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The fact that Macao is playing host to the Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries for the third time demonstrates the Central Government’s support and trust in Macao and its recognition of Macao as a bridge between China and Lusophone countries. This is according to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, in a speech at a dinner reception co-hosted by the Macao SAR Government and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to welcome the delegations of the Ministerial Conference. Mr Chui told the gathering at the East Asian Games Dome that as a non-political international economic and trade cooperation mechanism, the Forum had strengthened economic exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries around the world, enabling Macao to become a connection platform that boosts common development between China, Portuguese-speaking countries and the Macao SAR. He added that with the theme of “Diversified Cooperation, Harmonious Development”, this year’s Conference would continue to play an active role in promoting trade, investment and business cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Wrapping up his speech, the Chief Executive said that the Macao SAR government would spare no efforts to push forward with the “One country, two systems” principle, maintain social harmony and diversity, bolster sustainable development, and ensure long-term and stable growth. This evening’s reception was attended by about 500 guests, including the Premier of the State Council, Mr Wen Jiabao; delegates to the Conference; Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah; Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; Director of Research Office of the State Council, Mr Xie Fuzhan; Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Zhu Zhixin; Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council and the Director of the Premier's Office, Mr Qiu Xiaoxiong; Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Fu Ying; representatives of entrepreneurs and financiers from the Mainland, Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries; representatives of international organisations; and principal officials of the Macao SAR government.
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The Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries was lauded today for its contribution in bolstering exchanges between the two sides during the opening of the Third Ministerial Conference of the Forum. The heads of the seven delegations to the Conference spoke highly of the role of the Forum since its inception in 2003. The President of Timor-Leste, Mr José Ramos Horta, described the Forum as a flexible mechanism for co-operation that had brought immense benefits to peoples of the countries involved. For his part, the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr José Sócrates, noted that the Forum offered a unique opportunity for China and Portuguese-speaking countries to promote bilateral trade and investment. The Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, Mr Carlos Gomes Júnior, said he believed that the Forum would enhance mutual ties and promote sustainable growth. The Prime Minister of Mozambique, Mr Aires Bonifácio, said the previous action plans adopted by the Forum had been fully implemented, demonstrating the success of the Forum. The Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Telecommunication of Cape Verde, Mr Manuel Inocêncio Sousa, underlined that the Forum had the potential to boost co-operation on multiple fronts among its members. The Undersecretary General of Economic and Technological Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mr Pedro Luíz Carneiro de Mendonça, said his country acknowledged the Forum’s meaningful role in spurring growth in developing Portuguese-speaking countries and promoting China-Lusophone exchanges. The Minister of Economy of the Republic of Angola, Mr Abrahão Pio dos Santos Gourgel, pointed out that the Forum had helped its members cope with the challenges of globalisation. Meanwhile, the Premier of the State Council, Mr Wen Jiabao, said that the Forum had served as an important platform for mutually beneficial co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. He added that the Forum had also tapped into Macao’s unique advantage as a bridge between the two sides; thanks to the Forum, trade exchanges between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries have also strengthened.
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The Premier of the State Council, Mr Wen Jiabao, today announced six measures to help spur growth in developing Portuguese-speaking countries and help lift them out of poverty. These measures, outlined in the Premier’s speech to the Third Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, are to be introduced over the 2010-2013 period. They are:-- - A US$1 billion co-operation and development fund between China and Portuguese-speaking countries will be set up by financial institutions from the Mainland and Macao to boost financial co-operation. - 1.6 billion Yuan in concessional loans under the bilateral framework will be provided to the Asian and African members of the Forum. - Materials, equipment, technical personnel and other support will be offered to one bilateral agricultural project in each Asian and African member of the Forum. - Train 1,500 officials and technical personnel for the Asian and African member of the Forum and support the Macao SAR Government in establishing a training centre under the Forum in Macao. - Provide 1,000 one-year government scholarships to students from the Asian and African members of the Forum to study in China. - Medical equipment worth 10 million yuan will be offered to each Asian and African member of the Forum. The Premier stressed that China valued its friendship with Portuguese-speaking countries and stood ready to play its part in helping developing Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr Wen said China’s assistance to some of the developing Portuguese-speaking countries in the past had benefited the local people. He pointed out that China had provided a total of 3.56 billion yuan in assistance to Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and Timor-Leste since the founding of the Forum in 2003, and wrote off 230 million yuan of interest-free government loans for these countries. He also noted that a number of signature projects that China built, such as the Poilao Dam in Cape Verde, the national stadium in Mozambique, the Friendship Hospital in Guinea-Bissau, and the government office buildings in Timor-Leste, have become symbols of friendship between China and these countries and brought economic and social benefits to the people there.
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The Third Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries officially opened in Macao today. More than 1,500 senior officials and business leaders from China, Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and Timor-Leste attended the opening ceremony held at Macao East Asian Games Dome this morning. The Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao, delivered a keynote speech and the President of Timor-Leste, Mr José Ramos Horta, the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr José Sócrates, the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau, Mr Carlos Gomes Júnior, the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Mr Aires Bonifácio, the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Telecommunication of Cape Verde, Mr Manuel Inocêncio Sousa, the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Angola, Mr Abrahão Pio dos Santos Gourgel, and the Undersecretary General of Economic and Technological Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mr Pedro Luíz Carneiro de Mendonça, also made addresses. In his speech, Minister of Commerce Mr Chen Deming said since the initiation of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in 2003, it had become an important co-operation and communication platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. The opening of the Third Ministerial Conference would comprehensively enhance co-operation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries and contribute to the growth of global economy in a robust, sustainable and balanced way, Mr Chen said. During the forum China and the seven Portuguese-speaking countries would formulate plans for co-operation between 2010 and 2013 and sign relevant agreements.
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Politburo Standing Committee member of CPC Central Committee and Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao, arrived in Macao today for the opening of the Third Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. Mr Wen arrived at the Macao International Airport about 9:30 am and was welcomed by Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. Two children presented a bouquet to the Premier. Speaking to the press at the apron about his two-day visit, Mr Wen said he was thrilled with excitement for his first visit to Macao: he had had wanted to visit Macao for a long time. Mr Wen acknowledged the role of Macao as a platform to promote trade and co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, and expressed the Central Government's concern and support for Macao. With the leadership of the Chief Executive and the Macao SAR Government, strict adherence to the principles of ‘One country, two systems’, ‘Macao people governing Macao’, a high degree of autonomy and the Basic Law of Macao, and the enthusiasm and creativity of the Macao people, Macao would even develop further in economic and social terms, Mr Wen said. Officials who greeted Premier Wen Jiabao at the airport in addition to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, were the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va; the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai; the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen; the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va; the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U; the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io; the Prosecutor General of Public Prosecutions Office, Mr Ho Chio Meng; the Commissioner General of Unitary Police Service, Mr José Proença Branco; the Director-General of Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, Mr Lu Shumin; the Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Macao SAR, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng; Vice Minister of Public Security, Mr Chen Zhimin; Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Zengwei; Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Ms Hua Jian; Deputy Minister of the State Council Information Office, Mr Wang Zhongwei, and Deputy Directors of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Xu Ze and Ms Gao Yan. Members of Premier Wen’s delegation include the Minister of Commerce, Mr Chen Deming; the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; the Director of Research Office of the State Council, Mr Xie Fuzhan; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Zhu Zhixin; Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council and the Director of the Premier's Office, Mr Qiu Xiaoxiong, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Fu Ying.
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The Chinese and Portuguese editions of Macao Yearbook 2010, an annual publication compiled and edited by the Government Information Bureau (GCS) of the Macao SAR, will hit the shelf on 13 November 2010. The Macao Yearbook outlines major events, progress and changes made in the course of Macao’s political, economic, social and cultural development on a yearly and systematic basis. It provides detailed and up-to-date information for all who wish to study and understand the territory. The Macao Yearbook has been published since 2002, and it is available in three languages, namely Chinese, Portuguese and English. It is divided into five sections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government; Calendar of Events; Review of the MSAR; Overview of the MSAR; and Appendices. The Chinese edition of Macao Yearbook 2010 comprises 573 pages in about 27 million words while the Portuguese version contains 705 pages. Both are enriched by some 148 photographs. Consisting of 16 chapters, the Overview of the MSAR presents information on the political and administrative system; legal and judicial system; external relations; economy; gaming industry; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. Meanwhile in order to trace Macao’s changes in a visual manner, the GCS co-organised a photographic competition entitled “Precious Moments in Macao” with eight local photography organisations and four media groups in the first half of 2010. The Macao Yearbook 2010 has been enriched by 10 winning entries from the competition. The Macao Yearbook 2010, together with a complimentary CD-ROM containing the PDF version of the yearbook, can be purchased at the following places: major local bookstores, Government’s Public Information Centre at Rua do Campo, the Macao Post Office (Macao Post)’s Philatelic Division, Rua do Campo Branch, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Branch, Macau International Airport Branch, and Nova Taipa Branch starting from 13 November at 120 patacas per copy. The English edition of Macao Yearbook 2010 is in the process of printing, and will be available for sale in due course.
During the promotional period lasting until 31 March 2011, a 20-percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2010.
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In order to provide a better understanding to more Macao residents on the application procedure and methods of the intangible cultural heritage in Macao, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) will hold two briefing sessions this weekend (13th and 14th November). During the sessions, scholars specialized in protection of intangible cultural heritage from China will be invited to serve as speakers. Interested parties are welcome to attend.
With 450 hundred years’ history on cross-cultural communication between China and the West in addition to thousands of years’ of Chinese civilization behind, Macao features many distinctive, exceptional and multicultural intangible cultural heritages. These heritages are in need of our protection and efforts to pass down. In recent years, the public and the Government have been discussing at different levels on how to protect and pass down these fine traditions. In order to encourage local people, associations and institutions to submit their applications, and in order to provide them with a better knowledge of the procedure concerned, Macao Museum of IC has especially scheduled two briefing sessions, inviting two expert leaders from the national intangible heritage evaluation team – Mr. Qi Qingfu, a professor of Minzu University of China, and Mr. Wu Wenke, the director of the Quyi (Singing and Narrative Arts) Department at the Academy of Arts of China – to join the events. They will briefly explain to the public the protection policies of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and of China. The briefing will be from a nation-wide angle to explore the cultural value of Macao’s national intangible heritage and to introduce the assessment criteria of the national intangible cultural heritage. There will be communication with the public to answer their questions concerning the application, offering effective information and tips for those who are interested in protecting the intangible cultural heritage in Macao and intended to submit their application.
The session concerning folk culture (festivals or others) will be held on November 13th (Saturday), from 3 pm till 5 pm, and another session concerning Quyi and performing arts on November 14th (Sunday), from 3 pm till 5 pm. Simultaneous interpretation from Mandarin to Cantonese, from Mandarin to Portuguese will be provided. Interested parties may contact Mr. Chan at 8394-1221 during office hours to register. Registration will be on first-come-first-served basis. Further information can be found at Macao Museum’s website www.macaumuseum.gov.mo.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that Total Receipts and Total Expenditure of the Gaming Sector amounted to MOP 121.58 billion and MOP 63.32 billion, up by 9% each year-on-year. Moreover, Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy rose by 7% to MOP 71.75 billion; Gross Fixed Capital Formation surged by 220% to MOP 2.95 billion on account of rising investment in gaming facilities. Total Receipts stood at MOP 121.58 billion in 2009, of which receipts from Gaming & Related Services (e.g. food & beverages, currency exchange, etc.) amounted to MOP 121.40 billion, up by 9% from 2008; besides, Interest Receipts also went up by 9% to MOP 176 million. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 63.32 billion, with Purchase of Goods, Commission Paid and Customer Rebate increasing by 17% over 2008 to MOP 39.33 billion (62% of total); Operating Expenses (MOP 10.35 billion) was similar to that of 2008, while Compensation of Employees decreased by 5% to MOP 10.22 billion.
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Consumer Council released its November ‘Supermarket Price Survey Report’. Average prices of cooking oil and dairy products have both increased. Certain cooking oil brands recorded price increases of over 17 per cent. Average price of rice has also increased while beverage items and seasonings recorded a drop in prices. The Council conducted its latest price survey on 8th November, collecting price information of over 200 items in 14 local supermarkets. Prices of cooking oil recorded an increase after continuing to drop for several months. Out of 18 brands surveyed, 14 recorded price increases ranging from 5 per cent to over 17 per cent. Prices of dairy products also recorded price increase of less than 1 per cent to 11 per cent. Price rise was also observed in oral cleansing products, average price of ‘Colgate Total 12 Whitening Gel (160g)’ has increased almost 6 per cent since last month. Last month, only 70 kinds of products were found to have price rises, but 90 kinds of products recorded price rises in November. Half of the 22 beverage items surveyed showed decrease in average selling price while a total of 10 seasoning products recorded price drop. The Council will continue to check with the price trend in local market. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey Report’ is now accessible on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo) It is also available free of charge at the two offices of the Consumer Council, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) or through WAP channels on their mobile phones.
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The International Conference on the Heritage Preservation and Urban Renewal, being part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, will take place from 9:30 to 17:30, on both 11 and 12 of November, in the Handover Gifts Museum of Macau, located at Avenida Xian Xing Hai, NAPE. It is organized by Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM) and by the International Law Bureau of the Macau SAR (GADI). Under the motto “Re-ordering of the Old Districts of Macau: Legal Framework and Sustainable Development”, this conference aims at providing a mutual platform for professional experts and scholars from Macau, the region and Europe to share their knowledge on urban renewal and its legal implications, as well as the best practices in the field, in order to incessantly contribute to a sustainable heritage preservation and urban renewal that is currently taking place in Macau. This initiative also intends to, especially taking into consideration the enlistment in 2005 of the "Macau Historic Centre" in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, enhance the role of old districts re-ordering in harmonization with the preservation of existing heritage infrastructure in place. This conference will focus on the following topics: I) Macau urban re-ordering: current status, planning and perspectives; II) Comparative regional experiences from Asia and European perspectives; III) Policy Rationale of Urban Renewal and Impacts on Society; IV) Legal and Social Framework for Re-ordering of Old Districts of Macau. This initiative will have eleven exchange sessions / discussions as well as experts coming from Mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, England, Spain, Italy and Holland. The conference will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation to Cantonese, and has about 100 participants enrolled. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this conference, has the “Consolidation of the Macao Legal System” as its main objective and will extend until December 2012,. The total budget for the programme is 1.500.000 euros (approximately 16.500.000 patacas), being it co-financed by the European Union and the Macao Foundation, with the remaining costs being supported by the MSAR’s budget. The execution of the Co-operation Programme is coordinated by the International Law Bureau (GADI), with the participation of several other MSAR’s entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ), the Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), the Macau SAR Economic Services (DSE), the Financial Services Bureau (DSF) and the Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM).
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