News

Organised by the Australia and New Zealand Representative of Macau Government Tourist Office, Macau Festival 2011 was held on October 15 and16 to bring excitement, colour and fascination of Macau to the city of Sydney. Coinciding with the festival is a Macau Food Week at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney from October 14 to 21. Macau Festival 2011 featured on stage a program of contemporary and traditional Portuguese dance, Lion dancing, song and music throughout the two days. There was also a host of activities for children and adults, and plenty of Portuguese and Chinese food to satisfy hearty appetites. The Macau Food Week at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney from October 14 to 21 is held at the hotel's restaurant "Kable's", offering a special Macanese menu of traditional dishes such as the famous Portuguese Egg Tarts and African chicken for both lunch and dinner throughout the Macau Food Week. Adding to the authenticity of the experience, two guest chefs, Gary Wong and Alex Lim from Four Seasons Hotel Macau, join the event to prepare the Macanese dishes throughout the week.
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The century-old Government Headquarters will once again be opened to the public, on 22-23 October, between 9 am and 6 pm. This will be the 11th time Macao residents and visitors alike could tour the palatial structure since opening it to the public was made an annual event in 2001. 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. The front block houses the Office of the Chief Executive, 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. Guided tours of the ground floor of Government Headquarters and an exhibition of old photographs of Macao will be on display. The Public Security Police Band and students from School of Music and School of Dance of the Macao Conservatory will perform for visitors, with the Macau Government Tourist Office setting up a booth there to offer mementos to visitors. Macao Post will set up a special counter in front of the Headquarters to provide hand-back service: a set of commemorative envelope and postcard will also be issued. Visitors may also see Hydrangea and Anthurium at a flower exhibition organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau. Special traffic arrangements will be introduced on Travessa do Paiva during the two days. Built in 1849, the structure was bought by the then Portuguese administration and served as the official residence and offices of the Macao governors. After the establishment of the Macao SAR Government in 1999, the mansion was renovated, with its original architectural style and features remaining largely intact. For more details, please visit www2.gcs.gov.mo/openday or www.gov.mo.
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A series of high-level forums and promotional seminars will be held during the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (16th MIF), in addition to the setting-up of several themed zones, so as to take advantage of the multi-cultural characteristics of Macao and its role as a regional trade and economic services platform, to promote the trade and economic co-operation between Macao, Mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries as well as other countries and regions around the world. Jointly organised by the Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee, Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, and co-organised by the Lusophone Markets Business Association (ACIML), Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Macao Branch), Macau Chamber of Commerce plus Brazil-China and Sao Paulo Chamber of Commerce, a "Portuguese-Speaking Countries – Fujian – Macao Economic Exchange and Building Materials Co-operation Round Table Conference" held on 19 October, in the Banquet Hall, 3rd Floor of the Macau Tower Convention and Exhibition Centre. The said activity aims to fully develop Macao's role as a trade and economic services platform, namely in the development of the markets in the Portuguese-speaking countries, to strengthen and expand co-operation between Fujian Province and Macao, and, through the Round Table Conference, provide opportunities for exchange and co-operation between political and economic organisations, business associations, chambers of commerce and entrepreneurs from the Portuguese-speaking countries, Fujian and Macao. At the invitation of the organisers, the Vice Governor of Fujian Province, Mr. Ye Shuangyu and the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen attended the Round Table Conference had been asked to speak at the start of the symposium. During the Conference, several other co-operation agreements were signed concurrently, related to projects in the fields of street lighting, energy-saving lamps; environmentally friendly heat insulation paint and air source heat pumps. During the Round Table Conference, the Vice Mayor of Guangzhou Municipal Government (Fujian province), Mr. Chen Rongzhou, gave a presentation on the current structure of the building materials industry in the municipality. Furthermore, several leaders from Portuguese-speaking countries and representatives from business associations and chambers of commerce attended the Round-Table Conference, to carry out a joint analysis on the prospects of marketing building materials from Fujian province in Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as investment opportunities, and to share their experiences in co-operating with Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as exploring business opportunities between Fujian, Macao and the said Portuguese-speaking countries. To further enhance the exchange and relationship between Portuguese-speaking countries, Fujian and Macao, a business matching session took place after the Round-Table Conference, with the aim of providing participants with an additional platform for exchange. A delegation from Fujian province attended the Round-Table Conference, as well as representatives from various countries/regions, attending MIF, as well as leaders and representatives of business associations, chambers of commerce and trade promotion organisation from Macao and around the world (especially from Portuguese-speaking countries), as well as members of the business community from Macao, Mainland China and overseas.
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A series of high-level forums and promotional seminars will be held during the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (16th MIF), in addition to the setting-up of several themed zones, so as to take advantage of the multi-cultural characteristics of Macao and its role as a regional trade and economic services platform, to promote the trade and economic co-operation between Macao, Mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries as well as other countries and regions around the world. Jointly organised by the Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee, Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Guangzhou Municipal People's Government, and co-organised by the Lusophone Markets Business Association (ACIML), Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Macao Branch), Macau Chamber of Commerce plus Brazil-China and Sao Paulo Chamber of Commerce, a "Portuguese-Speaking Countries – Fujian – Macao Economic Exchange and Building Materials Co-operation Round Table Conference" held on 19 October, in the Banquet Hall, 3rd Floor of the Macau Tower Convention and Exhibition Centre. The said activity aims to fully develop Macao's role as a trade and economic services platform, namely in the development of the markets in the Portuguese-speaking countries, to strengthen and expand co-operation between Fujian Province and Macao, and, through the Round Table Conference, provide opportunities for exchange and co-operation between political and economic organisations, business associations, chambers of commerce and entrepreneurs from the Portuguese-speaking countries, Fujian and Macao. At the invitation of the organisers, the Vice Governor of Fujian Province, Mr. Ye Shuangyu and the Secretariat for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen attended the Round Table Conference had been asked to speak at the start of the symposium. During the Conference, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) signed a co-operation agreement with the Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation. Furthermore, several other co-operation agreements were signed concurrently, related to projects in the fields of street lighting, energy-saving lamps; environmentally friendly heat insulation paint and air source heat pumps. During the Round Table Conference, the Vice Mayor of Guangzhou Municipal Government (Fujian province), Mr. Chen Rongzhou, gave a presentation on the current structure of the building materials industry in the municipality. Furthermore, several leaders from Portuguese-speaking countries and representatives from business associations and chambers of commerce attended the Round-Table Conference, to carry out a joint analysis on the prospects of marketing building materials from Fujian province in Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as investment opportunities, and to share their experiences in co-operating with Portuguese-speaking countries, as well as exploring business opportunities between Fujian, Macao and the said Portuguese-speaking countries. To further enhance the exchange and relationship between Portuguese-speaking countries, Fujian and Macao, a business matching session took place after the Round-Table Conference, with the aim of providing participants with an additional platform for exchange. A delegation from Fujian province attended the Round-Table Conference, as well as representatives from various countries/regions, attending MIF, as well as leaders and representatives of business associations, chambers of commerce and trade promotion organisation from Macao and around the world (especially from Portuguese-speaking countries), as well as members of the business community from Macao, Mainland China and overseas.
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To further diversify Macau's source market profile by tapping the student excursion market, Macau Government Tourist Office launches the "Student Excursion Incentive Scheme" today (October 19) to encourage students and educational institutions to choose Macau as the destination for student excursions and attract more students to visit Macau and experience its cultural appeals. The group applying for the "Student Excursion Incentive Scheme" should have a minimum of 50 non-local students staying in Macau's hotels for 2 consecutive nights. The scheme will provide support to their related activities in Macau, offering tourist information kits and facilitate in liaison with other relevant Macau SAR Government entities and schools/colleges/universities. To be qualified for this incentive scheme, the organizers/schools/colleges/universities and/or excursion/event must meet the following requirements: a) all requests must go through a pre-qualification process to be eligible for the scheme; b) excursions/events must use services provided by local venue or entities that are registered in Macau with at least 50% of which shareholding or controlling interest is owned by Macau residents (except convention & exhibition venues, hotels and travel agencies); c) events should show proof of booking by means of signed documentation and deposit. Details of the incentive scheme and application are available at MGTO's website http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo Student tourism is a sector of great potential. According to the WYSE Travel Confederation, the youth and student travel market represents one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry in the world, accounting for 20% of all international arrivals in 2010. MGTO aims to attract more students from around the world to visit Macau, to appreciate its world heritage, to experience its rich traditions and culture, and promote Macau to their families and friends at home as Macau's tourism ambassador.
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The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was informed by the Philippine Consulate General in Macau SAR that, the holders of the Macao SAR Passport can stay in the Philippines visa free for fourteen (14) days, instead of seven (7) days. The above-mentioned arrangement has been effective since 11 October 2011. There are now 93 countries and territories granting the visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to the holders of the Macao SAR Passport; 9 countries granting visa-free access to the holders of Macao SAR Travel Permit.
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To make the best use of Macao's strength as a business service platform plus fostering trade and economic communication and co-operation between the EU and Macao's creative industries, 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 16th 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 (EUBIP). The Seminar will be held from 2:30-4:30pm on 21 October 2011(Friday), in the Sicily Room at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The theme of the Seminar is Cultural and Creative Industry Co-operation－Inspire, Innovate, Motivate, major topics for discussion include: latest developments in the cultural and creative industries in EU countries and Macao, Exploring the prospects of creative industry co-operation between the EU, Macao, Hong Kong and neighbouring regions as well as emerging business opportunities. Thematic speeches, a panel discussion and Q&A session will be organised to promote constructive interaction between panellists and participants. Representatives from local and overseas organisations, chambers of commerce and enterprises have been invited to give speeches on topics including EU-Macao trade and economic communication and co-operation, expansion of the EU market and cultural and creative industry development. Mrs. Irene V. K. Lau, IPIM's Executive Director, will give the opening speech. Moderator of the Seminar is Mr. José Luís de Sales Marques, President of Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM), panellists include member of the Committee of Cultural Industries of the Macao SAR Government, Professor Pan Zhichang, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of Macau University of Science and Technology, Ms. Veronica Llorca, Project Director of European Union Business Information Programme (EUBIP), Mr. Gianluca Cinquepalmi, Managing Director of 1618 Group, Mr. Daniel Gumpert, Operations Director of RMJM architectural practice and Mr. Bruno Simões, Executive Director of SmallWorld Experience. All local and overseas entrepreneurs are welcome to join the Seminar. A simultaneous translation service is 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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The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 20th to 23rd October 2011 (Thursday to Sunday) at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel. The 16th MIF is organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and co-organized by five government departments, namely Macao Economic Services Bureau, Macau Government Tourist Office, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, and Fujian Macau Economic Cooperation Promotion Committee and 10 non-government organizations, including Macao Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, Macau Shippers' Association, Macau Association of Banks, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Macau, the Macau Chinese Enterprises Association and The Chinese Manufacturers´ Association of Hong Kong, and include as its partners, the Permanent Secretariat for the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao), International Lusophone Markets Business Association and World Federation of Chinese Entrepreneurs Organization and Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association. Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macao Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao are entrusted to coordinate the event. Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is currently Macao's only annual international trade and investment fair accredited by The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). Grounding on its success in the past 15 years, MIF has established itself as a multidirectional, multilateral, and regional economic and trade fair that embodies exhibition, high level forums, themed conferences, business matching and purchasing activities, etc. This year, the 16th MIF has maintained the theme of "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities". The aim is to make use of Macao's unique advantage of a convergence of eastern and western cultures. In combination with superior facilities for conventions and exhibitions as well as tourism, the setting up of themed pavilions, characteristic conventions and quality fair services, MIF enables trade promotion organizations from around the world such as both sides of the Strait, Portuguese-speaking countries, European Union, and ASEAN, etc. to showcase their investment environment and investment projects, while the enterprises of these countries and regions will display their own products, services and technology, deepen mutual understanding, promote exchange and co-operation in bilateral economic and trade relations as well as investment, tourism, conventions and exhibitions and cultural areas. Larger in scale and more internationalized
This year, the MIF has an exhibition area of over 30,000 sqm which comprise more than 850 exhibitors from home and abroad totalling over 1,650 booths, representing an increase of 18% year-on-year. In particular, Nepal and Kenya are participating at MIF for the first time. Countries like India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Korea and Peru are setting up their own exhibition areas for the first time. Meanwhile, up to now, over 3,700 trade visitors of 350 delegations from over 60 countries and regions have pre-registered their participation in the 16th MIF, an increase of more than 12% year-on-year, indicating that the MIF is becoming more influential year after year. Rich, diverse and more professionalized contents in exhibition areas
The MIF this year has adopted new measures in respect of the exhibition arrangement and professional fair services, to highlight the theme of regional co-operation and development. In particular, Our Institute will continue to join hands with the Permanent Secretariat for the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao) in setting up the Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, and Macau Shippers' Association will also continue to jointly organize Macau Concept Pavilion. The major pavilions include:
Major pavilions of participating countries and regions: Macao Pavilion, Chinese Provinces and Cities Pavilion (including Beijing, Guangdong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Heilongjiang, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Fujian, Guizhou, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Liaoning, etc.), European Pavilion, German Guild Hall, AmCham Corner, Pavilion of Portugal, Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion, ACIML's Exhibition Area, Latin-American Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, ASEAN Pavilion, and International Trade and Investment Promotion Institutes Pavilion;
(The above pavilions mainly display investment environment, investment projects and featured products.)
Specialized pavilions for investment projects: Zhuhai-Hengqin Pavilion and Guangzhou Nansha Pavilion;
Themed pavilions: Macau Concept Pavilion, Macau Creative Pavilion, Beijing Pavilion, Charming Taiwan, Cultural and Creative Industry and Fashion Show Area, Hongmu（MAHOGANY）Furniture Pavilion, Small Home Appliances Pavilion, and Convention and Exhibition Pavilion;
International SME Exhibition (Exhibition & Sales Area): Macao SME Pavilion, Thailand Pavilion, Vietnam Pavilion, Nepal Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion, and China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion – Commodities, Culture & Handcrafts, etc. High-level Forums and Specialized Conferences
During the 16th MIF, a total of 47 sessions of forums, seminars and presentations will be held, including a series of high level forums such as the "International Trade & Investment Forum 2011" and "The 8th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", while seminars and programmes related to the contents of the exhibitions are introduced, which include "Hengqin New Area Investment Environment & Policy Innovations Promotion", "Nansha New Area Investment Environment Seminar", and "The Luxury of Hongmu（MAHOGANY）Furniture Development International Forum", in an effort to promote exchanges and co-operation in economy and trade of the enterprises of Macao and Mainland China with overseas enterprises, especially those of the Portuguese-speaking countries, to further consolidate Macao's function as a regional trade and business service platform. In particular, the "International Trade & Investment Forum 2011" this year has invited not only ministerial-ranking senior government officials and business leaders as guest speakers, but also a renowned economic expert from Mainland China: Dr. Cao Yuanzheng, chief economist of the Bank of China, to deliver a presentation. It is hoped that by means of the knowledgeable presentation by a renowned economic expert from the Mainland, it will reinforce the appeal of the event. Business Matching Service Fortified and More Market-Oriented, Specialized Purchasing Counters for Leading Hotels and Thematic Cocktail Receptions for Business Matching
During the 16th MIF period, a series of professionalized ancillary services and incentive plans have been launched, which have enhanced the effectiveness of invitation to buyers and trade visitors, so as to strengthen the function of business matching and increase the success rate of business deals. The 16th MIF has set up new prestigious buyers counters for leading hotels in Macao, these hotels will have their purchasing managers and representatives stationed at the MIF to have purchasing meetings with local and overseas trade visitors. Meanwhile, the 16th MIF will organize for the first time cocktail receptions for business matching. On the second day of the Fair, there will be 4 sessions of business matching cocktail receptions, with the themes of European Union wines and food, small home appliances, Hongmu（MAHOGANY） furniture and cultural & creative industry. The receptions will provide a venue for networking and negotiations and for creating new business opportunities among the exhibitors and buyers in the respective trades. To improve the functions of business and trade service platform, the 16th MIF is providing a wide range of free business matching services. Trade visitors may log into MIF's online business matching service platform where they will be served by business matching officers online to make pre-arrangements for matching as well as for matching onsite. (Website: http://bm.ipim.gov.mo/matching_index.php) Besides, there will be a wide range of purchasing meetings, professionalized seminars and presentations, with an aim of promoting business co-operation. As of today, more than 2,200 new business matching projects from all over the world have been collected and over 1,000 business meetings and have been pre-arranged. Exclusive Exhibition & Sales Area for SMEs to Exploit Business Opportunities
In order to provide more directly the businesses in Macao, especially the SMEs with business opportunities and prospects for co-operation, the MIF this year will introduce and make improvements in a number of themed exhibition and sales areas, e.g. Thailand Pavilion and Taiwan Pavilion. There will continue to be the Macao SME Exhibition (Exhibition and Sales Area) organized by Macao Chamber of Commerce and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and co-organized by The Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association and Macao Businesswomen Association, with an objective of enhancing the support to the SMEs in Macao. Meanwhile, the 16th MIF will continue to hold the "SME International Business Days" (hereafter referred to as "Business Days"), which will offer a rich variety of programmes, services and highlighted activities, such as the inauguration ceremony of "Business Days", "SME Service Counter", SME Promotion Incentive Plan and themed seminars. IPIM will also provide incentives to Macao enterprises which intend to exhibit their products at Macao Ideas and to local or overseas enterprises which are interested in participating in Macao Franchise Expo (MFE) in 2012. Professional Fashion Shows to Feature the Glamour of the Industry
IPIM is again partnering with Macao Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center in setting up the Cultural & Creative Industry and Fashion Show Area, to create a networking platform for co-operation and exchanges for the cultural and creative industries-related enterprises, designers/design institutions, organizations engaged in brand name products and apparel manufacturers. MIF Provides a Diverse, Innovative Range of Fair Services Enhancing "One Trip, Multi-Stop" Service to Make Better Use of Resources of the Convention and Exhibition Industry
In order for trade visitors to gain better results of participation, MIF will continue to join hands with neighbouring partners, making Macao a bridge to provide the "One Trip, Multi-Stop" service, and channelling the trade visitors to Canton Fair and to Zhuhai's Hengqin and Guangzhou's Nansha for site inspection, so as to create a pool of trade fairs and share resources, with an aim of providing trade visitors with maximum benefits and business opportunities. MIF has been striving to provide local and visiting participants with an all round quality service. The MIF this year will continue to set up onsite service counters for tourism, posts, telecommunications and transportation, to ensure greater ease and efficiency for exhibitors and trade visitors from home and abroad. On the other hand, to further improve the fair services, the 16th MIF will provide all visitors with free wireless broadband internet service inside the MIF venue. Besides, "MIF VIP Channel" will be extended to the Lotus Bridge Border and Pac On Provisional Maritime Ferry Terminal in addition to Border Gate and Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal. Free Shuttle Buses
The first day of the 16th MIF (20 Oct) is open to trade visitors only. It will be open to the public from 21st to 23rd Oct. Free shuttle bus service to and from the MIF venue will be available for both trade visitors and the public. Official Hotels
Official Hotels include: Macau Landmark, Hotel Beverly Plaza, Hotel Golden Dragon, Emperor Hotel Macau, Rock Hotel, Taipa Square Hotel, Grand Waldo Hotel and The Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel. News Express to Capture Business Opportunities
To give all visitors a swift and comprehensive overview of the vast array of activities that are taking place at the 16th MIF, including trade and economic investment projects, conferences, activities, and onsite services, the organisers are publishing the "News Express", which will be distributed at 9:30 AM daily during the MIF period at the lobbies of the official hotels and the onsite service counters. Wireless Internet (wifi), QR Code & Apps
The 16th MIF will provide free wireless broadband internet service inside the MIF venue. Smartphone users may also download more information about the Fair by means of QR Code and Apps. Survey
With the objective of obtaining a more scientific and systematic conclusion about the different activities undertaken by the MIF this year so as to improve the capability and standard of event organization, the Organiser will entrust again the University of Macau's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities to conduct a survey on the 16th MIF. Parking Lot
Exhibitors and trade visitors of MIF may enjoy free parking at the Venetian. Details are as follows:
*Holders of exhibitor and trade visitor badges may enjoy up to 24 hours free parking at the guest car park of the Venetian on 19th Oct.
*Holders of MIF admission ticket may enjoy up to 4 hours free parking at the guest car park of the Venetian from 21st to 23rd Oct.
*Government officials, VIPs, media entities and exhibitors, upon presentation of Vehicle Pass, may enjoy free parking in Hall D from 20th to 23rd Oct. During the preparatory period of the Fair, the "MIF Administrative & Service Centre" located at Macao Business Support Centre on 20th Floor of China Civil Plaza Building at no. 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção in Macao, will be dedicated to providing a wide range of services to local and overseas exhibitors and trade visitors. For further enquiries about The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), please contact us at the hotline tel: (853) 2882 8711, fax: (853) 2882 8722 or visit our website at: www.mif.com.mo
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With the objective of testing and assessing the efficiency of the Airport Emergency Plan and the action plans of the involved entities when a security emergency occurs in Macau International Airport, a number of government bodies and the aviation operators jointly conducted the "Hijacking Exercise 2011" in the early morning of 18 October 2011 which simulated the scenario of an illegally seized aircraft landing in the Macao airport. The Airport Emergency Plan was immediately activated to respond to the emergency. The government security forces saved all passengers. The exercise was deemed smooth. The exercise took place from 23:30 last night to 02:30 this morning. An aircraft which was carrying 50 passengers and 10 crew members on board and which was being illegally seized landed in Macau International Airport. The Airport Emergency Plan was immediately activated and all responsible parties arrived at the Airport Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and work together to deal with the incident. The negotiators of the Judiciary Police were called in to negotiate with the four hijackers. Then after thorough assessment of safety issues by EOC, the Special Duty Unit of the Public Security Police Force were commanded to take control and overcome the hijackers. All the hostages were saved. There were no casualties. The whole process was deemed smooth. About 350 people participated in this exercise. Conducted in accordance with the work schedule approved in the beginning of this year by the Facilitation and Security Committee, the "Hijacking Exercise 2011" was coordinated by Public Security Police Force with the participation of Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs Services, Judiciary Police, Fire Services Bureau, Civil Aviation Authority, Air Macau Company Ltd., CAM-Macau International Airport Co. Ltd., Administration of Airports, Ltd., Macau Security Company Ltd. (airport security) and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd.. Security exercises are carried out on a regular basis in Macau International Airport with the objective of testing and assessing the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan and the capacity of the participating entities on command and control, coordination, communication, resource allocation and so on in dealing with security emergencies, in order that deficiencies can be fixed.
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Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and College of Tourism, Huaqiao University, (CTHU), PRC signed the Memorandum of Cooperation on 18 October at IFT. President of IFT, Dr. Fanny Vong and Dean of CTHU, Dr. Zheng Xiangmin presided over the ceremony. College of Tourism of Huaqiao University was established in 2004, the formal tourism department (founded in 1983) of Huaqiao University, which is one of the few higher educational institutes in tourism verified by the Ministry of Educational of the People's Republic of China and also one of the earliest schools that are empowered to grant post graduate degree in tourism management in China. The college comprises three departments: tourism management, hotel management and tourist planning and attraction management; provides different programmes including PhD, MA and undergraduate education; and runs the Tourism Research Institute and Landscape Designing and Planning Centre, Tourism Experiment Centre and the Macao and Fujian Research Institute of Huaqiao University. CTHU, PRC and IFT entered into the Memorandum of Cooperation in order to promote international cooperation in education and research. This cooperation opens up future opportunities for academic staff/student exchange and study abroad programmes, joint research programmes and co-organisation of conferences and seminars which suit the interests and demand of local professionals. The implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation facilitated the expansion of IFT's international network and levels of world-wide recognition. Both CTHU and IFT look forward to the tremendous cooperative opportunities that lie ahead.
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