News

The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP129.9 billion (USD16.25 billion) at the end of March 2013. The reserves fell by 2.0% from the revised value of MOP132.6 billion (USD16.60 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves increased by MOP1.1 billion or 0.9%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-March 2013 represented 16 times the currency in circulation or 135.2% of Pataca M2 at end-February 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, rose by 0.89 points month-to-month and 1.22 points year-on-year to 98.25 in March 2013. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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The Government Information Bureau is once again holding the "Precious Moments in Macao" Photograghy Competition. Participants may submit their works online through our dedicated website http://photo.gcs.gov.mo from 22 April (00:00) to 12 May (24:00). The aim of the competition is to chronicle the developments and events of Macao over the past year. Prospective entrants can visit the website http://photo.gcs.gov.mo to register and upload their works. Each entrant may submit no more than five works. The website also showcases last year's winning entries and offers an overview of the competition. Participants will have the chance of winning cash prizes and trophies. Outstanding entries will also be used for the cover and illustrations in the Macao Yearbook, an annual publication by the Government Information Bureau. Entries are expected to be able to underscore Macao's goodness by capturing the changes in the cityscape and people's lives during the period from 2012 till the submission deadline. Winners of the First, Second and Third Prizes of the "Precious Moments in Macao" 2013 Photograghy Competition will each receive a cash prize of MOP8,000, MOP5,000 and MOP3,000 respectively, in addition to a trophy. A total of 50 Merit Prizes will also be awarded and their winners will each get a certificate as well as a cash prize of MOP500 (Note: the final number of merit prizes will depend on the standard of competition entries). In addition, the Editorial Committee of the 2013 Macao Yearbook will select from the entries the winner of the Yearbook Cover Award, who will get a cash prize of MOP5,000: 5-15 winners of the Yearbook Full-page Illustration Award will each receive a cash prize of MOP1,000 (the actual number of winners will depend on the number of suitable entries). The competition is co-organised by eight photographic associations and four media associations, namely Photographic Society of Macao, Photography Salon Society of Macao, Macao Association for the Promotion of Photographic Art, Macao Association of Photographers, Macao Multimedia Photographic Art Association, Macao Association of Photographic Art, Macao Camera Lens Art Association, Macao Digital Photography Association, Macao Media Workers Association, Macao Journalists' Club, Macao Journalists' Association and Macao Media Club (listed in no particular order ). Winning works and outstanding entries will be featured in a public exhibition, including entries to be used as the cover of the 2013 Macao Yearbook and its full-page illustrations. Information pamphlets about the competition can be obtained from the 12 co-organisers; Princess Photography Equipment; Nice Photography Equipment; Foto Digital Fantastic; Digital Hang Seng; Foto Digital "Ieng Fo"; Digital Chi Pak; the Government Information Centre; IACM libraries and activity centres; Cultural Affairs Bureau libraries; DSEJ education centres; the University of Macau; Macau University of Science and Technology; Macao Polytechnic Institute; Institute of Tourism Studies; Academy of Public Security Forces; University of Saint Joseph; City University of Macau; Kiang Wu Nursing College; Macau Institute of Management; Macao Centre of Continuing Studies; and the Macao Association of Civil Servants. The date of judging is 2 June 2013.
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Macau promoted its Grand Prix Diamond Jubilee on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai last weekend. The Macau Grand Prix Committee (MGPC) and the Macau Government Tourist Office cooperated together in the organization of the promotional activity from 12th to 14th of April, held at the Waterscape Square. The theme of the booth was the Macau Grand Prix Jubilee celebrations and Macau's many other visitor attractions. The colorful exhibition area let members of the public experience all the colorful sights and the carnival atmosphere of the Macau Grand Prix. Visitors were able to experience the excitement of the Guia Circuit via two racing stimulators. In addition, a display area for photo opportunities included two racing machines: The Formula 3 car driven by 2000 Macau F3 Grand Prix winner Andre Couto in 1998, and the motorcycle ridden in 2003 by eight-time Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Michael Rutter. Visitors could also stand atop a mini winners' podium. Based on information provided by the Formula 1 organizers, there were a total of 190,000 spectators over the three-day event.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to the strong earthquake that occurred this morning (13 April) in the Kansai region, Japan and will maintain close contact with the tourism industry for developments. According to the information provided by the tourism industry, a group of 23 people are currently travelling in the Kansai region in Japan and their personal safety has not been affected. So far GGCT has not received any calls for assistance or information. Macao residents may call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline at (853) 2833 3000 for assistance if necessary.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on tissue papers on 5th 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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The Macao Chinese Orchestra (OCHM), under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, presents the concert The Elegance of National Music on April 21, Sunday, at 8pm, at the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium, featuring excerpts of well-known Beijing operas. The talented musicians of the OCHM, under the baton of Music Director and Principal Conductor Pang Ka Pang, are joined by outstanding performers Zhang Jiangguo, Dong Yuanyuan and Guo Xiao from the China National Beijing Opera Theatre. Both Zhang Jiangguo and Dong Yuanyuan have been awarded the Plum Blossom Prize, China's highest theatrical award.
This event, a co-operation between the OCHM and the China National Beijing Opera Theatre, provides an innovative approach to the interpretation of traditional Beijing opera excerpts, sung by dynamic operatic characters who convey the rich meaning of the libretto.
The concert programme includes the theme "Dark Night" from Mei Lanfang's classic Farewell, My Concubine, a story about the parting and the death of Concubine Yu and her beloved Emperor. The excerpt portrays a flesh-and-bone Concubine Yu, made of joys and sorrows, of love and hate, whose humanity is consumed by the fire of life and death. Yang's Female Warriors tells of a military expedition led by the Grand Dame She and the loyal female generals of the Tian Bo Yang House in retaliation for her grandson Yang Zhongbao's death in combat. The programme also includes "Silang Visits His Mother" from the opera Su Wu, The Shepherd, as well as excerpts from two operas about the Empress Yang Guifei, An Imperial Concubine Gets Drunk and Rumours about Taizheng. In addition, the OCHM will interpret excerpts from the new version of the historical work Su Wu of the Han Dynasty, highly acclaimed in the 2012 Macao Arts Festival, including "Gusts of Cold Wind", "In a Span of Ten Years", "Suddenly" and "The Princess is Advised Not to Be Sad". The examples of loyalty and integrity set forth in these dramatic works invite the audience to reflect on virtuous values and the meaning of life. Tickets for the concert The Elegance of National Music may be purchased through the Macao Kong Seng Ticketing Network at prices of MOP 100, 60 and 40 (reservation hotline: 2855 5555). A series of discounts is also available for those who qualify. For more information, please visit the Macao Chinese Orchestra website at www.icm.gov.mo/ochm.
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A 3-day large scale tourism promotional activity held in Kuala Lumpur aimed to promote Macau as top destination for both business and leisure in Malaysia to further diversify its tourism source market. Organized by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the 'Macau Festival 2013' was taken place at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall from 5th to 7th April in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. The event was officiated by Ms Cora Vong, Head of Marketing Division of MGTO and Tunku Dato' Seri Iskandar Tunku Abdullah, MGTO Representative in Malaysia. Among the invited guest were media friends, airlines partner and travel trade partners in Malaysia. The highlight of the 'Macau Festival 2013' was the 25th International Fireworks Display Contest and 60th Macau Grand Prix of which a Formula 3 racing car was displayed. Apart from the major festivals, this consumer event also promoted Macau destination's attractions, unique cuisines, culture and entertainment. To provide an opportunity for visitor to 'Experience Macau', a variety of entertainment, activities, food sampling, grand prix racing contest and games for all with various attractive prizes including 3D/2N Macau holiday packages. Another on-going activity was the 'My Best Photo' contest held of which the best photo won a prize. Malaysia has been an important source market for Macau. MGTO set up a representation office in Malaysia to assist in promoting Macau tourism. Malaysia is the top 6th tourist source market for Macau, which last year registered over 300 thousand visitors.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today urged the people of Macao to pay special attention to their personal hygiene, and said the Government would keep them up to date with the relevant epidemic information in a timely manner.
Speaking to journalist in Hainan for the Boao Forum for Asia 2013 Annual Conference, he said the Government is highly concerned with the new H7N9 avian influenza virus in human beings in the eastern region of the Mainland, and that the fight against this infectious disease tops the government's agenda
Mr Chui said he had instructed the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, to step up preventive and control measures against the H7N9 avian influenza. The Government would continue to liaise closely with the World Health Organization and relevant Mainland authorities, he said.
The notification mechanism of public health emergencies between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, which was established last year, has now been activated.
The Health Bureau sent a team of medical professionals to Shanghai today to gather more information on preventive and surveillance measures as well as the treatment programme so as to prepare for a better plan, said the Chief Executive. He also stressed that Macao had in stock sufficient drugs and professional personnel protection products, and pledged that the Government would formulate effective measures to protect the lives and health of the people of Macao.
Over the past decade, Macao's medical professionals had strengthened training on the prevention and control of infectious diseases and upgraded related equipment. Aside from that, accurate information on infectious disease by the reports of journalists was especially important. Mr Chui said the Government would give out timely information timely so that the Government could join hand with the people of Macao to fight against the new virus.
He appealed to the public to cook all the raw food thoroughly and try to avoid contact with birds and their secretions.
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President Xi Jinping today met with the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and members of the Macao and Hong Kong delegations who were in Hainan to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013, which opened today. President Xi then posed for a group photo with the delegates. Afterwards, Mr Chui attended the opening ceremony of the annual conference. In the evening, he attended a welcoming reception hosted by the Hainan Provincial Government.
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Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) set up a display facility called "Macao Ideas – Taipei" in Macau Economic and Cultural office in Taiwan located in the Taipei 101, providing a place for people to learn about Macao's products and business environment. "The Introduction of Macao Business Environment, Convention and Exhibition Industry and 'Macao Ideas – Taipei' Launching Ceremony" has been held in 101, on 3 April 2013. There are 79 guests taking part in the ceremony, including a group of Macao entrepreneurs from various enterprises headed by IPIM and different business associations of Taiwan. "Macao Ideas – Taipei" has been modelled on the Macao product display centre - "Macao Ideas", showing some products from Macao enterprises as well as information on Macao business environment, convention and exhibition industry and Macao MICE calendar. The Introduction of Macao Business Environment, Convention and Exhibition Industry and "Macao Ideas – Taipei" Launching Ceremony Organised by IPIM and Macau Economic and Cultural office in Taiwan, "The Introduction of Macao Business Environment, Convention and Exhibition Industry and 'Macao Ideas – Taipei' Launching Ceremony" has been held in 101, on 3 April 2013. There are 79 guests taking part in the ceremony, including a group of Macao entrepreneurs from various enterprises headed by IPIM and different business associations of Taiwan, such as Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei Chamber of Commerce, Youth Career Development Association Headquarter, Taiwan Design Center, and Chinese National Federation of Industries to name a few. The guests officiating over the ribbon cutting ceremony include IPIM's President Mr. Jackson Chang, Macau Economic and Cultural Office Director Ms. Nadia Leong Kit Chi, Taiwan Trade Center President & CEO Mr. Yuen-Chuan Chao, IPIM's Executive Director Ms. Echo Chan, Taiwan General Chamber of Commerce Convener Mr. Wang Ying Chieh, and the supporting partner of "Macao Ideas"- Macao Chamber of Commerce Director Mr. Vong Veng Him and Industrial Association of Macao Director Ms. Maria Lou. Macao's business and investment environment and "Macao Ideas" have been introduced through a promotional video, and the interactive system – a main facility set up in "Macao Ideas – Taipei" has also been demonstrated during the ceremony. A cocktail reception has been arranged after the ceremony. "Macao Ideas – Taipei" "Macao Ideas – Taipei" is a display area with nearly 6.6m long and 2.4m wide, with the same main design theme of "Macao Ideas" in Macao using traditional Portuguese blue and white tiles. Inside there is an open showcase displaying different products from Macao enterprises, including coffee and food, fashion and accessories, arts and crafts and industrial products. QR Code cards for more than 100 individual exhibitors in "Macao Ideas" are available for visitors to pick up. Moreover, information on Macao's environment such as it's business environment, investors service, convention and exhibition industry, service for MICE Bidding and Support as well as "Macao Ideas" have been introduced in various ways, such as a touch screen to browse IPIM, Macao MICE portal and "Macao Ideas" website; LED monitor to read "Macao Ideas" electronic magazine and Macao MICE calendar; and interactive system for visitors to select information they require about Macao. "Macao Ideas" A Macao products display centre set up by IPIM in May 2011, aimed to provide a promotional platform for local enterprise to introduce their product to overseas market. Currently displays more than 900 exhibits from over 100 local enterprises. The product categories include garments, shoes, accessories, handbags, jewellery, food, coffee, tea, wine, health products, medical products, furniture, industrial supplies, technical products, motorcycles, cultural and creative products and handicrafts. Representatives from "Macao Ideas" are onsite for advice and to provide business consultations. Requirements and co-operation intents of enterprises will be recorded and referred to related exhibitors, business negotiation sessions will be arranged as appropriate.
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