News

The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government presents a photographic exhibition titled European Splendour: Photo Exhibition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in European Union Member States. The exhibition, to be installed in the Mount Fortress Corridor, opens on 26 November 2011.
Featuring 42 extraordinary images of heritage sites in 14 European Union member states, the exhibition portrays various historic centres, natural sites and architectural treasures, including the City of Graz – Historic Centre, the Historic Centre of Prague, Old Rauma, La Grand-Place in Brussels, the Pilgrimage Church in Wies, the Archaeological Site of Delphi, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay, Venice and its Lagoon, the Amsterdam Canal Houses, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, the Rock Carvings in Tanum and Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites.
The Consulates General of the European Union Member States in Hong Kong and Macao decided to share these images of their prestigious heritage sites with the public in Hong Kong and Macao. Organised during the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the exhibition is a result of joint effort and co-operation between the EU and the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government.
This event provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of the sites protected as cultural heritage in Europe. The exhibition runs from 26 November 2011 to 29 January 2012, in the Mount Fortress Corridor of Macao, and is open daily from 7am to 7pm. Admission is free.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government would study whether to revise the Annex I and II of the Basic Law, which laid out the method for the selection of the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Assembly. Speaking at a press conference after delivering the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2012, Mr Chui said the Government had been gathering opinion from the public over the issue of development of political system. Since the establishment of the Third-term Macao SAR Government, it had received 164 written responses from the public, he said. On the whole, most of the opinions gathered expressed the wish to make adequate adjustments to the elections of the Chief Executive in 2013 and the Legislative Assembly in 2014, he said. He said the Government would conduct public consultations to continue to gather opinion and stressed that the Government had no preference in the revision of the methods of the two elections. He would soon write to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to confirm the necessary procedures. Mr Chui said the Government would step up relevant studies of Macao's middle class to take into account their concerns when formulating public policies. Speaking on the issue of housing, Mr Chui said the Government would complete the constructions of 19,000 public housing units by the year-end of 2012, begin the planning of a reserve of 6,300 public housing units and waive the rent of public housing tenants for next year. He said the Government had reserved enough land for public housing and urged the public to be patient and have confidence in the Government. Though the Government expected the monthly gaming revenue next year to exceed 20 billion patacas, it would take a cautious approach in managing public finance. He also said that the Government would continue the renewal of urban areas in order to enhance the standard of the environment and hygiene of the older districts. As for the revision of the salary system of civil servants, Mr Chui said he had met many civil servants' associations recently to listen to their opinions. The Government would study the establishment of Civil Service Pay Council, to allow for a fair, independent and scientific pay adjustment mechanism for civil servants.
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Raising the living standards of Macao residents is top of the Government's agenda in the coming year, according to the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On in his third annual Policy Address presented to lawmakers this afternoon. Mr Chui unveiled a string of measures to fight rising inflation in his 2012 Policy Address, including a further injection of 6,000 patacas into the individual central savings account of each eligible Macao citizen and a cash handout of 7,000 patacas to all Macao permanent residents. Non-permanent residents would get 4,200 patacas. The Government will also look at the feasibility of injecting money into the Social Security Fund. For senior citizens, the Old-age Allowance will be increased to 6,000 patacas while the monthly pension will be raised to 2,000 patacas. This means that in the coming year, each senior citizen will receive a total of 45,000 patacas from the Government. The Government will draw up a population policy based on detailed studies to tackle Macao's aging population, said the Chief Executive. Past initiatives to help low-income families, such as rent waiver for public housing tenants and housing subsidies for families waiting for public housing, would continue in 2012. Meanwhile the minimum subsistence index and the financial allowance for low-income, full-time employees will be raised to 3,200 patacas and 4,400 patacas respectively. Business owners and employees will continue to enjoy tax cuts and waivers outlined in the previous policy address. To further support small businesses, the upper loan limit of the SME Assistance Scheme will be increased to 600,000 patacas. On the "Homes for All" policy, the Chief Executive promised to relax the income ceiling of Home-Ownership Scheme Housing applicants, which would make 80 percent of Macao households qualify for the scheme. He also told lawmakers that the Government would plan a reserve of 6,300 public housing units in addition to the 19,000 public housing units to be completed by the end of 2012. Mr Chui addressed the issue of sustainable economic development by pledging to facilitate the growth of integrated tourism and boost regional co-operation. An assessment committee for Macao investments in Hengqin Island will be set up to help Macao enterprises establish operations in the Guangdong-Macao Industrial Park. Reviewing Macao's political development will be another major task of the government in 2012, he said. The Government will launch a public consultation next year on whether to modify and – if so how to modify – the method for the formation of the fifth Legislative Assembly in 2013, and the selection of the fourth Chief Executive in 2014, in accordance with the Basic Law of Macao. Mr Chui added that electoral laws would be perfected to promote fairness and justice in all elections, to drive development of Macao's political system.
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A team of staff of the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) will go to Beijing to discuss with the People's Bank of China (PBOC) about further widening of the scope of RMB business and promoting Macao to become a RMB settlement platform in respect of trade and other economic activities between China and Portuguese speaking countries. In addition, the issue of injecting RMB denominated assets into the fiscal reserve of the MSAR with a view to securing stable investment return will also be raised. In mid-October, AMCM organized a delegation of our financial sector and visited Beijing and Shanghai. It raised relevant proposals to the Central Government and supervisory authroities concerned regarding further widening the scope of RMB business, promoting Macao to become a RMB settlement platform in respect of trade and other economic activities between China and Portuguese speaking countries, as well as the arrangement to facilitate the MSAR fiscal reserve to invest in RMB denominated assets. All these discussions had positive response and support from the authorities. The PBOC indicated its fervent support to Macao in widening the scope of RMB business in accordance with market demand with a view to promoting the development of RMB business in Macao in a stable and orderly manner. In addition, the PBOC supported Macao to become a RMB settlement platform in respect of trade and other economic activities between China and Portuguese speaking countries, which would further promote its function as financial platform for trade and economic activities between China and Portuguese speaking countries. In regard to the issue of investment in Mainland bonds or deposits, the PBOC did not see any obstacles arising from existing policies, and would satisfy relevant requests in steps. Both sides were in agreement on the need to conduct further discussions relating to the practical operation, including amendments to settlement agreement so as to facilitate its early implementation. AMCM disclosed that a bilateral meeting would be convened on the 16th of November. AMCM staff members, led by Mr. Wan Sin Long, Executive Director, accompanied by representatives of the Economic Affairs Department of the Central Liaison Office, the Guangzhou Regional Branch of the PBOC and Bank of China, Macau Branch, will conduct discussions on detailed arrangements relating to aforementioned issues with a view to implementating the relevant arrangements at an earlier date. Mr. Teng Lin Seng, AMCM Chairman, has indicated that, in accordance with market development and requests raised by the practitioners, AMCM has been, in recent years, endeavouring assiduously to obtain policy support in widening the spectrum of RMB business in Macao, as well as enabling Macao to develop into a settlement platform for RMB business with Portuguese speaking countries. In addition, as for introducing an investment channel for secure and stable return on the impending MSAR fiscal reserve, AMCM has suggested to the PBOC to allow the MSAR fiscal reserve to invest in inter-bank bond and money markets. He hopes that through all these practical discussions, implementation of relevant arrangements can be realized at an earlier date.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours soared by 60.6% year-on-year to 597,903 in September 2011. Visitors from Mainland China (422,292); Taiwan, China (45,138); Hong Kong (32,106) and the Republic of Korea (26,206) surged by 88.9%, 54.7%, 38.7% and 78.7% respectively. On the contrary, visitors from Japan (19,085) decreased by 31.7%. In the first three quarters of 2011, visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 16.8% year-on-year to 5,107,265. In September 2011, Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours decreased by 25.2% year-on-year to 15,031. The most popular tour itineraries were Mainland China (76.3% of total), Thailand (5.4%) and the Republic of Korea (5.1%). In the first three quarters of 2011, outbound residents in package tours decreased by 5.4% year-on-year to 176,666. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies surged by 35.9% year-on-year to 60,979; the main destinations were Mainland China (54.3% of total); Hong Kong (16.3%); and Taiwan, China (13.7%). In the first three quarters of 2011, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 27.8% year-on-year to 463,205. At the end of September 2011, number of available guest rooms of hotels and guest-houses totalled 22,407, up by 2,561 rooms (+12.9%) year-on-year, with that of 5-star hotels accounting for 63.8% of the total. Hotels and guest-houses received 701,708 guests in September 2011, up by 19.1% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (54.1% of total) and Hong Kong (19.0%). The average length of stay decreased by 0.04 night to 1.5 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses was 79.7%, up by 5.6 percentage points year-on-year. Average occupancy rate of hotels was 80.2%, with 4-star hotels leading at 85.3%. Number of guests increased by 9.7% year-on-year to 6,297,229 in the first three quarters of 2011; average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 83.2%, up by 4.5 percentage points from a year earlier. In the first three quarters of 2011, visitor-guests accounted for 61.5% of the total number of tourists (overnight visitors), higher than 60.5% in the same period of 2010.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP253.4 billion (USD31.69 billion) at the end of October 2011. The reserves rose by 2.7% from the revised value of MOP246.8 billion (USD30.75 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves increased by MOP78.3 billion or 44.7%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-October 2011 represented 44 times the currency in circulation or 356.8% of Pataca M2 at end-September 2011. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, rose by 0.51 points month-to-month but fell by 1.06 points year-on-year to 87.83 in October 2011. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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The Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee, in association with the Academy of Public Security Forces (ESFSM), organized the "Research on Some Legal Issues on Human Trafficking Crimes" Workshop yesterday (November 14) at the ESFSM. Mr. Zhao Guoqiang, Professor of Law, was invited to lecture at the workshop attended by trainees from the Security Forces, frontline officers from the Macao Customs, Public Security Police and the Judiciary Police. Frontline officers often encounter potential victims of human trafficking, or even traffickers. Thorough understanding of how to define, investigate and prosecute cases can enhance the effort in combating human trafficking crimes. Through this workshop, participants are given opportunities to learn how to define human trafficking cases, as well as distinguish characteristics between crimes. The speaker also emphasized on the constituent elements of trafficking in minors. Whether or not by any means (even without fraud or coercion, and moreover, with the consent of the victim), trafficking of minors under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual exploitation constitute human trafficking.
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For the first time ever, Macau resident and visitors of all ages will have the chance to enjoy all the glamour and excitement of the Macau Grand Prix for free at a 'mini-paddock' in Tap Seac Square this weekend. Complete with examples of the stunning super cars which will take to the Guia Circuit during the actual Grand Prix, racing simulators for aspiring pilots, and glamorous racing models, the November 12-13 event will bring all the high-octane thrills to families and fans. A competition will be held for the best photograph of the event. A giant screen, which will remain in place for the duration of the Grand Prix, will show exciting clips to add to the authenticity of the 'paddock'. Fans will be able to watch all the Grand Prix action live from November 17 to 20, one of a number of screens around the city which will show the 58th Macau Grand Prix Official Sponsor "SJM". Visitors will be able to meet the drivers and racing girls, take photos and get right up close to some of the state-of-the-art racing cars. The 34 cars on show will represent the world's greatest automobile names, including Aston Martin, Audi, Ferrari, Ford, Ginetta, Lamborghini, Lotus and Porsche, with the extraordinary new McLaren road car, which will make its Asian racing debut at Macau next week, sure to attract attention. An opening ceremony will be held at 3pm on Saturday, November 12. Entry to the show, which will be open from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, is free of charge and the event forms part of the week-long Grand Prix carnival. For more information, please visit the Official Macau Grand Prix website at www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
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Owing to flooding in France, Macao Post announced that all mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to areas bearing the following postal codes prefixes are subject to delay until further notice. Postal Code Prefixes
07, 11, 13, 30, 34, 48, 66, 83 Thank you for your kind attention.
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As part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre is going to hold a workshop on "Legislative Drafting Experiences in Bilingual and Multilingual Legal Systems and Management of the Legislation" with the aim to enhance the knowledge of our legal professionals in the legislative drafting experiences of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada as well as an accent on the management of the legislation experiences. This event begins on Monday, November 14th, at 4:00 p.m. in the Multi-function Room of the Law Reform and International Law Bureau located on Alameda Dr. Carlos D' Assumpção, n. ° 398, CNAC building, 6th floor. This workshop will be conducted in English / Portuguese, with simultaneous translation into Cantonese and Portuguese and will feature the following keynote speakers: 1. Professor Luzius Anton Mader, Associate Professor at the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration in Lausanne and Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Justice (Swiss Ministry of Justice); 2. Ms. Marta Tavares de Almeida, Director of the External Relations Service and Extension of Law Faculty, University of New Lisboa and Vice-President of the International Association of Legislation. During the five daily sessions, taking place from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, until November 18th, the following topics will be discussed: 1. Introductory session (legislative methodology and drafting, legal systems, cultures and styles); 2. The rule of law and the quality of laws; 3. Multilingual legislative drafting in Switzerland; 4. Multilingual legislative drafting in Canada; 5. Multilingual legislative drafting in the European Union; 6. Management of the legislation and management of the legislative corpus. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2012. The execution of this Programme is organised by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau (DSRJDI), with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ), the Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), the Economic Services (DSE), the Financial Services Bureau (DSF) and the Institute of European Studies of Macao (IEEM).
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