News

Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on personal hygiene products on 16th May for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is 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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The 2013 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair (2013 GMBPF), co-organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province, will be held from 1 to 4 August in Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. GMBPF has become the foremost annual summer event in Macao since its inception in 2009. Continuing Collaboration between Guangdong and Macao Foster Inter-active Trade and Economic Development The Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair is now one of the regions brand named exhibitions. The event is organised upon the basis of the "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta" and the "Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Co-operation Agreement between Guangdong and Macao", explicitly to intensify trade and economic partnerships between the two sides. In future, the governments will continue to promote the overall planning and mutual development of the two sides, while actively implementing the "Framework Agreement on Guangdong-Macao Co-operation", to accomplish interactive liaison and create immerse development potentials. The Pearl River Delta region plays a steering and indispensable strategic role in the national economic and social development as well as reform and opening up of the country. The "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2020)" (the Outline) formulated in 2008, providing vital guidance for promoting the reform and development of the Pearl River Delta. The Outline focuses on the planning of Dongguan, Fohan, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Jiangmen, Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan and Zhuhai, spreading its influence in the Pan-PRD region, as well as incorporating the context of close co-operation with Hong Kong and Macao. In order to further consolidate the essence of the Outline and boost PRD regional co-operation, starting from this year, the nine major cities under the Outline are categorised in three groups, namely Guangzhou-Foshan-Zhaoqing, Shenzhen-Dongguan-Huizhou and Zhuhai-Zhongshan-Jiangmen. In rotation, each group will become the Markets in Focus each year, as a means to highlight the image of Guangdong branded products and enterprises and also serve as the focal point of the event. This year, Guangzhou, Foshan and Zhaoqing will take the lead to be the principal focus on recruitment and publicity. The three cities will join with neighbouring cities to present more diverse, remarkable and appealing products. Meticulous Selection of High Quality Enterprises to Participate in GMBPF by Guangdong Trade and Economic Authorities The past four GMBPF have shown remarkable success, attracting the active participation of enterprises from both sides. The Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province has diligently motivated trade and economic authorities within and without the province to conduct exhibition recruitment, and systematically organise branded products and enterprises to take part in the event. To safeguard the quality of the event, Mainland authorities exercised stringent requirements on exhibitors and products and conducted a meticulous selection process. Diversified Products Available in the Macao Exhibition Area The Macao Exhibition Area continues to focus on products Made-in-Macao, Macao brands and overseas products with agents in Macao. The organiser endeavours to play a role in promoting the trade and economic service platform between China and Portugal. As in previous years, priority will be given to local enterprises focusing on marketing and agents of products from Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs), in order to introduce more commodities from PSCs. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, it is anticipated that the partnership between China and Portuguese-speaking countries will be further elevated. Financial Incentives to Encourage Local Enterprises' Participation Similar to the previous GMBPFs, the 2013 GMBPF offers incentives to participating Macao enterprises which fall under three categories, namely the business categories of 'Made in Macao', 'Macao Brands', or Macau enterprises which act as agents for products from overseas (with those from the Portuguese-speaking countries given priority). Eligible enterprises can receive up to 60% of the costs of exhibition booth rental. With subsidies, the fee for standard exhibition booths will be MOP2,800 each and MOP2,000 for basic booths. The registration period runs from 20 to 31 May, on a first-come-first-served basis. All Macao enterprises are welcome to make use of GMBPF to explore business opportunities. Please register early as the number of booths is limited. Note:
Products 'Made in Macao'
– for products Made in Macao and exported from Macao, exhibitors are required to present the Certificate of Origin issued by the Macao Economic Services.
- Alternatively, for products made in Macao for domestic sales, exhibitors are required present their industrial licence
issued by the Macao Economic Services. "Macao Brands" Products
- Exhibitors must present the trademark registration issued by the Macao Economic Services or other valid documentary proof. - Products with Macao enterprises as the agent. Exhibitors must present the authorisation letter to allow them to act as the agent of the relevant product or other valid documentary proof. Carnival with a Multitude of Events A multitude of events will be held in the exhibition venue which covers 6,000 square metres. Macao and Guangdong exhibition areas will be set up with an abundant choice of commodities. Concurrent trade and economic activities including procurement and business negotiation sessions, product presentations, business matching sessions and forums will also be held to highlight Macao's role as a trade and business service platform. To further emphasise the carnival feature, Hong Kong and Macao singers and artists, as well as cultural and artistic groups have been invited to perform at the venue with lucky draws and various coupons will be distributed. For further information about the 2013 Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair, please call the GMBPF Hotline on 853-8798 9636.
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The 16th China (Chongqing) International Investment and Global Sourcing Fair (CCISF) took place from May 16 to 19, 2013 at the Chongqing International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mr. Jackson Chang, led a 40-member Macao Business Delegation to Chongqing from May 14 to 17 to participate in the CCISF and co-preside over the opening ceremony. IPIM installed a Macao Pavilion at the CCISF venue, to introduce the latest business environment in Macao and promote the 2013 Macao Franchise Expo (2013 MFE), the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) and various services provided by IPIM. Four Macao organizations and enterprises displayed their products and services, such as home-made snacks, souvenirs and garments at the Macao Pavilion stands. During the CCISF, Macao enterprises signed four cooperation protocols with relevant institutions in Chongqing, namely a protocol of cooperation in the development of "Chongqing Village No. 1 Building", a protocol related to investment in a Chongqing-style fondue and grill restaurant in Macao, cooperation for the financing of an electrical engineering project and civil construction in Chongqing and a protocol for the management of a large-scale shopping mall in Chongqing. The said protocols range from real estate to services, catering trade and civil construction. During their stay in Chongqing, the Macao Business Delegation also attended two exchange and business matching activities, namely the "Macao-Jiulongpo District Trade and Economic Cooperation Seminar" and "Macao-Hechuan District Trade and Economic Cooperation Seminar", so as to promote a better understanding between Macao and Chongqing enterprises and lay a solid foundation for future cooperation. At the two seminars, the President of IPIM, Mr. Jackson Chang said that in recent years, cooperation between Macao and Chongqing, especially in the areas of economy, trade, tourism and culture, had been continuously expanding and deepening on a multi-level and wide-ranged basis. Mr. Jackson Chang encouraged the enterprises of Jiulongpo and Hechuan districts to make use of the advantages provided by the Macao economic and trade services platform to further explore the international markets, especially in terms of electronics, auto parts and motorcycle industries of Jiulongpo, and of energy, building materials and tourist industries of Hechuan, while expanding their business to the Portuguese-Speaking Countries. Mr. Jackson Chang also invited the leaders of the two districts to organize business missions to the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) in October On the afternoon of May 16, the Macao Business Delegation was invited to visit the "Rongheng Times Square", a project in Jiangbei District, Chongqing City with Macao enterprise investment. In the evening, IPIM hosted an appreciation dinner attended by the economic and trade entities in Chongqing and the government leaders and enterprises from the above-mentioned districts, taking the opportunity to reinforce the exchange and networking between Macao and Chongqing. Members of the Macao Business Delegation included the President of Macao German Business Association, Mr. Tony Un, the President of Industry and Commerce Association of Macau, Mr. Kevin Ho Keng Lung, the President of Macau Photography and Printing Traders Association, Mr. Lou Cheok Veng, the Macao Member of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference, Chongqing Committee, Mr. Lam Tsang Kun, the President of Federation of Commerce and Industry of Macao-Shandong, Mr. Ao Ion Veng, the Honorary President of Macao Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Association, Mr. Lam Kin Sang and the Executive Director of Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, Mr. Lei Fat Kun.
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Experts from consumer organizations of China, Portugal, Hong Kong and the President of United Nation's International Advisory Group of Experts on Consumer Protection were invited by Macao Consumer Council to participate in an experience exchange forum to discuss the development of consumer arbitration system. A feature on this forum is included in issue no. 236 of Consumer Report. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of 'Consumer Arbitration Centre', series of events such as carnivals and online quiz were launched to promote the services of Consumer Arbitration Centre. An exchange forum on 'Arbitration and Consumer Dispute Resolution' was also held on 12th March, invitees included representatives from China Consumers' Association, Portugal Directorate-General of Consumer (Direcção Geral do Consumidor de Portugal), Association for Consumer Protection of Portugal (Defesa do Consumidor de Portugal), Information and Arbitration Centre of Porto (Centro de Informação de Consumo e Arbitragem do Porto), Hong Kong Consumer Council, and the President of United Nation's International Advisory Group of Experts on Consumer Protection were invited to exchange opinions and experiences regarding their works in consumer protection, especially the resolution of consumer disputes through fast, harmonious and legal means of mediation and arbitration. An excerpt of the contents of the exchange forum is available in the current issue of Consumer Report. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of Consumer Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the resources online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council's telephone system will be under maintenance from 5:45PM, 16th May to 19th May. Telephone inquiry and complaint voice recording services will be available as usual. The Council's telephone system will be under maintenance from 5:45 PM, 16th May to 19th May and measures have been taken by the Council. Telephone inquiry and complaint voice recording services will be available as usual during the above-mentioned public holiday and non-working hours but recording services may be affected due to certain circumstances. Consumer Council apologizes for any inconvenience that may arises to consumers.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total population was estimated at 586,300 as at end-March 2013, an increase of 4,300 quarter-to-quarter; female population totalled 304,000, accounting for 51.9% of the total. There were 1,609 live births delivered in the first quarter of 2013, a significant decrease of 500 quarter-to-quarter (-23.7%). Male babies totalled 890 and the gender ratio of the newborn stood at 123.8, corresponding to 123.8 male babies per 100 female. Meanwhile, there were 488 mortality cases, an increase of 44 quarter-to-quarter; the top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (177 cases), Diseases of the Circulatory System (109 cases) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (89 cases). In the first quarter of 2013, there were 680 Chinese immigrants and the individuals granted right of abode registered a net inflow of 92, down by 95 and 133 quarter-to-quarter. Non-resident workers totalled 114,716 at the end of the first quarter, an increase of 4,164. A total of 1,168 cases of marriage registration were recorded in the first quarter, up by 186 quarter-to-quarter.
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Five projects have been selected for the 13th round of Cultural Affairs Bureau Academic Research Grants supported by the Macao Special Administrative Region. The Cultural Affairs Bureau Academic Research Grants are aimed at supporting academic research projects in the humanities that will make a significant and original contribution to the understanding of Macao and Macao's relationship with China and other countries. This semester, the following projects were chosen from among proposals received between June 1 and November 30, 2012: 1. The Life of the British in Macao during 1780-1840, by Yu Po Ching, PhD in History at the Tsing Hua University of Taiwan and postdoctoral research fellow at the University's Institute of History. 2. A Study on the History of Translation in Modern Macao, by Li Chang Sen, PhD in History at Jinan University, China, and professor at the Macao Polytechnic Institute (retired). 3. A Study on the Calligraphy and Seal Cutting Art of Lam Kan (1923-2004), by Lau Ho Man, PhD in the History of Chinese Art at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. 4. The Sculpture, Painting and Decorative Arts of Macao during the Time of Portuguese Administration (1557-1911), by Pedro Dias, PhD in Art History at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Coimbra and professor at the University (retired). 5. French Travellers and Their Journeys in Macao (1623-1900), by Ivo Manuel Veiga Carneiro de Sousa, PhD in History at the University of Porto, Portugal. For more information on the Cultural Affairs Bureau Academic Research Grants, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website: www.icm.gov.mo.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on biscuits on 14th May for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours decreased by 2.0% year-on-year to 739,091 in March 2013. Package tour visitors mainly came from Mainland China (533,170), with 199,991 coming from Guangdong Province, followed by those from Taiwan, China (45,703); Hong Kong (41,859) and the Republic of Korea (40,738). In the first quarter of 2013, visitors in package tours totalled 2,297,333, up by 11.8% year-on-year. As the long Easter holiday fell in March this year, local residents travelling outbound using services of travel agencies increased by 24.0% year-on-year to 117,828; those travelling in package tours totalled 43,454, with Mainland China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, China being the main destinations. In the first quarter of 2013, outbound residents increased by 27.0% year-on-year to 365,530, of which 134,295 travelled in package tours. There were 100 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of March 2013, providing 28,125 rooms, up by 26.3% year-on-year; guest rooms of 5-star hotels accounted for 66.4% of the total. In March 2013, the hotels and guesthouses received 915,766 guests, up by 20.4% year-on-year. The average length of stay of guests held stable from a year earlier at 1.4 nights. The majority of guests came from Mainland China (57.4% of total) and Hong Kong (18.2%). Due to an increase of 5,853 guest rooms year-on-year, the average occupancy rate of hotels and guesthouses decreased by 6.3 percentage points to 78.7%, with that of 4-star hotels at 83.4%. In the first quarter of 2013, number of guests increased by 15.7% year-on-year to 2,523,435; the average occupancy rate stood at 79.6%, down by 3.6 percentage points. In the first quarter of 2013, visitor-guests took up 69.7% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 64.3% in the same period of 2012.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP128.9 billion (USD16.12 billion) at the end of April 2013. The reserves fell by 0.8% from the revised value of MOP129.9 billion (USD16.25 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves dropped by MOP1.5 billion or 1.1%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-April 2013 represented 16 times the currency in circulation or 133.0% of Pataca M2 at end-March 2013. 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, fell by 0.13 points month-to-month but rose by 1.15 points year-on-year to 98.12 in April 2013. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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