News

Jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF) concluded successfully today. The four-day event attracted over 136,800 attendance and as of 3pm, recorded over MOP40,500,000 sales volume. In addition, it concluded a total of 12 presentations, a fourm, 873 business matching sessions between Guangdong and Macao brands (including 79 business matching sessions in Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade and Exhibition Center) and 16 cooperation protocols. 16 cooperation protocols signed
The Organizers endeavored to seek potential cooperation partners and arranged business matching sessions and negotiations for corporations from Guangdong and Macao, which resulted in the signing of 16 protocols (an increase of 23% year-on-year), including 1 contract, 2 agreements, 12 letters of intent and 1 memorandum. The signing parties include the Chinese Mainland (67.8%), Zhuhai (36.8%), Guangzhou (31.6%), Shenzhen (10.5%), Jiangmen (10.5%), Zhongshan (5.3%), Foshan (5.3%), Macao (28.6%) and Hong Kong (3.6%). These protocols include a memorandum "2013 Macao - Guangzhou Famous Products Fair" signed between IPIM and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality and a cooperation agreement "2013 Joint Meeting and Networking Seminar between Guangzhou and Macao Trade Promotion Organisations and Associations of Industry" between IPIM and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangzhou Council. Other contents cover the procurement of motorbikes & vehicle tyres, retails and wholesales of LED products, agricultural machinery products and textiles imported to Macao. 2012 GMBPF concludes various projects in business matching and sourcing and purchasing sessions
The Organizers received a total of 294 projects for business matching from Macao and Guangdong brands. During the event, a total of 873 business matching and sourcing and purchasing sessions were organized, an increase of 13% compared to that of last year. Among them, 561 sessions or 64.3% were conducted between Macao and Guangdong corporations, an increase of 13% year-on-year; 105 sessions or 12% were conducted between Macao corporations, an increase of 15% year-on-year; 144 sessions or 16.5% were conducted between Guangdong corporations, an increase of 7% year-on-year; and 63 sessions or 7.2% were conducted between Macao, Guangdong and overseas corporations, an increase of 26% year-on-year. These projects mainly involve food, supermarket supplies, consumer goods, daily necessities, electronic products and domestic appliances, clothing and accessories, toys and children products, etc. "Forum on Guangdong and Macao Products Packaging Design Cooperation & Development" helps corporations improve marketing skills
On the second day of the Fair, the IPIM and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province jointly organized the "Forum on Guangdong and Macao Products Packaging Design Cooperation & Development", during which experts and scholars were invited to exchange ideas and discuss on the cooperation opportunities in area of product packaging design, in order to help corporations from the two regions improve their marketing skills. Over the four days, the Fair hosted 12 presentations for the purpose of providing a promotion platform for the participating corporations, during which product promotions were organized on the spot, while participants were briefed on the latest business opportunities and market information. The themes of these presentations cover "The Health Promoting Effect and Collection of Natural Crystal", "Health and Beauty - the Secret to Chinese tea", and "The Value and Types of Lingzhi Mushroom" etc. Newly added Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade and Exhibition Center receives anticipated results
To highlight the role of the Fair as a platform, the Organizers has specially set up the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade and Exhibition Center in the venue to display three products with the highest quality chosen from the participating parties who are interested to seek their Macao distributors. These products include electronic products, domestic appliances, business gifts, kitchenware, bedding, domestic ceramics, Chinese and Western food, etc. The Organizers also invited 251 merchandisers from Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Portuguese speaking countries to the Center to conduct negotiations on sourcing and purchasing of wine, energy saving products, food, supermarket supplies, domestic appliances etc. During the four days, the Center conducted 79 business matching sessions, which resulted in 3 agency contracts. Negotiations on other potential projects were still underway. Branded products voting activity scales up participant's involvement
To build an effective channel to solicit direct comments from users towards the products and scaleup the level of involvement and participation of exhibitors and the public, the Organizers launched for the first time the "Vote for my favourite Guangdong and Macao Branded Product", inviting the public and professionals to vote via internet, mobile phone application and onsite voting. The closing date for the voting ended 6pm yesterday (4th August) and the award ceremony was held at the venue today, Gold Prize goes to Guangzhou Grandgift Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd; Silver Prize is Tin Un Tai Wo Group Co., Ltd.; and Bronze Prize goes to Guangdong Stationery & Sporting Goods I/E Corp. Moreover, 50 lucky voters were drawn by computer randomly to receive a gift worth MOP500. List of winner has been published at the venue and the official website and mobile phone application of the GMBPF. The gifts are to be collected at the Macau Fair & Trade Association. Carnival ambience added to attract more visitors
The 2012 GMBPF is a carnival-style trade and economic activity embracing trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure and entertainment. To boost the joyful atmosphere, the Organizers hosted various cultural and arts performance every day, attracting numerous local residents and tourists. Performers were invited from Macao, Hong Kong and Guangdong to present dance and singing, magic show, music concerts, etc. In addition, lucky draw was held in the four days. All list of winners will be published in the Macao Daily News and the official website of the GMBPF www.guangdongmacaofair.com on 7th August 2012. After the successful experience of the past three years, the Fair has become one of the notable exhibitions annually held in Macao, recording vigorous sales and purchase. The four-day event received over 136,800 attendance and as of 3pm, the cash turnover reached over MOP40,500,000. Online Virtual Platform - A Never-ending Fair Succeeding the experience of last year, the Organisers will upload all information and photos related to the exhibitors and exhibits onto the official website of the GMBPF (www.guangdongmacaofair.com) after the conclusion of the event so as to provide a "never-ending" virtual publicity platform for the Guangdong and Macao branded products. GMBPF strengths trade and economic cooperation between Guangdong and Macao
The 2012 GMBPF is of significance to deepening trade and economic cooperation between Guangdong and Macao. It not only helps promote brands and products from the two regions, but also strengthens exchanges and cooperation between the corporations. After four years of hard work, the Fair has become more mature and built up a reputation, and making full use of Macao's function as a "world tourism and leisure center" and its vantage of "commercial and trade services platform". The next GMBPF is scheduled in early August 2013. The Organizers will strive to actively promote cooperation and exchanges between Guangdong and Macao, and via forms of product sales and exhibition to boost the sales of Guangdong and Macao branded products, thereby creating more business opportunities for the corporations of the two regions.
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Consumer Council conducted a price check on 12 brands of beverages from 24 retail outlets earlier. Survey result has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and is also available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The Council conducted its specific price survey on 12 brands of beverages from 24 supermarkets and convenience stores on 1st August. Surveyed items include soft drinks, bottled water, beer and other kinds of beverages. Survey result showed that selling prices of beverages varied significantly in different retail outlets and one quarter of the surveyed items recorded price differences of over 100 percent. 'Cool Distilled Ware (750ml)', which was sold at $2.00 to $6.20, recorded a price difference of 210%, 'Watsons Water Pure Distilled (430ml)' and 'Bonaqua Mineralized Water (770ml)' also recorded price differences of around 110 percent and 130 percent respectively. Prices of 'CocaCola-Original/330ml', which recorded the smallest difference, differed for about 23 percent, or $0.80. Consumers are advised to check with the data available on the 'Specific Product Price Platform'. In comparison with the data collected in June's survey, minimal price increases and decreases were recorded in most of the surveyed items. Items which recorded obvious changes include: selling price of 'Cool Distilled Ware (750ml)' in one supermarket had been raised by 40 percent while that of 'Aquarius Isotonic Rehydration Drink/500ml' in one convenience store had been increased by 38.5 percent. The specific price survey on beverages is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (2012 GMBPF) was officiated this morning at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf. The function and the impact of the GMBPF were endorsed by the governments of Guangdong and Macao who ensured the event as a pragmatic way to help boost the cooperation of Guangdong and Macao. Officiating guests of the opening ceremony of GMBPF include: Ms Zhao Yufang, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Ms Gao Yan, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Liu Jianbo, Director-General of the Department of General Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao SAR, Mr Zhong Xuanhui, Deputy Director General of the General Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Mr Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Zhong Jianhui, Deputy Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, Mr Chui Sai Cheong, Vice Chairman of All- China Federation of Industry & Commerce, Ms Ho Teng Iat, Vice President of Board of directors of Macau Chamber of Commerce, Mr Fang Lixu, Executive Deputy Mayor of Chaozhou Municipal People's Government, Mr Wang Sheng, Deputy Mayor of Huizhou Municipal People's Government, Mr Li Rifang, Deputy Mayor of Yangjiang Municipal People's Government. Guangdong sees a well-performed GMBPF as new opportunity to deepen mutual cooperation between Guangdong and Macao As the opening speech, the Vice Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, Ms Zhao Yufang said the GMBPF will capitalise the advantages of Macau as a convention & exhibition platform, and Guangdong as a manufacturing base, providing a profound implication of joint exploration to overseas markets for the two territories. Guangdong considers a well-performed GMBPF will open up new opportunities and deepen the cooperation of Guangdong and Macao in areas of trade, investment and services trade. She hoped that exhibitors will make full use of this platform as an opportunity for expansion to make active moves for matching businesses and cooperation. Guangdong & Macao progress at constant and full speed Secretary of Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Mr Tam Pak Yuen mentioned at his speech that with the support of policies such as the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement between the Mainland and Macao (CEPA), Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta and the Guangdong-Macao Framework Agreement, cooperation between Guangdong Province and Macao is constantly progressing at full speed, and results are more apparent. He hoped that both territories will adhere to the principle of complementary advantages to achieve a win-win situation, continue to promote cooperation in a pragmatic way, and take the lead to establish closer economic and trade relations, for mutual development and progress. First day of GMBPF recorded seven agreements signed and 248 business matching sessions Seven agreements of cooperation were signed after the GMBPF was kicked open this morning. The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute has respectively signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality for the 2013 Macao Guangzhou Famous Products Fair, and a cooperation agreement with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangzhou Council for the 2013 Joint Meeting and Networking Seminar between Guangzhou and Macao Trade Promotion Organisations and Associations of Industry. Five letters of intent were signed between enterprises from Macao, Jianmen, Guangzhou and Zhuhai covering the procurement of motorbikes & vehicle tyres, retails and wholesales of LED products, and agricultural machinery products in Macau. The first day of GMBPF recorded 248 business matching sessions. Exhibitors endorsed the effectiveness of the Guangdong & Macau Branded Products Trade & Exhibition Centre The Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade & Exhibition Centre was first staged to create a favourable business matching service platform. The Centre allows every exhibitor to showcase three of their best quality products. Besides displaying samples, there will be dedicated personnel on-site to explain in details about the products, liaise with exhibitors, provide space for business negotiation, and express delivery for samples of products. First timer exhibitor, Mr Zhu, who brought in Portuguese can food to the GMBPF said the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade & Exhibition Centre was located at an eye-catching spot of the venue and has helped increase the exposure of his products. The Centre is also a focal point for the excellent products of the exhibitors for the convenience of buyers purchase. Another exhibitor, Ms Sin, who has brought along her arts and craft products to the event said the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade & Exhibition Centre could allow patrons to have a quick overview of the products of different exhibitors. It was just within one morning today that she has already been approached by intended buyers from Mainland China, Portugal and Angola for business. Voting activity steps up interactivity The 'Vote for my favourite Guangdong and Macao Branded Product' activity helps increase the interactivity, involvement and exposure of the GMBPF. To encourage public participation in the vote, besides onsite voting, votes are also welcomed through the designated mobile phone apps, online voting system or voting onsite. Ms Chan, who has voted onsite, expressed that not only she could buy some value for quality foodstuffs, but also enjoyed good sales services at the GMBPF. A carnival to generate fun for all The 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair is a full programme carnival with activities related to trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure & entertainment activities. To increase the attractiveness and carnival atmosphere of the Fair, the organizer has again arranged a grand lucky draw, discounts for branded products, and consumption coupons to be distributed. During the fair, cultural and arts performances will be staged every day with notable singers, music bands and dance groups from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The GMBPF will be open to the public starting from tomorrow. The organizer sincerely welcomes all local and overseas merchants, visitors, Macau residents and tourists to take part and enjoy this business-cum-entertainment event. The event runs from 3-5 August (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from 11am to 8pm. To allow easy access, several dedicated shuttle bus routes were arranged while 3-hour free parking is provided for visitors at the Macao Fisherman's Wharf Convention Centre. For further information about the 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair, please call our GMBPF hotline at +853-87989277 or browse the official website of 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair at http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com
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Astronauts, space scientists and engineers of the Shenzhou-9 team are scheduled to visit Macao from 13-15 August, at the invitation of the Macao Government.
The delegation is to be led by the Deputy Commander of China Manned Space Engineering, Mr Niu Hongguang, with the three astronauts -- Mr Jing Haipeng, Mr Liu Wang and Ms Liu Yang, with science technology specialists as members.
During the three-day visit, the delegation will attend a series of activities, including a welcome banquet and an experience-sharing session with local students.
With three astronauts on board, the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft was launched on 16 June 2012 and returned after a 13-day mission, on 29 June, after the crew succeeded in manually docking the spacecraft with the Tingong-1 space laboratory module.
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Consumer Council recently tested 10 samples of electric fans for their safety and energy efficiency. The test quoted two mandatory standards of mainland China and the samples were tested for their safety in 22 different criteria, including the protection of parts from electricity, electric current, power supply, structure of product, insulation of product, heat resistance, and flame resistance. All samples tested were satisfactory. As consumers concern about energy levels of electrical appliances, the Council compared the energy saving performance of the 10 electric fan samples based on two quoted national standards. According to the quoted standards, 4 samples tested were considered Class 1, which means their energy saving levels were higher than the other 6 samples. Test result of the safety and energy test of electric fans can be found in the latest issue of Consumer Report. In the mentioned test, 2 electric fan samples were found to include only instruction manuals in English. Further, 3 samples of each product brand were required to be submitted for testing but 1 sample of a brand tested was found to have wrong indication on its tightening knob. Retailers have been requested to report these problems to manufacturers for corrections and improvement. Meanwhile, the test result has been sent to responsible department for follow-up. Issue no. 227 Consumer Report also features information on the legal procedures for importing pets, operation of pet shops, and relevant information provided by Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM). Other articles including reports on recent activities of the Council and news from consumer organizations in mainland are also featured. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the office of Consumer Council (Rua Inácio Baptista, Nº 6-6A Edificio Seaview Garden 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 and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the average daily wage of the construction workers decreased by 1.9% quarter-to-quarter to MOP552 in the second quarter of 2012, of which the average daily wages of electricians & electrical workers (MOP546), bricklayers & plasterers (MOP508) and unskilled workers (MOP352) decreased by 3.4%, 3.3% and 5.5% respectively. On the contrary, average daily wage of carpenters (MOP643) increased by 13.1% quarter-to-quarter, attributable to rising demand for carpenters in some tourism and gaming facilities and hotel projects. Furthermore, the average daily wage of local construction workers amounted to MOP674 in the second quarter of 2012, up by 4.3% quarter-to-quarter. After discounting the effect of inflation, wage index of the construction workers was 87.0 in real terms, down by 2.7% quarter-to-quarter; wage index of local construction workers increased by 0.5% to 99.5 in real terms. As regards construction materials, in the second quarter of 2012, the average price of concrete (MOP427 per cubic metre) decreased by 2.8% quarter-to-quarter, and the first drop in the past six quarters; that of spiral & round reinforcing steel bars (MOP5,959 per tonne) also fall by 1.3%. The price index of construction materials for residential buildings was 120.8, similar to the previous quarter.
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Jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (2012 GMBPF) will be held from 2 to 5 August (Thursday to Sunday) for four consecutive days at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre.
All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce, PRC have been specially invited as Supporting Organisations for the event. Over 40 government bureaus and trade promotion institutions from Guangdong and Macao are acting as co-organisers. 2012 GMBPF is co-ordinated by the Macau Fair & Trade Association. An event to enhance Guangdong and Macao in economic exchange and brand cooperation
Guangdong and Macao enjoy a long history of economic and trade cooperation. Back in April 2003, Guangdong and Macao have together staged with success the Western Guangdong Famous Products Fair in Macao. In 2009, the first Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair was staged and has been held yearly for 4 years since then. The GMBPF is initiated by the governments of Guangdong and Macao SAR, with the objective to cope with the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta, and is an important trade and economic activity promulgated by both governments acting upon the basis of the subsequent Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Guangdong and Macao signed by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province in March 2009. In March 2011, Guangdong - Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement was signed which marked a closer tie between the two territories. The GMBPF, with improved significance, is now earmarked as an annual event endorsed by the two governments. With the successful experience gained over the past 3 years, the GMBPF has gained more recognition and evolved to be an annual branded event of Macao. Effectiveness of GMBPF extended to generate future thematic fairs The 6,000 square metres exhibition floor houses 247 exhibition booths and showcases the carnival-style trade and economic activities including trades, cultural exchange, shopping and entertainments. The 2012 GMBPF will continue to highlight Macao as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure and as a business service platform gearing towards an appropriate diversification for the economy of Macao. The GMBPF will have its effectiveness extended to generate future thematic fairs, helping Guangdong Branded Products to explore overseas markets, and the inflow of more varieties and quality merchandizes to Macao. For easier access by merchandizers and the public and to be more centered towards different themes, the exhibition floor will be zoned according to the industries such as gifts and souvenirs, daily necessities and food products instead of the previous zoning method based on different cities and provinces. Greater branding effect draws in more Guangdong enterprises The branding effect of the GMBPF is becoming more obvious, as the number of applicants for exhibition booths have far exceeded the number of available booths this year. After the selection process, 129 Guangdong enterprises will take up 162 exhibition booths, with 40 booths at the Gifts and souvenirs Zone, 69 booths at the Daily Necessities Zone, and 53 at the Food products Zone. Among the exhibitors, 8 enterprises are China Branded Products and Famous Brands, whereas 46 are Guangdong Branded Products and 32 are Famous Brands of Guangdong Province. Twenty-three enterprises are the key businesses to be developed by the Ministry of Commerce and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong. About 107 enterprises have already had their trademarks registered, and 42 have registered their trademarks overseas. To assist the developments in Xinjiang province, the Guangdong Province has specially invited their corresponding region – Kashi of Xinjiang Province to have their commerce departments to deploy enterprises to take part in the GMBPF, in order to explore new ways of assisting Xinjiang province. This is the reason why there will be one enterprise from Kashi of Xinjiang appearing at the 2012 GMBPF and it will bring forth 400 of their famous sweet melon – Jiashi melon - to Macao. The Jiashi melon is named after the place of the produce – Jiashi county of Xinjiang, and is famous for its sweetness, flavor, vitamins, fibres, succulent and nutritious nature of the fruit. I Exhibitors endorse the effectiveness of GMBPF
Sixty percent of the Macao enterprises are repeated exhibitors
The Macao Pavilion will continue to promote products Made in Macau, Macao Brands, Design in Macao, Macao Creative Arts Products, and specialty products with Macao enterprises as agents. A total of 85 Macao enterprises will take part in the GMBPF, 30 of which are located at the wet products zone, 8 at the consumer products zone, 14 at the Food products zone, 9 at Daily Necessities, 4 at Electronic products, 3 at Healthcare products, 6 at souvenir items, 9 at the MinM (Manufactured in Macao) and 2 as official banking partners. Forty percent of the Macao exhibitors are participating for the third consecutive years while 60 per cent of which have been involved in GMBPF in the past. The active involvement of the exhibitors is a vivid proof of the effectiveness of the event. Apart from the core exhibition, Guangdong & Macao Branded products trade & exhibition centre is also housed in the venue. Also included in the already rich programme are activities such as the 'Vote for Most Popular Guangdong and Macao Branded Product', Business Matching Session, Product Presentation for specialized products and services, Sourcing and Negotiation, arts and culture performances and lucky draw. Guangdong & Macao Branded products trade & exhibition centre for a highly cost-effective business matching platform New ideas are added to the 2012 GMBPF to enrich the contents, enhance the impact, deepen the economic and trade cooperation between the two territories, and to seek for more cooperation chances for enterprises in Guangdong and Macao. To allow buyers to have a more systematic, comfortable, and convenient way to know more about the pricing, quality edge, trading terms and favourable conditions for the Branded Products of the cities in Guangdong and Macao, Guangdong & Macao Branded products trade & exhibition centre will be a showroom for the three products with the highest quality. Besides displaying samples, there will be dedicated personnel on-site to explain in details about the products and to distribute product information. This service includes liaising with the exhibitors, providing space for business negotiation, express delivery for samples of products, free beverages, WIFI service, recharging of mobile phones, product information updates after the event, and business service platform. Premiere Forum on Guangdong and Macao Products Packaging Design Cooperation & Development
Product Packaging Design is part and parcel to the effectiveness of sales and marketing. To improve the awareness of Guangdong and Macao enterprises on product packaging and to seek for more cooperation room, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province will jointly host a Forum on Guangdong and Macao Products Packaging Design Cooperation & Development at Hall A & B of the Macao Tourist Activities Centre on 3 August. The forum will be in the form of discussion and free question and answer format with experts and scholars from Guangdong and Macau to interact with the audience and to discuss the topic of product packaging design in Guangdong and Macao. Explore new ways of hosting exhibitions – Voting activity added to step up interactivity
The 'Vote for my favourite Guangdong and Macao Branded Product' is one of the key activities of the Fair. The organizer has adopted mobile phone apps for the vote and an internet-based voting system with the view to use IT to explore further the promotion channels. The voting activity increases the types of promotion for the Macao market on top of the conventional methods including newspaper coverage, internet, and the on-site activities. It helps further enhance the effectiveness of new product launch, new markets, brand building and strengthen corporate image. By voting for the 'Branded Product' much-favoured by the public and professionals, an effective channel to solicit direct comments from users towards the products will be built, and thus scaling up the level of involvement and participation of exhibitors and the public. To encourage the public to take part in the voting activity, participants will be encouraged to use the internet, mobile phone apps of the GMBPF to cast a vote. The lucky 50 voters drawn will be awarded with a gift valued at Mop500. Diversified business activities to promote cooperation between enterprises of the two territories
During the 2012 GMBPF, several product presentations will be arranged to make themselves a promotion platform for enterprises to direct reveal their products, services, business opportunities and market information of their industries. In addition, the organizer has set aside an area for business matching and procurement as part of the overall services provided for both the buyers and the suppliers, and in turn to promote further the cooperation between Guangdong and Macao procurers and Branded Products enterprises. Overseas and local reputable procurers and enterprises have been invited to take part in the on-site business matching and to promote further the trading platform of Guangdong and Macao. New measures to protect the environment To go green and to save the resources of the planet, the organizer has adopted several green measures and to reduce the use of papers. First of all, emails will be used as much as possible to replace paper-based invitation letters when soliciting exhibitors. Online applications for GMBPF is adopted to reduce paper-based application forms, while entrance tickets, posters, promotion flyers and programmes will be printed on recycled papers. To build an on-going procurement platform for exhibitors
Last year's success in providing an online promotion and marketing platform as on-going showcase of Guangdong and Macao Branded Products has resulted in the come again '2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fairs' website (www.guangdongmacaofair.com) for the upload of products and information offered by exhibitors as an expanded and long term service of the Fair. A carnival to generate fun for all The 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair is a carnival style event suitable for all walks of life. Apart from the business activities, the organizer has also designed a number of much-sought-after shopping offers, lucky draw, arts and cultural performance. The lucky draw will be held every day. On the first three days (2, 3 & 4 August), the lucky draw will be drawn at 5.45pm on the same day each day, while it will be at 7.30pm on the final day of event (5 August). This year, several award winning activities are arranged such as the Guess Which is the Most Favourite Branded Product? Facebook Check-in, and attach your favorite products on Facebook to win an iphone and so on. To add in more entertaining elements for the carnival, the organizer has invited notable popular music band Mr, singers G.E.M, Joyce Cheng, Mr Wan Kwong to perform during the event. The Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair has already established itself as a reputable MICE event, and every year it has attracted large number of exhibitors, citizens and tourists to attend the Fair. Last year the total number of participants was approximately 111,000. Free shuttle bus and parking service to provide easy access Free shuttle bus service is provided to allow easy access for citizen to go to the venue at Macau Fisherman's Wharf from the urban areas of Macau, Taipa. Pick up points on the Macau side are: Avenida do Dr Mario Soares (near Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (near the Pak Wai Bus Stop), Estrada de Marginal do Hipodromo (near the Loyal Supermarket of Areia Preta), Border Gate, Hong Kong and Macau Ferry Terminal and various official hotels. As for the Taipa side, the pick-up point is at the Estrada do Gov. Albano de Oliveira Taipa (at the main entrance of the Taipa Branch of the Tai Fung Bank). Free parking for 3 hours is offered at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf. Overseas and local merchants and citizens are welcomed to the GBMPF The 2012 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair is a business opportunity to embrace both businesses and entertainment. The four days' event welcomes all to take part. The organizer sincerely invites overseas and local merchants, Macau citizens, and visitors to take part in this great event of Guangdong and Macao. Opening hours are: 12noon to 8pm on 2 August; 11am to 8pm from 3 to 5 August (Friday to Sunday). For further information about the 2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair, please call our hotline at +853-87989277 or visit our website at http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com for '2012 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair".
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Consumer Council conducted price checks on cooking oil and eggs earlier. Survey results have been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and are also available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. Prices of 23 brands of cooking oil were collected from 21 retail outlets on 26th July by Consumer Council. In comparison with data from May's survey, 8 out of 23 surveyed oil brands recorded no change in price. Selling price of 'Knife Brand Pure Canola Oil (900mlx3pcs)' in one retail outlet had been raised by 22.7 percent since last time, and selling prices of 'King Chef 100% Pure Corn Oil (3.5L)' in two outlets had dropped by 24.9 percent due to special price promotion. Selling prices of the same product were found to vary in different retail outlets: 'Camel Brand Corn Oil (2L)', which recorded only a 1.61 percent difference in prices at different outlets last time, was sold at $49.90 to $64.80, with a price difference of 29.86 percent. The Council also conducted another price check on 9 brands of eggs from 13 supermarkets on 25th July. In comparison with the data from last month's survey, egg prices remained stable, and the percentage discrepancies between the lowest and the highest selling prices of the same products were similar. Two brands of eggs sold at different retail outlets from the same chain store, namely, 'Select US Grade A Fresh Large White Eggs (12 pcs)' and 'Select US Grade A Fresh Extra Large Brown Eggs (12 pcs)', although they were sold at special prices, a price difference of $3.00, around 15 percent, was recorded. The two mentioned specific price surveys on cooking oil and eggs are now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of licensed motor vehicles reached 210,580 at the end of June 2012, a year-on-year increase of 5%, of which motorcycles (112,644) and light private cars (83,641) accounted for 53% and 40% respectively. New registration of motor vehicles decreased by 1% year-on-year to 8,298 in the first half year of 2012, with light private cars and motorcycles sharing 48% and 47% of the total. In the first half year of 2012, number of traffic accidents rose by 4% year-on-year to 7,160 cases, resulting in 2,525 victims and 6 of them were killed. Cross-border vehicle traffic by land between Macao and Mainland China increased by 7% year-on-year to 2,140,410 vehicle trips in the first six months of 2012, of which vehicle traffic through the Border Gate accounted for 84%. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport increased by 3% year-on-year to 17,913 in the first half year of 2012, with Mainland China (38% of total); Taiwan, China (28%) and Thailand (12%) being the major routes. Helicopter flights between Macao and Hong Kong (7,057) and between Macao and Mainland China (1,582) decreased by 12% and 17% respectively. Passenger ferry between Macao and Hong Kong totalled 56,760 ferry trips in the first half year of 2012, down by 8% year-on-year. Passenger ferry between Macao and Mainland China increased by 10% year-on-year to 13,216 ferry trips. In the first half year of 2012, seaborne container throughput totalled 56,217 TEU or 41,291 containers handled, up by 17% and 16% respectively year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo increased by 25% year-on-year to 105,305 tonnes, with 3,206 tonnes of transshipment goods. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land decreased by 2% to 17,220 tonnes, including 5,779 tonnes of transit goods. In the first half year of 2012, outward (8,104 tonnes) and inward air cargo (3,227 tonnes) fell significantly by 31% and 37% respectively year-on-year. Transit air cargo decreased by 13% year-on-year to 2,023 tonnes. At the end of June 2012, number of mobile telephone users increased by 16% from a year earlier to 1,466,672, whereas fixed-line telephone users decreased by 2% to 164,363. As regards internet services, number of subscribers reached 218,171 and the cumulative duration of usage totalled 318 million hours in the first half year of 2012, up by 18% and 29% respectively.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for June 2012 amounted to MOP650 million, up by 4.5% year-on-year, of which value of re-exports (MOP451 million) increased by 12.1%, but that of domestic exports (MOP199 million) decreased by 9.5%. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP5.96 billion, up by 19.7% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.31 billion for June 2012. In the second quarter of 2012, total value of merchandise export (MOP1.97 billion) grew by 10.6% year-on-year, and that of merchandise import (MOP17.63 billion) rose by 20.6%, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP15.66 billion. In the first half year of 2012, total value of merchandise export increased by 16.0% year-on-year to MOP3.95 billion, attributable to a 23.7% increase in re-exports (MOP2.77 billion) when domestic exports (MOP1.18 billion) rose by 1.2%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 25.4% to MOP34.78 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first half year of 2012 amounted to MOP30.84 billion. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.98 billion) and Mainland China (MOP629 million) in the first half year of 2012 were principally re-exports, up by 38.4% and 8.1% year-on-year respectively; meanwhile, merchandise export to the USA (MOP260 million) and the EU (MOP175 million) were primarily domestic exports, down by 14.2% and 15.2% respectively. Exports of Non-textile (MOP3.39 billion) in the first half year of 2012 expanded by 26.1%, of which exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP656 million) and Tobacco & wine (MOP396 million) surged by 124.8% and 25.6% respectively year-on-year; however, exports of Textile & garment (MOP552 million) registered a decrease of 22.1%. Domestic exports of Tobacco & wine (MOP271 million) rose by 33.1% year-on-year, while that of Knitted or crocheted garment (MOP193 million) declined by 21.1%. In the first half year of 2012, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP11.04 billion) and the EU (MOP8.20 billion) expanded by 28.0% and 21.5% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 27.8% to MOP21.50 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP3.75 billion), Watches (MOP2.56 billion) and Motor cars & motorcycles (MOP1.59 billion) increasing by 43.4%, 54.7% and 60.0% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP6.32 billion) registered a year-on-year increase of 27.9%. In the first half year of 2012, total value of external merchandise trade amounted to MOP38.73 billion, up by 24.4% compared with MOP31.14 billion a year earlier.
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