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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that number of operating restaurants & similar establishments and cooked-food stalls in the markets totalled 1,568 in 2008, an increase of 39 compared with 2007, including 1,524 restaurants and similar establishments and 44 cooked-food stalls. Total number of persons engaged was 18,974 in 2008, up by 12.5% (2,115 workers) year-on-year. Sales & Other Receipts amounted to MOP 4.50 billion (+16.6%) and Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 4.22 billion (+14.5%). In addition, Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy surged by 21.9% from 2007 to MOP 1.72 billion, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation decreased by 25.5% to MOP 232 million. There were 1,524 restaurants and similar establishments operating in 2008, up by 38 year-on-year; of which persons engaged increased by 12.6% from 2007 to 18,894. Sales & Other Receipts of restaurants and similar establishments reached MOP 4.48 billion, an increase of 16.7% over 2007. Total Expenditure of restaurants and similar establishments amounted to MOP 4.21 billion, up by 14.5% over 2007. Analyzed by items, Purchase of Goods (MOP 1.66 billion), Compensation of Employees (MOP 1.44 billion) and Operating Expenses (MOP 1.11 billion) increased by 11.2%, 17.9% and 15.2% respectively compared with 2007. Attributable to a 16.7% rise of Sales & Other Receipts, Gross Value Added increased significantly by 22.1% year-on-year to MOP 1.72 billion; however, Gross Fixed Capital Formation decreased by 25.5% to MOP 232 million. The majority of the establishments were eating places, totalling 1,199 (78.7% of total), up by 51 compared with 2007. Number of persons engaged soared by 24.8% to 11,782 (62.4% of total). Sales & Other Receipts (MOP 2.67 billion) and Expenses (MOP 2.47 billion) went by 22.0% and 22.5% respectively from 2007. In 2008, there were 44 cooked-food stalls operating in municipal markets, an increase of 1 stall over 2007, engaging a total of 80 persons. Sales & Other Receipts (MOP 15.3 million) and Total Expenditure (MOP 9.7 million) rose by 9.2% and 22.7% compared with 2007. Survey coverage included all licensed restaurants, eating & drinking places, and cooked-food stalls in municipal markets in 2008, excluding hotel-operated restaurants and similar facilities, and the street hawkers.
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IFT and the Consulate General of France in Hong and Macao signed the “Internship Programme” agreement on 22 October. Vice President of IFT, Ms. Florence Ian and the Consul General, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier presided over the ceremony. Tourism is a global industry. To withstand the development of Macao Tourism industry, foreign language ability is becoming more and more important. Following the signing of the agreement, a Master student in French will have a 9-month internship at IFT in the academic year 2009/10, to teach French to IFT students and to take part in other language study activities, such as to promote the language or the culture of France. This has given the students more opportunities to build up their language skills. The programme design of IFT emphasises a lot on a balance between theory and practice. In addition to theory classes, the 6-month internship programme and exchange programme allow students to put what they have learnt into practice. To enrich their university life, IFT has organised a series of extracurricular activities in the new semester, which include choir, English debate, dragon boat paddling, French and business etiquette class, that is specially tailored for final year students. The Institute believes that with the introduction of the extracurricular activities, students can not only develop their talents and creativities, but as a whole-person and increase their sense of belongingness to the Institute. Students are also enthusiastic about these activities, especially for the French classes. Over 200 applications were received. The Institute will offer 6 classes at elementary level in the first semester to build up a good foundation. It is hoped that by launching these extracurricular activities, students’ study experience can be improved and also lead to a comprehensive development. The Institute looks forward to the future cooperation opportunities with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao.
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To make the best use of Macao’s strength as a business service platform and foster trade and economic communication and co-operation between the EU and Macao’s creative industries, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will be co-organising the EU-Macao Business Opportunity Seminar - Developing New Industries Based on Creativity and Intellectual Property with various local and overseas EU-related organisations during the 14th MIF. The EU-Macao Business Opportunity Seminar is jointly organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Macao Economic Services (DSE), Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM), Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM) and the European Union Business Information Programme (EUBIP). The Seminar will be held from 2:30-4:30pm on 24 October 2009, in the Sicily Room at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The theme of the Seminar is Developing New Industries Based on Creativity and Intellectual Property, major topics include: EU countries’ experience in the development of the creative industry and its implications for Macao, business opportunities for the development of local creative industry, promoting co-operation between EU and Macao SMEs in the creative industry, financial incentive measures for investment in Macao’s creative industry and the development strategies for Macao creative companies. Thematic speeches and a panel discussion will be organised as well as the setting up of a business-matching area and intellectual property information desk to assist entrepreneurs’ in their search for potential business partners. Representatives from local and overseas EU-related organisations, chambers of commerce and enterprises have been invited to give speeches on topics including EU-Macao trade and economic communication and co-operation, expansion of the EU market and creative industry development. Confirmed guest speakers include Mr. Stephane Passeri, independent consultant on intellectual property rights co-operation, Mr. Simon Evans, Director and Founder of Creative Clusters Ltd in UK, Mr. Carlos Marreiros, Director General of Albergue SCM, Ms. Lúcia Lemos, Project Manager of Centre for Creative Industry (CCI), Ms. Victoria Kuan, Manager of CPTTM, Mr. Keith Pang, Product Designer in Macao and Ms. Rebecca Choi, Marketing Director of Conde Group in Macao. Designers and experts in local and overseas creative industries will discuss and exchange views on topics on the development of Macao’s creative industry. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the Seminar. Simultaneous translations service is available in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. For further enquiries and registration, please contact Ms. Kuan of IPIM’s Research and Information Division on 8798 9127, Fax: 2859 0309 or email: winnievai@ipim.gov.mo.
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To better arrange his working hours, Mr Ho Iat Seng tendered his resignation as a member of the Executive Council to the Chief Executive yesterday. According to a press release by the Office of the Chief Executive, Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah accepted Mr Ho Iat Seng’s resignation and relieved his duties as a member of the Executive Council. The Chief Executive fully acknowledged and appreciated Mr Ho’s contribution during in the Executive Council, saying that he would fully support Mr Ho’s work in the Legislative Assembly. Since the term of office of the members of the Executive Council will terminate on 19 December, the Chief Executive would not appoint a replacement for Mr Ho.
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High-level economic forums are a major component of the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair. Every year, senior government officials, leader of business organisations and industrial entrepreneurs are invited to attend the Forum to work together to promote regional co-operation and industrial development. During the 14th MIF, the International Trade and Investment Forum 2009, organised by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Investment Promotion Agency of Ministry of Commerce, P.R.C., All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Macao Chamber of Commerce and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and co-organised by AICEP Portugal Global, will be held on 22 October 2009 (MIF Opening Day), 3pm in the Sicily Room at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The Forum will also run concurrently with the “SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony”. The organiser has invited Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary of Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government to deliver the opening speech at the Forum. Business leaders and top management of commercial chambers from the Mainland, Portuguese-speaking countries and overseas will give thematic speeches too. Invited leaders and representatives will discuss how enterprises (especially SMEs) can strengthen regional co-operation, enhance competitiveness and explore new business opportunities in the current international economic situation. The forum will also take the opportunity to showcase the latest trends and economic development of the Macao SAR, in the ten years since the handover. Guests attending will include senior government officials, leaders and representatives from overseas business organisations, the Mainland, Macao, as well as business people from the city and around the world. The International Trade and Investment Forum 2009 is one of this year’s major events, all local and overseas entrepreneurs are welcome to attend. A simultaneous translation service will be provided in Putonghua, Cantonese, Portuguese and English. For further enquiries and registration, please contact Ms. Kuok of IPIM’s Research and Information Division on 8798 9127, Fax: 2872 8208 or 2859 0309 or email winnievai@ipim.gov.mo.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (125.03) for September 2009 decreased by 1.03% year-on-year, of which the price index of Education dropped substantially by 18.99% on account of the Government’s policy to increase tuition subsidies to non-tertiary education in the new academic year; moreover, falling prices of gasoline and LPG, as well as lower rentals for housing drove the price indices of Transport; and Housing & Fuels down by 4.91% and 3.01% respectively. On the contrary, price indices of Clothing & Footwear; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages went up by 4.83% and 3.73% respectively, attributable to dearer prices of men’s and women’s clothing, fresh fish and seafood. The CPI-A (126.53) and CPI-B (124.52) for September 2009 decreased by 1.80% and 0.92% year-on-year. The average Composite CPI for the first nine months of 2009 went up by 1.62% year-on-year. For the 12 months ended September 2009, the Composite CPI rose by 3.03% over the preceding period. The Composite CPI for September 2009 decreased by 0.98% month-to-month, of which the price index of Education registered a notable drop of 9.86%; in addition, Clothing & Footwear; and Transport fell by 2.30% and 1.55% respectively due to seasonal sale of women’s clothing, falling prices of gasoline, as well as lower airfares after the Summer holidays. On the other hand, price indices of Miscellaneous Goods & Services; and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.53% and 0.38% respectively. Meanwhile, the CPI-A and CPI-B fell by 1.08% and 0.91% month-to-month. The Composite CPI for the third quarter of 2009 fell by 0.15% over the same quarter of 2008 but increased slightly by 0.05% quarter-to quarter. The Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 49% of households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP3,000 to MOP9,999. The CPI-B relates to about 31% of households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP10,000 to MOP19,999.
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Macao has reported its second death due to the Influenza A (H1N1) virus -- a 72-year-old man who passed away yesterday evening due with multiple organs failure. The man, a smoker of more than 50 years, who had chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema and rickets, was admitted to Kiang Wu Hospital on 9 October after he was tested positive for the virus. He was in a critical condition and was transferred to Hospital Conde S. Januário on 15 October after his respiratory organs failed. The Health Bureau urged people showing flu symptoms such as fever and cough to seek medical attention immediately. People with chronic diseases, serious illnesses or are pregnant should pay special attention to their health. Macao’s pandemic alert remained at Level VI, Blue, meaning that the spread of the virus was moderate.
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The “Portuguese Speaking Countries-Fujian-Macao Trade and Economic Co-operation Seminar and Presentation on Fujian Electronic Products” will be held at 2:30 p.m. on 21 October, in the Macao Business Support Center (MBSC), 19th floor China Civil Plaza (Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção No 263). The Seminar is organised by Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee, Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, Fujian Provincial Economic and Trade Commission and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and co-organised by International Lusophone Markets Business Association, Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Macau Chamber of Industry and Commerce Brazil-China and the São Paulo Chamber of Commerce. It is aimed to broaden the economic and trade co-operation between Fujian, Macao and Portuguese by utilizing the business service platform of Macao. High-ranking government official of the Macao SAR and Vice Governor of Fujian Province, Mr. Ye Shuangyu, will be the officiating guests of the Seminar. A presentation on Fujian electronic and machinery products will be given by the leaders of trade and economic departments/chambers of commerce in Fujian Province, three senior representatives of the trade and economic departments, chambers of commerce in Brazil, Portugal and Guinea-Bissau will deliver speeches about the resources, investment and trade demands in these countries. In addition, representatives from International Lusophone Markets Business Association will also introduce the strengths and functions of Macao’s intermediary service. Business-matching session for enterprises will be organised after the Seminar to further strengthen the acquaintance and liaison between Portuguese-speaking countries and Fujian Province. The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be attended by officials from government in various regions, representatives of business associations and economic promotion organisations in Macao and overseas countries (especially Portuguese-speaking countries) as well as entrepreneurs from industrial and business sectors in the Mainland, Macao and overseas countries. The “Portuguese Speaking Countries-Fujian-Macao Trade and Economic Co-operation Seminar and Presentation on Fujian Electronic Products” is one of the major events of the 14th MIF, representatives from local and overseas business communities are welcomed to attend this Seminar. Simultaneous interpretation service is available in Putonghua, Cantonese, English and Portuguese. For registration, please contact Ms. Kuok of Research and Information Division of IPIM on 87989127, fax: 28728208, email: winnievai@ipim.gov.mo. End
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The “Macao International Trade and Investment Fair” (MIF) is the largest annual international event in Macao for promoting bilateral trade and investment. In this year’s MIF, we will have more than 200 delegations from 50 countries and regions to participate. Having the regional cooperation advantages, Macao plays a major role as a connection between mainland China, Portuguese speaking countries and international business community through exhibitions, project matching sessions, investment negotiation and proposing cooperation agreements, to achieve the integration of funds, resources, markets and technologies and to promote multi-industrial developments at a greater extend. To encourage SMEs to take full advantage of the business opportunities presented in the MIF international platform, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will hold the “SME International Business Days” (23/10/2009 – 24/10/2009) during the 14th MIF. IPIM will also make its debut exposure on the New E-Commerce Services Platform, to encourage and assist SMEs in applying e-commerce in their operations. Furthermore, apart from series of county presentations, products and services promotion seminars, matching and enquiry services, franchising pavilion, SME Pavilion will also feature exhibits on creative industries this year. These elements work in line to realize Macau as the regional business tourism, convention and leisure centre, while highlighting the slogan of SME Service Centre – “Take Service as a fundamental and SME as a Priority”. Connecting international business opportunities “SME International Business Days” (SME Day) comprises a number of themed events to assist SMEs to explore business opportunities in the 14th MIF. Organizers of themed events include business associations and institutions from Macao, a number of Chinese provinces and regions, the EU and its member States, Portuguese speaking countries, Latin America and Asia-Pacific Region. The two-day event comprises six components: (1) E-Commerce Services Platform Series; (2) Franchise Business Cooperation; (3) Business Matching Session; (4) Introduction to International Market Opportunities; (5) Macao SME Products/Services Exhibition and (6) Professional Consulting Services. The Highlights – E-Commerce Services Platform and Franchising Business Opportunities To help SMEs explore new business strategies and future development trends of E-Commerce, one of the highlights of the SME Day will be the promotion of E-Commerce Platform for SMEs to open up new business horizons. This includes forums organized by Online E-Business Platform Service Providers, to foster SMEs to apply and utilize e-commerce in the business arena. Another highlight will be franchising business opportunities. Apart from the “Franchise Pavilion” which showcases international brands from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the US, Brazil and other regions, an exchange activity sharing titled “Franchise Experience Sharing Section” will gather experts and entrepreneurs in the franchising field to share on brand development. “Seminars on International Business Opportunities” - Gateway to China and Venturing Abroad This series aims to deliver SMEs the latest information on trade and investment in global markets; on individual industrial sectors and on special incentives. Through the events organized by trade promotion organizations/ consulate offices from various countries and regions, including Henan and Heilongjiang Provinces, Inner Mongolia, Portuguese-speaking countries, Latin America, France, Australia, Vietnam, etc, the series will enhance SMEs’ knowledge about the global industry and investment environment. Business Matching Sessions
Business matching sessions provide opportunities for SMEs to meet with international business delegations with over 1900 potential business projects from different parts of the world (including procurement, supplies, franchising and chain operations and investment projects). This year, there will be themed matching sessions to accommodate for the specific needs of buyers and enterprises searching for partnership opportunities, including the US environmental industry, Australian ICT services, Portuguese-speaking countries, Fujian and Heilongjiang Provinces, international brands, Wine & Gourmet exhibitors, Chinese medicine and equipment enterprises and wine traders, etc. Real-time Professional Consultancy Services
There will be “One-Stop Service” Enquiry on Macau and international markets, Mainland China and Macao legal advisory, CEPA consulting services at the “Buyer’s corner and Business Matching Area”. Concurrently, SME Service Centre Gala Catalogue Show, featuring products and services information from Thailand, Indonesia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and Malaysia will take place at “Buyer’s corner and Business Matching Area” (Exhibition Centre Hall B). SME Products/Services Promotion
“Macao SME Exhibition”, organized by the Macao Chamber of Commerce and IPIM, will assist Macau SMEs to promote their products and services. With over 140 booths involving industries such as food & grocery, agricultural products, clothing, electronics, tourism, equipment, accessories and environmental protection, “Macao SME Exhibition” located at Exhibition Centre Hall A will be opened from October 22 to October 25. The “Product/Services Pavilion” at the centre of the Exhibition creates the best arena for SMEs to promote their businesses. The Launch of the “SME International Business Days” will be held at 3 pm at Sicily Room of The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, held concurrently with “International Trade and Investment Forum 2009”. We cordially invite interested parties to participate. For more details, please visit our website at www.mif.com.mo or contact SME Service Centre (SMEC) enquiry hotline: 2872 8212
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Deputy Director of Macau Government Tourist Office Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes unveiled the “Experience Macau Festival” held at the famous landmark Taipei 101 in Taiwan today (Oct 17). Taiwan residents and tourists visiting Taipei 101 Mall will find iconic Ruins of St Paul’s, Senado Square and other Macau world heritage sites in miniature. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Experience Macau Festival”, Helena Fernandes expressed that Taiwan continues to be Macau’s third major source market and though the direct cross straits flights have led to a drop in Taiwan visitors to Macau, overnight guests are on the rise and this new trend will bring opportunities to the travel trade. “There were 980,000 visitors from Taiwan in 1999 and last year, Macau welcomed 1.3 million visitors from Taiwan; while Taiwan overnight guests in hotels surpassed 235,000 in 2008. These achievements would not be possible without the support of the travel trade of Macau and Taiwan,” she added. In addition to the unique replicas, a series of performances including traditional Cantonese Opera, acrobatics, Portuguese folk dances, accordion and Jazz singer from Macau will bring a mixture of Macau’s Eastern and Western cultures to the city. Visitors to the festival can also enjoy games, Portuguese egg tarts and obtain tourism information of Macau. A Gala Dinner was held last night (Oct 16) for the travel trade and media of Taiwan and awards were conferred to three airlines and 9 travel agents to acknowledge their contributions in promoting Macau’s tourism in Taiwan. About 200 guests to the Gala Dinner were treated to a feast of Chinese and Portuguese performances that highlighted the diverse cultures and tourism characteristics that Macau has to offer. Taiwan is Macau's third largest visitor source market, and there are currently more than 270 flights between Macau and Taiwan every week.
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