News

Consumer Council conducted its eighth 'Supermarket price survey' in May on 28 May for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Taipa area. 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 attributable to the long Easter break, visitor arrivals in package tour increased by 23% year-on-year to 957,000 in April 2014. Visitors from Mainland China totalled 771,000, up by 31%, with 244,000 coming from Guangdong Province. Visitors from Taiwan (58,000), Hong Kong (37,000) and Japan (10,000) increased year-on-year, while those from the Republic of Korea (32,000) and Thailand (14,000) decreased. In the first four months of 2014, visitor arrivals in package tour reached 3,521,000, up by 14% year-on-year. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies were 118,000 in April, up by 6% year-on-year; those travelling in package tour totalled 49,000 and the main destinations were Mainland China (79% of total), Taiwan (7%) and the Republic of Korea (5%). In the first four months of 2014, outbound residents totalled 472,000, up by 1% year-on-year. There were 99 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of April 2014, providing 28,000 guest rooms, down by 1% year-on-year; 5-star hotels accounted for 66% of the total supply, with 18,000 rooms. Despite the notable decrease in hotel guests from Hong Kong (117,000), Taiwan (27,000) and the Republic of Korea (15,000) in April 2014, number of guests checking into hotels and guesthouses just dropped by 1% year-on-year to 887,000 in view of an 11% increase in Mainland guests (587,000); and guests staying in 5-star hotels accounted for 58%. 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 5 percentage points year-on-year to 86%, with 4-star hotels leading at 88%. In the first four months of 2014, hotel guests reached 3,536,000, up by 3% year-on-year; the average occupancy rate stood at 87%, up by 7 percentage points. In the first four months of 2014, visitor-guests accounted for 69% of the total overnight visitors, down by 2 percentage points year-on-year.
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The Executive Council has held a session to discuss and afterwards advised the Government to withdraw the "Welfare Package for Designated, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials" bill. The council advised the Government to withdraw the bill, in order to listen to public opinion and seek the broadest possible social consensus. The council agrees that the bill is an integral part of the institutionalisation of the political system of the Macao Special Administrative Region. However, it was also concerned about differences of opinion in society over the bill, and considers the bill still has room for improvement. To thoroughly listen to views from all sectors of society, and allow sufficient time for further study and analysis of the bill in order to seek the broadest possible social consensus, the Chief Executive, after listening to the opinion of the Executive Council, decided to withdraw the bill in accordance with the provision of Clause 1 of Article 110 of the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Assembly. The Executive Council believes that thorough consultation is the foundation for achieving social consensus. It believes that, through the joint efforts of the Government, the Legislative Assembly and all sectors of society in adopting an open attitude to expression and in-depth analysis of views, the broadest social consensus can be sought to facilitate formulation of the system.
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Consumer Council releases test results of its accuracy test of fuel metres at petrol stations. All samples are satisfactory, details of the test can be found in the latest issue no. 249 Consumer Report. Fuel metres accuracy test is a periodical project of the Council, this year is the twelfth time the Council conducts this test on fuel metres at local petrol stations. Test results show that 17 fuel metres tested all pass the national standard JJG443-2006. Results of the 2014 accuracy test of fuel metres at petrol station can be found in issue no. 249 Consumer Report, a list of results from the past eleven years, showing the stability of fuel metres in different petrol stations, is also attached for consumers' reference. Statistics also show that tested samples from three out of the eleven years all passed the accuracy test while passing rate of these few years fall between 80 to 90 percent. The Council states that periodic checking on fuel metres not only helps to review the accuracy of fuel metres but also encourages industry's concern on the functionality and maintenance of facilities at petrol stations and to safeguard consumers' interests. The latest Consumer Report features a detailed introduction on the services of Consumer Arbitration Centre, enabling consumers and traders to know more about the law-binding, fast, and efficient way to solve complicated disputes through arbitration. The Council indicates that Consumer Arbitration Centre has been running for 16 years and is the first arbitration institution in Macao. Many consumer organizations take the Arbitration Centre for reference when setting up new arbitration unit or similar mechanism. The latest Consumer Report also features coverage on the cross-strait symposium held earlier in April, and a specific feature on breastfeeding. 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 276 MICE events were held in the first quarter of 2014, bringing 304,000 participants and attendees, up significantly by 20% and 50% year-on-year. Total floor area used reached 223,000 m2 and average duration of the event stood at 2.1 days. There were 40,000 participants going to 263 meetings and conferences held in the first quarter of 2014, with 81% being participants of conferences and corporate meetings Number of attendees to the 13 exhibitions surged by 51% year-on-year to 264,000; the average duration was 2.8 days, and the floor area used totalled 47,000 m2. Information from 10 exhibition organizers indicated that 7 exhibitions had been held in the same quarter of 2013, engaging 247 full-time staff. Revenue of the exhibition organizers reached MOP16.22 million, up substantially by 88% year-on-year, coming from rental of exhibition booths (52%) and financial support from government or other organizations (47%). Expenditure of the exhibition organizers increased by 9% to MOP37.48 million, including publicity & public relation (26%); production, construction & decoration services (22%) and accommodation, food & beverages (16%). There were 953 exhibitors in the first quarter of 2014, with 34% coming from Hong Kong, 31% from Macao and 20% from Mainland China. Professional visitors totalled 5,028, coming mainly from Macao (42%) and Mainland China (27%). Information from 145 interviewed exhibitors indicated that sales of products took up 79% of the revenue, while rental paid for exhibition booth shared 72% of the expenditure. Regarding exhibitors' comments about the MICE venue and services, 69% were satisfied with the efficiency & attitude of the venue staff, 68% were satisfied with their language skill; however, 19% considered that event promotion and venue facilities needed improvement.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, sent a letter of condolence today to express sorrow for the passing of Mr Ma Man Kei, and deep appreciation for his lifetime contribution to Macao. The full text of the letter is as follows: I am deeply shocked and saddened to be informed of the passing of Mr Ma Man Kei. I solemnly represent the Macao SAR Government, and in a personal capacity, to express the most sincere condolences to his family members and relatives. Mr Ma was an eminent Chinese leader, politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist in Macao. Since residing in Macao in the 1940s, he experienced the days and nights of Macao, and witnessed its ups and downs over time. During almost every important event in Macao's history, he proactively and bravely took a leading role. With his wisdom and morality, he resolved difficult problems and disputes, and introduced new ideas to replace old ones. He contributed and achieved countless outstanding and recognised accomplishments in the continuous social improvement and development of Macao and enhancement of people's livelihoods. From 70 years ago, Mr Ma actively participated in business, education, sporting and charitable social activities. His endeavours brought him great success and a high reputation. He was Director, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association; Director, Vice President, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Macao Chamber of Commerce; Director, Vice Chairman and Honorary Advisor of the China Education Association; Chairman of the Basketball and Volleyball Club, the Table Tennis Association, the Swimming Association and the Chess Association; Chairman of the Board and President of the Consulting Committee of the University of East Asia, Macao; and Council Chairman of Hou Kong Middle School, Pooi To Middle School, Seong Fan Evening College, Kwong Tai Middle School, Escola Ilha Verde and Keang Peng School. From 1976, Mr Ma was member of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Legislative Assembly of Macao. With his passion for Macao and its people, he was a generous donor and actively participated in charity to promote harmonious development of society and enhancement of charitable work. As a young man, Mr Ma had strong passion for his country. Early in wartime, he devoted himself to the war against the Japanese and establishment of the country regardless of his personal safety and property. He created a unique and glorious memory in his life. After the establishment of modern China, he was always aware of building and developing the country and dedicated to advocate patriotism in Macao. In a time of reform and opening up, he was one of the pioneers of Macao and Hong Kong investments in mainland China, in response to central government policy, and participated in the reform, opening and modern construction of mainland China. He made a considerable contribution to the country's economic and social development. Mr Ma was member of the 5th CPPCC National Committee, the 6th CPPCC Standing Committee, the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th CPPCC Vice Chairman, representative of the 6th and 7th National People's Congress, and member of NPC Standing Committee. In 1988, Mr Ma became Deputy Director of the Macao Basic Law Drafting Committee. In 1998, he was Deputy Director of the Preparatory Committee for the Macao SAR. During Macao's reunification with the motherland, stormy establishment of the SAR and implementation of the principle "One country, two systems", Mr Ma, regardless of his old age and weariness, contributed to the successful Handover of Macao and initial construction of the SAR. He devoted untold effort and energy, foresight and firm beliefs to lay a solid foundation for the prosperity and stability of present-day Macao, making a historic contribution. In 2001, the Macao SAR government presented medals for the first time. Mr Ma Man Kei received the highest award, the "Grand Lotus Medal of Honour". Mr Ma loved traditional Chinese culture and was an expert in poetry. His works are firmly built and plain, filled with love for the country and the passion to repay the nation. Mr Ma had a glorious life. His loyalty to the country, dedication to Macao, integrity, endeavours and morality make him a lasting role model for us all. Mr Ma's name will be always remembered and praised!
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The exhibition Collotype • Recurrence – Spatial Convergence of John Thomson and Wong Ho Sang, organised by the Macao Museum under the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will have its opening ceremony in the afternoon of 29 May, 6:00pm, welcoming all residents and tourists to the Macao Museum from 30 May to 31 August. This exhibition contains two sections. The first section showcases photographic works by British photographer John Thomson (1837-1921) taken in his first visit to the Far East in the 19th century. Thomson travelled throughout China from 1868 to 1872, recording the Chinese society through photography; these works have become precious reference materials for research related to the Chinese society at that time. The album Illustrations of China and Its People displayed in the exhibition, published in London (1873-1874) using the collotype printing technique comprises more than 200 wet plate photographs taken in Macao, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shantou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Taiwan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nanjing, Sichuan, Tianjin, Beijing and other places. Since traditional printing techniques then failed to render the optimum quality of the original photographs, Thomson decided to employ the collotype, the most advanced and innovative printing process at the time which produced images of very high resolution; he personally supervised the production process of the collection. The 'collotype' is categorised as lithography, and is one of the earlier photo-lithograph examples. In general, the collotype plate is made by using a plate of thick frosted glass as a base, and coating it with photosensitive film made of gelatine and a dichromate solution, and then expose it in contact with the film negative. Thus it is also known as 'glass plate printing'. In order to provide visitors with a more specific understanding of the photographic method of Thomson, the second section presents works obtained via wet plate processing by contemporary Macao photographer Wong Ho Sang, especially for the exhibition. In this photographic art works themed on Macao, which include figures, landscapes, buildings and still-life, the artist integrated the ancient and the modern, the new with the old, through the combination of early photographic skills and contemporary creative concepts. In addition to the wet-plate photography works, the equipment the photographer used for shooting is also displayed, including three wooden large format wet-plate cameras from the 1890s, 1960s and 2013, respectively. Furthermore, in order for visitors to learn more about the photographic techniques and works at the time of John Thomson, the Macao Museum will host a lecture on the topic on 31 May 2014 at 3:00pm, at the Museum Auditorium. Renowned English scholar, photographer and designer Michael Gray will deliver the lecture themed 'Beyond the Glass Negative - John Thomson & Photography in China'. The lecture will introduce the history before and after the invention of photography and the contribution of England and France to this art; also, it will probe the photographic concept of John Thomson through his documents and manuscripts, and introduce the collotype printing technology he adopted. The lecture will be conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese. To reserve seats, please call Ms. Leong at 8394 1218. The Macao Museum opens daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm (ticket booth closes at 5:30pm). Please be informed, however, that the Museum will stop selling tickets at 4:00pm on 29th May in order to prepare for the opening ceremony of this temporary exhibition. For information about the above exhibition and other relevant activities, please call: (853) 2835 7911 during office hours or visit: www.macaumuseum.gov.mo or www.icm.gov.mo.
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Consumer Council conducted its seventh 'Supermarket price survey' in May on 26 May 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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Zhongshan Tourism Bureau, Zhuhai Culture Sports and Tourism Bureau as well as Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) jointly hold activities to showcase the three tourism destinations this week in Zhengzhou and Wuhan, together promoting regional tours in cities along high-speed rail among their residents and trade. To expand their tourist markets along high-speed rail routes, enhance regional cooperation in tourism, promote tourism products and routes of the three destinations as well as build up their image as a regional travel destination – "Fragrant Hill in the past; Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau today", the three tourism offices co-organized activities to promote their destinations in Zhengzhou and Wuhan, two cities situated along the High-speed rail routes on the Mainland; and they formed trade delegations from the three destinations to take part in the events. The three tourism offices co-hosted "Zhongshan/Zhuhai/Macau Tourism Presentation and Networking Luncheon (Zhengzhou)" for the first time in Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan on 27 May, and will hold "Zhongshan/Zhuhai/Macau Tourism Presentation and Networking Dinner (Wuhan)" once again in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei on 28 May. The two events have invited around 200 representatives of the tourism trade from Henan and Hubei in total. Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau share the same root of profound culture and history. In the recent eight years, the three cities have aspired not only to share the same tourist markets and resources but also together enhance their regional image as a whole. Under such principle, the three destinations have co-hosted promotional events to expand their tourist markets as one regional destination. Since 2010, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau have started promoting multi-destination tours together in various cities along high-speed rail routes. Hoping to seize the opportunity arisen from the inauguration of high-speed rail, the three tourism offices strenuously promote the three-destination itineraries and products among travel trade in the cities along the rail routes while strengthening communication and cooperation among industry partners from various destinations, seeking to encourage more visitations to Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau from the cities along and around the rail routes.
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The Secretary of Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, today officiated the Panel Discussion on the Economic Environment of Portuguese Speaking Countries held in Macao. The panel discussion, which marked the kick-off of pre-event activities for the 10th Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation and Development Forum (PPRD Forum), was jointly organised by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province. The 10th PPRD Forum and Economic and Trade Fair, co-organised by Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao, will be held on 13-14 October in Guangzhou. Macao is responsible mainly for organising the High-level Forum and related events. Chief Executive Chui Sai On is giving this event his personal attention and has instructed departments concerned to render full support and devote themselves to the preparation work to ensure smooth progress of the activities. Building on the co-ordinated progress in the overall preparation work, the Government has set up an organising committee, preparatory committee and seven working groups, corresponding to the organisational structure of the PPRD Forum. To start planning and co-ordination as soon as possible, the Director of Chief Executive's Office and Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the 10th PPRD Forum, Mr Tam Chon Weng, chaired the first meeting on Macao's preparation work for the forum at the multi-function conference hall of Government Headquarters on 17 April, with the attendance of persons-in-charge from all related government departments. All working groups have already begun their planned preparation work and are making good progress, adhering to the requirements of the PPRD Forum Preparatory Committee. The working groups and the relevant departments would continue to closely co-operate and dedicate every effort to fulfilling their missions. The 10th PPRD Forum is divided into two phases, namely the pre-event activities and the Forum. Pre-event activities include a panel discussion, business matching and celebration of the 10th anniversary of the PPRD Forum. The Forum includes the opening ceremony of the 10th PPRD Forum, an exhibition of achievements on the 10th anniversary of the forum, the High-level Forum, a joint conference of chief executives, top management meetings, and project presentation and promotion by individual PPRD provinces. The Panel Discussion on the Economic Environment of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (PSCs) is the first meeting among the pre-event activities this year. During the panel discussion, the participating "9+2" provincial and regional trade and commerce departments will discuss perspectives on economic and trade cooperation between the Pan-Pearl River Delta region and PSCs to enhance strengths and complementary use of resources. As member of the "9+2", Macao plays the active role of an economic and trade co-operation platform between PPRD and PSCs. In-depth discussions are conducted on topics such as how to seize the opportunities brought by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and jointly explore PSCs markets with Mainland enterprises. During the panel discussion, the "9+2" provincial and regional trade and commerce departments signed the Memorandum on the Framework of Enhancing Comprehensive Strategic Co-operation and Promoting PPRD and PSCs Trade and Economic Co-operation.
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