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The 25th Macao Arts Festival (MAF), organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB), will take place in May next year. The CAB has been accepting projects for performances since August and applications will be open until November 8. Selected works will be included in next year's MAF programme. All registered local art associations are invited to present their proposals. There are no restrictions to genre or form of the shows, which can be original or have been shown before. However, shows must conform to the MAF's objectives, reflecting the rich regional culture and popular spirit, and possess high artistic quality and visual appeal. In order to encourage creativity and further develop artistic education, productions inspired by local literary works and children's plays will be first and foremost taken into account. Interested registered local associations should submit detailed proposals including the concept, the script, set design plan, production team and cast's brief introduction, budget estimate as well as any additional information regarding the Project. Proposals should be submitted until November 8 to the Cultural Events Department, Cultural Affairs Bureau Building, in an envelope marked 'Call for Local Performance Proposals for the 25th Macao Arts Festival'. For further details, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website at www.icm.gov.mo or telephone Ms. Chou or Ms. Lei on 8399 6653/ 8399 6605, during office hours.
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The four-day 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) concluded successively today. Featuring a wide variety of contents, this year's MIF achieved fruitful results both in terms of exhibition and sale, attracting over 116,000 visitors. During the event, more than 2,000 business matching sessions were concluded and 98 protocols were signed while 51 forums, seminars and promotion conferences were organised. Comprising over 1,900 exhibition booths and an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters, the MIF was joined by participants from over 50 countries and regions, of which Russia, Italy, Seychelles and Republic of Moldova are the first time to set up pavilion or send delegation to participate in this event. Moreover, the pavilions and exhibition zones of this year also possess a distinctive style. Today (Sunday) was the last day of MIF. Many citizens and tourists took the last chance to visit and make purchase at the MIF. A participating SME noted that their sales were satisfactory and their anticipated goal has been achieved as many citizens and tourists flocked to join the shopping spree on the last day. A citizen buying lots of commodities said that the MIF has seen a larger scale and a wider variety of products for sale, some of which are less commonly seen in the market and he also planned to revisit next year. Another participating enterprise expressed that via the SME International Business Day, they have benefited a lot and had a better understanding of the tastes and needs of local customers upon listening to the analyses on international market and business information given by the counsellors and experts from the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong. An exhibitor from Portugal noted that the MIF enables them to better understand the situations of investing in Macao and helps them expand the Mainland market via the role of Macao as a trade and business platform between China and Portugal. A participating enterprise from the Mainland said that the promotion of characteristic cultural products from various places is conducive to opening foreign markets. A trade visitor noted that via the MIF, he was given professional advice on relevant product/service re-packaging and business promotion. The four-day event attracted a total of 116,000 visitors, an increase of 12% year-on-year. The "One-Trip, Multi-Stop" service and the "Convention and Exhibition through Train" plan are also effective to help participating merchants in networking and developing business opportunities. During the MIF, more than 2,000 business matching sessions were concluded (an increase of 11.69 year-on-year), 98 protocols were signed (an increase of 11.36% year-on-year). This year, a number of co-operation agreements were signed between countries or regions, which further highlights the role of MIF as economic and trade platform and the role of Macao as a conduit for opening overseas markets and promoting regional co-operation. For instance, the signatories of these agreements include countries or regions from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, European Union, Southeast Asia, e.g. Russia, Romania, Switzerland, Dubai, Madagasca, Italy, Germany, the Philippines, etc. The projects signed cover construction and machinery co-operation between Macao and Russia, agency of European brand products, tourism promotion and co-operation, travel agency co-operation, etc. Other projects include some emerging industries, such as traditional Chinese medicine, cultural and creative industry, education, brand retailing, sports, etc., which fully demonstrate the effectiveness of MIF in promoting Macao's economic diversification. Furthermore, 51 forums, seminars and promotion conferences were held during the MIF, including the International Trade and Investment Forum 2013, 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception, etc. The number of visitors also exceeds that of last year. The MIF also organised a grand Lucky Draw this year. Results will be published on 22nd October 2013 (Tuesday) on Macao Daily and MIF's official website www.mif.com.mo. The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair is planned to take place from 23rd to 26th October 2014.
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The 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is again open to the public today (19th). Being a weekend today, many citizens and tourists took the opportunity to visit MIF, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A total of 481 business matching sessions were concluded and 12 contracts were signed today.
Pavilions with Special Features Help Promote Development of Various Industries
The 18th MIF features a number of featured pavilions, of which the Macao Creative Pavilion is built with paper rolls, a design being inspired by the symbols of sound, image and information communications, with an attempt to promote local brands and products. To enhance interaction with the audience, the Macao Creative Pavilion has organised a variety of activities including seminars, performances and workshops. The Macao Fashion Festival 2013, themed around "world heritages, culture, fashion and creativity", was held concurrently at the MIF. Apart from the works of local designers, top fashion designers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao and the Mainland are also invited to participate in the fashion show. The person-in-charge of this pavilion said that, being Macao's major annual international trade and economic fair, MIF not only provides local fashion designers the opportunities to obtain exposure on the international arena by showcasing high quality fashion works during the event, but also enhances the awareness and interests of local trade visitors and the general public in fashion design, thereby increasing the reputation of local designers. Debut of Asian Magic Association Convention in MIF, receiving high claims from visitors
The Asian Magic Association Convention was first organised at MIF. Visitors enjoyed the stunning magic performance presented by leading magicians from France, Japan, UK and the US in the Magic Show Pavilion. A magic interactive workshop was also organised in the Pavilion, lectures were given by world renowned magicians on the basic theories and skills of magic.
481 business matching concluded on the third day
On the third day of MIF, a total of 481 business matching sessions were organised 12 contracts were signed, covering areas of construction materials, medical treatment and products supply, technical media production services, establishment of branded diamond store, branded furniture and agency of franchising branded products.
Visitors to seize the last chance to visit MIF tomorrow
The 18th MIF also features various forums, seminars and presentations, including the 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs which gathered together leading entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Mainland as well as overseas countries and regions, and 2013Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum(MITMF)
"Traditional Medicine and Health Care". It will be the last day of MIF tomorrow. The opening hours are from 10am to 6pm; with free admission. Major events to be held tomorrow include the 2013 Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum (MITMF) "Medical Tourism and Economic Diversification", and the "Key Market Trends for the Retail Sector in the Asia Pacific" Seminar. The SME Exhibition covers diverse contents, including the Macao SME Pavilion, Taiwan Pavilion, China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion, Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment. Furthermore, the International SME Pavilion features local signature products and food from Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal and the Philippines. All citizens are encouraged to seize the last chance to join the shopping spree at MIF tomorrow. A Lucky Draw is also organised and scheduled to take place at 5:30pm tomorrow. Results will be published on 22 October 2013 (Tuesday) on Macao Daily and MIF's official website: www.mif.com.mo.
Free Shuttle Bus Service Provides Greater Convenience to Trade Visitors and the General Public
MIF visitors may take free shuttle bus service at the following pickup points: Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop) on the Macao Peninsular and Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa) on Taipa Island. Bus schedules are as follows: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue; 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Furthermore, visitors may also park their cars at the public parking lot of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP10 per hour apply). For more information on the 18 MIF, please contact the MIF hotline (853) 2882 8711 or visit the MIF's official website www.mif.com.mo.
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The four-day 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was opened to the public today (18th), attracting a great number of trade visitors and the general public. The pavilions and sales exhibition zones registered a boom in visitors flow. Today, a total of 733 business matching sessions were held and 73 contracts were signed. Business Day features five highlighted activities to aid SMEs to explore opportunities
The SME International Business Day (hereinafter "Business Day") was opened today. Officiating guests at the opening included President of Macao Investment and Trade Promotion Institute Jackson Chang, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce Kou Hoi In, Executive Directors of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Echo Chan and Irene V.K. Lau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Industrial Association of Macau Chui Yuk Lum, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Macau Shipper's Association Tang Kuan Fong, Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Macau Management Association Lau Veng Seng, Vice Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Macao Daniel Iong, Deputy Director General of Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center Mok Iun Lei, Controller of Macao Textile Merchants Association Alain Ku, Consultant of CCPIT Commercial Sub-council Tian Min and Chairman of Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong Wilson Lee. President of IPIM Jackson Chang said that SMEs is the primary target group of IPIM services, a series of services including "One-Stop Service" for investors, promotion services, business-matching as well as trade and economic information are provided to assist SMEs in publicity and promotion, enhance competitiveness and explore business opportunities. The Business Day this year continues to focus on promoting brand building, enhancing corporate values and encouraging more people to start business. It covers five major areas including SME service counter, business promotion and business start-up consultation, business and entrepreneurship seminars, incentives plans for SME as well as franchise and chain operation catalogue show, with a view to promote participating SMEs to seize business opportunities through the MIF platform. During the event, professionals from Hong Kong, Mainland and Taiwan were invited to provide professional opinions to SMEs on various areas including branding skills, re-packaging of product and services, market strategies and business promotion. Strengthen Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries and Promote the Business and Trade Platform MIF has always been regarded as an important platform in tapping the Mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries markets. In recent years, the Pavilion of Portugal has been increasing in size with a total area of over 1,000 square metres this year, an area twice as large as that of the previous year and there is also an increase in the number of participating exhibitors. According to Alberto Carvalho Neto, Chairman of the Portugal and China Young Entrepreneur Association, Portuguese exhibitors participating this year are enormous in number and also highly experienced, covering different sectors and profession including lawyers, architects and real estates developer, accounting and food manufacturing, so as to gain better understanding of the investment opportunities in Macao. He believed that Macao is playing an active role in bridging the trade and business links between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, assisting Portuguese entrepreneurs in business expansion as well as in tapping the Mainland market. The MIF platform enables Portuguese entrepreneurs to establish contacts with trade visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao and explore cooperation opportunities. A total of 733 business matching sessions were conducted on second day of MIF
A total of 733 business matching sessions were held today, resulted in the signing of 37 contracts covering co-operation in cultural tourism and labour services, establishment of Chinese restaurants, agency and marketing of aluminum alloy cables, products from Portuguese-speaking countries, construction materials, environmentally-friendly equipment and healthcare products, business consultancy on environment protection projects, research and development in Information and Technology industry, business development and promotion, soccer school, shopping arcade investments, research and development in traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as Macao enterprises interested in establishing businesses in the Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park. More activities available at MIF, not to be missed!
Other highlighted activities at today's MIF include Jiangsu – Macau • Portuguese-Speaking Countries Agricultural Co-operation Roundtable Conference and "Ancient Capital Beijing, Glamorous Dongcheng District" Promotion Conference. Tomorrow's highlights include the 10th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs, Forum : Are you ready to start your business?, 2013 Macau International Traditional Medicine Forum(MITMF) "Traditional Medicine and Health Care", Macau Animation Industry Investment Conference & 6th Macau International Animation Festival Promotion, 10th Asian Magic Association Convention. More featured activities, e.g. the Creativity Business Zone promoting cultural and creative industries, fashion show, Taiwanese Excellence Pavilion themed around Taiwan's future technologies and smart life, Health Culture Pavilion are also available at the MIF, suitable for all family visitors during this weekend. Free shuttle bus service for trade visitors and the general public
To encourage interested parties to visit the MIF in an environmentally-friendly way, free shuttle bus service are available between the MIF venue and various pickup points, including Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop) on Macao peninsular and Avenida de Guimarães (Parque Central Da Taipa) on Taipa island. Schedules are as follows: 19th October: 9:30am to 7pm; 20th October: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue. 19th October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 20th October: 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Furthermore, visitors may also park their cars at the public parking lot of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP10 per hour apply). For more information on the 18 MIF, please contact the MIF hotline (853) 2882 2711 or fax (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website www.mif.com.mo.
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The annual event for economy and trade, the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was officially opened today (17th October 2013). Comprising of a total of 1,900 exhibition booths, exhibitors from more than 50 countries and regions are participating in the 18th MIF, of which Russia, Italy, and the Republic of Moldova set up pavilions in the event for the first time, resulting in an exhibition with increasing international participation and more diverse contents. The first day of the event was an enormous success, concluding a total of 632 business matching sessions and 30 projects signed. Opening ceremony The opening ceremony of the 18th MIF was held in the Sicily Room, Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel yesterday morning, which was attended by delegates from over 50 countries and regions. Officiating guests at the ceremony included Chief Executive of Macao SAR Chui Sai On, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR Qiu Hong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR Cai Si Ping, Secretary of State for Support and Promotion of the Private Sector, East Timor Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, , Aide to the Minister, Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Chairman of Russian-Chinese Centre for Trade and Economic Co-operation Sergey F. Sanakoev, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Jiangsu Province Fu Zi Ying, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Zhao Yu Fang, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Tam Pak Yuen, Vice Chairperson of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Su Zhi Gang , Deputy Secretary-General of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, Hou Yu Lan, Secretary-General of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Xu Hu Bin, President of Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce Kou Hoi In, and President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Jackson Chang. In his speech, Tam Pak Yuen said under the theme "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities", several thematic exhibitions have been organised during this year's MIF to showcase the development potential of industries in participating countries and regions as well as their business advantages. The Organiser has invited world-renowned trade and economic professionals and business leaders to be keynote speakers of high-level forums, conferences and lectures to analyse the development trends of global politics and economies and explore co-operation opportunities. In addition, MIF also seeks to promote liaisons and exchanges through the organisation of a number of business matching sessions and cocktail receptions. International Trade and Investment Forum 2013 Being the major and the highlighted forum of MIF, the International Trade and Investment Forum 2013 was held in the afternoon of the opening day. Various high-level officials and renowned experts have been invited to participate as keynote speakers, including Tam Pak Yuen, Su Zhi Gang, Xu Hu Bin, Sergey F. Sanakoev, Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, Ma Iao Lai, President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Alberto de Mello Caboclo, Vice President of International Relations, Life Member of Deliberative Assembly, Sao Paulo Football Club and Wen De, Technology Officer of Alibaba Group. During the forum, the speakers conducted in-depth discussions on the development trends of the global economic market, opportunities brought by regional economic co-operation and the role of Macao as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and proposed a number of recommendations to foster active exchanges, such as enhancing the role of Macao as a platform, strengthening the integration of the industry chain, as well as innovating service models to accelerate regional economic amalgamation. The forum was attended by a variety of representatives of government departments, trade/investment promotion institutes, chambers of commerce, and business sectors from various countries and regions including Hong Kong, Macao, Mainland China, and Portuguese-speaking countries. Strengthening regional co-operation and building a platform for business and trade exchanges and co-operation between China and Portugal To further promote economic and trade co-operation between Macao, Mainland China and Portuguese-speaking countries and strengthen Macao's distinctive multi-cultural features and role as a service platform for regional business and trade, the Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception was held yesterday. Numerous business matching sessions and protocols concluded on first day On the first day of MIF, a total of 632 business matching sessions were concluded and 30 protocols were signed, covering co-operation between governments and chambers of commerce, shopping centre co-operation investment project, co-operation in convention and exhibition and passenger transport and tour bus rentals, establishment of fine arts centre and museum and research and development centre and the base for clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine, ecological traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing base co-operation, electrical appliances, healthcare products, heat resistant energy-saving insulation coating of glass, nano-ceramic energy-efficient lighting products, furniture agency, wines and electronic travel card. MIF is open to public from 18th to 20th In addition to various business and trade forums and conventions, MIF has specially launched a series of activities in line with the new market trends, e.g. the Creativity Business Zone promoting cultural and creative industries, fashion show, Taiwanese Excellence Pavilion themed around Taiwan's future technologies and smart life, Health Culture Pavilion. Highlights of yesterday's activities included the Jiangsu – Macau ‧ Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum, "Ancient Capital Beijing, Glamorous Dongcheng District" Promotion Conference, Macao Fashion Festival 2013 - Jewel & Glamour, SME service counter, consultation, entrepreneurship counselling, re-packing gallery show, brand catalogues show, Seminar on Leveraging Business Capacity – Establish a Successful Brand and Create New Values, China Regimen & Health Care (Macau) Forum. During the Fair, the 10th Asian Magic Association Convention which assembled the world renowned magicians to showcase their talent was also held. MIF was opened to the public from 18th to 20th, during which free shuttle bus services (the public shuttle bus route and official hotel shuttle bus route) are available at different locations for business visitors and the public. Pickup points on Macao peninsula include Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket at Areia Preta), Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira da Almeida (near Pak Wai bus stop), and Taipa island Avenida de Guimaraes (Parque Central Da Taipa). Schedules are as follows: 18th to 19th October: 9:30am to 7pm; 20th October: 9:30am to 5pm running from the pickup points mentioned above to the MIF venue. 18th to 19th October: 10:30am to 8:30pm; 20th October: 10:30am to 6:30pm running from the MIF venue to the pickup points. Visitors may also park their cars at the public car parking of the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel (charges of MOP10 per hour apply). For more information on the 18 MIF, please contact the MIF hotline (853) 2882 2711 or fax (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website www.mif.com.mo.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on oral care products and milk powder on 17th October. Results of the mentioned surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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(Macao—18 October 2013) Members of the public can once again visit the front block and gardens of Government Headquarters during its annual open day, on 19 and 20 October between 9 am and 6 pm. During the two-day opening, a range of rich programmes will be prepared for visitors, including performance by the Public Security Police Band and students from the School of Music and School of Dance of the Macao Conservatory. There will also be guided tours of the first floor of the Headquarters and a photo exhibition of old Macao in the multi-purpose conference room. The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will also be holding a flower show, exhibition some 20,000 carnations of different colours at Government Headquarters. To enrich the exhibition, the flower show will also feature bonsai displays. To commemorate this special occasion, Macao Post will set up a special counter at Nam Van Lake to provide hand-back service and issue a set of commemorative envelope and postcard. The Nam Van Lake cybernetic fountain will also be open during to the public on these two days.
Built in 1849, Government Headquarters has been used as the office of Macao heads of government before and after its return to Chinese rule.
Today the building houses the Executive Council chamber, a multi-functional meeting room and the Lotus Chamber. The office of the Chief Executive is on the first floor, together with the Green Chamber, the Yellow Chamber and the Blue Chamber, which are for greeting guests and holding meetings and banquets.
For more details, please visit http://www2.gcs.gov.mo/openday or www.gov.mo.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) dropped in August 2013 whereas those of commercial real estate loans (CRELs) grew. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs both witnessed increases. New Lending Approved In August 2013, new RMLs approved by Macao banks dropped 25.3% month-to-month to MOP3.3 billion; of which, 99.1% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents and non-residents contracted 24.7% and 62.1% respectively. When compared with the same period of 2012, new approvals of RMLs witnessed decrease of 24.6%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose significantly by 31.9% month-to-month to MOP44.2 million. When compared with the same period of 2012, this type of bank mortgage contracted by 81.4% New CRELs rose 59.5% month-to-month to MOP4.1 billion; of which, 98.2% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents increased 64.0% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped by 37.5%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs expanded significantly by 133.1%. Outstanding Balances As at end-August 2013, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP110.4 billion, an increase of 1.8% from one month earlier or 24.6% from a year ago. The resident component made up 94.4% of the total. Compared to end-July 2013, outstanding RMLs to residents grew 2.0% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped 1.7%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs increased 3.0% from end-July 2013 and up 21.2% from end-August 2012 to MOP79.8 billion. Residents accounted for 92.2% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew 3.3% whereas the amount to non-residents slid 0.1%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of August 2013, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.05%, which decreased slightly from one month earlier and down 0.01 percentage point from a year ago. The ratio for CRELs edged down 0.01 percentage point and 0.02 percentage points from end-July 2013 and end-August 2012 respectively to 0.07%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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The workshop on "Conflicts and Resolutions among Trademarks, Copyright and Industrial Models and Designs", as organised by the Economic Services (DSE) and integrated as part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, is going to take place on October 22 and 23, from 9:30 to 13:00, in the Auditorium of the DSE in the Luso-International Bank Building, 7th floor. This workshop will feature as its keynote speaker Mr. XU Chao, Deputy Director, Intellectual Property Right Center, Beijing, China and the event will be conducted in Mandarin, with simultaneous translation into Portuguese. Amongst other topics, the following items will be discussed: 1. Relationships between Copyright and Industrial Models and Designs – Case Sharing; 2. Relationships between Copyright and Trademarks – Case Sharing; 3. Basic Principles and Methods of Conflict Resolution; 4. Relationships between Trademarks and Industrial Models and Designs – Case Sharing; 5. Study and Discussion of Practical Cases – Case Sharing. 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 2013. The execution of this Programme is coordinated by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Economic Services, the Financial Services Bureau and the Institute of European Studies of Macao.
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The "SME International Business Days" (hereinafter referred to as the "SME Days") of "18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair" (MIF) will be held from 17 to 20 October 2013. The main objective of "SME Days" is to advocate brand building, leveraging enterprise value and encouraging entrepreneurship. The "SME Days" will feature various services and activities such as – (1) SME Service Corner; (2) Consultancy services for SMEs and business starters; (3) Seminars on leveraging business capacity, innovation and entrepreneurship (4) SME promotion incentive packages and (5) Franchise catalogues show, to facilitate SMEs to utilise MIF's business platform to explore business opportunities. New consultancy services for SMEs and business starters Apart from introducing IPIM's SME services, the SME Service Corner will provide enterprises with up-to-date information and a free enquiry service, including "One-stop Service for Macao economic and trade consultations, information on international markets, information on exhibitions, trade fairs and franchising. Moreover, invited professional business consultants from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan will provide free on-site consultancy on branding, product and service re-packaging and promotional strategies and also advisory services to business starters. Consultancy services will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis and interested parties are welcome to pre-register their enquiries. (Tel: 87989614). Seminars on leveraging business capacity and entrepreneurship
Two seminars will also be held during the "SME Days", with renowned entrepreneurs, brand and marketing consultants and experts invited to share their experiences and insights with participants, with the aim of assisting SMEs to devise strategies to promote their businesses and for those who plan to start their own business. On 18 October the "Seminar on Leveraging Business Capacity - Become a Brand and Be a Success with Value", which will include topics such as brand repackaging to create values, experience of successful brands, brand co-operation to create collaboration synergy and issues on investment and returns on branding; whereas the "Seminar on Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Start your business, be your own boss!" on 19 October will cover issues including experience sharing and analysis on entrepreneurs' successes and failures and survival tactics in the market place, using e-commerce and franchising as a means to start a business. Interested parties are welcome to sign up for the seminars (Tel: 87989614) Incentive Exhibition Schemes – 50% off for Macao Ideas exhibits and exhibition discounts for 2014MFE exhibitors Another highlight of "SME Days" is the various promotional schemes and packages designed for the needs of SMEs, including Financial Incentives to Participate in Exhibitions and Fairs and E-Commerce Promotion Incentives. Existing and new Macao Ideas exhibitors applying for exhibition space duirng "SME Day" are entitled to 50% discount and enterprises enrolling for the "Macao Franchise Expo 2014" (2014 MFE) as exhibitors can enjoy special discounts on exhibition fees. A products/services and franchise catalogue show will be held concurrently, to allow local enterprises to acquire worldwide product information. The Opening Ceremony of "SME International Business Days" will be held at 12:00 noon on 18 October in the 18th MIF Macao Pavilion Protocol Signing Centre at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. All interested parties are welcome. For more details, please visit the MIF website at http://www.mif.com.mo/mif2013/schedule.php?&lang=en or contact the SME Service Centre (SMEC). Enquiry hotline: 87989614/87989711(Mr Ho or Ms Leong).
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