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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on biscuits on 10th July for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Government is highly concerned over recent reports of emails of local residents having been hacked, and he pledged to safeguard cyber security in all government departments, businesses and households. Speaking to reporters before the opening of the 2nd Beijing-Macao Co-operation and Exchange Symposium, the Chief Executive said the email accounts that have been reportedly hacked included those of some government departments. Mr Chui said no further details could be disclosed since the Judicial Police were investigating, adding that the police would provide more information in due course. According to Mr Chui, in addition to the police investigation, the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation has also requested the internet service providers to follow up on the case and to review network security. The Office for Personal Data Protection, meanwhile, is also looking into the case to ensure the privacy of local residents.
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The 2nd Beijing Macao Economic and Trade Exchange Symposium acts as an important platform to strengthen co-operation between Macao and the Mainland, especially in the areas of health, sports and creative industry. Delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Symposium themed "Deepen Co-operation and Exchange and Promote Mutual Development," the Chief Executive Mr Chui said today that based on success of the previous symposium, this year the two governments would once again join hands to broaden the room for co-operation with new and better elements. In order to meet the needs of social and economic development of the two areas to raise the standard of people's livelihood, the Chief Executive said it was necessary to step up co-operation on tourism, business and trading, science and service for medium-sized enterprises. Mr Chui re-iterated that the boost of economic development and improvement of people's livelihood are important governance of the SAR Government. Moreover, the government actively participates in regional co-operation and keeps close contact with Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries, Romance-speaking countries and the European Union in efforts to expand Macao's competitiveness to achieve substantial growth. The Symposium is organised by the People´s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region. The event consists of six major components, namely, the opening ceremony and the signing of co-operation protocols, Seminar for Co-operation and Exchange and Promotion of Special Projects, co-ordination in co-operation and exchange projects and a photo exhibition entitled "Charming Beijing", Beijing-Macao Ethnic Concert and Beijing-Macao Youth Sports Exchange.
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Jointly organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan (ACFPT), Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association (MCFA) and Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong (LFA), supported by Chinese Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA), co-organised by the Franchising & Licensing Association (Singapore), Korea Franchise Association, Malaysian Retailers' Chain Association and Thailand Franchise Association and co-ordinated by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao, the "Macao Franchise Expo 2013" (20I3MFE) will be held from 12 to 14 July 2013 at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel Hall A. MFE – Increased Level of International Participation With the slogan "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be seized" and with the previous successes and experiences, 2013MFE is its fifth year and continues to promote locally branded products on the international stage as well as attracting greater numbers of well-known international brands to invest in Macao. MFE is committed to promoting and establishing a business platform to welcome all exhibitors from a diverse sphere of industries and world-renowned brands to look for business partners in Macao. 20I3MFE has invited a large number of exhibitors from many different regions and countries, which include Mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and Vietnam, attracting 160 franchise and chain operators and brand agencies, in order to encourage international participation in the trend of running franchises and chain businesses. The number of booths is over 200. A wide variety of industries, including food and beverages, leisure and entertainment, retail, services, education, will showcase their brands during the expo. MFE is a grand business occasion from which many different exhibitions, seminars, forum and promotions can be seen. According to statistics, over the previous years, the number of business matching sessions, on-site protocol signing, participating countries/regions and public attendance has increased annually. 20I3MFE will be one of the most internationalised franchise expo held in the region. Thus it attracts a substantial number of overseas exhibitors with the hope of making use of Macao's geographical advantage and very distinctive historical background to obtain a raft of business opportunities. Forums to improve business performance and development
"Forum on Chain and Franchise Business Opportunities of International Brands" has always been one of the highlights of MFE. Each year, representatives from local and international renowned business associations, business leaders, corporate directors and prominent experts are invited to attend the forum, with the objective of improving business and further strengthening its competitiveness to withstand any challenges arising from regional and global economic changes. In particular, Macao is determined to become a world-class tourism and leisure centre. Therefore, with the theme of "High-end Service Industries Triggering Business Opportunities", the forum will thoroughly elaborate on the topic on the prospects for the franchise industry and high-end service in a cosmopolitan city. This year the forum has great international participation, experts and business leaders from many different regions and countries around the globe, including Brazil, mainland China, France, Italy, Japan, Macao New Zealand, Portugal and Taiwan. They will all gather here to examine how high-end services develop and trigger off business opportunities and collaboration in an international city and how chain store and franchising generate new opportunities and challenges. The forum will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday 11 July in the multifunctional room on the first floor of Banyan Tree, Galaxy Macao. The second forum with the theme of "Franchise and Business Opportunities in Digital Era", hosted by Macao Chain Stores and Franchise Association (MCFA), will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday 12 July in the Multifunctional Area of the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel Hall A. Numerous experts and academics from mainland China and Taiwan will meet local counterparts to jointly explore regional franchising opportunities and discuss how to improve the business operation model in the light of the current technological advancements. Meanwhile, an awards ceremony will be held during the forum to give recognition to all those who have contributed and excelled in franchising in various industries. Another forum with the theme of "How to Start Your Business through Franchising", hosted by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao, will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday 13 July in the aforementioned venue. Industry experts and professionals to offer brand Re-packaging consultation to enhance product advantage In 2012MFE, a substantial number of examples of successfully repackaged overseas brands were on display in the Brand Re-packaging Pavilion, in which local business beginners and SMEs sought advice from industry experts. Due to the value of the Pavilion and the positive public response, the organiser has continued the idea and specially invited representatives from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and local counterparts, who are experts in brand packaging services, to share their insights and provide opinions tailored to individual needs, including internal business management and restructuring. The brand consultants will provide their services free of charge to illustrate and explore a wide range of techniques and skills, including business planning, management regulating, product packaging and strategies to make the brand more international, with the objective of achieving an innovative and attractive product and examining how brand packaging strategically enhances the brand value. For any enquiries and advance reservations for the consultancy service, please feel free to contact Mr. Ho, representative of IPIM SME Service Centre, on 8798 9614. MFE multi-functional area to boost business matching
MFE multi-functional area, in which the opening ceremony for the three-day event will be held, was set up to serve as a platform for both organiser and exhibitors to promote and demonstrate their products. Food tasting zone and special programmes fit for all ages Based on the past experiences, food and beverages and retail franchisors received the most attention. Therefore, the organiser has invited more brands and franchisors from these two areas to participate in 2013MFE. As in previous MFEs, there will be a Food and Beverages Tasting Zone, as well as a series of fabulous programmes and shows for a wonderful summer holiday mood. There will be retail sales as well as and free giveaways during 2013MFE. Special programmes such as Darts competitions, B Duck "Free Hugs Activity", Fashion Show – Children's wear, Indian Kitchen Cooking Show and more will be held at different times at the expo. This will certainly be a kids-and-family-friendly event for some wonderful summer fun. One-stop support service to assist enterprise development and financing In accordance with the Organiser's theme, 2013MFE provides the following supporting services for exhibitors, including marketing strategies, financial consultancy, real estate consultancy, which can provide professional advisory services to those who are interested in starting a chain or franchising business. Free admission! Don't miss the opportunity!
Macao is not only a free port and independent customs territory that has great economic energy in the Asia-Pacific region, but also an important bridge that connects Mainland China to international markets. As the economy continues to grow, a number of international brand agencies proved to be very successful in Macao. It is timely for enterprises or individuals to expand the size of their operations or start personal venture. Therefore MFE has become an effective platform for enterprises from various countries/regions to explore and take advantage of the chain and franchising business opportunities. Admission to the three-day event is free to everyone. Business representatives and general public are all welcome to visit the expo. The first day of 2013MFE (12 July) will be open to business professionals only the opening hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while 13 and 14 July will be open to general public. The opening hours on Saturday 13 July are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the opening hours on Sunday 14 July are from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm. For public convenience, two shuttle bus service routes will be available free of charge on Saturday and Sunday with buses departing every half hour. One route is between Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket, Areia Preta) and MFE venue, while the second is between Avenida Doutor Mário Soares (Macao Square) and MFE venue. For any other enquiries, please contact the secretariat of 2013MFE, on (853) 8798 9627 / 6229 8000, Email: sec@mfe.mo or visit the MFE official website: www.mfe.mo.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on shampoo and shower gel on 8th July for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organizes the "Conceptual Design Contest for Community Tourism Mobile App" to promote the "Development Plan for Community Toursim" and deepen the public's awareness about the scheme. The competition also serves to introduce more third-party software applications of Macau travel guide to the market and apply more cutting-edge technology in the destination's promotion. Macau not only embraces the World Heritage "Historic Centre of Macau" with a variety of historical and architectural gems amidst its enchanting alleys and squares but also offers unique delicacies, colorful traditions and festivities. Inhabitants of different races live in harmony in the community imbued with East and West culture. The theme of the contest is to develop historic and cultural tourism attractions, inspiring creative designs which present the sightseeing spots, culture and history of various local communities in different formats. Contestants can join the "Conceptual Design Contest for Community Tourism Mobile App" individually or by groups. Applicants can submit their works starting from today until August 16. Contestants are required only to submit a proposal without using software language to compose or develop a mobile application. They can submit their application form, accomplished proposal and disc with related files to MGTO in person during office hours or via mail before the deadline. For more information, please browse Macau Tourism Industry Net: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo or email an enquiry to appscompetition@macautourism.gov.mo. MGTO is actively promoting the "Development Plan for Community Toursim" by launching various tourism activities and enriching the tourism products in local communities through interdepartmental collaboration or joint projects with related entities and social organizations. The office strives to encourage citizens' support and particiaption, guide visitors to explore different communities and revitalize the ecnonomy of the older districts in Macau. The related efforts will propel the city towards diversified development. MGTO launched the "Experience Macau" mobile app in Iphone and Android version last and early this year respectively to provide visitors with Macau travel tips and promote the destination through the mobile platform. The office will continue to adopt more innovative promotional tecniques and explore new tourism markets in future.
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Non-stamping immigration clearance policy will be effective from 10th July, 2013. Travelers with visiting permits and passports will receive a printed arrival card at all border checkpoints of Macao instead of a stamp on the travel documents. There will also be no stamping upon departure. The arrival card will be the same as that currently issued to Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card holders and mainlanders with Exit-entry Permit for Travelling To and From Hong Kong and Macao. It bears the name of the visitor, travel document number, arrival date, limit of stay in Macao as well as a 2-dimensional security label. Visitors are required to keep the card during their stay in Macao and be mindful of their stay limit. Under normal circumstances, the loss of the card will not affect the visitor's departure clearance formalities. For free replacement of the card, visitors may approach in person any one of the immigration checkpoints or the Investigation Subdivision on 1st Floor of Immigration Department Building in Travessa Um do Cais de Pac On, Taipa. With the implementation of non-stamping policy, the process of immigration clearance will be simplified, inspection accuracy be increased and immigration clearance time be shortened, therefore improving the efficiency of clearance formalities in all border checkpoints.
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Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the 2013 Taipei International Food Show was held from June 26 to 29 at the Nangang Exhibition Hall and Hall 1 of Taiwan World Trade Centre. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute organized around 50-member Macao Business Delegation to attend to visit the show and for procurement purchase. 2013 Taipei International Food Show is currently Taiwan´s largest, most professional, visible and renowned food fair. For the first time, the said event is presented as a "Five-in-One Food Expo", comprising the Taipei International Food Show (FOOD TAIPEI), Taipei International Food Processing & Pharmaceutical Machinery Show (FOODTECH & PHARMATECH TAIPEI), Taipei International Packaging Industry Show (TAIPEI PACK), Taiwan International Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show (TAIWAN HORECA), and Taiwan International HALAL Expo (HALAL TAIWAN), to offer a complete panorama of Taiwan's food supply chain, consisting of the food-manufacturing, food-processing machinery, packaging, catering, and Halal food industries. There were a total of 1,557 exhibitors in the five exhibitions, occupying 3,637 booths. The Show attracted 6,588 international buyers with the number of visitors from home and abroad reaching 65,000. In addition to the exhibitions, the Organizer also organized several related activities, including national theme days, launching of new products, seminar on professional packaging and food machinery, and seminar on the opening up of the vast halal food market. There was also a catering competition as part of the relevant activities. Apart from visiting the above-mentioned Food Show, during their stay in Taiwan, members of the Macao Business Delegation also met with the Executive Director of Taipei World Center, under the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Mr. Liu Shi-Wei and the Officer of the Head of the Exhibition Department, Mr. Kang Yih-Jyh , for exchange for matching purposes, and also to obtain the latest and the most updated information about Taiwan´s convention and exhibition, and food industry. The Delegation also visited Taiwan Design Centre, where they were warmed received by the CEO of the said centre, Mr. Tony K. Chang, who also arranged a briefing on the development process of the creative design of the food packaging and food utensils. Furthermore, while in Taiwan, the Business Delegation also visited the actual "Dreamworks" production line of Taiwan´s branded souvenir food, the pineapple cake produced by Vigor Kobo, to learn about the related operating conditions. The above-mentioned series of activities provided an opportunity for members of the Macao Business Delegation to carry out procurement negotiations and exchanges with the TAITRA exhibitors in the fields of food, foodstuff, frozen food, dairy products, wine, kitchen utensils, cutlery, and food production machinery and equipment. Members of the Macao Business Delegation organized by IPIM comprised of members from the food, catering, trade, retail and other industries. Members of the delegation included: Mr. Sam Lei, Senior Manager of IPIM; the Macao Federal Commercial Association of Wine and Food Industries in Portuguese Speaking Countries and Regions, Mr. Ip Sio Man, Executive Director of Macau Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Vong Veng Him, the Vice-President of "Ou Mun Peng Sek Sao Son Ip Seong Wui", Mr. Ling Man Yi, the Vice-President of Macau Union Suppliers Association, Mr. Mok Sio Kei, the President of the Board of Directors of Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises of Catering, Mr. Ieong Weng Seng, the Vice-Chairman of Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association, Mr. Si Tou Tek Lam and the Vice-Chairman of The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, Ms. Lio Mei Chan.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on canned foods on 4th July for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council's research result shows that many interviewees hold positive comments on the service quality, product quality, and after sales service of 'Certified Shops'. Both local citizens and tourists regard the 'Certified Shop' emblem as a guarantee for shopping. The research is featured in the latest issue no.238 of Consumer Report. The Institute for Social and Cultural Research under the Macau University of Science and Technology was commissioned by the Council in 2010 to conduct a research on the effectiveness of its 'Certified Shop' promotional campaign for the evaluation of the mechanism since its establishment a decade ago. The Council then revised and modified its promotion strategies after reviewing the research result. In order to review the revised promotional campaign, the Council commissioned the Institute again for another research. The latest research result reviews that public's recognition of the mechanism has been increased, as outdoor media such as bus body wrapping advertisements and bus shelter scrolling panels, etc. make a good impression on the public. Further, advertisements placed at the arrival hall inside the airport also increases tourists' recognition of the 'Certified Shop' emblem. The research also shows that accessibility to promotional materials of 'Certified Shops' plays an important part in encouraging consumers' patronage to 'Certified Shops'. Many of the interviewees who have visited 'Certified Shops' hold positive comments on the service quality, product quality, and after sales service of 'Certified Shops'. Among the local citizens who have been interviewed, about 41 percent of them regard the service quality of 'Certified Shops' as 'better' and 'very good', about 50 percent of them regard the product quality as 'better' and 'very good', and around 54 percent of them also agree that the standard for after sales service of 'Certified Shops' is 'better' and 'very good'. For tourists, about 72 percent of the total number of interviewees think that the service quality of 'Certified Shops' is 'better' and 'very good', 71 percent of tourists think likewise for product quality, and 61 percent of tourists agree that after sales service of 'Certified Shops' is 'better' and 'very good'. Research result and the suggestions given by the commissioned body have been published in the latest issue no.238 of Consumer Report and are also available on the Council's website. The latest Consumer Report also features articles on the new laws about uncompleted property and food safety. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of Consumer 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 resources online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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