News

The 24th Macao Arts Festival (MAF), organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, began Friday, 3 May, and features thirty-four diverse programmes over the course of a month. The first week of the Festival includes, among others, the concert Italian Scent by the Macao Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Arvo Volmer, Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, to be held on 9 May, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium. The concert is a symphonic exploration of the beautiful Mediterranean country through the individual perspectives of a Russian, a German and, of course, an Italian composer. The programme features Tchaikovsky's celebrated Capriccio Italien, inspired by a long tour in Italy, during which the composer came to appreciate the country's folk music and street songs. Now hailed as one of the most satisfying small-scale orchestral works, this fantasy for orchestra evokes enchanting Italian landscapes, sounds from pastoral countryside and bustling city, as well as a festive carnival in full swing! Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony is also imbued with the colour and atmosphere of Italy, where the work was sketched, while Respighi's Le Fontane di Roma (The Fountains of Rome) and I Pini di Roma (The Pines of Rome) come from the Italian composer's Roman Trilogy of symphonic poems, his best known orchestral pieces. The 24th MAF would like to bring the public closer to what cinema was in the Silent Era, with a programme of four films reflecting the genius, intensity and glamour of the 1920s, screened at the Dom Pedro V Theatre from 10 to 12 May: (* please find the attached file) Les Triplettes de BelleVille, a contemporary Oscar-nominated animated film relying solely on image and music to tell a charming story, carries on the silent movie tradition. Silent-era filmmakers produced masterpieces that can seem breathtakingly modern. A remarkably short while after the birth of cinema, filmmakers had developed all the techniques that would establish the art form. Though the ability to marry sound to the film print eluded them, the creators never meant their films to be viewed in silence. The absence of recording on set, though, meant that the camera was free to move with a grace and elegance that allowed visual storytelling to flourish and made film more than just an adjunct to the stage. It is through these films that the world first came to love movies and learned how to appreciate them as art. They have influenced every generation of filmmakers and continue to inspire audiences nearly a century after they were made. The 1920's Rendez-vous - Cine-Concerts feature soundtracks by the Octuor de France and four local composers. They provide the silent films with musical accompaniment, played live and synchronized to the masterpieces. Tickets for the 24th Macao Arts Festival are still available in limited numbers at all Kong Seng Ticketing Network outlets. Telephone bookings may be made on 2855 5555. For more information please check the MAF website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fam.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 988 new companies were incorporated in the first quarter of 2013, up by 107 year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 22.4% to MOP154 million, with that of Wholesale and Retail (MOP52 million) falling by 16.2%. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail (401), Business Services (184) and Construction (127). Analysed by size of registered capital, there were 701 new incorporations (71.0% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000 and the total value of capital amounted to MOP18 million; however, there were 33 new companies registered with capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the total value of capital reached MOP98 million (63.8% of total), indicating the predominance of new incorporations with small capital. Analysed by place of residence of the shareholders, in the first quarter of 2013, capital of the new companies came mainly from Macao (MOP70 million), which was followed by Mainland China (MOP36 million), including MOP19 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region; capital of those from Portugal amounted to MOP25 million. Analysed by combination of the shareholders, there were 645 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, and 146 joint ventures between shareholders from Macao and other countries or regions. In the first quarter of 2013, companies in dissolution totalled 129, similar to the same quarter of 2012, of which 56 were previously operating in Wholesale and Retail. The value of registered capital of companies in dissolution amounted to MOP188 million, up by almost 5 times year-on-year. At the end of the first quarter of 2013, number of registered companies totalled 40,647, an increase of 3,220 from a year earlier.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply grew marginally in March. As total loans increased while total deposits decreased, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector rose from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation dropped 0.8% while demand deposits grew 1.9%. M1 thus increased 1.5% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities slid 0.1%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, rose slightly by 0.1% to MOP391.1 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 33.5% and 25.9% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 24.8%, up 0.2 percentage points from a month ago but down 0.9 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 54.4%, down 0.2 percentage points month-to-month and year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits rose slightly by 0.1% from the preceding month to MOP383.0 billion. Of which, MOP deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 1.0% and 0.3% while HKD deposits slid 0.3%. Non-resident deposits dropped 1.9% to MOP131.3 billion whereas public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 2.4% to MOP53.7 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector dropped marginally by 0.1% from a month earlier to MOP567.9 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 20.8% and 47.0% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.7% from a month ago to MOP210.8 billion. Among which, MOP67.4 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP125.3 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 32.0% and 59.4% of the total respectively. Analysed by economic sector, loans to "manufacturing industries", "restaurants, hotels and similar" and "construction and public works" increased at respective rates of 19.5%, 19.4% and 12.9% compared with a quarter ago, whereas loans to "gaming" dropped 58.4%. External loans increased 9.3% to MOP256.7 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.9% (MOP2.2 billion) and 20.4% (MOP52.3 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-March rose 0.6 percentage points from the previous month to 48.3%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors also increased 4.6 percentage points to 82.3%.
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Rigorous training of Macau Grand Prix race officials and staff got under way today (May 4th) with an opening ceremony held at noon at the Tourism Activities Centre. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr. Cheong U officiated at the ceremony, and awarded the 20 training course instructor certificates of appointment. More than 800 volunteers have signed up to be part of the historic 60th Macau Grand Prix this year. While the officiating guests waved the Macau flag on stage, 30 confetti firecrackers were set off and the 60 heads of the marshal posts around the Guia Circuit waved flags, all to celebrate the official start of this year's training programme. The first of a full schedule of training programmes began the same afternoon, and courses will continue until July. The programmes include both theory and practical training for the volunteers, covering every aspect of the event to ensure a thorough understanding and high level of competence. Internship programs will be held in August. The individuals undergoing training include Race Control personnel, track, flag and pitlane marshals, grid staff, track clearance teams and scrutineers. Recruitment of volunteers began in late March and more than half of the enrollment applications were from students. This is encouraging, and demonstrates the event's attraction amongst the young which bodes well for the future development of the Grand Prix. While the 60th Grand Prix provides an opportunity for the city's youth to become personally involved in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the event belongs to all the people of Macau as it is passed on through the generations. Each year, the Macau Grand Prix Committee works closely with the Automobile General Association of Macao-China (AAMC) on their ongoing commitment to training event staff to world-class levels. From theory courses to practical exercises, the highest standards are demanded from each volunteer, and each must also pass examinations in order to qualify as event staff. Staff deployed in a multitude of different positions each play an important role in the overall success of the event.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on rice on 2nd 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 the total number of licensed motor vehicles increased by 5% year-on-year to 219,246 at the end of March 2013, of which motorcycles and light private cars accounted for 53% and 40% respectively. New registration of motor vehicles increased by 16% year-on-year to 4,866 in the first quarter of 2013, with light private cars and motorcycles sharing 52% and 41% of the total. In the first quarter of 2013, number of traffic accidents decreased by 5% year-on-year to 3,440 cases, resulting in 1,183 victims and 5 of them were killed. Cross-border vehicle traffic by land between Macao and Mainland China reached 1,126,620 vehicle trips in the first quarter of 2013, up by 7% year-on-year, of which vehicle traffic through the Border Gate accounted for 82%. Meanwhile, passenger ferry between Macao and Hong Kong and between Macao and Mainland China totalled 35,024 ferry trips, similar to that in the first quarter of 2012, with those between Macao and Hong Kong accounting for 78% of the total. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport increased notably by 20% year-on-year to 10,649 in the first quarter of 2013, on account of the significant increase in flight movements to and from Thailand; Taiwan, China; and Mainland China. Helicopter flights between Macao and Hong Kong and between Macao and Mainland China totalled 4,596, up by 15% year-on-year, with those between Macao and Hong Kong accounting for 81% of the total. In the first quarter of 2013, seaborne container throughput totalled 29,988 TEU, equivalent to 21,488 containers handled, up by 11% and 9% respectively year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo decreased by 9% to 45,715 tonnes, with 1,758 tonnes of transshipment goods. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land dropped notably by 43% year-on-year to 5,263 tonnes, including 1,793 tonnes of transit goods. In the first quarter of 2013, outward (3,405 tonnes) and inward air cargo (1,361 tonnes) fell by 11% and 22% respectively year-on-year. Transit air cargo rose significantly by 37% to 1,219 tonnes. At the end of March 2013, number of mobile telephone users increased by 9% year-on-year to 1,551,535, whereas fixed-line telephone users decreased by 2% to 161,404. As regards internet services, number of subscribers totalled 236,345 and the cumulative duration of usage reached 194 million hours in the first quarter of 2013, up by 11% and 27% respectively year-on-year.
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Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), signed a cooperation agreement in on 13 April during the 25th UNWTO Committee of East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia Joint Meeting in Hyderabad, India. Acting President of IFT, Ms. Florence Ian and the Secretary-General of UNWTO, Mr. Taleb Rifai presided over the ceremony. World Tourism Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations and the leading public international organisation in the field of tourism, with a membership encompassing 155 countries, 6 territories and more than 400 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities. UNTWO aims to continue providing leadership to the tourism sector as it moves forward sustainably, creating economic and social opportunities over the world. Cooperation between IFT and UNWTO since 1999, when IFT has been the first educational institution in the world being evaluated under the Tourism Education Qualification (TedQual) system and being granted the "TedQual Certification" in 2000. This certification confirmed the international standard and quality achieved by IFT in tourism education. With the persistence in providing quality tourism education, IFT was invited to represent Macao SAR to be an affiliate member of UNWTO and in later stage being a member of Education Committee contributing to the world tourism education planning and development. UNWTO and IFT agreed to collaborate to promote exchange and training for professionals and young talents in tourism industry. More specifically regarding the collaboration includes: - UNWTO agreed to offer internship placement opportunity to IFT students at its Secretariat; - UNWTO and IFT agreed to combine their efforts in conducting tourism research and studies; - UNWTO agreed to share its global expertise in conducting the joint research and studies; - IFT agreed to offer two quotas of technical placements each year for the organisations of UNWTO Asia Pacific member States to send executives or management candidates to IFT for a six-month training; - IFT agreed to offer two scholarships in each academic year to students from institutes of UNWTO Asia Pacific Member States to participate in IFT's Summer International Exchange Programme. IFT encourages students to explore the world, experience different cultures, equip themselves with practical experiences to meeting the industry requirements and be prepared for the challenges in their future career. In recent year, several students have successfully obtained 3-month to 1-year traineeship and internship opportunities through regional or international recruitment campaigns working for the UNWTO in Spain and Ondorra. The implementation of the agreement facilitated the expansion of IFT's international network and level of worldwide recognition. Both UNWTO and IFT look forward to the tremendous cooperative opportunities that lie ahead.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on milk powder on 30th April 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 the average daily wage of construction workers increased by 1.7% quarter-to-quarter to MOP597 in the first quarter of 2013, and that of local construction workers increased by 1.6% to MOP699. The average daily wage of skilled & semi-skilled workers (MOP604) rose by 1.5% quarter-to-quarter, but that of unskilled workers (MOP368) dropped by 2.1%. Analysed by occupation, the average daily wages of electricians & electrical workers (MOP613) and concrete formwork carpenters (MOP603) increased by 5.0% and 1.3% respectively, but that of painters (MOP522) fell by 10.5%. After discounting the effect of inflation, wage index of construction workers was 89.0 in real terms in the first quarter of 2013, down by 1.3% quarter-to-quarter. Meanwhile, wage index of local construction workers fell by 0.7% to 100.5 in real terms, on account of falling wage indices of painters and bricklayers & plasterers. As regards construction materials, in the first quarter of 2013, the average price of concrete (MOP489 per cubic metre) increased further by 3.6% quarter-to-quarter, while that of spiral & round reinforcing steel bars (MOP5,290 per tonne) declined moderately by 1.8%. The price index of construction materials for residential buildings was 119.9 in the first quarter of 2013, down slightly by 0.2% quarter-to-quarter.
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The 2013 Macao International Franchise Expo (2013MFE) will be held from 12 to 14 July 2013 in Exhibition Hall "A" of Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The expo aims to cultivate entrepreneurship among the new generation of aspiring businesspeople and to encourage the creation of branded products by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and thus generate more business opportunities and assist in building more local and international brands. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises intending to develop their business through franchising, are welcome to participate in this event, to learn more about the franchising business model and to network with potential business partners. Application deadline is 31 May 2013. Eligible local SMEs may apply to IPIM for "Financial Incentives for Participation in Exhibition Activities", to enjoy up to 60% off the exhibition fee. Bigger event, featuring more international brands Consisting of several activities, including an exhibition, forums and seminars, business matching and service and products promotion, 2013MFE is in line with the policy of the Macao SAR Government, to promote moderate economic diversification, by providing expansion opportunities for SMEs preparing to transform their business as well as career choice opportunities for youths. Since its inception in 2009, there have been great improvements, in terms of the content and the size of the event. Whereas in 2009, there were only seven countries and regions participating as exhibitors, this number increased to 14, in 2012. Also, the number of exhibitors has doubled, from the original 78 to 156. Well-known brands from home and abroad have participated in the previous MFEs. Some of these brands have already successfully begun operations in Macau, Zhuhai and other parts of the Pearl River Delta Region. Last year, 1,300 business matching sessions were held and 25 co-operation memoranda were signed. It is worth mentioning that several franchise associations from Malaysia, the Philippines South Korea, and Thailand acted as co-organisers for last year's MFE, while the panel of speakers included many well-known specialists in the franchising field, such as representatives from China Chain Store & Franchise Association, Franchise Association of New Zealand, International Franchise Association. This clearly shows that the highlights of the event are increasing and that it is becoming more international, evidence that this annual event, designed to build up brands and promote franchising is gradually receiving more attention and support. Richer content and additional highlights
Significant enhancements will be introduced to this year's MFE, both in terms of the size of the venue and in the content. It is expected that the number of exhibitors will reach 200, showcasing franchising and brand agency projects from different regions, as well as other ancillary services, such as marketing and corporate advisory. Aiming to maintain its high quality and international features, the Organiser has invited enterprises from the Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, and also from France, Japan, Italy, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea and the United States to participate as exhibitors, to showcase their brands in the catering, retail, services, education, leisure and entertainment, brand agency and advisory services sectors. With regards to forums and seminars, the Organiser plans to invite a number of international specialists in the fields of franchising and chain store operations to share their insights. In additional, more brand promotion activities will be held in the venue, to create a warm atmosphere for networking. The organizers hope that MFE will encourage more SMEs and business starters to make use of such business exchange platform for brands of different countries and regions to seek business partners, enhance their business capacities and competitiveness through franchising business models, hence triggering more business opportunities. 2013MFE is jointly co-organised by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF), Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA), and coordinated by Association of Advertising Agents of Macau. For further information and the latest news regarding Macao Franchise Expo, please visit the official website – www.mfe.mo - or call the following hotlines: +853 2831 3220/+853 6229 8000.
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