News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for July-September 2009 was 3.7%, down by 0.1 percentage point over the previous period (June-August); the underemployment rate went up by 0.1 percentage point to 2.0%. Total labour force was 328,000 in July-September 2009, with the employed population decreasing by 3,000 from the previous period to 316,000. Analyzed by industry, employment of Real Estate & Business Activities and Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities increased from the preceding period, while that of Gaming registered a decrease. In July-September 2009, number of the unemployed dropped slightly by 400 over the preceding period to 12,000, with 17.6% (2,200) being fresh labour force entrants searching for the first job, up by 3.8 percentage points from June-August 2009. In comparison with July-September 2008, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate rose by 0.6 and 0.5 percentage point respectively. Meanwhile, the labour force participation rate (72.0%) fell by 0.6 percentage point from the previous period and by 0.9 percentage point year-on-year. In the third quarter of 2009, the unemployment rate of local residents stood at 4.6%, up by 0.1 percentage point over the second quarter of 2009; the labour force participation rate of local residents dropped by 0.2 percentage point to 67.1%.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of visitor and non-resident arrivals was 2,204,014 in September 2009; visitor arrivals for September 2009 increased by 3.8% year-on-year to 1,689,007. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China grew by 16.1% year-on-year to 878,479 (52.0% of total visitor arrivals), with 354,443 travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme, similar to that in September 2008 (354,329). Visitors from Japan (44,763) and Indonesia (30,098) rose by 24.8% and 65.5% respectively; however, those from Hong Kong (492,603); Taiwan, China (96,382) and Malaysia (22,714) decreased by 9.6%, 6.4% and 29.1%. Same-day visitors (851,758) accounted for 50.4% of the total visitor arrivals, with 446,735 coming from Mainland China. The cumulative visitor arrivals totalled 15,880,425 in the first nine months of 2009, down by 8.4% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China (7,908,936); Hong Kong (5,067,229); Taiwan, China (957,044); and Malaysia (222,666) fell by 11.9%, 2.5%, 4.4% and 28.7% respectively; however, those from Japan (277,013) registered an increase of 7.4%. Cumulative number of same-day visitors accounted for 52.8% of total visitor arrivals, at 8,388,079. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea totalled 6,335,065 in the first nine months of 2009, down by 6.7% year-on-year. Visitors arriving at the Outer Harbour decreased by 22.7% to 4,404,437, while those arriving at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa surged by 113.4% to 1,723,980. Visitor arrivals by land dropped by 9.8% year-on-year to 8,386,241 in the first nine months of 2009; those arriving through the Border Gate totalled 7,796,764 and the majority were visitors from Mainland China (77.1%) and Hong Kong (14.8%). Visitor arrivals by air went down by 7.1% year-on-year to 1,159,119 in the first nine months of 2009. Visitors arriving at the Macao International Airport fell by 7.1% to 1,135,084, with the majority coming from Taiwan, China (39.1%), Mainland China (24.9%), Malaysia (7.6%) and Thailand (6.8%).
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The four-day 14th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), has come to a close today, 25th October 2009. The 15th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 21st to 24th October 2010. Conclusion of activities Considering the organizational scale, no. of participating countries and regions, and radiative impact, the 14th MIF has been the largest ever. As at 3:00 PM this afternoon (25th October), over 60,000 visits were registered, representing an increase of more than 21 % compared with the approximate 50,000 visitors last year, of which more than 8,000 being trade visitors, up more than 43 % year-on-year. A total of 1,032 sessions of business matching were conducted. Over the last 4 days, 60 letters of intent/memorando/agreements were signed, valued at approximately MOP 4.3 billion. During the period, a total of 36 forums, conferences, seminars & presentations were held with 5,335 attendees. The scale of this year’s MIF regarding the no. of booths increased by 20%. Including the co-located Wine and Gourmet Asia, there were altogether 644 exhibitors coming from 48 countries and regions comprising 1,074 booths. Not only the scale of the exhibition has been expanded, a number of new, independent overseas pavilions such as ASEAN and Russian Far East have more enriched and extensive contents, highlighting the theme of internationalization. This year, the exhibition area for specialized trades has also been expanded with the addition of pavilions for creative industry pavilion and digital photography. In respect of expansion, there has been a more detailed classification for type of business. Not only the contents are enriched, the themes for the various pavilions have been more concentrated and specialized, thus enhancing the attractiveness to trade visitors. During the period, numerous sessions of conferences, forums and business matching as well as product and service promotion activities have been held, with encouraging response. The opening ceremony of MIF has been officiated by Mr. Edmund Ho, Chief Executive of Macao SAR and was attended by a record number of over 3,000 guests from 61 countries and regions. In the conferences and forums, speakers included government officials, business leaders, industrial elite, experts and scholars, who have elevated the professionalism and results of exchange. In the “International Trade and Investment Forum 2009”, representatives and business leaders from numerous overseas countries and regions get together to explore regional trade and economic investment and cooperation. The 6th Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs has been attended by over 1,000 trade visitors from across the world to gather in Macao to exchange and discuss the business opportunities in the Greater China region. The number of participants has been the highest with the widest representation in terms of participating regions. During the Fair, there have been a series of economic and trade seminars between Macao and Vietnam, the Philippines, European Union, Latin America, Portuguese-speaking countries and Mainland China. Participants from different countries and regions presented enthusiastically the economic and trade development conditions and industrial policies of their own country or region. It is intended that through the exchange platform provided by the seminars, the countries and regions are able to promote their economic image as well as economic and trade exchange and cooperation for joint development. During these exchange seminars, a number of cooperation agreements or strategic cooperation memorandums for a wide array of industries within the region have been reached. Looking back at the various forums, conferences and commercial promotion seminars of this year’s MIF, when compared with past years, the number of participants and their respective levels, and the number of countries have been increased year after year, resulting more fruitful results. It can been seen that Macao’s internationalized platform and MIF as a service platform for specialized, international exchange have gained more and more international recognition. Business matching and agreement signing Prior to and during the 14th MIF, the Organiser has received a total of 2,404 business matching projects (a year-on-year increase of 1.74%), which include 1,819 investment cooperation projects, 158 franchising and chain store brands, 300 supplies projects, 69 buyers with 127 procurement projects. During the fair, a total of 1,032 on-site business matching sessions (up 20% year-on-year) were arranged which brought about business partnerships, which include 371 procurement meetings (35.95%), 304 sessions for products/services supplies (29.46%), 141 franchising/brand distribution (13.66%), 179 specialized matching sessions (17.34%) and 37 sessions for investment projects (3.59%). As at 3:00 PM (25th Oct), a total of 60 projects (up 62.16% year-on-year) have been signed (including the ones signed off-site as informed by Organiser), valued at approximately MOP 4.3 billion, (up 22.88% year-on-year) , including “21 agreements, 20 letters of intention, 13 agreements and 6 memorandums, including 20 items for product/service supplies, 3 items for franchising, 6 items for brand distribution, 22 investment cooperation projects, and 9 other items. The business areas included manufacturing, electronics, product distribution, convention and exhibition, real estate, catering and training, supermarket cooperation, environmental protection, investment project, hotel and travel, entertainment, telecommunications software, convention and exhibition, medicine, and friendly cooperation between governments and trade associations. Signing countries include Macao, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Portugal, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil, Japan, Romania, the Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, etc. Summarising the business matching and agreements signed during the MIF this year, the position of MIF in regional economic and trade exchange service shall be to continue serving Macao’s SMEs to utilize Macao’s platform, in a variety of flexible business forms to deepen Macao’s economic diversification and reinforce the role of a regional platform, enhance external economic exchange, promoting cooperation of the market of China with the counterparts in ASEAN, EU and Portuguese-speaking countries. Multiple results In the past decade, MIF has been grounded upon Macao’s own economic characteristics and advantages in accordance with the SAR government’s development strategy of economic diversification to adjust and enrich the theme and contents of the Fair. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Macao SAR, the MIF this year has reinforced the contents of display and exchange. Macao Pavilion has presented a general review of Macao’s development and achievements in the past decade by demonstrating to the world Macao’s social stability and prosperity, rapid economic development, the image of the further internationalization of an exchange platform. Macao Manufactures and Trades Pavilion has employed many different means of display to exhibit the products made in Macao and products with agents in Macao, thus solidifying the promotion of Macao’s commerce and industry and developing jointly new business opportunities. MIF has been dedicated to serving SMEs. During the “SMEs International Business Days”, a lot of SMEs were attracted to take part in business matching and presentations. This year, the SME Exhibition has received good responses, with 143 exhibitors, who have displayed and put on sale a vast variety of projects and services to open the Mainland and overseas markets, attracting a great many visitors and residents. The number of booths has increased by 50% with satisfaction results both in display and sale. The Exhibition which is widely popular with the local SMEs, general public and visitors, remains a highlight of the MIF. Last year, Wine and Gourmet Asia (WGA)became a partner fair of MIF. This year, WGA has co-located with MIF for the first time. By way of synergistic effect, both Fairs attract trade visitors of each other and the results have been prominent. During the event, WGA has brought 2,041 more trade visitors to MIF, while MIF has arranged almost 100 business matching sessions, and provided more business opportunities and visitors to the WGA. The newly introduced “One-Trip, Multi-Stop” service have brought in more cooperation and mutual benefits to other fairs in the region, including “China Yiwu International Commodities Fair”, “106th China Import and Export Fair” and “Shenzhen Toys and Gifts Fair”. A total of 1,020 trade visitors have participated in MIF through this service. The Organiser has also arranged one-stop coaches in the region and organized trades visitors from Macao, Portuguese-speaking countries, South East Asia and other overseas countries to participate in the 14th MIF. The MIF has been concerned about the global issue of “resources bottleneck” and is putting an emphasis on the “green” theme of ecological environmental protection by using recyclable building materials and promoting an image of “green exhibition”. Almost 80% of the booths have special decoration, of which over 60% are using recyclable materials and every effort has been made to economize material usage. When MIF is over, the entities concerned will collect the materials used in the booths and turn them back into usable forms. With the evolution of MIF as Macao’s brand name fair, Macao’s convention and exhibition industry also developed at a fast pace. This year’s MIF, in terms of organization, booth construction, exhibition service, has seen a greater participation by local enterprises. Looking at the results of the MIF this year, it proves that Macao’s convention and exhibition industry’s competency has been gradually raised and catching up with international standards. Survey This year’s MIF has entrusted the University of Macao to conduct a survey to collect data for future reference. The report of the survey will be announced shortly.
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Up to 6:00 p.m. of the fourth day (24th October) of the Macau International and Investment Fair (MIF), the number of visitors registered was 18,902, an 9.6% over last year (17,249). A total of 305 business matching sessions were held and 23 protocols signed, including the memorandum of understanding between Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Romania Trade Promotion Center, for the establishment of trade and economic cooperation and improvement of trade information exchange between the two sides, and other cooperation agreements, namely in the catering industry, tourism and entertainment projects, investment in the construction of environmentally friendly steel pipe products, product agency and trade, brand catering franchise, medical technology research and development, and management and training, among others. The Fair attracted a large number of public today, being the first day of the long week-end. Booths at the SME Zone, offering retail sale, were especially popular. Many people brought along the whole family, to purchase food, liquor, household goods and other products. Visitors were generally satisfied with the supporting facilities. A number of visitors said that they felt a festive atmosphere at the venue. Booths with retail sale as well as professional booths provided a large quantity of information to the visitors, which will be useful for the development of the economy and trade in different markets. Some exhibitors said that the arrangements were satisfactory and stated that they have achieved the expected results, despite the fact that there is still room for improvement. Other exhibitors said that MIF provided them with an opportunity to showcase their products and also gave visitors from Mainland China and abroad to have a better understanding of Macao products. The Organizer has arranged a series of international conferences and trade promotion activities today, which attracted a large number of traders and members of the public. Response from both the exhibitors and the public was generally enthusiastic. Main activities held today were as follows: The 6th World Summit of Chinese Enterprises One of the most important components of MIF, "The 6th World Summit of Chinese Enterprises" was solemnly inaugurated this morning, attended by 1300 representatives of the Chinese business communities from 35 countries and regions, congregating to explore trade and economic cooperation and discuss about potential business opportunities worldwide, especially across the two margins of the Taiwan Strait, including Hong Kong and Macao. The Summit was organized by the World Federation of Chinese Enterprises Organization, with the support of IPIM. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Mr. Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region. Guests present included Mr. Chen Yunlin, chairman of the Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait, Mr. Chih-peng Huang, Director General of Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administration Region, Mr. Sun Yao, Vice-Governor of Heilongjiang Province, Dr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao Special Administrative Region, and Dr. Lee Peng Hong, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. 2009 (Macao) Henan Xixiang Trade & Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Fair Organized by the Xixiang Municipal People's Government, Henan Province, with the supported of IPIM, the 2009 (Macao) Henan Xinxiang Trade & Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Fair was held this afternoon. Dr. Lee Peng Hong, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Eng. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office, Mr. Hui Sai Un, President of the Board of Directors of Macao Chamber of Commerce and over 260 other dignitaries from Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China attended the event. As part of the Cooperation Fair, a presentation was made about the current economic situation and industrial development in Xixiang Municipality. It was also mentioned that, given its urban brand name and gradually growing economic power, Macao is ideally positioned to assist enterprises in Mainland China, including enterprises from Henan Province, to develop the markets in the Portuguese-speaking Countries as well as other markets, through its efficient and convenient platform. Mr. Jackson Chang, Executive Director of IPIM said that he hoped that through the Cooperation Fair, mutual understanding between Henan Province and Macao will be deepened in the future and that bilateral trade and cooperation between the two sides will be further intensified, for mutual benefit. "4th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association" and "Prize Awarding Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Macao Hall of Fame. To mark the 4th anniversary of the Macao Businesswomen Association, a Prize Awarding Ceremony was held this afternoon. Dr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Son Yanbin, Deputy Commissioner of the PRC Foreign Ministry in Macao SAR, Dr. Lee Peng Hong, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Eng. Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of Macau Government Tourist Office and Mr. Tong Chi Kin, member of the Executive Council attended the event. Greater China Economy – a Year after the Financial Tsunami Organized by The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, with the support of IPIM, a symposium on "Greater China Economy – a Year After the Financial Tsunami" was held this morning. Teddy Kwon, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Macau, said that the financial tsunami brought an extensive impact on the Asia-Pacific, but that HSBC will assist the enterprises to develop, by providing professional management and service. Key speaker, Mr. George Leung, Advisor, Strategy and Economy, Asia-Pacific, HSBC made an analysis on the crisis facing the Greater China after the financial tsunami as well as potential opportunities, and committed to assist the enterprises to deploy appropriate development strategies to seize business opportunities. Bird Nest Investment Opportunities in Malaysia & Franchising of Cafe Serving Delicacies with Bird Nests Organized by THS Industries SDN BHD, the above event was held today, to introduce the current market situation of the bird's nest business in Malaysia and promoted the franchise business in this area. The following events were also held at the MIF today: "Camera – Cultural & Creative Industry", "7th Special Industry Seminar on how to develop a brand: Unique Business Opportunity", "Coffee Tasting", "eBay Macau Sellers Seminar" and "The 5th International Conference on Health Preservation – Cultural and Scientific Health Care Seminar – Opening Ceremony & Business Matching Session". After four consecutive days, the 14th MIF will close tomorrow. People from all walks of life and visitors from all over the world are welcome and provide us with their guidance. Against presentation of their entry ticket, visitors can enjoy 4-hour free parking at the basement car park of Venetian-Macao-Resort.
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The Macau Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was opened to the public for the first time today (23rd October). The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government of the People's Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Bai Zhijian visited the MIF this afternoon, accompanied by the President and Executive Director of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Dr. Lee Peng Hong and Ms. Echo Chan, respectively. Mr. Bai talked to the exhibitors about the condition of the Fair. Up to 6:00 p.m. today, the Organizer registered 14.127 visits, corresponding to a 40,7% increase compared with the previous day (10,108 visitors). 453 business matching sessions were held and 21 cooperation protocols and memoranda of understanding were signed, a great number than the first day of the Fair. Manila F.A.M.E. and MIF signed a memorandum of understanding for the long-term cooperation between the two events. Cooperation protocols were also signed for cooperation in the areas of franchising, hotel and tourism investment and franchising of branded foodstuff and beverages, agricultural by-products, energy saving and environmental protection products. SERIE OF ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER THE ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN MACAU AND OTHER COUNTRIES
A series of activities were held on the second day, related with the economic and trade cooperation and business opportunities. Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Dr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen was present at the seminar "Vietnam-Macao Opportunities for Investment and Trade", jointly organized by the Consulate of Vietnam in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, Vietnam Quang Ninh Provincial People's Communities and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. Speaking at the seminar, Secretary Tam said that Vietnam is one of the members of ASEAN and an important partner of Macau in the fostering of relationship with the member-countries of ASEAN. He said that there has been a further reinforcement of the trade and economic relationship between Vietnam and Macao in recent years and hoped that through this seminar, said cooperation would be further deepened and developed. Representatives of the Consulate-General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau, of the Finance Department of the Vietnam Government and of the Vietnam Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee made a presentation on Vietnam and the policy adopted by that country in the attraction of foreign investment for industrial development. Secretary Tam also participated in another event of significant importance, namely the "Forum on Economic Cooperation Between Heilongjiang, Hong Kong, Macao and Russian Far East Region on Reinforcement of Regional Cooperation". Mr. Chen Yun Lin, President of the Association for the Cooperation Between Both Sides of the Straight, Ms. Gao Yan, Vice-Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government of the PRC in Macao SAR, Dr. Lee Peng Hong, President of IPIM, the President of the World Federation of Chinese Enterprises, the Vice-Governor of the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province, the President of the Federation of Trade Associations of Taiwan and the President of the Russian Far East Region were also present, among others. After the seminar, several business matching sessions were held, including seminar on the cooperation in economy and trade, foreign trade, cooperation in science and technology, cooperation in MICE and also on the development of Russia. On the other land, the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Consulate-General in Macao and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute jointly held "The Philippines: Your Business Destination and Gateway to ASEAN" seminar. The Consul-General of the Philippines in Macao said that, through the participation in the activities of the MIF, it is hoped that the economic relationship of his country with Macao will be further straightened. During the seminar, a memorandum of understanding was signed between IPIM and the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines for the establishment of partnership between MIF and Manila F.A.M.E. to mutually fairs and conventions, as a mean to develop the MICE industry in both territories. The following events were also held today: "The Establishment of Real Business Opportunities for the Chinese & Lusophone Entrepreneurial Communities in the Newest Challenging World Economy Environment", jointly organized by the International Lusophone Markets Business Association, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Macao Industry Development Fund, Supporting Office to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries, and Macau Government Tourist Office; "Culture Creativity Industry to Promote Economic Diversification", "US Environmental Industry Business Matching Session" (at the USA Pavilion), "Asia Supplier Advisory Council, Macau", "The Inner Mongolia and Macao Economic Trade and Cooperation Forum", "Free Softwares: A Cost-Effective Option for SMEs. Inauguration of "Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association" also took place today, at the MIF venue. IPIM assisted in the formation of the said association. ACTIVITIES FOR 24TH OCTOBER
The 3rd day of the MIF continues to be opened to the public, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors with tickets for the fair can enjoy 4 hours of free parking at the basement of Venetian-Macao-Resort. A series of activities will take place, including the "6th World Summit of Chinese Entrepeneurs", "Greater China Economy – A Year After the Financial Tsunami", "The 4th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association", The Prize Ceremony of the 3rd Session of Most Special List of Macau on the Special Food Series – Chinese Dim Sum", "Camera – Cultural & Creative Industry", "The 7th Special Industry Seminar on how to develop a brand: Unique Business Opportunity", "The 5th International Conference on Health Preservation – Cultural and Scientific Health Care Seminar – Opening Ceremony & Business Matching", "2009 (Macao) Henan Xiniang Trade & Tourism Exchange and Cooperation Fair", organized by the Xixiang Municipal People's Government, Henan Province, "Bird Nest Investment Opportunities in Malaysia & Franchising of Café Serving Delicacies with Bird Nests", "Coffee Tasting" and "eBay May Sellers Seminar". - END -
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During 14th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, the EU-Macao Business Opportunity Seminar - Developing New Industries Based on Creativity and Intellectual Property, jointly organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Macao Economic Services (DSE), Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (CPTTM), Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM) and the European Union Business Information Programme (EUBIP), was held successfully on 24 October. By using the MIF platform, the Seminar aimed to promote the development of emerging industries in Macao. Ms. Echo Chan, IPIM’s Executive Director and Dr. José Luís de Sales Marques, IEEM’s President gave welcoming speeches at the Seminar. Other guests including Mr. Stephane Passeri, Independent Consultant on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Co-operation and Mr. Simon Evans, Director and Founder of Creative Clusters Ltd. also spoke on EU countries’ experience in the development of the creative industry, intellectual property co-operation between EU and Macao as well as development strategies for Macao’s creative companies. A panel discussion was organised during the Seminar to promote communication between enterprises from the EU and Macao. The eight panellists included Dr. José Luís de Sales Marques, President of IEEM, Mr. Stephane Passeri, Independent Consultant on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Co-operation, Mr. Simon Evans, Director and Founder of Creative Clusters Ltd., Mr. Carlos Marreiros, Director General of Albergue SCM, Ms. Lúcia Lemos, Project Manager of the Centre for Creative Industry, Ms. Victoria Kuan, Manager of Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre, Mr. Keith Pang, Product Designer in Macao and Ms. Rebecca Choi, Marketing Director of Conde Group in Macao. They exchanged views on the co-operation between the in the EU and Macao as well as the development strategies of Macao’s creative industries.
In addition, the business-matching area and the intellectual property information counter set up at the venue assisted entrepreneurs in their search for potential business partners. Over 100 representatives from Europe, Mainland China, Macao and other regions attended. End
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The Macau International Fair (MIF) attracted a large number of visitors today, the 2nd day of the Fair. On the opening day yesterday, only professional visitors were allowed to visit the more than one more booths on display. Even before the week-end, booths everywhere were crowded, especially those offering retail sale. The area of the 14th MIF is the biggest ever and it is richer in content as compared with the previous editions. Pavilions in this year's MIF include the following: Macao Pavilion, Macao Manufactures and Trades Pavilion, China's Provinces and Cities Pavilion, Enterprises Pavilion, Taiwan Hall, ASEAN Pavilion, Russian Far East Zone, European Union Pavilion, Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion, Portugal Pavilion, ACIML's Exhibition Area, US Pavilion, German Guild Hall, Latin American Pavilion and International Trade and Investment Promotion Institutes Pavilion. Furthermore, there is also a series of specialized exhibition zones, aiming to promote the cooperation among the various sectors, such as the Digital Imaging & Photography Equipment Pavilion, International Brands and Franchising Pavilion, Overseas Wedding & Macau Banquet Expo 2009, Macao Convention & Exhibition Pavilion, SME Exhibition, China Fujian Province Hui'an County Stone Carving & Wood Carving Exhibition Region, China's Etchnic Groups – Unity & Progress thematic zone and International Brands and Franchising Pavilion, among others. MACAO PAVILION
Macao Pavilion is situated in a particularly visible location, at the entrance of the Fair. It showcases the development of the economic diversification of Macao and the role played by the chambers of commerce and business associations in Macao over the years. To mark the 10th anniversary of the handover, a "Photographic Exposition of the Retrospective of the Economic Development in Macao" is held at the Macao Pavilion, to highlight the evolution of Macao's development since the handover, with regards to its economy and its role in the construction of the economic and commercial services platform and in the setting-up of the regional cooperation, through slides with images and words, shown in huge digital displays. PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING ZONE
Following the continuous consolidation of MIF's role as an economic and commercial platform, the size of the Portuguese-Speaking Countries Pavilion this year is the largest ever. Angola, Brazil, Mozambique, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and East Timor have set-up their respective booths in this zone, to introduce the economy and development of their respective countries, as well as the exports situation and investment environment. Additionally, at the Guine-Bissau and Mozambique's booths, arts and crafts, nuts, beverages and other typical products are on display. At the ACIML's Exhibition Area, several booths show different products of several companies, for imaging promotion purpose. Local exhibitors expect that through the MIF, they could expand their business to the huge Portuguese-Speaking Countries. EUROPEAN UNION PAVILION
With a contemporary presentation, the European Union Pavilion aims to focus the role of the various European chambers or commerce and business representation organizations, including the Sino-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, while providing opportunities for the promotion of the European Union's companies and agents of European products. Typical European products are on display, including wine and tiles, as a mean to advertise these products and for market expansion purpose, through the MIF. ASEAN Pavilion
For the first time, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia participate collective under ASEAN. Visitors to this Pavilion will have the opportunity of knowing about the economic and commercial development of each of the above-mentioned countries, and business opportunities offered therein. At the same time, tourist spots of each country are also focused. ASEAN Pavilion aims to promote regional cooperation. TAIWAN HALL
After its debut last year, the area of Taiwan Hall is doubled in size, to showcase the tourism and economic and commercial development of Taiwan. In addition, at the SME Exhibition Zone, delicious Taiwan food is available and is much in demand by the visitors. MACAO MANUFACTURES AND TRADES PAVILION
The design of Macao Manufactures and Trades is similar to that the cabin of an aircraft, to attract attention. Inside the said pavilion, products made in Macao are on display, including garments, textiles, pharmaceutical products, machines and electronic products, among others, to provide to the visitors and the general public a more detailed information about Macao's trade and industry, while serving as a platform for the industrial and commercial sectors to communicate with the outside world. CREATIVE INDUSTRY PAVILION In response to the Macao SAR's government appeal to assist the development of the local creative industry, for the first time, a Creative Industry Pavilion has been set-up at the MIF, to introduce this sector and as a mean to explore business opportunities. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION PAVILION
The Convention and Exhibition Sector and associated industry are shown separately at this year's MIF. To this effect, an International Convention and Exhibition Pavilion has been especially set-up, to gather a greater numbers of enterprises from Macao, Mainland China and abroad to exchange information on the latest trends and development of the convention and exhibition market as well as explore business opportunities in Macao. RETAIL SALE ZONE - A SPECIAL ATTRACTION
Besides to exhibition areas designed for professional visitors, there is also a SME Exhibition Zone as well as a Digital Imaging & Photography Equipment Pavilion, both attracting a large number of public. At the SME Exhibition there is constantly a crowd at the front of the booths, especially where there are merchandises for retail sale, such as arts and crafts, daily necessities, electronic appliances, garments and other products. The Digital Imaging & Photographic Pavilion, concentrating several photography associations and photography products agents, is also popular with the public. Latest digital photography products are especially on demand, with the exhibitors exchanging opinion and providing information on the latest products to the consumers.
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The 2009 “Macao Occupational skills Recognition System” (MORS) Gold Pin Competition Award Presentation Ceremony were held today in the Venetian Macao Exhibition Hall by the Institute For Tourism Studies (IFT). Ms. Helena Fernandes, Deputy Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, Mr. Lei Pou Loi, President of Macao Hotelier Association and Mr. Philip Hung, Head of Vocational Training Department, Labour Affairs Bureau presented awards to the winners. This year, there are 8 sessions of competitions altogether, including “Assistant Cook (Western Kitchen)”, “Bartender”, “Chinese Cook – Cantonese Cuisine (Intermediate level)”, “Concierge and Bell Attendant”, “Front Desk Agent/Customer Relations Officer”, “Room Attendant”, “Waiter / Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service)” and “Waiter / Waitress (Western Restaurant Service)”. The competition adapts a process of elimination, with 3 rounds of contests for each competition. The first 2 rounds of contests were held in forms of written examination and skill evaluation according to the fundamental knowledge covered in the MORS training manuals. Participants without MORS certificate will need to go through the first round. In order to be admitted to the second round, the contestants must reach a minimum score of 75%, and compete with those who possess the certificate. Contestants with excellent performances in the second round from each competition will be invited to join the final and given the certificates. Contestants aim at the 2 winning positions in each competition. Juries formed by over 20 respectful executives from the industry will observe closely and assess the contestants for the final winners, who will receive a MORS Gold Pin, MOP6,000 cash award and a scholarship of MOP2,000 for PACES training courses. Launched in 2001, Macao Occupational skills Recognition System (MORS) is a joint effort of the Tourism Industry of Macao and IFT with the main objective to upgrade human resources in the industry through the introduction of a certification scheme for a number of professions. At this moment, skills standards are introduced for the following occupations: - Assistant Cook (Western Kitchen)
- Bartender
- Chinese Cook – Cantonese Cuisine (Elementary)
- Chinese Cook – Cantonese Cuisine (Intermediate)
- Chinese Cook – Cantonese Dim Sum (Elementary)
- Chinese Cook – Cantonese Dim Sum (Intermediate)
- Concierge and Bell Attendant
- Customer Relations Officer
- Front Desk Agent
- Room Attendant
- Security Officer for Tourism and Gaming Industry
- Travel Consultant
- Waiter / Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service) - Waiter / Waitress (Western Restaurant Service) To reward and demonstrate outstanding MORS recognised professionals, IFT has been organising the Gold Pin Competition since 2002. Precipitants can be Entry-level Professionals sent by each training centre or they can be entering individually. There are 23 organisations, 211 participants taking part in the competitions this year. Gold Pin Competition final round contests examine contestants on their practical skills and details are as follows: Assistant Cook (Western Kitchen) Contestants have to bring in their own ingredients to create a menu consisting of a starter, a main course and a dessert; the time frame for preparation will be two hours. Jury team will assess the contestants on technical skills, creativity, organizational skills, hygiene, taste, presentation and consistency. Bartender Within a time frame, contestants have to choose at least one ingredient from the provided list and bring in their own ingredients and glassware to create a cocktail for two persons. The jury team will assess the contestants on technical skills, creativity, presentation, flavor, speed and consistency of the drink. Chinese Cook – Cantonese Cuisine (Intermediate level)
A series of ingredients will be given to the finalists and they will be asked to prepare three assigned main dishes. (Detail information will be provided later) The time frame for preparation will be two hours. Jury team will assess the contestants on technical skills, creativity, organizational skills, hygiene, taste, presentation and consistency. Concierge and Bell Attendant
Quiz Bee will also be adopted in the final round. Questions are designed to test the contestants’ job knowledge, information about Macao, tourist attractions, current events, language competence, etc. Front Desk Agent/Customer Relations Officer
The final round will be the time for testing contestants to show their overall technical skills and their knowledge. Each contestant will compete with each other in individual Quiz Bee on Front Desk / Customer Relations knowledge and skills as well as assigned questions, questions will now go deep into each category. The jury team will assess the contestants on their selling techniques, product knowledge, communication skills, language competence, body gesture, timing and overall presentation. Room Attendant
The participants will be given a maximum of 15 minutes to make up beds. The jury team will assess the contestants on speed and quality of work. Waiter / Waitress (Chinese Restaurant Service)
Contestants will be asked to share/spilt a special dish of food equally on trolley and to serve afterwards. Assessment will be based on technical skills, knowledge, speed and service quality. Waiter / Waitress (Western Restaurant Service)
Contestants are requested to perform a Gueridon Fruit Service, which include peeling, cutting, plating and serving various types of fresh fruit. Juries will base on the skill, standard of hygiene, posture, method, courtesy and speed to assess the contestants. IFT is a public institution of higher education that offers tourism, hospitality, heritage and events management degree programmes, as well as professional training courses. The main objective of MORS is to upgrade human resources in the Macao tourism industry through the introduction of a certification scheme for a number of professions, to the general public, so as to benefit Macao in a more competitive future.
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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.
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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.
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