News

Given the recent security situation in Thailand, the Chinese Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand cautions Chinese nationals to carefully consider travel plans to Thailand. Following is the translated version of the full text:
"In the afternoon of May 22, the Thai army announced its takeover of the government and proclaimed a nationwide curfew daily from 10 pm to 5 am. In order to ensure safety and be prepared for any eventuality, the Embassy of the P.R.C. urges Chinese nationals who intend to visit Thailand to critically assess security risks, and cautiously consider travel plans to Thailand. Chinese nationals and Corporations in Thailand should raise their risk awareness, strengthen security measures and stay indoors at night.
In case of emergency, please call the following consular protection hotlines: Embassy 085-483-3327, Consulate General in Khon Kaen: 080-936-6070, Consulate General in Songkha: 081-766-5560, Consulate General in Chiang Mai: 081-882-3283."
The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest developments and reminds Macao residents who intend to travel to Thailand to follow closely the safety situation, critically assess security risks, and cautiously consider travel plans to Thailand. Macao residents already in Thailand should strengthen security precautions to protect their personal safety.
As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, there are 5 Macao tour groups totaling around 70 pax currently traveling in Thailand.
To date, GGCT has received 6 inquiries but no requests for assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or contact the Chinese Embassy and consulates for assistance.
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Aiming to promote the advantages of Macao as a convention and exhibition destination and to attract renowned overseas convention and exhibition organizers to hold more MICE-related activities here, a 3-member delegation from Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), led by its Executive Director Mrs. Irene V. K. Lau and Senior Manager of Promotional Activities Department Mr. Sam Lei, travelled to Frankfurt, Germany, from May 23 to 25, to participate in IMEX Frankfurt 2014, organized by the IMEX Group and having as its partner, Germany Convention Bureau. IMEX Frankfurt 2014 is currently one of the Europe´s largest MICE-related fairs. The scale of this event is gradually expanding year after year, attracting over 3,000 exhibitors from 150 countries and more than 10,000 qualified buyers every year. Exhibitors at IMEX include tourism bureaux, conference boards, hotel operators, convention centres, technology providers, airlines, exhibition and conference centres, international business associations, destination management industry, conference and public relations industry, transport and travel industry and trade magazines publishers. During IMEX, representatives of IPIM participated in the IMEX Politicians Forum organized by IMEX. Every year, influential dignitaries from the fields of conventions or tourism are invited as keynote speakers at IMEX, with the aim of building a communication platform for exchange between senior officers of government conference boards, conference organizers, international business associations and operators of the destination management industry from all over the world, to jointly discuss the development trend of the MICE industry and exchange information related to that sector. This year, IMEX has invited Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as keynote speaker. Representatives from IPIM conducted exchanges with the participants of the Fair, to actively promote the benefits of holding convention and exhibition activities in Macao and the "One-stop-Service" for MICE Bidding and Support in Macao, provided by IPIM, as a mean to expand the international tourism market and attract more international events to Macao. IPIM set-up a promotion counter at the Macao Pavilion, installed inside the IMEX venue, to promote the "One-Stop-Service" for MICE Bidding and Support in Macao, offered by IPIM. In addition representatives from IPIM also attended more than 20 business matching sessions, to talk to potential buyers and to promote Macao as an ideal MICE destination. Other exhibitors at the Macao Pavilion included the Macau Government Tourism Office and local travel agencies, hotels, resorts, professional conference organizers and convention and exhibition venues, all of them with the objective of exploring the international tourist market and to promote Macao´s tourism environment and products.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in May on 21 May 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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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), together with Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and representatives of five tourism enterprises from Macau, participated in the Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings & Events in Frankfurt, Germany (IMEX Frankfurt) from 20 - 22 May to promote Macau's MICE and business tourism products widely. Welcoming its 12th edition, IMEX was held at Messe Frankfurt this year. Secretary General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai as well as the President and CEO of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), David Scowsill were present in the event. Hosting a booth on the exhibition floor, MGTO not only presented Macau's latest trends and products in the business tourism market for hosted buyers but also facilitated a wealth of business and networking opportunities for the professional buyers and Macau's industry delegates. MGTO also took the opportunity to promote its Incentive Travel Stimulation Program during the exhibition. IMEX Frankfurt attracted over 3,500 exhibitors and 14,000 visitors from more than 150 countries this year, an unparalleled record compared with its past editions. The latest exhibition also boasted 64 new booths and an increase of 11% in its Asia-Pacific exhibition area than last year. Moreover, 200 workshops and sessions were offered to industry professionals through IMEX's education programme this year. The main events in IMEX Frankfurt include talks, workshops, networking, seminars, forums, inaugural ceremony and welcome dinner, etc.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2014 totalled MOP 18.31 billion, down by MOP 29 million compared with the revised figure of MOP 18.33 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 5.38 billion (29% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (17%), Leather Goods (10%), Adults' Clothing (10%), Goods in Supermarkets (6%) and Motor Vehicles (6%). Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2014 increased by 15% year-on-year, with marked increase being observed in sales of Electrical Goods (+47%), Goods in Supermarkets (+25%), Goods in Department Stores (+22%) and Adults' Clothing (+19%). After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the first quarter of 2014 increased by 18% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Electrical Goods (+53%), Dried Seafood (+34%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+32%) and Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories (+26%). Meanwhile, volume of retail sales held stable compared with the previous quarter, of which sales of Electrical Goods (+30%), Goods in Supermarkets (+12%) and Dried Seafood (+11%) saw significant increase; on the contrary, sales of Motor Vehicles and Communication Equipment decreased by 15% and 10% respectively. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 59% stated that sales volume in the first quarter of 2014 increased or held stable over the previous quarter, down by 9 percentage points compared with those holding the same sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2013, while 41% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 64% reported stable prices, 24% stated an increase and 12% noted a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2013, about 74% expressed that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2014, while 14% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards business outlook for the second quarter of 2014, about 30% anticipate that sales volume will increase from the first quarter, 42% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 28% foresee a decrease. Concurrently, about 71% predict stable retail prices, 19% expect an increase, while 10% predict a decrease in retail prices.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (129.94) for April 2014 increased by 6.36% year-on-year, attributable to higher rentals for dwellings, dearer charges for eating out and package tours during Easter Holidays. In comparison with April 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.93%); Recreation & Culture (+8.57%); and Household Goods & Furnishings (+7.06%) on account of higher rentals and rising charges for package tours and domestic services. The CPI-A (130.53) and CPI-B (130.36) increased by 6.66% and 6.33% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for April 2014 increased by 0.88% month-to-month. Higher charges for package tours and dearer prices of tobacco pushed up the price index of Recreation & Culture and Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco by 4.18% and 1.57% respectively; besides, price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.68% owing to higher charges for eating out, and dearer prices of vegetables and fruits, while lower prices of fresh seafood and fresh pork tapered off the increase. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased slightly by 0.01% month-to-month. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.80% and 0.90% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended April 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.78% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.92%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.48%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 1.87%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.36% and 5.67% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first four months of 2014 increased by 6.18% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.74% and 6.09% respectively year-on-year. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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In view of the recent safety situation in Thailand, the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand reminds Chinese citizens in Bangkok to remain vigilant. Following is the translated version of the full text: "May 20, The Thai army have declared martial law across the country in efforts to take control and prevent public clashes and demonstrations from different factions. Currently, the army are stationed on the main roads of downtown Bangkok, parts of the Highway, have seized major television stations, despite the situation people can still live their lives as normal. The Chinese Embassy in Thailand reminds Chinese nationals who are or intend to travel to Thailand to remain vigilant, be aware of local security advice, carefully plan travel itineraries carefully, avoid getting close to the vicinities of demonstration areas and redcucing unnecessary outings. In case of emergency, please call the following consular protection hotlines: Embassy 085-483-3327, Consulate General in Khon Kaen: 080-936-6070, Consulate General in Songkhla: 081-766-5560, Consulate Genera in Chiang Mai: 081-882-3283." The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest development of situation in Thailand and also remind Macao residents who are currently in Bangkok or intend to travel to Thailand in the near future to pay close attention to the situation development, avoid gatherings and demonstrations, be aware of security precautions and ensure personal safety. As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, there are 4 Macao tour groups totaling around 70 pax currently traveling in Thailand. 5 Macao tour groups with an approximate total of 70 pax will depart to Thailand in the coming week. Until the present moment, GGCT received 2 requests for information. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24 hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000 or contact the Chinese Embassy and consulates for assistance.
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Three bachelor's degree programmes offered by the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), namely Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Electromechanical Engineering, have been recognised by the signatories to the Washington Accord. Students starting these three programmes in the 2011/2012 academic year or later are eligible to obtain professional qualifications in numerous signatories to the Washington Accord. This is the first programmes in Macao to be recognised under the Washington Accord. It is also the first out-of-jurisdiction accreditation meeting the Washington Accord standards. The three programmes were accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) in 2012. Today (20 May), UM held a press conference for the three programmes. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Cheong U, UM Rector Wei Zhao, FST Dean Prof. Philip Chen, HKIE President Raymond Chan Kin Sek, Macau Institution of Engineers Chairman Prof. Tam Lap Mou, and other guests attended the press conference. Secretary Cheong U said the fact that the three bachelor's degree programmes offered by the UM's FST have been recognised by the Washington Accord shows international recognition of the university's effort to optimise the quality of its teaching and to meet international standards. It also shows the university's determination to become a world-class university. Rector Wei Zhao noted that the three programmes' being recognised by the signatories to the Washington Award is highly significant, because it is testament to the fact that UM's academic programmes and teaching have met international standards; and the recognition will help UM to achieve the goal of becoming a world-class university with distinctive characteristics. Wei Zhao added that the new campus will become fully operational in the next academic year, and UM will continue to nurture outstanding graduates with lofty goals and a global mindset to serve Macao and China. FST Dean Prof. Philip Chen added that FST has constantly reformed and improved itself over the last 25 years in order to meet international standards and to be in alignment with the development goals of the university. The changes at FST have also increased the students' competitiveness and helped to turn FST into a technology and engineering education centre in Macao. It is also a breakthrough in international agreement that the three degree programmes have been accredited by the HKIE and met the standards of the Washington Accord. Graduates from the three programmes will be eligible to become Corporate Member by participating in the engineering graduate training scheme "A" as a HKIE Graduate Member. The Corporate Member can enjoy recognition under two international engineering agreements (the International Professional Engineers Agreement, and the APEC Engineer Agreement) and 22 qualification accreditation agreements. Currently two organisations provide HKIE's graduates scheme "A" training. With recognition by signatories of the Washington Accord, FST and HKIE and AEM (Macau Institution of Engineers) will continue to work closely, and it is expected that 20 organisations will participate in the scheme "A" training to help train more engineering elite in Macao. Signed in 1989, the Washington Accord is an international agreement among bodies responsible for accrediting engineering degree programmes. Through more than 20 years of development, it has become the most influential international agreement on mutual recognition of degree programmes. Signatories include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong China, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Taipei, South Korea, Malaysia, Turkey and Russia. Countries that have provisional signatory status include Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Sir Lanka, and Philippines.
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' in May on 19 May 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors in the first quarter of 2014 amounted to MOP15.9 billion, up by 10% from MOP14.5 billion in the first quarter of 2013. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP13.2 billion and that of same-day visitors was MOP2.8 billion, up by 8% and 19% respectively year-on-year. Per-capita spending of visitors in the first quarter was MOP2,074, up slightly by 1% year-on-year. Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP2,534, down by 4% year-on-year, and spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) decreased notably by 11%, at MOP2,660. Per-capita spending of visitors from Singapore (MOP1,836), Malaysia (MOP1,745) and Japan (MOP1,701) registered year-on-year increase. Visitors from Australia had relatively high per-capita spending among the long-haul visitors, at MOP1,441. Per-capita spending of overnight visitors was MOP3,691, and that of same-day visitors was MOP673, up by 3% and 6% respectively year-on-year. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors topped at MOP4,537 and MOP818 respectively, and that of overnight and same-day IVS visitors reached MOP4,671 and MOP1,304. Analysed by consumption structure, visitors spent mainly on Shopping (51%), Accommodation (25%) and Food & Beverage (18%) in the first quarter of 2014. Shopping items included Jewellery & Watches (27%) and Local Food Products (21%). Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP1,471 on shopping, while shopping spending of IVS visitors reached MOP1,705. Meanwhile, long-haul visitors spent primarily on Accommodation and Food & Beverage. According to the results of Visitors' Comments Survey in the first quarter of 2014, about 88% and 82% of the visitor-users were satisfied with the services and facilities of hotels and gaming establishments respectively. However, 12% of the visitors considered that public transport services should be improved and 11% commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate.
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