News

The 7th TCP/JCOMM Regional workshop on Storm surge and Wave Forecasting is going to be held at the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau from 10th Oct to 14th Oct. Approximately 30 experts from the 10 members of the Typhoon Committee will attend the workshop, including experts from India, the UK, Norway and Timor-Leste. The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow (10 Oct) at 10:00 am in the Convention Hall of SMG. The officiating guests include the Director of SMG and the WMO Permanent Representative of Macao China with WMO Dr. Fong Soi Kun, the representative of WMO Mr. Koji Kuroiwa, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organization & Legal Affairs Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Macao Special Administrative Region Ms. Zhang Yunfei, the official member of the Executive Committee of the Macao Foundation Ms. Zhong Yi Seabra de Mascarcnhas, and the Typhoon Committee Secretary Dr. Olavo Rasquinho. During the five-day workshop, the two-numbers computing model of the storm surge and wave forecasting will be demonstrated and provided to the participants for their home use after the workshop. Experts from China, the UK, Norway, Japan and India were invited for an in-depth discussion on storm surge and wave forecast, with participants include China, Japan, Korea, North Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, East Timor, Hong Kong and Macao. The workshop not only provides a platform for academic exchange among professionals engaged in meteorology, but also a learning opportunity for other professionals from other regions to gain the latest knowledge on programs and application, which helps to improve the forecasting accuracy for both storm surge and wave. The themes of the workshop include "Challenges to storm surge and wave forecasting", "Coastal hazard analysis and mapping for emergency management", "Global/Regional products for wave and storm surge measurements" and "Models and operations for storm surge and wave forecasting".
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To highlight Macau's cultural tourism resource and boost the diversification of the tourism industry, Macau Government Tourist Office and Macau Pedicab Drivers Union signed today (7th Oct) a cooperation agreement to promote pedicab service and enhance the image of the industry. Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes and Chairman of the Macau Pedicab Drivers Union, Lei Kuok Va signed the agreement at the ceremony which took place at the Tourism and Cultural Activities Center. As stated in the agreement, every Thursday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm from October until the end of this year, pedicabs will be placed at Company of Jesus Square in front of the Ruins of St Paul's, Barra Square in front of the A-Ma Temple, Senado Square and Avenida da Praia in Taipa for visitors to take photos. The agreement also includes revamp and face lift for 60 pedicabs, while members of the Macau Pedicab Driver Union will wear uniforms provided by MGTO at work and show hospitality to the passengers. Currently, there are about 60 pedicab drivers, working full time or part time, among which 50 are members of the Union.
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Value of Industrial Production of Macao continued to fall in 2010 due to the protracted decline in exports. Results of the Industrial Survey from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that Value of Industrial Production & Other Receipts amounted to MOP8.92 billion in 2010, down by 16.5% over 2009. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy (MOP3.05 billion) decreased by 3.9% year-on-year; Intermediate Consumption (MOP5.86 billion) and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP858 million) fell by 21.9% and 13.6% respectively. There were 911 establishments operating in industrial production in 2010, a decrease of 97 over 2009; total number of persons engaged dropped by 23.9% to 14,680. Value of Industrial Production of the Manufacturing sector (MOP5.74 billion) decreased by 24.6% year-on-year in 2010, with that of Manufacture of Wearing Apparel (MOP1.72 billion) and Textiles (MOP919 million), the two major traditional industries, dropping further by 51.4% and 10.5% respectively. On the other hand, Value of Production of Manufacture of Food Products & Beverages (MOP900 million) increased by 33.9% year-on-year on account of rising visitor arrivals. In addition, Gross Value Added (MOP1.47 billion) and Intermediate Consumption (MOP4.35 billion) of the Manufacturing sector decreased by 12.4% and 28.9% respectively year-on-year. With the development of the Macao economy, demand for electricity and water increased continuously. In 2010, Value of Industrial Production (MOP3.09 billion), Intermediate Consumption (MOP1.51 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP1.58 billion) of the Electricity, Gas & Water Supply sector increased by 7.1%, 8.7% and 5.4% respectively over 2009. The Industrial Survey covered all establishments engaging in activities under Manufacturing, Mining & Quarrying, and Electricity, Gas & Water Supply in 2010.
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Consumer Council's latest specific price survey (September) on tissue and toilet papers has been released. In comparison with data of the same period in last month, most surveyed brands reflected stability in their average price this month. Significant price discrepancy was shown in both 'C & S (Toilet Paper, Orange) 10pcs' and 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue 10pcs' sold in different retail spots. Consumer Council conducted the latest survey on 28th September, surveying 13 samples of tissue and toilet papers from 25 local retail outlets. In comparison with last month's data, most surveyed samples recorded no change in price. However, significant price discrepancy was observed in two brands sold in different retail shops. The greatest price increase and decrease of 'C & S (Toilet Paper, Orange) 10pcs' observed were 17.4% and 15.8% while those of 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue 10pcs' observed were 20.4% and 13.8% respectively. Consumers are therefore suggested to check with the prices available on the Council's website. Consumer Council indicated that prices of tissue and toilet papers had been stable since May of this year and cooking oil will be surveyed in October to replace tissue and toilet papers. The specific price survey on tissue and toilet papers is now available online on the Council's official website. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Respond to the Universal Postal Union for the celebration of the World Post Day, the Postal Administration achieves various activities relative to this event. Macao Post announced that a Temporary Post Counter will be set up at our Philatelic Shop located at Macao Post Headquarters and the Communications Museum on 9th October 2011 providing the commemorative cancellation service for the "World Post Day – UPU". Opening hours as following: Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters: 9:00 – 17:30 Philatelic Shop of
Communications Museum: 9:30 – 17:30 A commemorative envelope will be distributed to public, and various philatelic products will also be available for sale during the above activity. Welcome to visit and collect Macao Stamps.
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The splendid 23rd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest comes to a fruitful end as Panda Fireworks Group Co., Ltd., from China netted the top prize, while Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co., Ltd., from Japan and Brezac Artifices from France took second and third places at a ceremony held at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center on October 1. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government Cheong U, Macau Government Tourist Office Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, Deputy Directors Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Manuel Pires attended the prize giving ceremony. A performance of traditional "Nanping Music" from Sichuan Jiujiagou Valley, part of China National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as part of the prize giving ceremony. Cash prize to the winner is US$8,000, while prizes to the first and second runners-up are US$4,000 and US$2,500 respectively. The organizer purposely invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. Over the years, there were internationally known fireworks companies participated in the contest and this year, MGTO invited 10 companies from various countries and regions to Macau. This edition featured ten teams from Canada, Korea, Japan, UK, Austria, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Portugal, France and Mainland China, with Canadian team being a debut in the contest. During the ceremony MGTO Director said that, "among the ten participating teams, nine have previously participated at the Contest, some of them have won the event, and its talent is unanimously recognized. I truly believe that the displayed fireworks shows presented very colorful and offered lasting memories to visitors and residents." The organizer arranged China's Panda Fireworks Group Co. Ltd. to present the last fireworks show to celebrate the 62nd Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. Crowds of residents and visitors enjoyed the fireworks during the National Day holiday at various spots of Macau and Taipa, adding festive and joyful atmosphere to the city. This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) jointly launch "SMS Game" to promote citizen participation in the event. Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has a history of 23 years and receives wide accolades and recognitions. The annual glamorous fireworks display contest, together with the colorful activities, has become a signature event that brings splendid experience to the public and visitors in Macau. To add festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau jointly presented the Fireworks Carnival on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower on each of the fireworks display nights, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights.
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The Government would spare no efforts in driving economic development and maintaining social stability. The was stated by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, when he addressed more than 1,000 guests at the National Day reception hosted by the Government at the Macau Tower this morning. Reviewing the motherland's achievement, Mr Chui said it now boasted the second largest overall Gross Domestic Product in the world and had been making contributions to the world economy amid global economic uncertainties. The launch of the Tiangong-1 space station module marked another breakthrough in the nation's aerospace technology and its prosperity ensured Macao's advances, he said. The stronger economic and trading links with the mainland enabled Macao to better co-ordinate with the nation's development, he said. Macao was making full use of its advantages in tourism and trading in promoting the business platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. On Macao, Mr Chui said the Government attached much importance in monitoring the rising inflation rate, which had been causing difficulties to the general public, especially the disadvantaged groups. The Government had introduced a string of relief measures, such as lowering the rent for public housing tenants, establishing food banks and providing a one-off cash allowance. It would continue to monitor the fluctuating inflation rate and introduce new measures when necessary, he said. The Government would closely monitor the global economy, continue to boost the people's livelihood, and strive for a stable and co-ordinated development of Macao's economy. On behalf of the Government, Mr Chui extended gratitude to the Central Government for its all-out effort in supporting Macao, as well as the Liaison Office, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army. The reception was also attended by the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue; Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va; the President of Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai, and Macao's principal officials and community leaders.
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The Macao SAR Government will hold a variety of events to commemorate the 62nd National Day tomorrow. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will officiate the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am, to be attended by representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, heads of the legislature, judiciary, principal officials, community leaders and members of the public. This will be followed by a reception at Macau Tower at 9:30 am, to be attended by government officials, representatives of Central Government agencies in Macao and community leaders. A number of government departments will also hold celebratory events, including the National Day Fun Run starting at Golden Lotus Square after the flag-raising ceremony, and a variety performance organised by the Macao Sport Development Board at Macao East Asian Games Dome, at 2 pm. Commemorative covers will be on sale and a stamping service will be offered at the Post Office from 9 am to 5.30 pm. The Acrobatic Group of Wuhan will present a performance, "The dreamlike world of Chu culture", at 8 pm tonight and tomorrow at Macao Forum. This performance is co-organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and Liaison Office. Pyrotechnics displays of the 23rd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, by teams from France and China, will take place on the waterfront near Macau Tower at 9 pm and 10 pm tomorrow.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for August 2011 amounted to MOP546 million, down slightly by 0.2% year-on-year, with exports of Textile & garment declining by 17.8%; value of domestic exports (MOP202 million) increased by 3.2%, but that of re-exports (MOP344 million) decreased by 2.1%. Increase in total merchandise import continued and rose notably by 51.5% year-on-year to MOP5.72 billion. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.17 billion in August 2011. In the first eight months of 2011, total value of merchandise export decreased by 5.4% year-on-year to MOP4.53 billion, of which value of re-exports declined by 8.0%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 39.8% to MOP39.02 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first eight months of 2011 widened by 49.2% year-on-year to MOP34.48 billion; the exports/imports ratio dropped by 5.6 percentage points year-on-year to 11.6%. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.94 billion), Mainland China (MOP740 million) and the USA (MOP393 million) in the first eight months of 2011 decreased by 6.4%, 2.4% and 30.3% respectively year-on-year. Exports of Textile & garment declined by 13.8% to MOP956 million; meanwhile, exports of Jewellery (MOP208 million) and Clocks & watches (MOP185 million) decreased by 65.2% and 33.7% respectively, but that of Tobacco & wine (MOP420 million) grew by 72.0%. In the first eight months of 2011, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP11.99 billion) and the EU (MOP9.73 billion) expanded by 37.6% and 59.8% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 42.1% to MOP23.50 billion, with imports of Food & beverages (MOP5.54 billion), Gold jewellery (MOP3.73 billion) and Handbags & wallets (MOP2.03 billion) increasing by 37.1%, 83.5% and 119.3% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP7.13 billion) registered year-on-year increase of 71.5%. In the first eight months of 2011, total value of external merchandise trade amounted to MOP43.55 billion, up by 33.2% compared with MOP32.70 billion a year earlier.
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Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Mainland China are subject to delay during the Mainland's National Day holidays from 1 to 7 October. Thank you for your kind attention.
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