News

The Philippines is sending its very first official delegation to the Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) where it will play an active part in what is slated to be the biggest edition yet of the renowned exhibition. Macao-based Philippine Consul General Jaime Victor Ledda said that the Philippines’ participation in the 14th MIF signifies the country’s desire to further expand economic relations with Macau SAR. The Philippine delegation is led by Senior Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who will be a guest speaker at the MIF Forum on 22 October and a seminar on Philippine business opportunities on 23 October. Senior
Undersecretary Aquino will be accompanied by trade officials and representatives from the food processors and exporters sector with particular focus on seafood, tropical fruit juices, coconut and related products. “The delegation has a full schedule at the 14th MIF and we’re looking forward to fruitful and mutually beneficial exchanges,” according to Consul General Ledda. The Filipino diplomat said that the Philippine delegation will meet with Macao officials, network with local and Filipino businessmen, exhibit the country’s top food exports, conduct a business seminar and sign a cooperation agreement with the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Consulate General in Macao and the IPIM have jointly organized a seminar entitled “The Philippines: Your Business Destination and Gateway to ASEAN” which will be held on 23 October 2009 (Friday) from 10:00 a.m – 11:30 a.m. at the Florence Room of The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. The seminar will present the country’s trade promotional initiatives, incentive schemes and the latest growth areas for business and investment, such as Agribusiness, IT-BPO, Construction and Services. Participants will indeed find a wealth of trade and investment opportunities in the Philippine economy, which has remained stable even in the midst of the global financial crisis, and that their businesses or investment in the Philippines would be strategically placed for the larger ASEAN market. The seminar will be highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the DTI-CITEM of the Philippines and the IPIM where the Manila F.A.M.E. and the MIF are established as partner fairs. Both parties will work together to mutually promote the two fairs and explore opportunities to strengthen their respective exhibition industries. Local enterprises are cordially invited to participate in the business matching and networking sessions with the Philippine delegation and to visit the Philippine booths at the 14th MIF Exhibition Area. They may confirm participation with the Philippine Consulate General (c/o Mary
Ann) at Telephone No. 2875 7141, via Fax No. 2875 7227 or by e-mail to info@philcongenmacau.org The Philippines is one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has developed a close relationship with the Macao SAR in the areas of trade, tourism, culture and human resources. Bilateral trade has grown significantly at an average rate
of 49.97% from 2004 – 2008. Total trade reached USD 16,842,467 in
2008 with Philippine exports to Macau amounting to USD 8,131,788. Consul General Ledda expressed sincerest thanks to the IPIM and the DTI for the strong support and cooperation in preparing the Philippine
delegation’s program.
…

The 14th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was inaugurated today (22nd October) at 11:00 AM at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The Opening Ceremony received an impressive attendance of more than 3,000 guests from 61 countries and regions of the world. The dignitaries who officiated at the Opening Ceremony included: Mr. Edmund Ho, Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Chen Yun Lin, Chairman of Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Zhou Bo, Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Dr. Thomas G. Aquino, Senior Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Mr. Song Yanbin, Deputy Commissioner of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Sun Yao, Vice Governor of People’s Government of Heilongjiang Province, Mr. Ye Shuangyu, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Fujian Province, Mr. Huang Xiaoxiang, Vice Governor of People’s government of Sichuan Province, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Tang Bingquan, Vice Chairman of Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, Dr. Lee Peng Hong, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Mr. Hoi Sai Iun, President of Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce. According to Lee Peng Hong at the opening ceremony, the organizational scale, no. of participating countries and regions, and radiative impact of the 14th would be the largest ever. More than 288 business delegations from 61 countries and regions, comprising more than 3,000 delegates from home and abroad participated in the 14th MIF, and a total of 1,074 exhibition booths are installed. With the view to provide a series of opportunities for members of the political and business sectors and guests from different places of the world to exchange information and deepen their cooperation, a total of 33 forums, seminars and promotion events as well as 839 business matching activities have been arranged. With the theme of “Diversity – Key to Extending A Decade Of Prosperity”, this year’s MIF will present Macao’s achievements in economic construction and social development in the past decade, promote Macao’s investment environment and market dynamics and explore future development. Meanwhile, MIF serves to further advance Macao’s advantage as a trade and economic co-operation service platform, promote Macao’s moderate economic diversification, and regional co-operation and exchange, and assist local and overseas enterprises (especially SMEs) to expand market networks and explore new scope for business development. The 14th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-organised by the Macao Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Association of Macao, Macao Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, Macao Shipper’s Association, The Macao Association of Banks, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, The Macao Small and Medium Enterprises Association, The Macao Chinese Enterprises Association, Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, and coordinated by the Macao Convention and Exhibition Association, the Macau Fair and Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau. The Fair runs from today (22nd) until Sunday 25th October 2009 at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel.
…

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.
…

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.
…

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.
…

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.
…

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.
…

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.
…

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.
…

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
…