To observe the principle of judicial confidentiality, the CCAC will neither make any comments nor provide any supplementary information on the case.
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Stephen A Wynn, chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts, Limited, gave a talk at the University of Macau (UM) today (23 September), on the topic "The current and future impact of tourism on Macau and the surrounding communities and what to expect as we go forward." Mr Wynn was the first speaker in the FBA Distinguished Talk Series 2014 at UM's new campus and his talk attracted a full house of nearly 1,000 teachers and students. In his welcome speech, Rector Wei Zhao noted that Mr Wynn has been a long-time supporter of higher education development in Macao in general, and at UM in particular. Wei Zhao mentioned that during yesterday's (22 September) meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chief Executive Chui Sai On reiterated the SAR government's commitment to support UM's goal to become a first-class university. Wei Zhao said that with the unprecedented support from the SAR government, the public, and prominent community members like Mr Wynn, UM is confident to achieve that goal. In his talk, Mr Wynn said, "Progress in Macau and progress in the world is always about people and how they see themselves. The things that make a business like mine successful, that make governments successful, universities successful is that they have a wonderful sameness, a commonality to them. What really matters, are the people. In my business, I am fond of saying 'Only people make people happy'." During the Q&A sessions, many people seized the opportunity to ask Mr Wynn questions. Dr Allan Zeman, vice chairman of Wynn Macau, Limited; Gamal Aziz, president of Wynn Macau, Limited; Ian Michael Coughlan, president of Wynn Macau; Linda Chen, chief operating officer of Wynn Macau; Prof Wei Zhao, rector of UM; Prof Fan Xitao, vice rector (academic affairs) of UM; Prof Jacky So, dean of UM's Faculty of Business Administration; Prof William Mobley, co-director of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management; and others attended the talk today. Mr Wynn is widely credited with having transformed Las Vegas into a world-renowned resort and convention destination. He envisioned and built The Mirage, Treasure Island and the Bellagio. These are boldly conceived resorts that have set progressively higher standards for quality, luxury and entertainment. Now, as chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts, Limited, he has developed Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau, Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, and Encore at Wynn Macau. Currently in the pipeline is a USD 4 billion luxurious integrated resort known as Wynn Palace on Cotai. Wynn Palace is scheduled to open in the first half of 2016. The Wynn Everett resort development in Boston has also just been approved. Time magazine has recognized Mr Wynn as one of the "World's 100 Most Influential People" in 2006. In October 2014, Harvard Business Review will name Mr Wynn as one of the Best-Performing CEOs in the World. Under Mr Wynn's leadership, Wynn Resorts, Limited, has been honored by Fortune magazine as one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" for six consecutive years.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today that the present and the next SAR Government must strive to solve various problems in the course of Macao's development. He pointed out that people had often discussed Macao's deep-rooted problems, which existed due to historical reasons or emerged during the development process. These problems included issues with Macao's land development and human resources, the gaming sector long being the dominant industry, and long-term mechanisms on housing and transportation. The Government must be more active in promoting adequate economic diversification through regional co-operation. Mr Chui said the community has accumulated considerable positive energy in recent years, which would help with solving problems. In the years ahead, leading officials must assess these issues and find ways to tackle them. Of course, research surveys and scientific administration were also essential, he said. Mr Chui also said wide ranging opinions have been expressed in Macao during the past five years. Most of these suggestions for and critical of the Government were expressed legally, rationally and thoroughly. He expected that public opinion would continue to be expressed in different ways, as Macao had always been a place where people enjoyed freedom of speech and expression. The Government welcomed views and comments from the public as long, as they are expressed in a lawful, rational and peaceful manner. All related departments and other authorities would also undertake follow up work according to the law. Mr Chui said it was normal to find members of the public, whether they the younger generation or people from all walks of life, have adopted ways of expressing opinions that differed from those in the past. In recent years, the development of printed media, electronic media and new media have been changing with the times. In view of this, the Government should also adopt changes to ways it responded to situations, in order to enable members of the public to freely express their views. Mr Chui also mentioned the importance of enhancing two-way communication so that the Government could hear the people's voices, and in turn provide clear and effective explanations of its administrative work. He promised that the next Government would enhance two-way communication with the public. Mr Chui said it was normal for young people to develop critical thinking, but effective dialogue should also be encouraged, to foster constructive suggestions and ultimate solutions for the benefit of Macao's future development. He said Macao is a harmonious place, and could hopefully continue to maintain its fine tradition as a harmonious community. Regarding border crossing and transportation issues, during his meeting with the State leaders Mr Chui conveyed a request for extending the opening hours of border checkpoints. He is optimistic on this and hoped such arrangements could be implemented within the present term of government. Mr Chui re-iterated that the Government hoped to extend the checkpoint operating hours to fully leverage the crossing management system to ease the congestion and long queuing times during peak hours. The Government was also in discussions with major corporations and gaming enterprises hoping that they would provide transportation for their non-local employees, in order to alleviate the pressures on public transport and at crossings. Besides improving traffic at the checkpoint crossings, the Transport Bureau has also implemented a series of measures to ease congestion. Survey results at the beginning of this academic year have been more positive regarding travel and traffic conditions. Mr Chui said that to improve Macao's traffic condition, long-term development of a mass transit system is essential. More recently, several revisions to public transport have been considered or are in progress. Taxi services are now under review and consultation; public bus services have already been rectified; and there is progress with arrangements at checkpoints. The consultation period for part of the light rail transport route has also been extended. With active response from all sectors, the results of the consultation are expected to be fruitful. It is hoped that most residents' views would be clearly reflected after their opinions are collected, compiled and analysed. Mr Chui also said the fourth-term SAR Government would focus on solving the problems of overlapping functions between government departments. After the team of principal officials for the new Government is formed, he would adhere to his election platform – "United to achieve common goals and share in prosperity", to develop the master plan for the coming five years. Me Chui revealed that public administration reform would commence next January in an orderly manner. The two principles are to maintain the overall government budget at the same level while controlling growth in the number of civil servants. All related information will be announced in a transparent way. Mr Chui also showed his concern about the situation of junior civil servants.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Government would continue to take up its administrative responsibilities and fulfil its duties and that he is fully confident in leading it to undertake the quality administrative work in the coming term. Summarising his trip to Beijing to Macao media this morning, Mr Chui said Premier Li Keqiang had already presented him the Order of the State Council which appointed him the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region. While in the capital, he was also received by President Xi Jinping, who gave him important advice on the future development of Macao. The state leaders fully recognised the past performance of the SAR Government and of the Chief Executive, and provided important instructions that Macao people should have long-term planning and be well prepared for adversities in times of peace, Mr Chui said. He said the state leaders showed concern about international trends and changes in Macao and hoped that the SAR Government would pay more attention to long-term livelihood projects. President Xi mentioned the significant changes that occurred in and beyond Macao, and had set higher expectations for the Chief Executive and the new Government. Mr Chui said the President was highly concerned about Macao's adequate economic diversification and regional development that would facilitate the sustainable development of Macao, Mr Chui said. He also noticed the slow pace of global economic recovery and showed concern about regional financial security. Every region must face its own problems during its development process, Mr Chui said, and President Xi expected the SAR Government to pay more attention to the impact of international situations on Macao's development and the demands of the people of Macao. For this purpose, Mr Chui had collected some 120,000 public opinion submissions made during his election campaign which reflected the public's demands, views and suggestions concerning the new Government. These have been handed to the Policy Research Office for compilation and analyses as a vehicle to better understand the issues that concerned the people and to serve as a future reference for the administration. Mr Chui re-iterated that, after receiving Beijing's appointment, he would immediately return to Macao and start working on the selection of candidates for the principal officials of the new Government. As this is the Chief Executive's duty according to the Basic Law, he would submit his nominations to the Central People's Government as soon as possible. He said he had not yet discussed such issues with any organisation or individual so he could not provide more information on this for the time being. Mr Chui was received by Premier Li Keqiang in Zi Guang Ge of Zhongnanhai yesterday morning (22 September), where he was presented the Order of the State Council for the appointment of the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR. In the afternoon, he was received by President Xi Jinping in the Fujian Room of the Great Hall of the People.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in September on 22 September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. 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 visitor arrivals posted a new record for a single month, reaching 3,086,271 in the August Summer Holiday, up by 7% year-on-year. Same-day visitors accounted for 54% of the total, at 1,666,809. Analysed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China increased by 13% year-on-year to 2,131,498, coming primarily from Guangdong Province (960,814), Fujian Province (95,450) and Hunan Province (86,487); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme rose by 19%, at 1,063,668. Visitors from the Republic of Korea (58,115) and Japan (27,819) increased by 20% and 2% respectively year-on-year, while those from Hong Kong (635,354) and Taiwan (88,253) decreased by 2% and 11%. Long-haul visitors from the United States (13,115) and the United Kingdom (5,677) registered year-on-year increase, while those from Australia (6,621) and Canada (5,128) saw decrease. The average length of stay of visitors remained unchanged from a year earlier, at 1.0 day in August 2014; overnight and same-day visitors stayed an average of 1.9 days and 0.2 day respectively. In the first eight months of 2014, visitor arrivals totalled 21,123,512, up by 8% year-on-year, with same-day visitors sharing 54% of the total. Visitors from Mainland China (+14%) and the Republic of Korea (+19%) increased year-on-year, but those from Hong Kong and Taiwan decreased. Moreover, long-haul visitors from the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom recorded year-on-year increase; however, those from Canada registered decrease.
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