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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organizes the "Experience Macau Carnival" roadshow in Hong Kong during September 21 – 22 to promote the diversified tourism products and glamorous events and festivities of Macau. The roadshow adopts MGTO's promotional theme "Touching Moments Experience Macau" and showcases Macau's events and festivities, delicious cuisines, unique cultural elements and entertainments through a variety of interactive games and exhibitions. A special WeChat game is displayed to attract public's "follow" on the lately launched MGTO's official WeChat account. There are the award-winning F3 racing car and Grand Prix simulator for visitors to experience the excitement of car racing and to get ready for the 60th Macau Grand Prix which will be held in November. Grand Prix Hong Kong racer, Adderly Fong, is also there to share the fun with audience. The opening ceremony of the carnival included a series of spectacular performances, bringing a joyful and surprising atmosphere to the audience. The international award-winning magician, Avon Lee, performed "Magic Tea Time" to showcase the "Tasteful Moments" of Macau; famous travel experts, Tony Hung and Roxanne Tong, were invited to share their travel experiences and introduce the fascinating tourist attractions of Macau; celebrities Siu Fay and Vivian Chan sang the new theme song "Number One" of the Macau Grand Prix, coupled with the Grand Prix Girl Dance Performance, bringing the show to a climax. MGTO launched earlier the micro movie "We Meet We Love" in Hong Kong to promote Macau, and the final episode voted by audience was first broadcasted in the carnival. The main characters, Alex Lam and Tracy Chu, were invited to the opening ceremony to share their "Enchanting Moments" in Macau with the audience. MGTO also hosted the "Experience Macau" cocktail following the opening ceremony to greet over 100 Hong Kong travel trade partners, incentive organizers, airlines and media, etc. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes gave a speech in the cocktail to introduce the new "Vibrant Moment" which was added this year to the four existing "Moments", and the new MGTO promotional video themed "Vibrant Moment" was also presented, promoting the diversified tourism products and events and festivities of Macau. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Head of Destination Marketing Department, Betty Fok, and Head of Communication and External Relations Department, Kathy Iong, etc, together with Coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Committee, João Manuel Costa Antunes, and the committee members, attended the opening ceremony of the "Experience Macau Carnival" roadshow today at Olympian City II in Hong Kong.
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The second edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum ("GTE-Forum" or "the Forum"), one of the most prominent international events of the year, adjourned on 19 September with tremendous success after the three-day activities. Carrying on the achievement of the Inaugural Forum last year, the second edition of the Forum has also successfully gathered over 1,000 attendees from different countries and cities around the world, including delegations from more than 10 provinces and autonomous regions in Mainland China, with approximately 160 local and overseas media representatives covering this event. Apart from fostering the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) again, the Forum has successfully deepened exchange and investment cooperation between tourism and tourism-related industries of China and their counterparts in Portugal and Spain through a series of follow-up activities after the Inaugural Forum. This edition has not only successfully invited Portugal and Spain representatives to promote tourism investment during the event but also arranged four Chinese regions and provinces to participate in PRC Provincial Governors Presentation as an increase from last year. With the overseas corporate sponsorship on this edition as well, GTE-Forum has proven its recognized status in Mainland China and the international market. Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of Global Tourism Economy Forum, concluded this edition of the GTE-Forum, "We must optimize both our software and hardware facilities so that the tourism industry can benefit the most from the tremendous potentials amidst the industry's continuous expansion. We should also share resources and mutual benefits, creating a hub of transportation systems which connect and extend to all destinations through integrated transport network in order to ease travel experience and promote individual mobility. In addition, we should share business resources, basic knowledge, technology knowhow or manpower in order to benefit different sectors and industries through tourism economy." Mr. Cheong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government and Executive Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, delivered his closing remarks, "This year the Forum has set up a Ministerial Roundtable for tourism officials from various countries to explore opportunities and challenges brought by global tourism growth. We have also invited international tourism organizations, tourism industry partners, international business elites and experts to attend a series of discussion sessions. New seminars and promotion sessions were introduced for networking between Mainland China and foreign enterprises as well this year. The Forum also featured themed luncheons, entertainment shows and Macau World Heritage tour. Through a variety of activities, the Forum has encouraged broader discussions and deeper speculation, inspiring new ideas and perspectives which we believe will highly benefit the long-term and sustained tourism development. " Secretary Cheong continued, "Reflecting on our experience in organizing the past two editions, we will be most well-prepared for the Forum in the year ahead. We sincerely wish the participants can come back to Macau again with their continuous support for the third edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum in September next year." The third edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum will be held once again in Macau next year. The organizer is looking forward to extending the achievements of the first two editions and continuously facilitating its role as an international platform of high-end business matching as well as tourism exchange and cooperation, allowing tourism industry partners from Mainland China to fully leverage the Forum as a springboard to achieve more Sino-foreign tourism cooperation across industries, sectors and regions, so that the tourism industry can generate unlimited momentum for global economic rebound. World-Class Speakers Line-up on 2nd Day of Forum
The Forum started the second-day agenda today with WTTC Session: Points of View from International Private Sector Leaders. Under the topic "Driving forward – accelerating the growth", Mr. Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Former President, CEO and Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, along with various global business leaders including Mr. Ricco deBlank, CEO of Sun Hung Kai Properties Hotels; Mr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of WTTC & Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TUI Germany GmbH and TUIfly GmbH; Mr. Arthur de Haast, Chairman of Hotels and Hospitality Group of Jones Lang LaSalle; Mr. Gilberto Jordan, CEO of André Jordan Group and Mr. Naren Srinivasan, Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development of The Hertz Corporation explored how travel and tourism play their role in driving global economy forward and accelerating global economic growth, as well as respective investment opportunities emerged. Afterwards, the Forum began Hospitality Session: Points of View from Global Industry Leaders, an in-depth discussion under the topic "From the drawing board to the Grand Opening". Starting from the key components of a successful hotel project, the panelists approached the impact of the hospitality sector on local, regional and national economies as well as on the society and the environment. Various leaders from hospitality and related sectors expressed their unique perspectives on hospitality development during the session, including Mr. Jerry Huang, President of Greater China, Artyzen Hospitality Group Limited; Mr. Jabulane Mabuza, Deputy Chairman of Tsogo Sun Holdings; Mr. Luis del Olmo, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International; Mr. Joaquín Serra Saval, Senior Executive Vice President of Natura Bissé; and Mr. Henrique Tomaz Veiga, Founder and Chairman of Aequitate, SGPS, SA. Meanwhile, the Forum arranged another concurrent session namely Portugal Investment Presentation, an introduction about investment immigration to Portugal under the topic – "Top Reasons to Invest in Portugal and Golden Visa" delivered by Ms. Maria João Bonifácio, Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Consulate General of Portugal to Macau and Hong Kong, who presented more diverse investment options for overseas travel to Forum participants. A tourism and investment presentation by Guizhou Province was also arranged during a Forum luncheon at 12:30 p.m. to familiarize the attendees with this province which is rich in tourism resources in Southwest China. Comprising two discussion sessions, the agenda in the afternoon began with China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable: Perspective from China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector on Mainland Private Enterprises. Under the topic "Chinese Private Enterprises and Global Tourism Economy" as moderated by Mr. Alexander Wan, Senior Advisor of China Daily Asia Pacific, the session aimed at analyzing how Chinese private enterprises can not only invest strategically in tourism and related industries in overseas markets but also introduce western business model, technology and know-how through the "Go Global" policy. A number of China's most prominent entrepreneurs, experts and scholars in related fields including Mr. Fu Jun, Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President of Macrolink Group Limited; Ms. Jane Fountain, Managing Director of Harmony World Watch Centre; Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum; Mr. Peter Wong, Chairman of the M.K. Corporation Ltd and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum; Mr. Wu Yijian, President of Ginwa Investments Holding Group Ltd; Mr. Yang Bin, Professor and Senior Associate Dean of School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University; and Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Founder and Chairman of Creat Group shared their successful strategies and experience in expanding businesses in overseas markets and cooperation with foreign enterprises during the session, encouraging private entrepreneurs to go global so as to elevate China's tourism industry to international standards. The final discussion of this edition was held about the topic "Creativity and Innovation in Tourism" under PATA Session: Points of View from Asia Pacific Leaders which explored the application of creative, innovative and cutting-edge tourism concepts and techniques to create brand-new tourism products and services, revitalize existing products and optimize cultural and heritage assets so as to enrich common travel experience and generate economic spin-offs from tourism. Moderated by Mr. Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA, insights were gathered from the speakers including Mr. Kaye Chon, Dean of School and Chair Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Company; Mr. David Gavaghan, CEO of Titanic Quarter; Mr. Grant Horsfield, Founder & Chairman of naked Group Ltd.; Mr. Ieong Tou Hong, Chairman of the Macau Economic Development Promotion Association and Honorary Advisor of Global Tourism Economy Forum and Ms. Zhang Mei, Founder & Chairperson of WildChina. - End - About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a prominent annual event for the global tourism industry. In 2012, the Inaugural Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates from 34 countries and cities all over the world. The Forum aims at establishing a platform for domestic and overseas exchange and cooperation, fostering and promoting integrated development in tourism and service industries, creating better investment prospects and deepening tourism cooperation, thus bringing new opportunities of economic development for China and the world.
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Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) brings 22 outstanding shows to the territory from October 2nd to November 3rd 2013. The Festival's offering of symphonic music begins with a concert by the Gulbenkian Orchestra on October 18, which, steered by recently appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Consultant Paul McCreesh, returns to Macao after a long absence, presenting a programme featuring works by Luís de Freitas Branco (Two Melodies), by Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro (Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra) and by Antonín Dvorák (Symphony "From the New World"). Established in 1962 by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as a mere twelve-piece ensemble, the Gulbenkian Orchestra today boasts a permanent body of sixty-six musicians and a repertoire spanning from the classical period to the 20th century. Each season, in addition to giving their regular series of concerts in the Portuguese capital, the Orchestra travels to perform at numerous other venues throughout Portugal and around the world. A concert not to be missed by one of Portugal's most prestigious and talented orchestras! Portuguese Fado, a regular presence on local stages, joins Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) in a unique concert combining western and eastern folk music expressions, to be held on October 24, 25 and 26 at the Mandarin's House. Fado was recognised by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 while the Cantonese Naamyam were inscribed on the Tentative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of the Macao S.A.R. in 2009 and on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. A highlight of this MIMF season is the violin recital by Kyung-Wha Chung, to be held on October 24. After attending the Juilliard School, in New York, international fame came fast on the heels of the South-Korean's win at the prestigious Leventritt Competition, in 1967. Undeniably one of the leading violinists in the world today, Kyung-Wha Chung, throughout her life as a violin soloist and recitalist, has garnered global recognition of the very highest stature. The Macao Orchestra and the Macao Chinese Orchestra take to the MIMF's stages once again, on October 19 and 26, respectively. The Macao Orchestra is joined by the Korean Chamber Orchestra and soprano Aga Mikolajin stirring renditions of Strauss' signature work as well as his final composition, the Vier letzte Lieder. In its turn, the Macao Chinese Orchestra presents well-known TV and film themes, taking the public on a journey to revisit past decades. The quality of the concerts presented to the public is a testimony of the remarkable development and high-level that both local orchestras have achieved throughout the years. Tickets for the 27th Macao International Music Festival can be purchased at all Kong Seng Ticketing outlets, by telephone and through online booking. A variety of discount plans will be offered. For more information related to the 27th MIMF, please visit the Festival's website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
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The workshop on "Public Procurement in the EU: Evolving Rules for Multiple Goals", being part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, will take place from September 24th to September 26th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the Auditorium of the "Finanças" building, located on Avenida da Praia Grande, n.º 575-585, basement. This event is jointly organized by the Institute of European Studies of Macau and by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau. This event aims at introducing the EU view on public procurement. The role of public procurement has been evolving as a tool to tackle an increasing number of issues: ensuring fair competition and driving the unification of the internal market, preserving the competitiveness of the market structure, promoting (financially, environmentally and socially) sustainable development, fostering innovation. Such an increasing complexity, together with recent tight fiscal policies demanding for higher savings, suggest to move towards demand aggregation and more centralized approach. Finally, an outline will be provided on how different elements of contract and tender design can be used to address different issues. This activity will feature as its guest speaker Prof. Marco Sparro, M.Sc., CONSIP (Concessionnaire of Public Informatic Services) - the National Central Purchasing Body - R&D Unit, Italy. The workshop will be conducted in English with simultaneous translation into Cantonese and this training initiative is set out into three modules: 1. The public (e-) procurement system in the EU: main principles and goals; 2. Managing aggregated demand: Central Purchasing Bodies and Framework Agreements; 3. Basic elements of contract and competitive tendering design. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2013. The execution of this Programme is coordinated by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Economic Services, the Financial Services Bureau and the Institute of European Studies of Macao.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (124.07) for August 2013 increased by 5.31% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out and outbound package tours, as well as rising rentals for dwellings. In comparison with August 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.74%); Health (+6.38%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.09%) on account of rising rentals for dwellings, higher charges for out-patient services and eating out, and dearer prices of fresh food and produce. However, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.14% and 2.58% respectively. The CPI-A (124.30) and CPI-B (124.48) increased by 5.93% and 5.15% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for August 2013 increased by 0.17% month-to-month due to dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and vegetables, higher rentals for dwellings, as well as rising charges for outbound package tours, eating out and domestic services. Price index of Housing & Fuels; Recreation & Culture; and Household Goods & Furnishings increased by 1.20%, 0.99% and 0.86% respectively. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 3.76% upon seasonal sale of Summer clothing and footwear. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.33% and 0.08% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended August 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.39% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+8.75%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.76%) registered marked increase, while index of Education decreased by 3.10%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.91% and 5.36% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first eight months of 2013 increased by 5.28% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.83% and 5.17% respectively. 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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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) grew in July 2013 whereas those of commercial real estate loans (CRELs) dropped. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs increased whereas those of CRELs witnessed decline. New Lending Approved In July 2013, new RMLs approved by Macao banks rose 49.1% month-to-month to MOP4.5 billion; of which, 98.3% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents expanded 51.9% whereas the amount to non-residents decreased 27.3%. When compared with the same period of 2012, new approvals of RMLs witnessed increase of 17.7%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose significantly by 258.2% month-to-month to MOP33.5 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 93.8% of the total, surged 236.2%. When compared with the same period of 2012, this type of bank mortgage contracted by 79.7% New CRELs dropped 33.7% month-to-month to MOP2.6 billion; of which, 95.5% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents decreased 34.0% while the amount to non-residents dropped by 24.7%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs declined 47.7%. Outstanding Balances As at end-July 2013, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP108.4 billion, an increase of 1.9% from one month earlier or 25.9% from a year ago. The resident component made up 94.2% of the total. Compared to end-June 2013, outstanding RMLs to residents grew 2.2% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped 2.3%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs went down by 1.2% from end-June 2013 but up 18.6% from end-July 2012 to MOP77.4 billion. Residents accounted for 92.0% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents and non-residents slid 1.3% and 0.5% respectively. Delinquency Ratios At the end of July 2013, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.05%, which decreased slightly from one month earlier and a year ago. The ratio for CRELs also stayed flat from end-June 2013 and end-July 2012 at 0.08%. Annex For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
19 September 2013 Detailed figures on Mortgage Loans Statistics are available on: http://www.amcm.gov.mo/economic_statistics/economic.htm.
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Global Tourism Economy Forum • Macau 2013 ("GTE-Forum" or "the Forum") successfully completed its first day sessions as the Ministerial Roundtable in Collaboration with UNWTO and the Presentation on Tourism And Investment by European Countries and PRC Provinces adjourned. Macau SAR Government hosted Welcome Dinner tonight to celebrate the opening of the Forum as well as to provide an opportunity for networking, exchange of idea and friendship building among attendees. The second edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre. Themed as "Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism", this edition of GTE-Forum has invited nearly 40 ministerial officials from different countries and private leaders from globally-renowned corporations, attracting over 1,000 delegates to join in-depth discussions on why and how investment in tourism industry can propel global economic growth. Cheong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government and Executive Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum addressed the dinner, "Tourism plays a vital role in global economic development with an active influence on economic growth and job opportunity increase. The tourism industry currently shows positive expansion whether in advanced or newly-developing economic entities. Different destinations around the world are actively exploring potentials in their tourism industry. As the host city of the first three editions of the GTE-Forum, Macau benefits well from the event's accomplishment. Through establishing an exchange platform again this year, we welcome all of you to inspire the Forum with insightful perspectives on the tourism industry's future prospect. Your ideas and visions will make a valuable reference for Macau and global tourism industry." Guests who attended the welcome dinner include Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference cum Forum Chairman of GTE-Forum, Mr. Li Lu, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, TUI Germany Gmbh and TUIfly Gmbh, Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism. Foreign and provincial governmental officials include Mr. Hồ Anh Tuấn, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism of Vietnam; Mr. Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, Secretary of State of Tourism of Portugal, and Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration, Ms. He Xiqing, Vice Governor of Hainan Province and Mr. Meng Qiliang, Vice Governor of Guizhou Province, etc.
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To help hospitality and food and beverage professionals understand more about Mexican cuisine, IFT hosted the Mexican Cuisine Cooking Demonstration Workshop on 18 & 19 September 2013. Chef Juan Miguel Prada was invited to share the concepts of Mexican cuisine and several recipes. Born in Mexico, Chef Juan Miguel Prada is the founder of Prada Consulting, one of the most renowned food and beverage consulting companies in Mexico. Because of his quality and experience, Chef Prada has acquired international recognition and has represented Mexican cuisine in several high-profile events in Europe and North America. Specialised in Mexican Haute Cuisine, Mexican traditional, fusion and contemporary cuisine, Chef Prada is a multifaceted cook who has collaborated with very important restaurants in Mexico, and has worked as Executive Chef for the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs. Chef Prada has a large experience representing Mexico in international culinary fairs and exhibitions, with the support of the Mexican Embassies and Consulates in many countries, including Canada, Germany, India, Spain and Sweden. He has been chef collaborator in writing award-winning cookbooks such as "La Vainilla Mexicana Cookbook" and "Mezcal Cookbook", as well as a columnist and food critic in several specialised culinary magazines. The workshop composed of five sessions: introduction to the demo Mexican culinary and its ingredients, recipe and mise-en-place of the demo Mexican culinary, key issues of the production process, Mexican culinary making demonstration, food tasting and Q&A. Participants gained a lot of basic knowledge about Mexican cuisine through the demonstration and recipe sharing. The workshop attracted a total of 31 chefs from hotels and restaurants. In 2010, Mexican traditional cuisine was inscribed to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This inscription was based on the acknowledgement of the Mexican cuisine's role in the cultural identity of the Mexican people, which has been transmitted from generation to generation. IFT has always been dedicated to organise promotions of different ethnic cuisines for the public. At the same time, it arouses the interests of food service industry in Macao to explore more ideas in cooking. Through "Master Chef Cooking Demo Series" IFT forms a communication platform for local and overseas chefs. The institute will make more efforts to offer more training programmes to help enhance the knowledge and skills of industry professionals.
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In places worldwide, the air traffic volume continues to increase. However, the conventional navigation relies heavily on the ground navigation waypoints; the design of air routes and flight procedures has therefore often been restricted by the configuration of the waypoints and the various navaids. This has given rise to a more and more congested airspace. With the increased popularity of satellite-navigation service, various area navigation procedures are developed by different states or administrations to cater for the increased traffic demand within their limited airspace. To unify the different applications of area navigation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires all states or administrations to implement the Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures. With PBN, within the coverage of the navigation signals and within the capacity of the on-board aircraft navaids, the aeronautical authorities will no longer be restricted by the location of the waypoints in working out the optimization of the route spacing and the aircraft separation minima. This will benefit fuel efficiency and result in more environmental-friendly flight paths. In compliance with the ICAO requirement, Macau International Airport will implement its PBN procedures on 19 September 2013. PBN specifies that aircraft navigation performance requirements be defined in terms of accuracy, availability, continuity and functionality required for the proposed operations in the context of a particular airspace, when supported by the appropriate navigation infrastructure. This means that with the application of PBN procedures, and given that an aircraft is equipped with the required on-board navaids, the design of air route will no longer be restricted by the location of the navigation waypoints and the terrain. As long as it is within the coverage of the navigation signals and within the capacity of the on-board aircraft navaids, the route spacing can be designed in a more flexible way; the separation minima can be reduced; the airspace capacity will be enhanced. To reach unification of different applications, ICAO reviewed the various standards adopted by different states or administrations and finally published a standardized global navigation procedure requirement in 2006 known as PBN. This new navigation concept puts together the aircraft required navigation performance and the area navigation, covering the flight paths, the terminal maneuvering area operations, the aircraft approach and landing. PBN represents a shift from sensor-based navigation to performance-based navigation. In accordance with the ICAO requirement, all states or administrations in Asia Pacific must implement PBN procedures between 2013 and 2016. To comply with it, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM), CAM-Macau International Airport Co. Ltd., the Administration of Airports Ltd. (ADA) and Air Macau together formed the Macau International Airport PBN Procedures Working Team in June 2012 to carry out the project. The procedure design task was undertaken by CAM. The Shanghai Civil Aviation New Era Airport Design and Research Institute Co. Ltd. was contracted by ADA to work out the design details. Since the Macau Air Traffic Zone lies in between the Hong Kong Flight Information Region and the Guangzhou Flight Information Region, the PBN procedures must also require the approval of the Hong Kong and the mainland aeronautical authorities. During the design process, the aeronautical authorities of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao were involved. AACM said, "In January of this year, the Working Team successfully validated the PBN procedures using the simulator at Zhuhai Flight Training Centre; then in March, the Working Team entrusted the Flight Inspection Centre of the Civil Aviation Administration of China to conduct the on-site flight validation and confirmed that the Macao PBN procedures meet the fly-ability, safety and accuracy requirements. The aeronautical authorities of the three places agreed that Macao implement its PBN procedures on 19 September 2013." AACM added that all Air Macau registered aircraft have been equipped with the required on-board navaids and the Authority has already granted the air operator the PBN approval for approach. Compared with the conventional sensor-based navigation, the advantages of PBN that are relevant to the application in Macao are reflected in the following aspects: 1. The new procedures can avoid the reliance on sensor-specific operations. The aeronautical authorities can optimize the route spacing, hence reducing flight time and achieving fuel efficiency. This will lead to lower operational costs. More importantly, the new procedures can reduce carbon emission and therefore support environment protection. 2. While en-route, the aircraft can calculate its exact location based on the data collected from different sources. This can increase the accuracy in locating the aircraft and reduce the separation minima, hence allowing more aircraft to fly in an orderly manner within the limited airspace, in other words, increasing the airspace capacity. 3. The new procedures can reduce the frequency of communication between the air traffic controllers and the pilots as well as the need to use radar navigation, trimming down the work chain and hence enhancing operational safety and efficiency. In consideration that not all the airlines which are now operating in Macau International Airport have obtained the relevant PBN approval from their state of aircraft registry, AACM pointed out that the PBN procedures and the conventional sensor-based operations will be in place concurrently for a considerable period of time.
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The current "Date Chop" has been in use since 16th June 1999 and will be ceased after 8th October 2013. The new "Date Chop" for stamps obliteration will be introduced with effect from 9th October 2013 in all post offices' counters that accept postal objects (excluding the Mail Handling and Delivery Centre). The new "Date Chop" design not only has the "★" symbol, but also has the indication of the latest posting time (excluding the chops of Philately Shop, Parcel Area, EMS Area and "Posta Restante" counters). The image sample shown as below is the new "Date Chop" of General Post Office: Meanwhile, General Post Office and all post office branches will apply the " Aceite Após o Horário de Aceitação " slogan die of franking machines（as shown below）on the postal object to identify the latest posting time starting from 9th October 2013.
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