News

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Alexis, Tam Chon Weng conducted a work meeting with Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) officials and market representatives this morning (17 June). In the meeting, MGTO market representatives reported their achievements at work and discussed future marketing plans. In the meeting, Secretary Tam recognized the efforts by market representatives in promoting Macau tourism and encouraged them to stress on the unique tourism resources and diversified tourism-related elements, especially the integration of tourism, culture, sports and other elements in order to further diversify visitor source market. Secretary Tam says, “Macau occupies a strategic position in the Maritime Silk Road. We are at a crucial juncture in the tourism development of Macau, and we need to introduce more solid efforts to build Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. I hope that you will be ambassadors of Macau and promote the attractiveness and goodness of Macau. Through our exchange today, we are looking forward to continuous increment of international tourist market and sustainable growth of tourism industry”. MGTO held its Annual Marketing Meeting (AMM) 2015 in Macau on 15 – 19 June. 56 MGTO's market representatives and personnel on behalf of Macau Special Administrative Region Delegations joined the AMM for five consecutive days. MGTO officials and market representatives will meet with Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on 19 June to discuss opportunities of enhancing their cooperation. On the first day of the meeting, MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes updated the representatives on Macau's latest tourism trends, a line-up of events in the next half of the year as well as important projects in MGTO. She also gave them directions in terms of marketing strategies so that they can carry out promotion in line with Macau's tourism development and its goal to develop into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. During the meeting, the representatives evaluated the results of their work over the past year, reported their current work progress and discussed potential plans for next year. Furthermore, pinpointing recent tourists’ preference on online purchase of tourism products and services, this year’s AMM emphasized on smart tourism in addition to the existing marketing strategies, utilizing the various functions of online booking agents so as to let tourists from around the globe to follow Macau tourism information conveniently and also to enhance the online coverage of Macau. During their stay, local travel trade partners took the opportunity to introduce their upcoming projects, while market representatives embarked upon site inspections of the newest tourism spots and facilities in order to better promote the increasingly diverse tourism products of Macau. MGTO officials and market representatives will travel to Hong Kong on this Friday to meet with the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The annual marketing exchange meeting will be mainly discussing on how to enhance cooperation and promote multi-destination tours. This press release is available at: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in June on 17 June for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets at Lam Mau, Patane and San Kio areas in Santo António Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM’s Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Secretary for Transportation and Public Works, Mr Raimundo do Rosário, has said that the Government would soon revoke the concessions leases of five “idle plots” of undeveloped land. He made the announcement after a meeting of the Committee for Land and Public Concession in the Legislative Assembly on 16 June, when the Secretary also disclosed that the Government has received objections from leaseholders of 18 sites earlier classified as “idle plots”, which had failed to develop according to the time and terms stated in the agreements. The Government was also studying the situation of another nine cases on whether they met the classification of “idle plots”. And after comprehensive study and hearings, the Government had rescinded the decision on 16 plots that were previously classified as “idle plots”, the secretary said. He said the Government had always paid more attention to ensure that all leased lands are used properly and would nullify the concessions if it breached conditions stated in the agreements. To make better use of resources, the Government had in 2009 started the processes to recover land that was leased but not developed, and has so far handled 48 plots.
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The Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”), scheduled to take place at the Venetian Macao from 12 to 14 October, 2015, will unveil an innovative world class dialogue on cultural tourism with the theme of “One Belt One Road – Unleashing New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism”. A pre-event press conference was held at the Tourism Activities Centre in Macao today (17 June). Remarks were made by the Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government Lai Ieng Kit and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes while the Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of Global Tourism Economy Forum Pansy Ho introduced details about this year’s program. To further promote global tourism economy and the development of Macao into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, the GTEF will continue to be held in Macao for the coming three editions, starting this year. GTEF is a high-level tourism event hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This year’s edition will continue to build upon the premise of the 21st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), strengthening the tourism development of regions and countries along the MSR. The Forum is delighted to have the members of the Pacific Alliance (Mexico, Peru, Chile and Colombia), joining as the Featured Partner Countries, and the Zhejiang province, one of the most important provinces on the MSR, joining as the Featured Province. Cooperation between tourism and culture has become the focus point of worldwide tourism industry. This year’s GTEF will use “One Belt One Road – Unleashing New Dynamics of Cultural Tourism” as the forum’s theme and actively promote the building of “One Belt One Road”. Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government Lai Ieng Kit stated, “The Macao SAR Government attaches great importance on the development strategy of “One Belt One Road” initiated by the Central Government. We will fully assist and support, and will make good use of Macao’s focal effects on the MSR, utilize this important development opportunity to boost the synergy effects from culture and tourism”. He hoped this forum can bring together forces from different places, promote regional sustainable partnerships and together carry forward regional and international tourism development. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said in her speech that “GTEF has important meaning for Macao. By organizing the Forum, Macao can gain more experiences in organizing large-scale meetings and exhibitions. At the same time, it can attract government and business leaders and experts from different regions and countries, thus boosting Macao’s reputation internationally.” As a prelude to GTEF 2015, Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTE, led a prominent delegation under the banner of GTEF to visit the Pacific Alliance countries in early June. 30 influential entrepreneurs from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, who are engaged in a broad spectrum of tourism-related industries including property developments, destination management, hospitality, retail and investment, met with Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the Pacific Alliance countries and attended business networking events, gaining insights into the region’s investment landscape, tourism resources and market potentials, while sharing their experiences in catering to the evolving trends and consumption patterns of the Chinese tourists. Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF Pansy Ho expressed her gratitude for the continuous support of the entire Macao community. In particular, she underscored the important impact of the Forum, "GTEF started the Chinese entrepreneurs’ business mission in 2013, aiming at extending its benefit beyond the Forum period. Today, the business mission has become a crucial element that continues to inspire exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries. Greeted by Ministers of Tourism and Foreign Affairs with the warmest hospitality in our 12-day Pacific Alliance visit, we were able to experience first- hand how the tourism sector can elevate cooperation and capitalize on the opportunity created by the new China-Latin America relationship.” This year, the critically important Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs session will once again lead the Forum discussions. Invited tourism ministers include ministers from Cambodia, South Korea and Pacific Alliance countries. Together with the global private-sector CEOs, these ministers will examine the forerunner role tourism plays in the monumental cross-regional cooperation initiative of “One Road and One Belt.” In addition, industry leaders will share their insights in special sessions such as “Understanding Chinese Consumers Behaviour,” “Exploring the Full Dimension of Cultural Tourism – Cultural Heritage and Creative Living Culture” and ”Driving Cultural Awareness through Social Media.” GTEF is honored to have BOA Merrill Lynch, China Daily, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Connecting Travel as sponsors or collaborative partners for these sessions. UNWTO and GTERC will present their second Joint Annual Report on Asia Tourism Trends, which will once again provide an in-depth analysis of the latest development in Asia tourism trend, enabling decision makers to keep their fingers on the pulse of the market. GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote a new round of development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF has attracted over 3,000 participants from 45 countries and regions, welcomed 49 provincial and municipal delegations from Mainland China, and presented 130 world renowned speakers including government ministers, business leaders and scholars on its stage.
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Prof Ada Yonath and Prof Aaron Ciechanover, both Nobel laureates in chemistry, will give talks at the University of Macau (UM) on 10 July and 11 July respectively. During their stay at UM, the two scientists will also participate in the Second Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences. Both scientists have made significant breakthroughs in the field of biology and pathology. Prof Aaron Ciechanover received a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2004 for characterising the method that cells use to degrade and recycle proteins using ubiquitin. Prof Ada Yonath received a Nobel Prize in chemistry together with two other scientists in 2009 for their research in ribosome. Prof Ciechanover will give a talk titled ‘The Personalized Medicine Revolution: Are We Going to Cure All Diseases and at What Price?’. The other speaker, Prof Ada Yonath, will give a talk titled ‘Resistance to Antibiotics and Preserving the Microbiome’. She will explain the relationship between genetic code, ribosome, and antibiotics. In addition to the Nobel Laureate lectures, the two scientists will participate in the Second Macau Symposium on Biomedical Sciences. Organised by UM’s Faculty of Health Sciences, the event aims to provide a platform for scholars and researchers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in biomedical sciences and to explore opportunities for future collaboration. For more information about the symposium, please visit www.umac.mo/fhs/symposium2015.
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To further fulfill public demand for zodiac banknotes, the two Issuing Banks will, starting from 9:00 am on 29 June until 6:00 pm on 24 July 2015, accept the online registration for the exchange by Macao residents (only limited to valid Macao permanent and non-permanent identity card holders) of the four previously issued Zodiac Banknotes (including the Dragon, Snake, Horse and Goat Zodiac Banknotes). For those who are interested to exchange for such banknotes, they can log onto the joint registration system of the Issuing Banks via the webpage of the Monetary Authority of Macao (www.amcm.gov.mo) to conduct a one-time online registration within the stated registration period. Each Macao resident can only conduct a single registration, but it will simultaneously cover the exchange for the four types of Zodiac Banknotes of the two Issuing Banks. Each Macao resident can proceed with the exchange for 8 pieces of each type of Zodiac Banknotes of each Issuing Bank, namely 64 pieces of the four types of Zodiac Banknotes from the two Issuing Banks in total after completing the online registration. The quantity has been predetermined and cannot be altered. While registrants should retain their registration records, they can also log onto the online registration system for inquiry of their confirmed registration details. The exchange period is between 31 August 2015 and 20 November 2015. Apart from the two Issuing Banks, other exchange locations include the selected branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, Tai Fung Bank Limited, OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited, Luso International Banking Limited, Banco Comercial de Macau, China Construction Bank Macau Branch and China Guangfa Bank Macau Branch. Under the current arrangement, the exchange for the four types of Zodiac Banknotes of the two Issuing Banks can be conducted at the chosen location in one go. Registrants should bring along their valid ID card and can proceed in person to exchange for the notes by cash at the chosen location on the selected day. In respect of the note exchange conducted by authorized representatives, the latter will need to bring along his/her original ID card and submit the following documents to conduct the note exchange on the selected date and location: 1. Authorization form [downloaded from AMCM’s website] signed by the registrant; 2. Photocopy of ID card of registrant bearing his / her signature; 3. Photocopy of ID card of representative bearing his / her signature.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today that he saw no direct link between banning smoking in casinos and the drop in gaming revenues. The amendment bill for introducing a full smoking ban in all indoor areas will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly for discussions later this month. Speaking at a press briefing before leaving for a three-day visit to Beijing, Mr Chui said it was more important to adequately diversify the economy, explore opportunities in regional co-operation, and combine gaming and non-gaming elements during the consolidation period of the gaming industry. Mr Chui said the Government had a well-established financial system that includes the basic fiscal reserves, foreign currency reserves and surplus reserves, and this had helped to cope with situation following the drop in gaming revenues. The Government is exploring more stable and low-risk investments that would make adequate returns from the financial reserves. And if it was necessary, government departments would reduce their spending, but he stressed that social services, in particular welfare, would not be affected. On his visit to Beijing Mr Chui is scheduled to meet officials from the General Administration of China Customs and the State Oceanic Administration to exchange views on Macao’s jurisdiction over its “customary waters” and boundary-crossing arrangements. The work on waters jurisdiction will be completed before the end of this year, in line with the suggestion of the Central Government. The cross-departmental group, headed by the Chief Executive’s Office, is working closely with mainland authorities on issues such as the area, legislation, management, and the development in maritime economy in the near future.
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Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, has said that in the long run part of Macao’s financial reserves would be invested in the emerging opportunities in co-operation platforms with the mainland. The Government would study how to take advantages of China Development Bank, regional integration mechanisms and the Pilot Free Trade Zones in Fujian and Guangdong so as to take part in the country’s development, he said. Mr Leong was speaking to reporters after a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly on 15 June, when he disclosed that the Government would consider investing in projects related to the people’s livelihood if they fulfilled certain requirements. In making best use of the reserves accumulated in the late decade, the Government would invest cautiously and make best efforts to ensure a stable return. Currently, reserves are invested mainly through financial institutions in Macao, Hong Kong and overseas.
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Consumer Council conducted a survey on the after-sales services of personal computer products. Surveyed criteria include terms of warranty, charged items and fees involved within the warranty period, etc. Details of the survey can be found in the latest issue no. 261 Consumer Report. Personal computers, including desktop, tablet, and notebook, have become necessities of many consumers; it is important for consumers not only to compare their prices and functions but also the terms and charged items of different brands of personal computers. The survey on the after-sales services of personal computer products reflects that warranty period, charged items, and fees involved within the warranty period vary quite a lot. Consumers are reminded to pay attention to the scope of after-sales services of different brands of personal computers. The mentioned survey that includes responses from 5 computer brands are featured in issue no. 261 Consumer Report. Results of the 2015 accuracy test of fuel metres at petrol station can be found in issue no. 261 Consumer Report. Two samples of this year’s test do not meet the requirement of the testing standard, which reflects instability of fuel metres and other facilities. The Council has already informed the relevant department and requested the involved petrol station to improve the accuracy of their machines. The latest Consumer Report also includes news from other consumer organizations in the Mainland and overseas. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of the Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the magazine online on the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). Further, Consumer Report now welcomes local secondary school students to submit articles on any topics regarding consumer rights or consumption. Chosen pieces will be published in the magazine with a submission fee. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council conducted its fourth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in June on 15 June for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Horte e Costa, Avenida do Ouvidor Arriaga and Rua da Emenda areas in Santo António Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM’s Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided over 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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