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Consumer Council conducted a price check on pre-packaged eggs and dairy products, and the relevant data has been uploaded to the 'Specific Product Price Information Platform' on the Council's website. Consumer Council conducted a price check on 8 kinds of pre-packaged eggs at supermarkets on 28th June. In comparison with the data from last month's survey, prices remained stable, and the percentage discrepancies between the lowest and the highest selling prices of the same products were similar. Two brands of eggs sold at different retail outlets from the same chain store, namely, 'Select US Grade A Fresh Large White Eggs (12 pcs)' and 'Select US Grade A Fresh Extra Large Brown Eggs (12 pcs)', although they were sold at special prices, a price difference of $3, which was around 15% difference was recorded. A price check on 16 brands of dairy products was conducted on 26th June. In comparison with April's data, prices of many brands surveyed remained stable, and the percentage discrepancies between the lowest and the highest selling prices of the same products were similar. An obvious price difference observed this time was 'Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese (250g)', with the highest price of $43.8 and the lowest price of $29.9. The percentage difference on this product from last survey was 32.11%, while the percentage difference this time was 46.49%. The specific price surveys on eggs and dairy products are now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, exchanged views today with the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Cui Tiankai, on the opening up Macao's external relations and strengthen co-operation with Portuguese-speaking countries.
The meeting was held at the Government Headquarter where the Chief Executive briefed Mr Cui on the latest development of the Macao SAR.
According to the country's overall development plan, Macao is dedicated to build up as a world leisure tourism centre and a service trading platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, said Mr Chui.
These policies would further provide Macao with more opportunities to work with other region or countries in terms of trading and tourism, in turn creating more need for external affairs contacts.
Mr Chui said that in this case, the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao would be valuable, and the Macao Government will keep close contact and enhance exchanges with the Office. The Vice Minister said was visiting Macao again after three years and was happy to see that Macao has achieved an impressive development, and the thorough implementation of "One country, two systems" principle after the establishment of Macao SAR.
He said the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao would support Macao to expand external relation with other nations, to hold international conferences and to protect Macao residents who are in other countries.
The Ministry would co-ordinate Macao to develop as a world leisure tourism centre and a service trading platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
The Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao, Mr Hu Zhengyue, the Director-general of the Department for the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Zhan Yongxin, the Director of the Policy Research Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao, Mr Xin Juming, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florida Chan, the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam were also present in the meeting.
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Macau Government Tourist Office continues to monitor the New Century Hotel incident and has sent its staff to the hotel today to follow up with the situation. At present, the operation of the New Century Hotel is normal in general.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met with the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Yaoping, to exchange views on further promoting Macao to integrate into regional co-operation through the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Mr Chui welcomed Mr Jiang's presence at the signing ceremony of the Supplement IX to CEPA held today at the Government Headquarter. He said the Central Government has launched a string of policies to support the substantial development of Macao SAR since 2003, of which CEPA was one of the important measures. The Supplement IX to CEPA enabled Macao to accelerate the integration into the regional co-operation, especially in the Guangdong pilot measures and Hengqin Island innovation policy which is focused on the liberalisation of trade in services. He said the supplement would also help Macao banks, service providers and small-and-medium sized businesses to start businesses in Hengqin. He said that with the efforts of a working group led by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Macao would further participate in the development of Hengqin and Guangzhou Nansha and he believed Macao would achieve new developments in those projects together with joint efforts of the Macao Government and the society. Mr Jiang said that the two governments signed Supplement IX to CEPA within a short time has shown the Central Government high regard for Macao's development. He said the supplement involved many liberalisation of trade in services which was tailor-made for Macao's enterprises to start businesses on the Mainland. He also said the new arrangements may accelerate the liberalisation of trade and achieve mutual benefit. The Director of Exchange and Co-operation of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Qian Lijun, the Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mr Sun Tong participated in the meeting. The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in MSAR, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Deputy Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry in Macao, Ms Zhang Jinfeng, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, the Director-General of the Macao Customs, Mr Choi Lai Hang, the the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam were also present.
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"Macao Franchise Expo 2012" (MFE 20I2), organized 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 China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA), co-organized by Korea Franchise Association, Malaysian Retailer-Chains Association, Philippine Franchise Association and Thailand Franchise Association, and coordinated by Association of Advertising Agents of Macao, will be held during July 6 – 8, 2012 at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel Hall D. MFE – an ideal platform for new business investment, offers opportunities for business and trade co-operation With the slogan "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be seized" and to build on the fruitful results and experiences obtained, MFE 2012 is the fourth edition of the event and continues to strive to promote local brand products on an international scale and attract more international brands to invest in Macao, in order to meet the trend of franchises and chain businesses with an increased international participation. According to statistics, the numbers of business matching, on-site contracted projects, participating countries/ regions and attendance have been increasing proportionally over the past three years. MFE 20I2 has become a unique exposition which has already gained the recognition from the industry professionals, SMEs and business beginners in the region. Coupled with its geographical advantage and unique historical background, Macao is able to become a regional demonstration centre for franchises and chain businesses, which probably creates a broader spectrum of business opportunities for MFE and Macao enterprises. MFE 20I2 is committed to promoting and establishing a business platform to welcome all exhibitors from diversified industries and world-renowned brands to look for business partners in Macao. UntilJuly 2, 20I2MFE has recruited a large number of exhibitors from fourteen different countries or regions, which include Mainland China, United States of America, Japan, South Korea, Britain, France, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, attracting over 150 franchise and chain operators and brand agencies, and engaging in a variety of industries like food and beverages, retail, services, education, strategic planning and marketing, and so on. The number of custom-built booth has reached to 23 (comparing 9 in the 2011MFE), an increase of about 155%. There are a total of 107 overseas exhibitors, number of Macao exhibitor increases from 38 in 2011 to 49 this year, an increase of 28%. Hence 2012MFE is an ideal business occasion, offering a platform for exhibition, forum, business matching, and products & services presentation. Industry experts and professionals inspire the forum with new ideas to transcend Over the past three years, the organizer aims to foster a more desirable business communication platform for local SMEs to enjoy huge benefits through franchising and introduce more international franchise brands to develop in Macao, as a means to create a durable and stable market for business transformation and development. To weather the dynamic changes in the global and regional economic context , and to fortify the competitiveness of local enterprises, MFE 2012 invites a substantial number of renowned industry experts to speak in the forums to share their experience and professional advice, offering tips for the audience To consolidate Macao's role as the regional economic and trade platform, three forums featuring business opportunities of international brands and franchise will be held respectively on July 5, July 6 and July 7. The first forum will be held on July 5 Thursday at Macao Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre, Level 4 - Grand Hall. The topic will be "International Strategy for Franchise and Chain Store Industry" and the senior managers and experienced leaders from various international organizations and business associations from Mainland China, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong and Macao will present their points of view on the topic. The second forum will be held on July 6, which is also the first day of the expo. The topic will be "Beyond Macao – Opportunities of Development in Regional Franchise Business", and groups of famous international chain business specialists and scholars together with the representatives of different enterprises are invited to interactively explore different investment opportunities in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao of running the chain and franchising business and elaborate how to pursue pioneering opportunities and achieve a regional win-win through the franchise mode "Spreading Out and Bringing In". It is expected that the audience, especially for those prospective franchisees, can be inspired by these in-depth discussions to further investigate how to establish "Franchise and Chain Headquarters" for their own brand products. The Macao Retail & Service Award 2012, launched by Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, will be held on the same day. The topic of the third forum held on July 7 is "From Building Your Own Brand to Managing Chain Store Operations". Through questions prepared by the moderator and experience sharing of the invited speakers, it is expected that the audience can look at the encountered problems ranging from easy to hard, which helps the business beginners to foresee the prospect and trend of franchise and chain business. Brand Re-packaging Consultancy Pavilion Enhances Product Value A substantial number of Macao brands demonstrate the excellent quality and uniqueness of products through MFE. In order to strengthen the brands both locally and internationally, the organizer specially invites representatives from Beijing, Taiwan, and Hong Kong counterparts, who are expertise in brand packaging services, to share their insights and provide opinions tailored to individual needs in "Brand Re-packaging Consultancy Pavilion of MFE 2012". The Brand consultants-in-residence will illustrate and explore the techniques and skills in product packaging to achieve an innovative and attractive outcome and examine how brand packaging strategically enhances the brand value. Also consultancy services will be available for business beginners and SMEs. Food Tasting, MFE Square and Multi-functional Area boost atmosphere for business matching Based on the past experiences, food and beverages and retail franchisors received most attention. Therefore, the organizer has put more efforts in inviting more brands and franchisors of these two areas to participate in MFE 2012. Similar to the previous MFE, there will be a Food and Beverages Tasting Area, together with a newly added MFE Square, a multi-functional area and an opening ceremony to be held in exhibition hall for its first time, which is expected to allow exhibitors to demonstrate their products and boost the match making atmosphere with the special food and fabulous performances. One-stop support service to assist enterprise development and financing MFE 2012 presents the following supporting services for exhibitors, including marketing strategy, financial consultancy, real estate consultancy businesses, which can provide professional advisory services to those who are interested in starting the chain and franchising business. Moreover, Macao Economic Services (DSE) will also have a booth on site to provide information for any inquiry about the Small & Medium Sized Enterprises Schemes. Free Admission. Don't Miss the Opportunity! Macao is not only a free port and independent customs territory that enjoys a great economic vitality in the Asia-Pacific region, but also an important bridge that connects Mainland China to international markets. When the economy is getting better, a number of international brand agencies have shown a good development momentum in Macao. And it is timely for enterprises or individuals to expand the scale of operation or start personal venture in an effective way. Therefore MFE has become an effective platform for enterprises from various countries/regions that are exploring and exploiting chain and franchising business opportunities. Admission throughout the three-day event is free to everyone. Business representatives and general publics are all welcomed to visit the expo. The first day of MFE 2012 (July 6) will be open to business professionals only, and the opening hours are from 11:00am to 8:00 pm, while July 7 and July 8 will be open to general public. The opening hours on July 7 Saturday are from 11:00am to 8:00 pm and the opening hours on July 8 Sunday are from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm. For public convenience, two routes of shuttle bus service will be available on Saturday and Sunday. Round trip shuttle 1 goes between Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket, Areia Preta) and MFE venue. Round trip shuttle 2 goes between Avenida Doutor Mário Soares (Macao Square) and MFE venue. For other enquiries, please contact the secretariat of MFE 2012, Tel: (853) 6212 88ll or visit the MFE official website: www.mfe.mo.
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Representatives of the Macao Government and the Ministry of Commerce today signed a supplement to the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further increase the level of economic and trade exchanges between Macao and the Mainland. Supplement IX to CEPA signed at Government Headquarters takes it to a total of 318 liberalisation in 48 trades in services sectors opened to Macao businesses on the Mainland. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, and the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Yaoping, led official delegations from the two governments to the high-level meeting of the 2012 CEPA Joint Steering Committee. After the meeting, Mr Tam and Mr Jiang signed on behalf of the two governments. The new document has added two new areas to th Agreement -- education and training, and rail transportation. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in MSAR, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Deputy Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry in Macao, Ms Zhang Jinfeng, the Director of Exchange and Co-operation of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Qian Lijun and the Director-General of the Macao Customs, Mr Choi Lai Hang attended the signing ceremony. Both sides agreed to further relax market access conditions and the expand on business scope in some 20 sectors, namely legal, accounting, construction, medical, computer and its related services, technical testing and analysis, personnel placement and supply services, printing, exhibition, and other business services, telecommunications, audio-visual, distribution, environment, banking, securities, social services, tourism, cultural, and individual industrial and commercial households among other areas. Meanwhile, considering the needs of Macao banks to participate in the development in Hengqin Island, the Arrangement allows Macao banks to lower their year-end asset minimum requirement to $4 billion US dollars. It would also allow International schools based in Hengqin to expand the scope of recruiting new students, to set up entertainment places, service centres for the elderly and people with disabilities, education and training organisations. It would also simplify documentation for staff members of Macao accounting firms to work on the Mainland.
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Macau Government Tourist Office was informed this afternoon about the internal administrative dispute of New Century Hotel, which led to temporary suspension of check in service in the hotel. MGTO has immediately deployed staff to the site (New Century Hotel) to collect information. Meanwhile, the representative of the hotel held a press conference on its internal issues and the representative of the hotel pledges that hotel guests who have reserved rooms in advance will not be affected. The Tourism Industry Council of Macau and Macau Travel Agency Association have also sent staff to assist visitors on site. Currently, the hotel has resumed check-in service for the guests who have reserved hotel rooms in advance. Macau Government Tourist Office will closely follow up on the situation.
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The President Mr Hu Jintao today affirmed the Macao Government's performance and said the Central Government would continuously support Macao's development.
The President said this when he received the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, who was in Hong Kong to participate in the 15th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR and the inauguration of the fourth Hong Kong SAR Government.
Mr Chui told reporters on his return to Macao that during the meeting with Mr Hu, he had reported the MSAR Government's performance in the first half of this year and Macao's economic was developing steadily.
Though the global economic condition is affected by the European debt problems and the impact of the U.S. economy recovery, the MSAR Government would strive to manage the situation with caution, Mr Chui said.
He also reported that the MSAR Government would implement policies set in the policy address to develop the economy and to improve people's livelihood. Meanwhile, Macao would be developed into a world leisure tourism centre and a business and trading plafform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries according to the nation's "12th Five-Year Plan".
Mr Chui said the President had affirmed MSAR Government's performance and hoped the Government would give high regards to the importance of improving people's livelihood.
The Chief Executive went to Hong Kong on 30 June to attend a series of Hong Kong SAR anniversary celebrations.
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The 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 18 to 21 October 2012 (Thursday to Sunday) at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The event is organised by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) . Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is the first UFI certified international exhibition in Macao. After 16 years of continuous innovation and development, MIF has now become Macao's branded fair. As a regional trade and investment platform, especially an important co-operation and service platform between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries, MIF's role in boosting Macao's economic growth is becoming increasingly significant, in particular, in the introduction of high and new technology, as well as the technological exchanges in capital and talent. It fostered technological progress and industrial upgrading of the local tourism and leisure industry, as well as other business areas, such as finance, manufacturing, convention and exhibition and cultural and creative industries. MIF provides Macao's SMEs as well as enterprises from abroad with more business opportunities. The16th MIF held in October last year, with over 1,400 booths and more than 20 themed exhibition zones, attracted 350 business delegations from over 60 countries and regions worldwide and contributed to 1,502 business matching sessions. This fully reflects, once again, the vital role played by MIF as a regional co-operation platform and the hub for trade exchanges. A total of 1,600 booths will be set-up at the venue this year, and covers an exhibition area of over 30,000 square metres. Major scopes and features will include: domestic and foreign investment environment and investment projects, cultural and creative industries, food and wine, gifts and packaging design, convention and exhibition equipment, mahogany furniture, digital photography equipment, fashion design, exhibition and retail sale of international SMEs' products and international cultural and artistic performance service projects. In addition, the International Trade and Investment Forum 2012 and the 9th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs will be held concurrently, as well as other high-level political and economic forums and promotion seminars organised by local, Mainland China and foreign government agencies, organisations and enterprises. The organisers intend to further highlight the theme "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities theme", through the themed exhibition zones, and by organising a series of conferences each with distinctive features, and the planning of business matching and procurement negotiations. Highlights focusing on the dynamic of business opportunities Exhibitors include companies and organisations from the European Union, Portuguese-speaking Countries, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the four territories across the Strait of Taiwan and other emerging markets which will set up their thematic exhibition zones to display their products, services, technology, investment environment and investment projects, all with rich contents. The exhibition area of the Portuguese-speaking Countries will be further expanded, of which, the Portugal Pavilion will be significantly enlarged, essentially to display that country's wine and food. On the other hand, several trade promotion organisations in Brazil will jointly participate in the MIF. At the same time, this year's MIF has attracted the participation of more emerging countries, such as Nepal, Indonesia and Vietnam, which will introduce their latest investment environment and investment projects, to open new markets for the exhibitors. Besides, more detailed and specific exhibition on co-operation projects in the Zhuhai and Guangzhou (Nansha) Exhibition Zones will be held. A new exhibition zone for the Qianhai district in Shenzhen, is also being planned. The exhibition zone for mahogany furniture will undertake the luxurious content of last year, and ceramics and other attractive home furnishing items display is under planning. The Exhibition Zone of the Provinces and Municipalities of Mainland China, Cultural and Creative Industries Zone, Fashion Design Performance Zone, the Taiwan Exhibition Zone and the Digital Photography Equipment Exhibition Zone will all add in new elements. Food and wine on display will be broader with products coming from more diversified countries of origin. Newly-created exhibition zones, including the Gifts and Packaging Design Exhibition Zone and the International Cultural and Artistic Performance Service Project Exhibition Zone, are expected to also generate more business opportunities and cooperation. Closer Interactions between MIF and the Cultural and Creative Industries to Promote Regional Co-operation In order to strengthen regional co-operation and further promote the development of moderate economic diversification , the Organisers have for the first time invited the participation of the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair. Also, the Convention and Exhibition Industry Exhibition Zone, which in the past was organised by the local industry-related operators, will now be expanded to include related operators from Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao, to jointly organise high-level forums. The Gifts and Packaging Design Exhibition Area will be jointly organised by the industry-related organisations from Japan, Taiwan and Guangdong Province, to showcase Asia's high-end packaging design standards. The International Cultural and Artistic Performances Service Projects Zone will adequately reflect Macao's role as a unique platform, by converting the world's outstanding cultural and artistic performances into trade in service projects and promote them on-site to enterprises in the tourism and cultural fields. " One Trip, Multiple-Stop" Service to include Qianhai (Shenzhen) to Promotes Greater Co-operation To enhance the effectiveness of the MIF for the participating delegates, the Organiser will continue to actively work with partners in the neighbouring regions to jointly provide the "One Trip, Multiple-Stop" Service, by organising fact-finding visits to the Canton Fair and also to Hengqin (Zhuhai), Nansha (Guangzhou) and Qianhai (Shenzhen). Furthermore, delegates will be directed to Macao Ideas-the Macao Products Display Centre, to increase their awareness and understanding of Made in Macao Products, Macao Brands, Macao Designs and Products from the Portuguese-Speaking Countries with distribution agents in Macao. Invitation of a Larger Number of Procuring Agents to Promote Business Matching The Organiser will work with the relevant organisations in Mainland China and abroad to invite professional buyers, branded enterprises, prime hotels and other trade visitors to participate in the on-site procurement negotiations, in addition to providing incentive plans to the professional visitors, such as the "MIF Express", "Concessions for Professional Buyers" and "Concessions for Invited Buyers from Abroad". Professional buyers, large-scale hotels, super-markets and related enterprises are welcome to refer to the Organiser's website for further details. Participation The Organiser will continue to support the participation of local small and medium-sized enterprises by providing a number of concessions. • Discounted Booth Rental Price
A total 120 booths will be set up at the Macao SMEs' Exhibition Zone. For eligible Macao SMEs, the organiser will provide the following concessions: A discount of 40% off on the rental fee for a 9 square metres standard booth, with an original rental fee of MOP9,000.00, the discounted fee is MOP3,600.00. Registration on or before 16 July , as well as enterprises that have previously participated as exhibitors in exhibition activities organised by IPIM will be entitled to a 10% discount. Applications for exhibition in the Macao SMEs' Exhibition Zone will be held from 4 to 23 July (Monday to Friday), from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Applicants should register in person and bring along their application form and all required documents to the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute – SME Service Centre (Address: Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, 263, China Civil Plaza Building, 19th floor, Macao) .Each SME can only apply for one booth, on a first-come-first-served basis. The exhibition venue will be zoned in accordance with the nature of the business and the allocation of each booth will be decided by draw. The Recruitment and Briefing Session for the Macao SMEs' Exhibition Area will be held at 2:30 p.m. on 3 July (Tuesday) at the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC), located at Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, no. 263, China Civil Plaza, 19 andar. Interested parties are cordially invited to participate! MIF provides Multiple Services to the Participants To assist the MIF participants to look for partners and business opportunities, the Organiser will provide a series of free business matching services, including procurement negotiations, franchise and chain operations and brand agency. Interested parties can login to the on-line business matching service platform for pre-matching or accept the on-site matching service arranged by the Organizer. For more information, please call: (853) 2872 8328. During the preparation period and the duration of MIF, the MIF Administration and Service Centre will provide a wide range of services to local and overseas exhibitors as well as to other merchants. For further details, please contact the Organizer by telephone (853) 2882 2711, fax: (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website: www.mif.com.mo. Remarks:
Enterprises applying for preferential schemes related to exhibition in the Macao SMEs' Exhibition Zone should meet the following requirements: small or medium-sized enterprise (employing not over 100 people in Macao) incorporated in Macao; has fulfilled obligations as a tax payer and has been duly registered with the Macao Finance Bureau for at least two years (as of 18 October 2012); and the company should be owned at least 50% by a Macao resident or by a company incorporated in Macao. After satisfying the above criteria, the applicant should also meet one of the following two requirements: it has participated in a previous MIFs or other exhibitions organised by IPIM or is a company manufacturing Made in Macao Products, holder of Macao Brand or is an agent for Macao Products.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for its approval or record of two bills relating to the selection method of the Chief Executive and the election method of the Legislative Assembly. This is announced today by a statement issued by the Government Spokesperson Office, after a meeting by the Standing Committee of NPC. The decisions made by the Standing Committee of NPC marked the completion of the legislative procedures of revising Annex I and Annex II of the Basic Law of Macao. This is the first time that the Macao SAR revised the selection method of the Chief Executive and the election method of the Legislative Assembly and this made an important step in Macao's constitutional development. This may enhance the stability of Macao's fundamental political system, the progression of Macao's democracy, the effective functioning of Macao's executive-led political system, the balancing of interests of all walks of lives and the long-term prosperity, stability and development of Macao. The Macao SAR Government would, in accordance with the decisions made by the Standing Committee of NPC and public opinions collected previously, submit bills to the Legislative Assembly to revise the election laws of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Assembly. The election of the Fifth-term Legislative Assembly is scheduled in 2013 and the election of the Fourth-term Chief Executive in 2014.
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