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Following the full scale emergency exercise and the bomb threat exercise carried out in Macau International Airport, a full scale emergency exercise was also conducted in the Macau Heliport on 19 October evening to simulate a helicopter accident and the response of all relevant entities to cooperate with each other to handle this emergency and attend to the injured, in accordance with the respective contingency plans. The exercise was smooth and achieved the goal. The safety exercise started at 23:30 with the participation of 80 people. It simulated the scenario of an accident with a helicopter carrying passengers. An engine failure occurred after the helicopter has taken off; the helicopter lost propulsive power and landed heavily back onto the pad. The accident resulted in the detachment of some parts from the aircraft and caused three injuries. The Flight Operation Control Centre immediately activated the emergency response procedures and notified all relevant entities. The Heliport Emergency Operation Centre was then activated. Representatives of the relevant entities and the rescue team arrived on site in a short time to handle the emergencies: rescuing the injured, evacuating the personnel, maintaining order in the terminal, attending to enquiries and so on. The whole exercise was concluded in an hour. East Asia Airlines Ltd, the present operator of helicopter services between Macao and Hong Kong, was the coordinator of this exercise. The participants included the Customs Bureau, the Public Security Police Force, the Fire Brigade, the Harbour Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority.
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The 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened its door to the general public today (19th) and continued to hold a series of forums, seminars and presentations, as well as cultural shows and performances. While the different pavilions were drawing patronage of constant streams of residents, the sales areas were making good business. During the day, a total of 591 sessions of business matching were conducted and 34 protocols were signed. Support to SMEs in Achieving Upgrade and Transformation
The "SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony and Macao Ideas Website Launching Ceremony" were held at 12:30 PM today, during which Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mr. Kou Ming, Deputy Director of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Ms. Echo Chan and Ms. Irene V. K. Lau, Executive Directors of IPIM, were present, among other guests. In his welcome address, President Jackson Chang said IPIM would provide "One-stop Service" to the enterprises and investors who intended to set up companies in Macao. The services include the provision of free office premises for up to 6 months, policy consultancy, business secretarial service and assistance for setting up a company in Macao, etc., so as to help SMEs lower the business start-up costs. The "SME Days" this year features a wide range of activities, including the launch of a brand new 3D website of Macao Ideas (Macao products display centre), SME Service Corner, orientation and consultancy services for "branding" and "franchising", with the aim of encouraging SMEs to seek good business opportunities through the MIF. In particular, in the new "3D Virtual Tour of Macao Ideas", visitors are able to have a 360-degree view of the exhibits and experience the fun of a "seated tour of Macao Ideas". At the same time, it provides an instant information platform for entrepreneurs who seek business partnership about the latest updates and products inside "Macao Ideas". More Economic and Trade Activities Being Held
On the second day of the 17th MIF, the activities held included the "Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities - Unlocking Cultural and Creative Industries' Potential", "The 2nd Jiangsu-Macau•Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum", "The 7th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association And The 6th Macau Honor Board – Creative Decoration Cake Shop Awards Ceremony" and "Cultural & Artistic Performance Showcase", among others. The entire MIF has been filled with an atmosphere of economic and trade negotiations and participants preoccupied with networking activities. Splendid Traditional Arts & Crafts and Cultural Shows
Meanwhile, in the exhibition pavilions with the theme of culture and creation, masters of Chinese traditional arts and crafts have been invited to showcase their products and skills, such as the silk and cotton painting from Anhui province, innovative paper cutting method for Chinese paper-cut artworks, Chinese calligraphic art demonstration and embroidery skills from Hunan province. The master of crystalline glaze ceramics from Taiwan, Mr. Peng Wen Xiong, was onsite to sign autograph for visitors and personally introduced the unique, superior and amazing skills and techniques of his fellow-masters of arts in producing their exhibits which portrait the universe with brilliant and distinctive creativity, giving the spectators an awesome experience. Other highlights in the exhibition hall included the Chinese Ethnics Groups, cultural and artistic performances, and the splendid shows in the US Pavilion and Macao Fashion Festival, to name a few. The Second Day Conducts Over 500 Business Matching Sessions
Today, as many as 591 sessions of business matching were carried out onsite resulting in the signing of 34 protocols, which were related to investment in developing commercial real estate, joint development of the Greater China market, cooperation between trade associations, cooperation in the exploitation of software, development of an eco-tourism spring resort, hosting of a themed exhibition of Chinese calligraphic tablets, establishment of a seafood restaurant, agricultural cooperation project, production of grain and oil, manufacturing, environmental protection, opening shops for brand name handbags, jewelry and clothing, and distributorship for products of environmental protection technology, brand name lighting products, electronics products, food and wines, etc. Numerous key activities have been scheduled for tomorrow, which include "The 9th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", "How to Choose an Excellent Headquarters to Cooperate With?", "Utilizing Social Network and Media to Promote Your Business", "The Value of Design" and "Macao Brand Show", and more. To facilitate residents to visit the MIF, free shuttle buses will continue to provide service to and from the MIF venue. Meanwhile, for tomorrow and 21st Oct, visitors to the MIF may park their cars at the public car park of the Venetian Hotel for a maximum of 4 hours upon presentation of the MIF admission ticket. For further enquiries, please call 853-28828711 or visit our website at www.mif.com.mo
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Gaming Sector displayed sustainable growth in 2011. Total Receipts reached MOP 270.25 billion and Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 124.38 billion, up notably by 42% and 36% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added, measuring the sectoral contribution to the economy, amounted to MOP 161.13 billion, up by 42%; besides, Gross Fixed Capital Formation soared by 104% from 2011, at MOP 2.24 billion on account of the completion of several large-scale tourism and gaming facilities. In 2011, Total Receipts of the Gaming Sector reached MOP 270.25 billion, of which Receipts from Gaming & Related Services (e.g. food & beverage, currency exchange, etc.) increased notably by 42% year-on-year to MOP 270.11 billion; Interest Receipts totalled MOP 139 million. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 124.38 billion, an increase of 36% from 2010, with Purchase of Goods, Commission Paid and Customer Rebate surged by 45% year-on-year to MOP 94.76 billion (76% of the total). Moreover, Operating Expenses (MOP 14.20 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 12.27 billion) also increased by 19% and 15% respectively over 2010.
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The 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), the annual trade and economic event of Macao, which integrates exhibitions, high level forums and professional conventions, business matching, sourcing and purchasing activities, inaugurated today (18th October 2012) at the Macao Venetian Convention and Exhibition Center. Grounding on the success of the last 16 editions, the MIF this year has risen to a new level in terms of internationalization and professionalism. The scale of the themed pavilions and the quality of commodities have also achieved new improvements with more outstanding features. Accompanied by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr. Cheong Chou Weng and other guests, the Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Dr. Chui Sai On visited the MIF venue before the opening ceremony, which took place afterwards at Macao Venetian Convention and Exhibition Center -- Sicily Hall at 11:00 AM today. Officiating guests included Dr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr. Zhou Bo, Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Feng Tie, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr. Kenneth Viagem Marizane, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, Mozambique, Mr. António Almeida Henriques, Secretary of State Assistant to the Minister and of Economy and Regional Development, Portugal, Ms.Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, Secretary of State for Support and Promotion of the Private Sector, East Timor, Mr. Wong Rong, the standing member of CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the Secretary of CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Ms. Bu Xiaolin, Vice-Chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Government, Mr. Xu Ming, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Jiangsu Province, Mr. Shi Dagang, Vice-chairman of the Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, and Mr. Cheong Chou Weng, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. More Internationalized with More Remarkable Results
With the theme of "Cooperation – Key to Business Opportunities", the MIF this year has followed closely the trends of the international markets and developments of Macao's economy, highlighted Macao as a service platform, especially the role of a service platform for economic and trade cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Thus, the features of the MIF this year are more prominent and more internationalized with more remarkable results, said Tam Pak Yuen in his opening address. Exhibitors from Many Countries and Regions Made their Presence with Specially-Decorated Pavilions and Booths
The MIF this year is strongly supported by the participation of exhibitors from Mainland China and overseas countries and regions. Over 1,800 exhibition booths have been set up, an increase of 9% over the same period last year. Among the exhibitors, the countries which are participating for the first time include Cyprus, Bangladesh and Madagascar. Meanwhile, more cities are now served by our "Convention and Exhibition Through Train Service" resulting in a boost in the number of participating trade visitors. This shows that the impact of MIF on its target markets has been on the rise over the years. Scale of Themed Pavilions Expanded to Showcase Rich and Colourful Exhibits and Programmes
Meanwhile, the industry-specific or themed pavilions feature more varieties of exhibits and programmes. In addition to the themed pavilions such as Macao Pavilion, Macao Manufactures and Trades Pavilion, Macao – Ideal Place to Live, International Brands Pavilion, International SME Exhibition and Sales Area and Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion and Macao Fashion Festival 2012, the 17th MIF also features some new pavilions for cultural and artistic performances, packaging design, arts and crafts, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao exhibition and Shenzhen Cultural Industries Fair, while the Macao Creative Pavilion and other pavilions such as Beijing, Anhui, Jiangsu and Taiwan, which have culture and creation as their main theme are presenting an vast array of artistic performances and creative programmes. A Brief, Grand Opening Ceremony Unveils a Series of Remarkable Forums and Conventions
Moreover, the MIF comprises a wide range of activities and programmes. The activities held today included the "International Trade and Investment Forum 2012", "Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception, "EU Wine & Food Products Promotion", "The Promotion of Hunan Essence", "The 5th Guangzhou / Hong Kong / Macao Exhibition Industry Cooperation Forum & The 1st Pearl River Delta Region" and the opening ceremonies of numerous pavilions. Among others, the "International Trade and Investment Forum", with the theme of "New Horizons for Regional Cooperation", has invited Mr. Zhang Wei, Vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Vice Chairman of All-China General Chamber of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Ma Iao Lai, President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Kenneth Viagem Marizane, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade of Mozambique, and Mr. António Almeida Henriques, Secretary of State, Assistant to the Minister and of Economy and Regional Development of Portugal, to deliver keynote speeches. Some 280 guests attended the Forum. On the other hand, as many as 584 sessions of business matching were held resulting in the signing of 25 protocols related to tourism, film and television, construction materials and food products. The activities of tomorrow will include the "SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony, Macao Ideas Website Launching Ceremony and Protocol Signing Ceremony" and "Emotional Design for Uplifting Brand Image", to name just a few. In the meantime, the MIF this year has introduced new elements of culture and artistic performance. Over the four-day Fair period, the pavilions of Beijing, Hunan, Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion, Guangzhou Chimelong Group and China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion will stage an abundant variety of cultural and artistic performances. The 17th MIF will be open to public in the next 3 days, from tomorrow (19th) until 21st October. To facilitate visitors to the MIF, the Organiser has arranged free shuttle buses to and from the MIF venue, which stop at Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo, Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (in Macao) and Rua Foshan (Grandview Hotel) in Taipa. From 19th to 20th October, the shuttle buses (onward route from Macao/Taipa to MIF venue) will run from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, while the return route will run from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. On 21st October, the onward route will run from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and the return route will run from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, residents may park their cars at the public car park of the Venetian Hotel for a maximum of 4 hours upon presentation of the MIF admission ticket. For further enquiries, please call 853-28828711 or visit our website at www.mif.com.mo
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During the 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), (18 to 21 October), a series of high-level forums and promotion seminars were held, in addition to the setting-up of several themed exhibition areas, in order to use the advantages of Macao´s unique business and trade services platform, to promote economic and trade co-operation between Macao, Mainland China, Portuguese-Speaking Countries and the rest of the world. Organised by the Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-organised by the International Lusophone Markets Business Association, Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Industry and Commerce Brazil-China of Macau and São Paulo Chamber of Commerce, the "Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception" was held on 18 October, at 4:30 p.m., in Ballroom J, 3rd Floor, Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The above-mentioned activity was aimed to promote economic and trade exchanges among Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao, having as its theme, the textile industry, to fully utilise and develop Macao´s economic and trade services platform to open the markets in the Portuguese-Speaking countries, deepen the cooperation between Fujian and Macao, so as to facilitate the economic and trade exchange and create business opportunities for the trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, business associations and enterprises of the involved countries. Mr. Zhong Muda, Vice General-Director of Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Co-operation, and Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of Macao Trade and Investment Institute, delivered their welcome remarks at the networking cocktail. In addition, in the presentations session, representatives of Fujian, Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Macao shared their insights about the textile industry and explore opportunities for collaboration between the above-mentioned countries and regions. After the presentations, the guests had the opportunity for exchange to further seek co-operation opportunities. Members of the Fujian Trade and Economic Delegation, representatives from several countries participating in MIF, leaders of the chambers of commerce, business associations, trade promotion agencies, operators of the textile industry and representatives from the business community also took part in the networking cocktail reception.
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Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, João Manuel Costa Antunes led a delegation of over 30 members to visit Sydney, Australia from October 16 to 20, met and exchanged ideas with their tourism officials and inspected the famous or recently-built tourism facilities, including historic monuments which have been transformed into tourism attractions, so as to absorb related experiences and ideas before kicking off a series of promotional activities in Sydney.
The delegation comprises over 30 members including Advisor of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Maria Madalena Leong, 24 members and Secretary General of Tourism Development Committee, Wong Mei Cheng, MGTO Head of Destination Marketing Department, Betty Fok and Head of Organizational Planning and Development Department, Cheng Wai Tong. On October 16, MGTO Director Antunes met with the press representatives from Sydney to introduce about the visit's mission and activities to be held. During their stay, the delegation met with New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, Acting Director of Industry Partnership and Government Policy of Destination NSW, Simonne Shepherd, Chairman of NSW Tourism Industry Council, Ken Corbett, Manager of Water Strategy of Sydney Town Hall, Bhakti Devi, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, Andrew McEvoy etc. and exchanged the latest tourism development of Australia and Macau. The delegation also visited and inspected various renowned tourism facilities and attractions in Sydney including the latest major project of the New South Wales Government – Barangaroo waterfront. Other attractions include Darling Harbour, Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade. Barangaroo waterfront is Australia's significant project and is Sydney's newest development site which is part of a 2020 master plan prepared and forwarded by the NSW Government. Known as the future of Sydney, Barangaroo will manifest an extraordinary vision of Sydney and become its newest landmark. Queen Victoria Building has over a century's history and is renovated into a tourism and leisure facility. Through exchange and inspection during the visit, the delegation learned about the conceptions and effects of these projects, which will help to inspire new ideas and creativity when Macau further develops its tourism facilities and products in future.
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The century-old Government Headquarters will once again be opened to the public over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday 20-21 October) from 9 am to 6 pm. Members of the public may make use of this opportunity to admire the Southern European style structures. During the open days, a series of performances will be provided for the visitors, including music and shows by the Public Security Police Band, students from School of Music and School of Dance of the Macao Conservatory.
The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) will also host an exhibition of more than 3,000 types of orchids, showcasing the beauty of the renowned floral species. Large-scale floral works will also be displayed at the main entrance, exit, garden and hallways of Government Headquarters to depict the charm of orchids and the art of bonsai; flowers in bloom will be everywhere to fill the environment with fresh scents. Guided tour to the first floor of the Government Headquarters and a photo exhibition of old Macao will be staged in the multi-purpose conference room.
To commemorate this special occasion, Macao Post will set up a special counter at the Nam Van Lake to provide hand-back service and issue a set of commemorative envelope and postcard. Special traffic arrangements will be introduced on Travessa do Paiva during the open days and drivers are advised to follow the directions given by police officers. Located on Avenida Praia Grande, the Macao SAR Government Headquarters covers an area of 7,700 square metres and comprises three buildings with a total floor area of 10,000 square metres. After its construction, it was bought by the Portuguese-Macao government and used as the official residence and offices for the Portuguese governors who had served in Macao. After the establishment of the Macao SAR Government on December 20, 1999, the mansion was renovated, with its original architectural style and features retained. The front block of the Headquarters houses conference room for the Executive Council, the Lotus Room, a multi-purpose conference room and a press room, as well as the Green Room, the Yellow Room and the Blue Room, which are usually used for meetings and banquets.
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To make the best use of Macao's strength as a business service platform as well as fostering trade and economic communication and co-operation between the EU's and Macao's creative industries, plus boosting the new developments in the industry. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute will be co-organising the Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities with various local and overseas EU-related organisations during the 17th MIF. The Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities is jointly organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM), European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (ECCHK) and the European Union Business Information Programme in Hong Kong and Macao (EUBIP). The Seminar will be held from 2:30-4:30pm on 19 October 2012 (Friday), in the Sicily Room at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The theme of the Seminar is Unlocking Cultural and Creative Industries' Potential – In Culture, Business, Innovation, major topics for discussion include: development potential of cultural and creative industries in EU countries and Macao, exploring the prospects of cultural and creative industry collaboration between the EU, Macao and neighbouring regions as well as emerging business opportunities. Presentation speeches, panel discussion and Q&A session will be conducted to promote constructive interaction between panellists and participants. Experts and representatives from local and overseas organisations, enterprises in creative industry have been invited to give presentations on topics including EU-Macao trade and economic communication and co-operation, experience in cultural and creative businesses. Ms. Echo Chan, IPIM's Executive Director, Mr. Jens-Erik Olsen, Vice-Chairman of ECCHK will give the opening speeches. Moderator of the Seminar is Mr. José Luís de Sales Marques, President of IEEM, speakers include Mr. Philippe Kern, Founder and Managing Director of KEA European Affairs; expert to the European Commission, European Parliament and Council of Europe, Mr. Tavs Jensen Vagnby, Founder and owner of International Design House, Ms. Marielle Lagers, Director of Dutch Design Desk South China, Mr. Jorge Cerveira Pinto, National Co-ordinator of National Programme "Criatividade Portugal", Mr. Silvestre Mota, Director of INOVA Agency and Ms. Sofia Bobone, Product designer in Macao, business partner of Macau Banner Bag. All local and overseas entrepreneurs are welcome to join the Seminar. Simultaneous translation services are available in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. For further enquiries and registration, please contact Ms. Kuan of IPIM's Research and Information Division on 8798 9127, Fax: 2859 0309 or email: ipimpcom@ipim.gov.mo.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on seasonings. Survey result indicated that the difference in price of the 13 surveyed products ranged from 15% to maximum 68%. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data in comparison of the price range of the same brand of seasonings. Consumer Council collected 13 brands of seasonings from 20 retail outlets on 11th October. Survey result showed that price difference of the same brand of seasonings in different retail spots ranged from 15.4% to 68.4% respectively. An obvious difference in price was "Kimlan Light Soy Sauce (590ml)", which was sold at $9.8 (the lowest price) to $16.5 (the highest price). While, the price difference of "Tai Yang Hua Brand Table Salt (1lb)" in different retail spots reached to 60%. Survey result also revealed that prices of some surveyed products in branches under the same supermarket chain ranged from minimal to 10%. Particularly, selling price of "Amoy Premium Oyster Sauce (555g)" sold at San Miu Supermarket Taipa Flower City branch was different from that sold at Pou Seng branch, with percentage difference of almost 13%. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The specific price survey on seasonings is now available on the Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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