News

Ever since the scheduled air services between Macao and Japan have been launched in 2007, the flights have attracted residents of both places as well as those in the Pearl River Delta Region to respond favourably to the market. The passenger volume increases year on year. In order to further liberalize the air transport market between Macao and Japan so that the development of air passengers and cargo between the two places will be enhanced, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) and the Civil Aviation Bureau (CAB), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan met in Macao on 13 and 14 July 2011 to renew the Record of Discussions (ROD) relating to air services between the two places. According to the new ROD which was signed by both parties, Japan agreed to increase the Tokyo capacity to the Macao designated airline with 7 flights per week from 2012 and then eliminate all Tokyo capacity restrictions from 2013 when the capacity at Narita Airport has increased. In addition, Japan agreed to grant fifth freedom traffic rights to the Macao designated airline for all points in Japan, except Tokyo. The new ROD has created more advantageous conditions for the operation of air services by the Macao designated airline. In accordance with the old ROD which was signed in 2009, Macao can fly to all points in Japan with no capacity restrictions. However, the operation to Tokyo Narita Airport was only limited to 3 flights per week; besides, fifth freedom rights were not granted to Macao. The new ROD has removed these restrictions. From 2012 summer season, the Macao designated airline can fly 7 flights per week to Tokyo; from 2013 summer schedule when the capacity at Narita Airport has increased, the Macao designated airline is allowed to operate flights to Tokyo with unlimited frequencies. In the aspect of traffic rights, the Macao designated airline can enjoy fifth freedom rights for all points in Japan except Tokyo. In the aspect of code-sharing for domestic segments, the old ROD only allowed up to 5 segments with 2 frequencies per segment. The new ROD has lifted these restrictions. During the discussions, the Macao side stated that the number of Japanese tourists to Macao increases year on year and ranks the fifth position in Macao's inbound travel. Affected by the earthquake in March this year and the radiation impact that followed afterwards, the number of Japanese tourists to Macao has decreased by 10%; Air Macau Co. Ltd. was forced to either suspend or reduce the frequencies for their flights to Tokyo and Osaka. But as the aftermath has slowly steadied and the tourism activities in Japan are gradually turning back to normal, Air Macau Co. Ltd. has gradually resumed their normal flights to the two cities since July. In addition, the Macao side also took the opportunity to explain to the Japanese side the open skies policies in the territory and the vision of Macao's participation in Pearl River Delta (PRD) cooperation. Guangdong, HongKong and Macao will intensify their cooperation to cope with the need for regional integration; the construction of the new road transport network between the cities in PRD, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will enhance the accessibility of Macau International Airport by the cities in the Region. As Macao itself does not generate enough passengers to support its air transport, it is therefore the aim of Macao International Airport to extend its catchment area from its own population to the PRD area. In the meeting, the Japanese side stated that Japan is now facing economic downturn. The earthquake in March has brought a big impact on their international air services. Japan therefore hopes to recover its economy soon. In the aspect of aviation, Japan will further liberalize their skies, for example, granting fifth freedom traffic rights, and strive to fully utilize the potentials of their airports and airlines, for example, privatizing the airports in order that the resources will be better allocated to increase operational benefits. Furthermore, the Macao side expressed their wish to operate to the Haneda Airport. However, the Japanese side stated that the capacity at the Haneda Airport is fully saturated and therefore does not have slots to offer to new airlines. However, the Haneda Airport is planning to increase the daytime slots. Japan has always been the market that the SAR Government is eager to exploit and consolidate. With the support of the SAR Government, the airline in Macao has played an active role in developing the market between the two places. The passenger throughput has increased from 21,569 in 2007 to 93,406 in 2010, the number of which has grown more than three times. These statistics prove that Macao is proactive in developing the Japanese market and good results are achieved. The favourable response by the passengers also proves that there is a big potential in developing the air transport market between Macao and Japan. The AACM President, Mr. Simon Chan said, "In our previous talks with the Japanese aeronautical authorities, we have always requested Japan to grant us Tokyo in the route operated by the Macao designated airline. However, due to the saturation in the capacity at the Narita Airport, Japan could only give us Tokyo with operational limitations. But with these years of thriving traffic performance achieved by our airline and the increased capacity at the Narita Airport in the future, Japan has now agreed to liberalize the conditions of our operations to Tokyo." Mr. Simon Chan also pointed out that among the Japanese tourists, only less than 10% choose to arrive in Macao by air, there is a big potential to increase our air traffic by attracting these tourists to take the air mode to Macao. He therefore hoped that the airline in Macao will operate the flights between Macao and Japan with endeavours and therefore make the most use of the aviation resources, such that the trade and commerce, tourism and cultural exchange between the two places can further be enhanced. The Chief Air Talks Officer, CAB, MLIT of Japan, Mr. Mitsuo Kawakami, and Mr. Simon Chan represented the two authorities to sign the new ROD. Apart from the officials from the two aeronautical authorities, the delegations also comprised representatives from Air Macau Co. Ltd., CAM-Macau International Airport Co. Ltd., the Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong, Japan Airlines Co. Ltd. and All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that TPI (111.28) for the second quarter of 2011 rose by 11.43% year-on-year; the increment was led by hotel accommodation that contributed 6.06 percentage points to the TPI increase. Price index of Accommodation (+29.82%); Miscellaneous Goods (+16.81%); and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+10.48%) recorded notable increase, attributable to rising hotel room rate, as well as dearer prices of food and gold jewellery. TPI for the second quarter of 2011 decreased by 1.42% quarter-to-quarter, of which the price index of Accommodation Services registered a decrease of 12.10% on account of lower hotel room rate from the first quarter. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear; Entertainment & Cultural Activities increased by 8.54% and 3.65% respectively. The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the second quarter of 2011 increased by 12.22% from the previous period, with index of Accommodation and Miscellaneous Goods increasing by 24.33% and 20.39% respectively. For the first half year of 2011, TPI went up by 12.99% year-on-year, with notable increase being observed in Accommodation Services (+31.00%) and Miscellaneous Goods (+19.08%). The 2009/2010-based TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are based on the consumption pattern of visitors, namely Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; Clothing & Footwear; Accommodation; Restaurant Services; Transport & Communications; Medicine & Personal Goods; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods.
…

The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP225.7 billion (USD28.16 billion) at the end of June 2011. The reserves rose by 4.6% from the revised value of MOP215.8 billion (USD26.94 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves increased by MOP62.0 billion or 37.9%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-June 2011 represented 40 times the currency in circulation or 315.3% of Pataca M2 at end-May 2011. 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, fell by 0.21 points month-to-month and 5.47 points year-on-year to 86.82 in June 2011.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, is to lead a high level delegation to Nansha in Guangzhou on 18 July for the first Guangzhou-Macao Co-operation Meeting.
Announcing this today the Office of the Government Spokesman said the two governments would discuss details on the implementation of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) jointly by Guangzhou and Macao in Nansha, a zone of Guangzhou city.
They would exchange views on enhancing bilateral co-operation including trade, tourism, culture, education and other services.
Four agreements and memorandum to enhance co-operation on tourism, trade and convention and exhibition will be signed in the meeting. The Macao delegates would include the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, who is also the convener of the Macao side, and other officials.
The co-operative project of Macao and Nansha has been stipulated by the Guangdong and Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement in March 2011. In the following month, a specialised Guangzhou-Macao co-operation group had been set up during the meeting of the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Joint Conference. The set up of the specialised group symbolised the closer co-operation between the two governments.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 2.2% year-on-year to 582,596 in May 2011. Visitors from Mainland China (431,562); Taiwan, China (31,321); Hong Kong (25,170) and Republic of Korea (21,055) increased by 2.2%, 47.1%, 23.6% and 43.1% respectively. On the contrary, visitors from Japan (13,724) decreased by 39.4%. In the first five months of 2011, visitor arrivals in package tours decreased by 1.6% year-on-year to 2,534,151. In May 2011, Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours decreased by 10.1% year-on-year to 17,180, with those to Thailand increasing significantly but those to Japan seeing substantial decrease. The most popular tour itineraries are Mainland China (78.1% of total), Thailand (6.2%) and Malaysia (4.4%). In the first five months of 2011, outbound residents in package tours increased by 2.5% year-on-year to 90,797. At the same time, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies surged by 30.0% year-on-year to 48,046; the main destinations were Mainland China (41.2% of total); Hong Kong (20.7%); and Taiwan, China (18.1%). Those travelling to Thailand and Republic of Korea also registered notable increase. In the first five months of 2011, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 26.7% year-on-year to 220,861. At the end of May 2011, total number of available guest rooms of hotels and guest-houses increased by 1,945 (+9.9%) year-on-year to 21,518 rooms, attributable to the opening of new 5-star hotels. Hotels and guest-houses received 689,495 guests in May 2011, up by 5.9% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (54.3% of total) and Hong Kong (18.5%). The average length of stay of guests decreased by 0.01 night to 1.5 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses was 82.0%, up by 4.1 percentage points year-on-year. Average occupancy rate of hotels stood at 82.6%, with 4-star hotels leading at 88.2%. Hotel guests increased by 2.7% year-on-year to 3,284,327 in the first five months of 2011; average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 81.9%, up by 2.7 percentage points compared with 79.2% a year earlier. In the first five months of 2011, visitor-guests of hotels and guest-houses accounted for 61.3% of the total number of tourists (overnight visitors), higher than 60.8% in the same period of 2010.
…

The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will take place from October 20 to 23, this year. As in the past editions, a Macao SME Pavilion will be set-up at the venue this year, tentatively with 140 booths. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will continue to subsidize local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises by offering the following benefits: Participation Incentives
- Originally costing MOP9,000.00, after subsidy provided by the Organizer, rental of a nine square metres standard booth will be reduced to MOP3,600.00
- Registration before July 20, 2011 will enjoy 10% discount
- Participants in previous local exhibitions organized or coordinated by IPIM will be entitled to a 10% discount. Advertisement in Macao Trade and Invest Kiosks
Each exhibitor is entitled to broadcast its short advertising video (15-second versions) in the Macao Trade and Invest Kiosks, free-of-charge, for 24 weeks (i.e., 32,256 times). Applications for the above-mentioned benefits should meet the following conditions:
1. Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (employing in Macao less than 100 staff)
2. Be a Macao taxpayer and have registered as such with the Macao Finance Bureau for not less than two years (as of October 20, 2011).
3. At least 50% of the company´s shareholding is held by Macao-residents or Macao-incorporated companies.
4. Fulfil one of the following requirements:
a. The applicant has previously participated in local exhibitions organized or coordinated by IPIM
b. The applicant must be an enterprise trading in "Made in Macao" products, or holder of one or more "Macao Brand" products or is a "Macao Agent" of imported merchandises. Application for exhibition at the "Macao SME Pavilion" is open as from the date hereof until July 27, Mondays to Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applicants should come in person to the MIF Administrative and Service Centre (address: Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, n.º 263, China Civil Plaza, 20th Floor). Each SME may only apply for one booth, on a first-come-first-served basis. Booths arrangement will be made on account of business activities and respective positioning will be decided by drawing lots. For further information on the 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), please contact the MIF Administrative and Service Centre at (tel.) 853-2882 8711, (fax) 853-2882 8722 or browse the following official website: www.mif.com.mo.
…

Macao Post announced that the mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) previously affected by the strike action taken by the workers' union in Uruguay have resumed normal. Thank you for your kind attention.
…

The Workshop on "Macao at the Crossroads of Different Legal Systems", being part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, will take place from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 13th and from 9:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 14th, in the Macao Cultural Center, located at Avenida Xian Xing Hai, NAPE. It is jointly organized by the Institute of European Studies of Macau and by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau. Under the motto "Macao at the Crossroads of Different Legal Systems", this workshop aims at providing a platform that brings together different leading comparative law scholars, experts and legal professionals from the region to share their professional legal knowledge on this important contemporary legal theme. This event will focus on the following topics: I) Differences and Similarities: the Civil and Common Legal Systems in a Comparative Perspective; II) Overcoming the Dichotomy I: Hybrid Legal Systems; III) Overcoming the Dichotomy II: Europeanisation of Public and Private Law; IV) Economic Analysis of Law. The workshop will feature three round table exchange sessions / discussions as well as experts coming from Macau, Italy, USA, Japan and Portugal. This initiative will be conducted in English and has about 30 participants enrolled. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2012. The execution of this Programme is organised by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Economic Services, the Financial Services Bureau and the Institute of European Studies of Macao.
…

Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011MFE) came to a satisfactory conclusion at 6:00 p.m. today (July 10). The 3-day event achieved satisfactory results, having received overwhelming response from the visitors. As of 3:30 p.m. today, a total of 12,234 admissions was registered. During this year´s MFE, the Organizers have successfully arranged 1,196 business matching sessions, which resulted in the signing of 21 cooperation protocols. 2011MFE is jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association, Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association, Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of China Chain Store & Franchise Association, International Franchise Association and Japan Franchise Association. The event, which was coordinated by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, took place from July 8 to 10, at Exhibition Hall D of the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel. The theme of this year´s edition of the MFE is "Brand Expansion Continues, Business Opportunities to be Seized". As of 3:30 p.m. today (third day of the event), there was a total of 12,234 visitors, corresponding to a 65% increase over last year. According to the figures collected by the Organizers, improvements were registered in all areas when compared with the previous edition. In this regard, number of exhibitors increased by 27%, to 156. A total of 13 countries/regions participated in the 2011MFE, including Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Macao, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Portugal, the United States of America and Mexico, which showcased their products and services in such diverse areas as food and beverage, retail, services, education, marketing strategy and business consultancy. To accommodate the 32% increase in the number of booths this year, which totalled 206, the area of the venue was accordingly increased by 42%, to 5400 square metres. During the 2011MFE, a total of 1196 business matching sessions were held (last year: 1033), of which 85% were specially arranged for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and business starters, corresponding to a 16% increase over last year.. A total of 21 cooperation protocols were signed (last year: 18),increase 16.7%), including 10 in respect of franchising of food and beverage business, one relating to chain store, 8 for sale agency of international branded products and two connected with brands promotion. Scale of this year´s edition of the MFE was further expanded. Professional level of the event has also been enhanced, with Macao acting as a portal platform to attract international brands and chain store operators to showcase international brands from home and abroad at the 2011MFE, aiming to strengthen exchange and achieve cooperation. According to the figures and the number of visitors collected by the Organizers, this year´s edition of the MFE has achieved the desired results and offered a lively atmosphere at the venue. It is believed that there are several reasons in the increase of the number of visitors, one of which due to the fact that the two days opened to the public fall on a week-end, which facilitated for people to bring along their whole family. The second being that spectacular performances are organized at the multi-purpose area: while showcasing the products, an entertainment flavour was added, which greatly contribute to offer a lively atmosphere. Besides, free food and beverage tasting at the Food and Beverage Area was also one of the main attractions of the 2011MFE. Furthermore, there were several professional presentations and forums, which greatly contributed to inspire the audience to think about starting a franchising business. At the business matching area, an ideal environment was created to facilitate exchange of ideas and to discuss about cooperation opportunities. The Organizers have also provided one-stop service at the venue, to provide consultation services to persons intending to start or develop their own business through franchising. According to the preliminary data collected from a survey conducted on the first two days of the 2011MFE, visitors´ age ranged from 18 to 30 years-old (44%) and from 31 to 45 years (38%). This shows that the MFE has met its objective of creating a platform for potential young entrepreneurs to start their own business. The survey also shows that a majority (85%) of the exhibitors are basically satisfied with the arrangements and planning, and have expressed that they would be interested to participate in editions of the 2011MFE. (most probably: 28%, likely: 69%). At the press briefing this afternoon, Ms. Echo Chan, Acting President of IPIM said that, in view of the yearly increase in the number of exhibitors and the level of internationalization, MFE has gradually become a platform for business ventures, and specially benefits young business starters and the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, as a means to build brand image and to enhance corporate culture. Ms. Echo Chan said that the Organizers will make use of the experience gained from the organization of the past editions of the MFE, to appropriately articulate with the development of the tourism industry and the adequate diversification of Macao´s economy, and will put more efforts into promoting the local brands to the international markets while attracting at the same time more international brands to invest in Macao. Macao Franchise Expo 2012 will tentatively take place from July 6 to 8 next year, and will continue to actively promote the franchising industry, working hand-in-hand with the local and overseas business communities to create more business opportunities.
…

On second day of the 3-day event, Macao Franchise Expo 2011 (2011MFE) opened to the general public for the first time. Overall turnout was significantly higher than the first day, as trade visitors and the public were incessantly admitted to the venue. A total of 533 business matching sessions were held on 9 July, which resulted in the signing of 7 cooperation protocols. Gimmicks to improve brand awareness On the second day, the MFE has attracted large number of visitors, including a delegation comprised of approximately 300 experts and entrepreneurs from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. At the exhibition venue, some exhibitors devised ingenious schemes to attract attention, for instance, a cartoon design company from Zhuhai decorated its booth as a living room for small children, adorned with its own cartoon characters and children´s furniture. Attracted by booth´s cute design and the cartoon character, a lot of visitors stationed in front of the booth for pictures. Visitors interested in the exhibition content One of the exhibitors, an operator of animal hospital from Taiwan, expects to increase brand awareness through the MFE and conducted an opinion survey to collect market information from the public regarding development perspectives in the pet market, to plan for expansion overseas. Attracted by the unique characteristics of this type of business, many visitors have shown a lot of interest and inquired about initial investment costs, management model and other similar questions. After being briefed on the way the business is conducted, a visitor who happens to be also a pet shop owner, said that this has inspired him to consider combining his pet shop operation with an animal hospital, and would expand his business in that direction. Free food and beverage tasting particularly popular Aiming to create a lively atmosphere, the Organizers have especially devised a food area. Many food and beverage exhibitors offered free tasting, which received enthusiastic response from the visitors. There was from time to time a long queue at the Fujian gourmet booth. After tasting the food there, a visitor said that if branches of that restaurant were opened in Macao, she would certain pay a visit. The person-in-charge of the booth said that the warm response from the food tasting increased his company´s confidence in setting-up shops in Macao in the future. There is also an MFE Plaza at the venue, where visitors can rest and enjoy the food. The floor of the MFE Plaza is covered with imitation Portuguese cobblestones, giving a typical look to that area. Besides, a multi-purpose zone was set-up for the first time this year, where a "Bridal Catwalk Show" was held at 3:00 p.m. Models wearing elegant bridal gowns designed and made in Macao paraded before the public. Several cooperation protocols signed on Day 2 533 business matching sessions were arranged for the second day of the 2011MFE, resulting in the signing of seven cooperation protocols, as follows: franchise agreement on establishment of a food and beverage chain store in Macao, franchise agreement on the setting-up of a branded restaurant in Macao, agency for environmental protection energy saving lighting system, agency for Yunfu marble, agency for an international brand chocolate, and agency for Memorigin Tourbillon watches in Macao. The signing parties come from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico and Macao. Larger scale and increased professionalism For the first time, Macao Franchise Expo is staged at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, occupying an area in excess of five thousand square metres. There is an almost 30% increase, both in the number of exhibitors (over 150) and the number of booths (more than 200), as compared with last year. Also, the proportion of overseas exhibitors has increased, this year accounting for 70% of the total. Furthermore, the level of professionalism has also improved, as many famous international and local brands mark their presence. MFE has gradually become an ideal regional cooperation platform for franchise and chain store operations, providing excellent opportunity to young business starters and the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Only one day remaining, don´t lose the opportunity to visit 2011MFE There is only one day remaining – July 10 (Sunday). Opening hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. The Organizers have arranged free shuttle bus service for visitors to and from the venue. There are two routes, one departing from Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (near Royal Supermarket, Iao Hong Branch) and the other one from Avenida do Doutor Mario Soares (Macau Square). The Organizers hope that Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises planning to transfer and upgrade their business to grasp this opportunity and visit the MFE. For enquiries, please call the 2011MFE Secretariat at 6212 8811 or visit the following MFE official website: www.mfe.mo
…