News

Yesterday (July 17) Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed near the Ukraine-Russia border, carrying 295 passengers on-board. From information collected through the airline, Macau tourism industry and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Macau SAR, until the present moment, there is no evidence of Macau residents being involved. The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep on monitoring the situation. No requests for assistance or information were received so far by GGCT. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24 hours Tourism Hotline (853) 28333000.
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Macao Post will participate the "Philakorea 2014 World Stamp Exhibition", located at Seoul, during 7th to 12th August, 2014. To commemorate this Exhibition, Macao Post issues the commemorative envelopes and provides the commemorative postmark cancellation service on site of the exhibition. Be convenience to the philatelist, the commemorative envelope with stamp priced at MOP4.50 will also be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters starting from 7th August. You may send your mail of this cancelled commemorative envelope at the following locations *: Philatelic Shop at
Macao Post Headquarters: 7th August 9:00 – 17:45 Post Offices: 7th to 12th August Office Hours to Public * No commemorative postmark cancellation service will be provided in Macao.
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' in July on 16 July 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), 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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The 19th EU-Macao Joint Committee meeting was held in Brussels on 15 July 2014, in accordance with Article 16 of the EC-Macao Trade and Co-operation Agreement of 15 December 1992. This was the 13th annual meeting since China's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). The previous meeting was held in Macao on 15 November 2013. The Delegation of the European Union (EU) was headed by Mr. Viorel Isticioaia Budura, Managing Director for Asia and Pacific of the European External Action Service. The Delegation of the Macao SAR was headed by Ms. Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, Secretary for Administration and Justice. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the latest developments in their relationship, took stock of ongoing bilateral co-operation activities and explored new areas for further co-operation. Both sides agreed that the annual bilateral meeting offered a key forum to conduct fruitful exchanges on topics of common interest. The European Union updated Macao on its political and economic priorities, noting that the EU economy had achieved stable growth and on the ongoing efforts in strengthening governance of the financial sector. The EU underlined the importance of EU-China relations with significant potential for further expanding trade and investment. Macao informed the European Union of recent developments in the Special Administrative Region, including the robust growth of its economy in 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014, the Hengqin project, the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and efforts in diversifying the economy. The parties noted the increasing role of EU business in the provision of goods, services and investment in Macao. Regular dialogue and direct exchanges between EU business operating in Macao and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute will be further strengthened. The European Union appreciated Macao's openness to engage in further exploratory talks with the EU on automatic exchange of tax information in order to join the OECD global standard declared in May 2014. Both sides also exchanged views on other policy areas including public procurement, competition and labour issues. On EU-Macao co-operation, both sides welcomed the satisfactory implementation of the EU-Macao Legal Co-operation Project, aimed at strengthening Macao's legal system and to enhance public administration and agreed to explore how the EU might continue to be involved. The European Union and Macao will continue to support the activities under the EU Academic Programme, which has been successfully launched and already undertaken a number of activities in Macao. Finally, the European Union and Macao expressed their shared intention to explore new areas of co-operation, particularly in education, environmental protection and cultural exchanges.
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Consumer Council conducted a test on the calcium contents in 19 dairy products and beverages, test results are now available in issue no.251 Consumer Report.
Consumers now seek a nutritious and healthy diet, a lot of food and beverages in the market therefore claim to have high calcium contents to satisfy consumers' needs. There is currently no standard definition for the term 'high calcium' and consumers need to compare and choose according to the product labels. The Council took 19 dairy products from the market, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, to examine their calcium contents.
Test results show differences between the actual calcium levels and the levels stated on the labels of all 19 dairy samples, differences fall between less than or more than 5 to 10 percent. Calcium contents are not included on packages of two samples and therefore make comparison impossible.
Consumers are suggested to take calcium not only from dairy products but also from other foods, such as deep green vegetables, livers, and fishes (with bones). Meanwhile, adequate exercises and sunshine are necessary to turn the calcium taken in human body into Vitamin D, which helps to increase bone density and lowers the risk of osteoporosis.
Consumers can now check the test results in the latest issue of Consumer Report. The current issue also includes an article provided by Macau Breastfeeding Association on how to collect and store breast milk for infants. Other articles include news from global consumer organizations and latest activities of the Council.
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). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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The investigation of the accident of a Macao registered helicopter which occurred in the Hong Kong harbour in 2010 has eventually been concluded. The final investigation report was published today by the Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong SAR (HKCAD), who was in charge of the investigation. The report indicated that the accident was due to the failure of one of the tail rotor blades which then forced the pilot to make an emergency ditching in the sea. The investigation report also pointed out that in view of the two safety recommendations made in the interim report, a series of safety measures have already been implemented during the course of the investigation. Operated by East Asia Airlines Limited (EAA), the helicopter was put in service for running air services between Hong Kong and Macao. The aircraft, Italian made Agusta Westland AW139, is under Macao's registration number B-MHJ. The accident occurred on 3 July 2010 at 12:00noon. A short while after taking off from the Sky Shuttle Heliport at Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, the helicopter lost its directional control. The pilot immediately put the helicopter into autorotation and performed a controlled ditching in the sea. The flight was carrying 2 pilots and 11 passengers, who were all saved while some suffered minor injuries. The factual information of the investigation report indicated that the two pilots were properly licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) and the helicopter held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness. The cause of the accident, according to the report, was due to the failure of one of the tail rotor blades, which led to tail rotor imbalance and then caused the vertical fin structure to part off the section connecting the tail rotor assembly. With the loss of the tail rotor assembly, the helicopter eventually lost its directional control. The failure of the tail rotor blade was most probably due to manufacturing quality lapses. In addition, the report gave compliments to the pilot for being able to act promptly to perform a controlled ditching in the sea in this accident. The HKCAD was in charge of the investigation. As it involved a Macao registered aircraft, AACM has also appointed investigators to take part in the investigation work. The investigation team also comprised of representatives from the aviation investigation bureau of Italy and the helicopter manufacturer as well as experts from a British agency who was employed by HKCAD to assist in the forensic analysis. After the accident, EAA has immediately increased the number of inspections on the tail rotor blades of all their helicopters. During the course of the investigation, the European Aviation Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority of Italy have taken into consideration the safety recommendations made by the investigation team and issued notices to the helicopter manufacturer requesting them to devise appropriate procedures to test the tail rotor blades in use and to review the manufacturing process. The helicopter manufacturer has complied with these requests and having reviewed the manufacturing process, they have introduced new production specifications including the revision of the design of the tail rotor blade, in order to increase safety and improve the effectiveness of the inspections performed on the manufacturing process. Safety actions were also taken by AACM after the accident. The Authority has reviewed the requirement of the helicopter life saving equipment. Two measures have been implemented as a result, namely revising the Air Navigation Regulation of Macau to mandate the equipage of life jackets and floatation system for helicopters taking off or landing at a heliport where the take-off or approach path is disposed over water, and reviewing the stowage method of the life jackets and then requesting the operator to improve the method. AACM said, "The pilot was prompt in taking the appropriate action in the shortest possible time to perform a controlled ditching in the sea. This has allowed enough time for all passengers to be evacuated and saved, which has reduced injuries to the minimum. AACM also emphasized, "The purpose of accident investigation is to find out the causal factors and any other factors that affect safety in order that similar occurrences can be prevented. In this helicopter accident, AACM has actively participated in the investigation and provided all necessary information as requested. Although the cause was mostly probably due to manufacturing quality lapses in this accident, we have nevertheless reviewed our aviation regulations and requirements to check any incompetence and hence make necessary improvement. We aim to further enhance the safety of flight operations and increase the protection of passengers' life and properties.
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The Macao SAR Government and the Zhongshan Municipal People's Government have reached an agreement through consultation to set forth the Framework Agreement on Cooperation in Construction of Cuiheng New District of Zhongshan. According to this agreement, Macao and Zhongshan will jointly develop and collaborate in managing an internationalised demonstration zone of Guangdong-Macao co-operation, jointly develop Cuiheng New District; foster in-depth interactions between Guangdong and Macao concerning the economy, society, culture and livelihoods; promote closer co-operation between the two regions; explore more room for Macao to realise a moderately diverse economy; and jointly build a spiritual home for local and overseas Chinese and an economic growth hub for the Pearl River Delta Region. The co-operation will break the limitations of the "Industrial Park" co-operation model; cater to the urgent needs for transformation of SMEs and domestic demand for medical and healthcare, leisure and housing in Macao; extend co-operation in education, tourism, cultural exchanges, trading services and industries. The agreement clearly states that the first phase of the project covers the starting zone of the Cuiheng New District, which includes the southern part of Third Ring Road West and Fourth Ring Road West, occupying a total area of five square kilometres. The two parties will set up a joint venture investment company to launch the development and construction of the integrated demonstration zone. The dedicated area is divided into five functional zones: Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Industrial Cooperation Park, International Trade Services Platform, Guangdong-Macao Education and Training Park, International Cultural Exchange Zone, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tourism Cooperation Zone.
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The Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference 2014 was held today in Macao to summarise the progress and recognise the achievements on co-operation in the past 12 months. Substantial progress has been achieved in various aspects of co-operation to facilitate steady bilateral socio-economic development and continuous deepening of mutual complementarity and mutual benefits. In the coming years, the co-operation mechanism will be further enhanced to promote more orderly and effective implementation of the Framework Agreement on Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao. There will be a special focus on the co-operation projects related to the development of Hengqin, Cuiheng of Zhongshan and Nansha, achieved through launching innovative pilot projects to continue improving the well-being of the people of Guangdong and Macao. The joint conference was held in the morning, in the Four Seasons Hotel Macao. Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Zhu Xiaodan, led their government delegations to the conference and delivered keynote speeches. The Secretary for the Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, and the Deputy Governor of Guangdong Province, Ms Zhao Yufang, reported on the results of and progress with co-operation between Guangdong and Macao. Other key officials in attendance included the Deputy Director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Mr Zhou Bo; and the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Ms Qiu Hong. The conference recognised that through frequent top-level direct communication between Guangdong and Macao, as well as ongoing interactions, co-ordination and close co-operation at working levels to jointly implement the highlighted projects and relevant provisions under the Framework Agreement on Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao, substantial progress and enhancements have been achieved in various areas. These areas include promotion of service trade liberalisation; facilitation of co-operation in developing regions such as Hengqin, Nansha and Zhongshan; improvement of people's livelihoods; and the development of Macao as a world tourism and leisure centre and a business and trade services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. With the support of the Central People's Government, Guangdong and Macao will co-operate more closely to create favourable conditions for realising a moderately diverse economy and sustainable development of society. Meanwhile, the continued implementation of the Framework Agreement on Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao has also enhanced people's well-being and fostered innovation to demonstrate Macao's unique advantages, providing significant support for Macao to realise the principle of "One Centre, One Platform". Looking to the future, the conference reached a consensus that Guangdong and Macao should continue to perfect their co-operation mechanism in order to more orderly and effectively implement the framework agreement. There will be special focuses on developments in key areas for co-operation, and pilot projects will be launched for improving people's well-being, expediting Macao's moderate economic diversification and enhancing the comprehensive competitiveness of Guangdong and Macao. In the coming year, Guangdong and Macao will join hands to fully implement China's Twelfth Five-year Plan, and strive for support from the Thirteenth Five-year Plan, to provide new room and opportunities for the development of Guangdong and Macao. The highlights of Guangdong-Macao co-operation for the coming year are as follows: (1) Strengthen co-operation mechanisms: Enhance communication and efficiency of co-operation between Guangdong and Macao; strengthen the co-ordination between Macao and Zhuhai, Guangzhou, Zhongshan and Shenzhen under the mechanism of the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference; (2) Jointly develop major regions to promote Macao's sustainablility: Intensify the development and constructions in Hengqin to strive for more development space; pragmatically foster co-operation in developing Cuiheng New District as a demonstration zone for Guangdong-Macao co-operation; and steadily implement co-operation projects in Nansha and Jiangmen; (3) Leverage the unique advantages of economic co-operation and expedite moderate economic diversification: Consolidate the results achieved under CEPA and take the lead to promote services trade liberalisation; give full play to Macao's function as a business and trade services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, to establish three centres to support business and trade co-operation with Portuguese-speaking countries, western Guangdong regions and Chinese merchants around the world; and strengthen co-operation in tourism, cultural and creative, and conference and exhibition industries; (4) Attach importance to co-operation in society for improvement of people's well-being: Continue to enhance co-operation in tertiary education, culture, environmental protection, food safety and energy; and (5) Seize opportunities for co-operation in infrastructure construction, to accumulate capacity for future development: Jointly facilitate and expedite the progress of major infrastructure development projects, such as the new Guangdong-Macao border crossings, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the seamless connection of Macao's LRT to the Guangzgou-Zhuhai Intercity Railway at Hengqin Border Checkpoint. At the end of the conference, Guangdong and Macao delegates signed a number of agreements and memorandums, including Framework Agreement on Co-operation in Construction of Cuiheng New District of Zhongshan; Memorandum on Strengthing Guangdong-Macao Teritary Education Exchange and Co-operation; Pearl River Estuary Region VTS Data Sharing and Co-operation Programme; Development Plan for Guangdong-Macao Cultural Exchanges and Co-operation 2014-2018; Co-operation Agreement on Individual Visit Scheme for Sailing Tourism; and Memorandum of Co-operation in Expediting Transformation and Upgrading of the Zhuhai Park of the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) increased while commercial real estate loans (CRELs) declined in May 2014. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs both witnessed increases. New Lending Approved In May 2014, new RMLs approved by Macao banks rose 72.9% month-to-month to MOP6.0 billion; of which, 98.4% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RML to residents increased 75.3% whereas those to non-residents decreased 7.1%. When compared with the same period of 2013, new approvals of RMLs witnessed increase of 46.2%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) increased by 135.8% month-to-month to MOP869.2 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 96.5% of the total, increased 132.1%. When compared with the same period of 2013, new RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units expanded 128.4%. New CRELs dropped by 19.7% month-to-month to MOP5.6 billion; of which, 98.1% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents and to non-residents decreased 19.7% and 16.1% respectively. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs grew by 111.7%. Outstanding Balances As at end-May 2014, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP130.6 billion, an increase of 3.0% from one month earlier or 25.0% from a year ago. The resident component made up 95.3% of the total. Compared to end-April 2014, outstanding RMLs to residents and non-residents grew 3.1% and 0.7% respectively. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs increased 2.5% from end-April 2014 and was up 33.0% from end-May 2013 to MOP102.3 billion. Residents accounted for 92.0% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents and to non-residents grew 2.7% and 0.4% respectively. Delinquency Ratios At the end of May 2014, the delinquency ratio for RMLs remained unchanged at 0.07% or increased by 0.01 percentage point from a year ago. The ratio for CRELs stayed the same at 0.07% or down 0.01 percentage point from end-May 2013.
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Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAT), Civic and Municipal Affairs Burea (IACM), and Consumer Council will hold a public consultation session together on 23 July at 7PM, at the Tourism Activities Centre, for soliciting public opinions and suggestions regarding the 'Review on Consumer Protection Law' consultation paper.
The working group led by the three departments released the 'Review on Consumer Protection Law' consultation paper on 12 June and started the public consultation period which lasts for two months. The paper is divided into four parts for the strengthening of consumer rights protection: (1) Prohibition of unfair trades; (2) Safeguarding of consumer right to information; (2) A robust mechanism to solve consumer disputes; (4) To legislate against new forms of consumption. Meanwhile, the Government is reviewing both Law No. 12/88/M 'The Protection of Consumer' and Law No. 4/95/M 'Reconstructing Consumer Council'.
The public have been expressing their opinions and sending in suggestions through email and written format since the consultation period started. The public agree with the need to revise the current consumer protection law and to strengthen Consumer Council's authority. Other comments include the setting up of penalty for existing unfair trade and unfair trade practices. The working group is now consolidating all comments received.
In order to solicit public opinions from all aspects, the working group will start its public consultation session on 23 July from 7PM-9PM at Tourism Activities Centre (Congress Hall A, 2nd Floor, Tourism Activities Centre, No.431 Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes). Members from all industries and the public are welcome to join and express their opinions regarding any consumer rights issues, even those that are not included in the consultation paper.
The current consultation paper includes suggested improvements for the existing unfair trade practices happening in Macao, it also includes comparisons and analysis of the consumer protection laws and regulations from other countries and regions. The consultation paper can be downloaded from websites of DSAT, IACM, Consumer Council, and Macao law website. Comments and suggestions regarding the consultation paper can be sent to info@consumer.gov.mo and fax no. 2830-7816, or express your opinions by calling 8988-9315.
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