News

Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, MGTO has waged a total of 81 sanctions, of which all were being investigated and will be judged according to established legal procedures, and offenders informed of their right to plead. At present, the first sanction proceeding has been completed and an operator who provided accommodation illegally is fined 200 000 patacas. Other cases are in different stages of sanction proceedings. The Cross-departmental Working Team has been conducting operations in the past two months and seized 12 operators, 12 touts and 12 persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (managing staff) on site. Apart from the operators seized on site, MGTO’s ensuing investigations will seek to establish if more offenders are involved. MGTO has begun sanction proceedings on offenders according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation". To date, one operator who provided accommodation illegally is fined 200 000 patacas. If the fine is not paid within the statutory period, the Financial Services Bureau will enforce the collection of fine. Meanwhile, six occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were fined 3 000 patacas each, among which, two have paid the fine. For those who fail to pay the fine within the statutory period, MGTO has notified the Financial Services Bureau to enforce the collection of fine and informed PSP that the involved persons should pay the fine or their reentry into Macau will be denied. According to the law, operators and persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas, persons who fail to cooperate can be fined up to 20 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas. From October 19 until 5p.m. today (Oct 25) the Cross-departmental Working Team sealed four premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and seized two touts, two managing staff, one overstayer and two illegal immigrants at the premises. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, 999 premise-checks were conducted, involving 692 premises, of which 81 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 101 were normal residences. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) will continue investigation on unanswered doors, which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. Meanwhile, during investigations to other cases, PSP has found 16 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases. To date, the operations involved more than 803 occupants, among whom 367 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 16 overstayers and 14 illegal immigrants. 12 operators, 12 touts, 12 persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (managing staff) and six occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were seized on site. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises.
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The four-day 15th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), has come to a close today (24th Oct). The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 20th to 23rd October 2011. Conclusion of activities
The overall scale of this year’s MIF has been significantly expanded and more internationalized both in the exhibition and the convention areas, with enriched contents of display. The four-day MIF received over 81,000 visits, of which over 8,200 being trade visitors which represented 4% increase year-on-year. A total of 1,151 sessions of business matching were conducted. Over the last 4 days, 62 agreements were signed. A total of 35 forums, conferences, seminars & presentations were held with 6,700 attendees (an increase of 26%). The scale of this year’s MIF regarding the no. of booths increased by 30%. There were altogether 760 exhibitors comprising more than 1,400 booths. New to the exhibition this year also included several themed pavilions, namely the Beijing Section, Zhuhai - Hengqin Investment Pavilion, Hainan Investment Pavilion, Cultural and Creative Industry Pavilion and Small Household Electrical Appliances Pavilion. The retail exhibition area was expanded and participated by SMEs from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, and hence enriched the contents of display and exchange. Trade visitors from more than 60 countries and regions were present this year, including numerous entities from the Central Government and several provinces and regions from the Mainland such as the Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia. In addition, there were also delegations from Portugal, East Timor, the Philippines etc. led by ministerial level officials. This is a clear indication of the increasing prestige and influence of the MIF both at home and abroad. During the period, numerous sessions of conferences, forums and business matching as well as product and service promotion activities were held, with encouraging responses from a great many exhibitors from home and abroad. During the many high level forums and conferences held, many had invited government officials, entrepreneurial leaders, elites of different trades, experts and scholars as keynote speakers, and the professional level and results of exchanges had been constantly enhanced. E.g. the “International Trade and Investment Forum 2010”, attracted the participation of the government representatives and business leaders from many countries and regions who gathered in Macao to explore regional trade and economic investment cooperation. During the “7th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs”, a record number of some 1,500 Chinese entrepreneurs from all over the world met in Macao to exchange their views about the business development of the Greater China economic circle. Other conventions such as “Seminar and Biz-talks on Beijing-Macau Economic Cooperation” and “Investment Opportunity in Zhuhai Hengqin New Area” coincided interactively with the related exhibition pavilions in strengthening the function of a business platform for investment and cooperation. During the Fair, there were a series of economic and trade seminars between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries, ASEAN, Latin America, European Union as well as many regions of the Mainland China such as Beijing and Hengqin of Zhuhai. Participants from different countries and regions presented the economic and trade development conditions and industrial policies of their own country or region. It is intended that through the MIF platform, the participants could promote economic and trade exchange and cooperation in the region and seek joint development. During these conventions, a number of cooperation agreements or strategic cooperation memorandums for a wide array of industries within the region were reached while a communication mechanism was established. This year, IPIM organized jointly with CPTTM the “Macao Fashion Week 2010”. Through the holding of professional fashion shows, it showcased the vitality of local and overseas garment enterprises and created a platform for communication and cooperation for garment manufacturers, brand business operators and designers/design houses. Details of Conclusion for Different Activities Business matching and agreement signing
The Organizer received a total of 2,449 business matching projects (a year-on-year increase of 1.87 %). During the Fair, a total of 1,151 onsite business matching sessions were arranged (a year-on-year increase of 11.53%). In particular, there were 362 sessions of purchase negotiations, 359 sessions of product/services supply negotiations, 173 sessions for franchising/brand distribution negotiations, 198 specialized matching sessions and 59 sessions of investment project negotiations. A total of 62 agreements were signed (including the information obtained by the Organizer regarding agreements signed outside the venue, a year-on-year increase of 3.33%). The trades and industries concerned included manufacturing, electronics technology, product distribution, real estate and catering, etc. The signing parties come from Macao, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Portugal, Taiwan, Japan, U.S.A., the Philippines, Indonesia, Germany, Brazil and Mozambique. Summarizing 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 Mainland China with the counterparts in ASEAN, EU and Portuguese-speaking countries. Meanwhile, the role of Macao as a platform in the communication and cooperation among Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan will be more prominent. As always, MIF is devoted to serving the SMEs of Macao, by way of the MIF platform, to utilize many flexible business means to expand domestic and overseas market and strengthen the economic diversification of Macao. Multiple results
The MIF this year launched a series of new measures to enrich the theme of the Fair, upgrade the level of the forums and conferences in order to strengthen the business matching function which, in turn, opens up more business and cooperation opportunities. Trade and investment promotion matching and business service produced effective results. The MIF this year had made more efforts in inviting professional visitors. In particular, the Organizer launched incentives plans for buyers, special invited trade visitors and themed pavilions, which had drawn a large number of trade visitors from Mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. Assisting actively SMEs in exploring business opportunities – This year, the MIF expanded the SME Exhibition by doubling the size of last year, having recruited more than 300 exhibitors from both sides of the Strait, making this year’s SME Exhibition the largest ever. Over the past 4 days, the Exhibition attracted many visitors and customers. The “SME International Business Days” (SME Day) focused on such emerging business models as franchising and e-commerce. By providing a wide range of services and activities such as a consultancy service counter, catalogue show, topical discussion, and service promotions, IPIM helped the SMEs to strengthen their general competitiveness, realize upgrading and transformation. The SME Day resulted in the signing of 23 cooperation agreements in environmental protection, specialties, real estate, and media promotion. “One-trip, Multi-stop” to enhance results of participation – Grounding on the experience of last year, the Organizer continued to conduct the “One-trip, Multi-stop” programme for trade visitors, which included tours to Canton Fair and to Hengqin of Zhuhai to inspect the investment environment and investment projects, with an aim of enhancing the results of participating in MIF. Survey
In order to have a more scientific and systemic conclusion of the Fair this year, the Organizer 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the number of operating restaurants & similar establishments and cooked-food stalls in the markets totalled 1,615 in 2009, an increase of 47 compared with 2008, consisting of 1,570 restaurants & similar establishments and 45 cooked-food stalls. Total number of persons engaged was 19,738 in 2009, up by 4.0% (+764 persons) year-on-year. Sales & Other Receipts of the sector increased by 6.5% from 2008 to MOP 4.79 billion and Total Expenditure rose by 5.0% to MOP 4.43 billion. In addition, Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy amounted to MOP 1.89 billion, up by 9.7% year-on-year; Gross Fixed Capital Formation went up by 8.0% to MOP 250 million. There were 1,570 restaurants & similar establishments operating in 2009, an increase of 46 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 4.0% to 19,656. Sales & Other Receipts of restaurants & similar establishments reached MOP 4.78 billion, up by 6.6% over 2008. Total Expenditure of restaurants & similar establishments amounted to MOP 4.42 billion in 2009, an increase of 5.0% year-on-year. Analyzed by item, Purchase of Goods (MOP 1.79 billion), Compensation of Employees (MOP 1.53 billion) and Operating Expenses (MOP 1.11 billion) rose by 7.8%, 5.6% and 0.2% respectively. Moreover, Gross Value Added and Gross Fixed Capital Formation grew by 9.8% and 8.0% year-on-year to MOP 1.89 billion and MOP 250 million respectively. The majority of the establishments were eating places, totalling 1,235 (78.7% of total), up by 41 compared with 2008. Number of persons engaged rose by 7.5% to 12,622. Sales (MOP 2.86 billion) and Expenses (MOP 2.63 billion) increased by 7.8% and 7.3% respectively year-on-year. In 2009, there were 45 cooked-food stalls operating in municipal markets, an increase of 1 stall over 2008, engaging a total of 82 persons but without paid employees. Sales and Expenditure of cooked-food stalls decreased by 4.8% and 9.3% over 2008 to MOP 14.52 million and MOP 8.76 million respectively; in addition, Gross Value Added decreased by 4.6% to MOP 5.81 million. Survey coverage comprised all licensed restaurants, eating & drinking places, and cooked-food stalls in municipal markets in 2009, excluding hotel-operated restaurants and similar facilities, as well as street hawkers.
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The four-day 15th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), has come to a close today (24th Oct). The 16th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 20th to 23rd October 2011. Conclusion of activities The overall scale of this year’s MIF has been significantly expanded compared to last year with enriched contents and more internationalized both in the exhibition and the convention areas. The four-day MIF received over 81,000 visits, of which 8,286 being trade visitors which represented 4% increase year-on-year. A total of 1,151 sessions of business matching were conducted. Over the last 4 days, 62 agreements were signed. A total of 35 forums, conferences, seminars & presentations were held with 6,724 attendees (a year-on-year increase of 26%). The scale of this year’s MIF regarding the no. of booths increased by 30%. There were altogether 760 exhibitors comprising more than 1,400 booths. New to the exhibition this year also included the Beijing Section, Zhuhai - Hengqin Investment Pavilion, Hainan Investment Pavilion, Cultural and Creative Industry Pavilion and Small Household Electrical Appliances Pavilion. The retail exhibition area was expanded and participated by SMEs from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, and hence enriched the contents of showcase and communication by display. Trade visitors from more than 60 countries and regions were present this year, including numerous entities from the Central Government and several provinces from the Mainland such as the Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia. In addition, there were also delegations from Portugal, East Timor, the Philippines etc. led by ministerial level officials. This is a clear indication of the increasing prestige and influence of the MIF both at home and abroad. During the period, numerous sessions of conferences, forums and business matching as well as product and service promotion activities were held, with encouraging responses from a great many exhibitors from home and abroad. During the many high level forums and conferences held, many had invited government officials, entrepreneurial leaders, elites of different trades, experts and scholars as keynote speakers, and the professional level and results of exchanges had been constantly enhanced. E.g. the “International Trade and Investment Forum 2010”, attracted the participation of the government representatives and business leaders from many countries and regions who gathered in Macao to explore regional trade and economic investment cooperation. During the “7th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs”, a record number of some 1,500 Chinese entrepreneurs from all over the world met in Macao to exchange their views about the business development of the Greater China economic circle. Other conventions such as “Seminar and Biz-talks on Beijing-Macau Economic Cooperation” and “Investment Opportunity in Zhuhai Hengqin New Area”, coincided interactively with the related exhibition pavilions in strengthening the function of a business platform for investment and cooperation. During the Fair, there were a series of economic and trade seminars between Macao and Portuguese-speaking countries, ASEAN, Latin America, European Union as well as many regions of the Mainland China such as Beijing and Hengqin of Zhuhai. Participants from different countries and regions presented the economic and trade development conditions and industrial policies of their own country or region. It is intended that through the MIF platform, the participants could promote economic and trade exchange and cooperation in the region and seek joint development. During these conventions, a number of cooperation agreements or strategic cooperation memorandums for a wide array of industries within the region were reached while a communication mechanism was established. his year, IPIM organized jointly with CPTTM the “Macao Fashion Week 2010”. Through the holding of professional fashion shows, it showcased the vitality of local and overseas garment enterprises and created a platform for communication and cooperation for garment manufacturers, brand business operators and designers/design houses. Details of Conclusion for Different Activities Business matching and agreement signing Prior to and during the 15th MIF, the Organizer received a total of 2,449 business matching projects (a year-on-year increase of 1.87 %), which included 82 buyers procuring 285 sourcing projects, 1,227 goods supplies projects (a year-on-year increase of 0.50%), 127 franchising/brand distribution projects for 79 enterprises (a year-on-year increase of 8.22%), 810 investment cooperation projects (a year-on-year increase of 0.5%). During the fair, a total of 1,151 onsite business matching sessions were arranged (a year-on-year increase of 11.53%). In particular, there were 362 sessions of purchase negotiations (31.45%), 359 sessions of product/services supply (31.19%), 173 sessions for franchising/brand distribution (15.03%), 198 specialized matching sessions (17.20%) and 59 sessions of investment project negotiations (5.13%). A total of 62 agreements were signed (a year-on-year increase of 3.33%, including the agreements signed outside the venue). The trades and industries concerned included manufacturing, electronic technology, product distribution, real estate, catering, etc. The signing parties come from Macao (51.2%), Mainland China (27.2%), Hong Kong (4.8%), Portugal (4.8%), Taiwan (3.2%), Japan (2.4%), U.S.A.(1.6%), the Philippines (1.6%), Indonesia (0.8%), Germany (0.8%), Brazil (0.8%) and Mozambique (0.8%). 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 Mainland China with the counterparts in ASEAN, EU and Portuguese-speaking countries. Meanwhile, the role of Macao as a platform in the communication and cooperation among Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan will be more prominent. As always, MIF is devoted to serving the SMEs of Macao, by way of the MIF platform, to utilize many flexible business means to expand domestic and overseas market and strengthen the economic diversification of Macao. Multiple results The MIF this year launched a series of new measures to enrich the theme of the Fair, upgrade the level of the forums and conferences in order to strengthen the business matching function which, in turn, opens up more business and cooperation opportunities. Trade and investment promotion matching and business service produced effective results. The MIF this year had made more efforts in inviting professional visitors. In particular, the Organizer launched incentives plans for buyers, special invited trade visitors and themed pavilions, which had drawn a large number of trade visitors from Mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. Assisting actively SMEs in exploring business opportunities – This year, the MIF expanded the SME Exhibition by doubling the size of last year, having recruited more than 300 exhibitors from both sides of the Strait, making this year’s SME Exhibition the largest ever. Over the past 4 days, the Exhibition attracted many visitors and customers. The “SME International Business Days” (SME Day) focused on such emerging business models as franchising and e-commerce. By providing a wide range of services and activities such as a consultancy service counter, catalogue show, topical discussion, and service promotions, IPIM helped the SMEs to strengthen their general competitiveness, realize upgrading and transformation. The SME Day resulted in the signing of 23 cooperation agreements in environmental protection, specialties, real estate, and media promotion. “One-trip, Multi-stop” to enhance results of participation – Grounding on the experience of last year, the Organizer continued to conduct the “One-trip, Multi-stop” programme for trade visitors, which included tours to Canton Fair and to Hengqin of Zhuhai to inspect the investment environment and investment projects, with an aim of enhancing the results of participating in MIF. Survey In order to have a more scientific and systemic conclusion of the Fair this year, the Organizer 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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The 15th MIF continues to be open to the public today (23rd Oct). As this is the weekend, the Fair has attracted lots of local residents and tourists. Many pavilions and booths have been crowded with continuous flows of visitors, thus creating a very lively atmosphere. The honorary chairman of Taiwan’s ruling Kuomintang, Wu Bo Xiong, accompanied by the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Jackson Chang and Executive Director Irene V. K. Lau, paid a visit to the exhibition hall of the MIF and had friendly talks with the exhibitors. A total of 22,000 visitors have been recorded today. The Organiser has arranged 312 business matching sessions (including 88 sessions of purchase negotiations, 21 investment projects, 119 sessions for goods/services supply, 53 sessions for franchising/brand distribution and 31 specialized matching sessions), resulting in the signing of 15 agreements, which are related to a number of investment projects (establishing Jilin University (Macau College) in Macau, cooperation of developing manganese mine, establishment of environmental fire extinguisher factory, establishing the first “Macao Montessori Center” in Macao, manufacturing of electromagnetic induction energy-saving lamp), and products distribution (including products of environmental protection, animal feed, artificial heart, Liang Zi seafood), products sourcing (including fruit, vegetables and coffee, etc.) The signing parties come from Macao, Mainland China, Hong Kong, U.S.A., the Philippines and Mozambique. Entering the third day of MIF, a number of economic and trade conventions such as summit and forums continue to be held. The “7th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs”, which has the theme of “Culture, Creativity and Environment”, was held this morning, with the presence of almost 1,500 Chinese entrepreneurs from 36 countries and regions. Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Institute of European Studies of Macau, European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and European Union Business Information Programme, Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities “Fostering co-operation and exchange in cultural and creative industries” was held this afternoon. Participants in the Seminar exchanged thoughts on topics including EU-Macao trade and economic communication and co-operation, expansion of the EU market and creative industry development. In addition, a business-matching area has been set up to assist entrepreneurs’ in their search for potential business partners. In addition, Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute have jointly organized “CPTTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing” - 2009/2010 Diploma Programme - Grad Show, which presented numerous original fashion designs. Besides, “Creative Chic”, a Macao Local Fashion Designers' Society - House Show, has showcased the works of 14 local fashion designers which carried originality and distinctive fashion culture of Macao. On the same day, the Organizer has arranged a series of seminars and presentations. “Latin American Business and Tourism Seminar: Cuba and Peru” has invited 10 countries from Latin America to take part in MIF this year. At the Seminar, the consuls general of Cuba and Peru in Hong Kong and Macao SARs have presented the economy, trade and tourism of their countries with an aim to strengthen communication and cooperation. During the “History, Cultural and Heritage Tourism in ASEAN and Macao Forum”, representatives from several ASEAN countries including Malaysia and Vietnam have conducted discussions on the history and culture as well as tourism industry development of their respective countries, and took a further step in exploring joint promotion with Macao in historical and cultural tourism cooperation. Meanwhile, more seminars and presentations were held, including “The 8th Special Industry Seminar on How to Develop a Brand - Cultural and Creative Industry" organized by Macau Businesswomen Association; “Maximize Business Value of Macau Enterprises: Human Resource Goes Hybrid” organized by Macao Professional Development Association; “Finding overseas buyers through e-commerce” organized by Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited; “World Mathematics Culture Franchising & Korea Snack Food Retail Franchising” organized by Licensing & Franchising Association of Hong Kong; and “Macao Post eSignTrust Certification Services” organized by Macao Post eSignTrust Certification Services. “The 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association” and “The 4th Macau Honor Board – International Cuisine ”Awards Ceremony organized by Macau Businesswomen Association, was also held this afternoon. The workshop “Open to Creativity” organized by Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association has the objective of providing a platform for communication among the local and overseas fashion designers. Kam Kuok Leung, a famous screenwriter and veteran cross-media practitioner, and other speakers, have shared their experience in brand building. The workshop was met with enthusiastic responses from the participants. Moreover, the Organizer continues to conduct the “One-trip, Multi-stop” programme for trade visitors, which included a tour to Hengqin of Zhuhai to inspect the investment environment and investment projects, with an aim of enhancing the results of participating in MIF. Preview of Activities for Tomorrow Tomorrow, the last day (24th Oct) of this year’s MIF, will continue to be open to the public. The Main Hall as well as the SME Exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The main programme of activities will include “ShowSmart Kids Fun Fun Show” to be held in the hall of “Macao Fashion Festival 2010” and “Relation between Website and E-commerce” seminar. There will also be a lucky draw tomorrow, and all residents and tourists are invited to join. Visitors to the MIF can enjoy 4-hour free parking at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel upon presentation of the MIF entrance ticket.
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The 15th MIF is open today to the public for the first day with a series of forums, seminars and presentations. The exhibitions have attracted a great many visitors, especially in the selling area. As at 8 p.m., a total of 16,995 visitors were recorded (14,217 visitors for the same period last year). The Organiser has arranged 469 business matching sessions (including 153 sessions of purchase negotiations, 23 investment projects, 111 sessions for goods/services supply, 75 sessions for franchising/brand distribution and 107 specialized matching sessions). The result is the signing of 26 agreements. The signing parties come from Macao, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Portugal, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany and Brazil. This morning, the “SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony and Protocol Signing Ceremony” was held. The “SME International Business Days” (SME Day) has focused on such emerging business models as franchising and e-commerce. By providing a wide range of services and activities such as a consultancy service counter, catalogue show, topical discussion, and service promotions, IPIM helps the SMEs to strengthen their general competitiveness, realize upgrading and transformation. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute said the scale of the SME Exhibition this year has doubled that of last year, in order to assist the SMEs to boost their trading opportunities and business volume through product display and sale. Besides, the Organiser has also arranged a series of onsite presentation sessions and business matching activities. Some signing ceremonies have also been held at which enterprises, trade and economic institutions from Macao, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Germany and Indonesia signed 23 agreements related to many business areas. The “Seminar and Biz-talks on Beijing-Macau Economic Cooperation” was also held in the morning. During the seminar, participants from Beijing and Macao conducted discussions on the current economic development and prospect for future cooperation between the two places. Liu Zhi, deputy secretary general of the Beijing Municipal Government pointed out that Beijing would like to strengthen the diversification in trade and economic cooperation with Macao and establish an effective mechanism of cooperation between the two governments. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute said it is worth for Macao to learn from the convention and exhibition industry and cultural and creative industries of Beijing. Macao will give fuller play to her own advantages by assisting domestic and overseas enterprises in exploiting foreign markets. The seminar has also presented Beijing’s tourism industry, food industry, cultural and creative industries. In the meantime, a signing ceremony for 3 agreements was also held. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish long term cooperation relationship, which includes promotion and inviting the VIPs of each other to attend related fairs. At the Presentation of “Investment Opportunity in Zhuhai Hengqin New Area”, organised by Administration Committee of Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai Industrial Development Bureau, and Zhuhai Investment Promotion Bureau, the participants deemed that in the area of industrial development, Hengqin will develop modern industries, mainly of high end services, with an emphasis on developing business service, leisure tourism, science education research and development as well as advanced technology. It would provide investors from Macao and overseas with favourable development opportunities. On the same occasion, the launching ceremony for the Zhuhai-Macao Investment Directory was held to promote industrial cooperation, location advantage and investment prospect in both Zhuhai and Macao. During the “Macao Fashion Festival 2010”, the “Macao Brand Show” has staged the fashion shows of 3 local fashion brands with the latest fashion concept of Macao. On the other hand, the “Gala Fashion” which incorporated the designs of 3 fashion designers from Beijing, Taiwan and Hong Kong has showcased the latest series of different fashion styles and enhanced the exchange and cooperation between the apparel industry practitioners from different regions and the fashion designers of Macao. Organised by Macao Printing Association, The “Printing Leadership Forum - Green Printing - The Future of Print” was held in the morning. A number of keynote speakers explored the development in how to build a green printing industry, to promote industrial upgrade and digitalized text files under the global trend of environmental protection and how to face up with the future trend of low carbon and emission reduction. The Seminar entitled “The High Degree of Decision Horizon: Gold BRICs’ grows up, where Macau is going?” organized by Asia Institute of Strategic Management Studies and Asia Institute for Strategic Management Studies and supported by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and several institutions, was also held on the same day. A number of keynote speakers carried out discussions on some heated economic issues such as thoughts on industrial transformation of Macao, the models of economic development of China and comparative analysis with Macao. The MIF has also arranged a series of seminars and presentations. A series of e-commerce promotions and franchising networking activities have also been organized, including “Understanding Global Buyer Behaviour Seminar”, organized by Alibaba.com Hong Kong Limited, “Starting Global Online Business at Lowest Cost” organised by eBay International Hong Kong, “Global Franchising Strategy Trend & Eastern Tea Franchising Strategy”, related to online promotion, business trends, low cost business opportunities and franchising strategies. Trade and economic conferences held also on the same day included “Shaanxi-Macao Economic and Trade Symposium”, “Chongqing Foreign Capital Investment Introduction Meeting”, “Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in the MaAnShan”, and “Inner Mongolia & Macao Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Conference”, which served to promote trade and investment, and seek cooperation on topics of economic development, industries with a competitive edge and investment environment of different regions. In the afternoon, the Organiser has held the “One-trip, Multi-stop” activity for trade visitors, which included a tour to Hengqin of Zhuhai to inspect the investment environment and investment projects, with an aim of enhancing the results of participating in MIF. Preview of Activities for Tomorrow
The third day (23rd Oct) of this year’s MIF will continue to be open to the public. The Main Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the SME Exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The main programme of activities will include “7th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs”, “History, Cultural and Heritage Tourism in ASEAN and Macao Forum”, “Creative Chic by Macao Local Fashion Designers' Society - House Show”, “Latin American Business and Tourism Seminar: Cuba and Peru”, “The 8th Special Industry Seminar on How to Develop a Brand - "Cultural and Creative Industry"”, “Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities”, “CPTTM Fashion Design and Manufacturing - 2009/2010 Diploma Programme - Grad Show”, “The 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association” and “ The 4th Macau Honor Board – International Cuisine ”Awards Ceremony.
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Vice Rector (Research) of the University of Macau (UM) Prof. Rui Martins has gained a recognized status in the international academic circle thanks to the impressive achievements he has attained over the years in the field of microelectronics, as well as his significant contribution to the development of UM since his arrival in Macao in 1992. Recently, Prof. Martins was unanimously elected as Corresponding Member of the Portuguese Academy of Sciences, signaling a new height in his academic career. The title of Corresponding Member of the Portuguese Academy of Sciences is equivalent in rank to Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Prof. Martins is the only national member (Portuguese) in Asia. Prof. Martins’s 30-year academic career started in 1980, including 12 years at the Instituto Superior Técnico / Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal, followed by 18 years at UM. The elevation to this important academic status has mainly taken into account his local career. He is also the first Academician to emerge from the UM academic staff ranks. His work at UM, as a normal academic, has involved teaching, research and service. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UM for three years. He has been serving as the Vice Rector (Research) of UM for 13 years. Besides this, Prof. Martins has created a research group with the respective laboratory in the field of microelectronics, leading to the training of tens of students at all levels (i.e. bachelor’s students, master’s students and PhD students.) with important research achievements gaining world-wide recognition. Over the past decade, Prof. Martins and his research group have obtained major results in the field of VLSI (very-large-scale integration) circuits design. One project was awarded Macao’s first-ever US patent. In 2008 Prof. Martins was elected Fellow of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - USA, becoming the first scholar from Macao to have ever won this highest honor. The Portuguese Academy of Sciences was founded in 1779, by the Portuguese Queen D. Maria I, and it is now known as the Academy of Sciences of Lisbon. When first established, the academy consisted of three classes (Natural Sciences, Exact Sciences and Fine Arts). Later, in 1851, it was reorganized into two classes (Science and Letters). Currently, each class has 35 members, 70 corresponding members (national), and up to 70 foreign members. Members are chosen on their merits in academic and scientific activities. The painstaking process of election involves submission of a proposal, discussion of the candidates’ curriculum vitaes, and voting at a plenary meeting specially convened for that purpose, and submission to the president of the Academy for final approval. Prof. Martins was unanimously elected as Corresponding Member of the Portuguese Academy of Sciences, in the class of Sciences, 7th section of Engineering Science and other Applied Sciences. Currently the Portuguese Academy of Sciences only has 11 corresponding members in that class. Prof. Martins is the only national member (Portuguese) in Asia. This prestigious title, equivalent in rank to Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is granted to distinguished individuals with major contributions in the academic field. “That I was elected Corresponding Member of the Portuguese Academy of Sciences reflects international recognition of my academic career in its majority devoted to UM,” remarked Prof. Martins. “It is a personal distinction but also the recognition of the academic reputation of UM, which has risen consistently throughout the years. This would not have been possible without the unremitting efforts of its academic and administrative staff, as well as the students.”
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The 15th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was opened to trade visitors today. A series of trade and economic activities including forums and seminars have drawn the participation of trade visitors. As at 6 p.m. on 21st Oct, a total of 14,000 visitors were recorded. During the day, 264 sessions of business matching have been held (including 56 sessions of purchase meetings and 15 investment projects, 87 sessions for products/services supply, 45 sessions for franchising/brand distribution, and 61 specialized matching sessions). A total of 17 agreements have been signed, which include “The Strategic Cooperation Agreement between CCPIT Wunan Sub-council and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute”, “Investment project development of "Jiang Xi Dong Jiang Ecology & Agriculture Technology Garden" cooperation”, “Contract of acquisition of equity”, “Intention on sales cooperation of Motorcycle to Africa and Portuguese Speaking Countries markets”, “Intention on sales cooperation of Bicycle's tire to Africa and Portuguese Speaking Countries markets”, “Contract for the research and development co-operation for Chinese Herbal Medicine and Health Food Products”, “Agreement on establishing Chongqing Catering in Macau”, “Agreement on establishing Chongqing Catering in Macau”, “Intention on the sole agency of Italy and Thailand commercial fridges for the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao region”, “Agreement of the sole agency of crab and wine for the Guangdong, Fushan and Macau region”, “Sendai Products Logistics Agreement”, “Sendai Beef Supply Agreement”, “Academic Exchange and Cooperation Program between Macao and Japan Agreement”, “Healthy footwear accessories cooperation agreement”, “Sales agent in Macao for the highly natural health food brand product, Only You Honey pomelo preserved fruit”, “Sales agent in Macao for the highly natural health food brand product, Jia Jia Grapefruit products”, and “Wuyisan Rock Tea Production and Marketing Cooperation Agreement”. The signing parties come from Macao, Mainland China, Hong Kong, U.S.A., Taiwan and Japan. On 21st Oct, the MIF has organized a series of forums, seminars and presentations. The “International Trade and Investment Forum 2010”, held at 3 p.m. on 21st Oct is a key component of MIF this year and is jointly organized by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Investment Promotion Agency of Ministry of Commerce, P.R.C., All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, and Macao Chamber of Commerce. The Forum has the theme of “New Horizons, New Opportunities” and provides an opportunity for participants to explore the ways to reinforce regional cooperation, improve competitiveness and exploit new business opportunities under the new international circumstances. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute pointed out in his speech that the Forum had invited the top government officials of several countries/regions as well as business leaders to give their insights and share their experience, which will be beneficial to better mutual understanding, closer cooperation for collaborative development. Organized by Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee, Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, Fujian Province Economic and Trade Commission, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and co-organized by International Lusophone Markets Business Association, Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Macau Chamber of Industry and Commerce Brazil-China, São Paulo Chamber of Commerce, the “Portuguese Speaking Countries－Fujian－Macao Economic and Trade Exchange, Fujian Electrical Machinery, Electronic Products and Watches Round-table Conference” was held at 4 p.m. on 21st Oct. By means of a round table form of meeting, the Conference adequately advances the role of Macao as a trade and business service platform in opening up the markets of Portuguese-speaking countries, strengthening and broadening cooperation between Fujian and Macao, while providing an opportunity for exchange and cooperation among the government authorities for trade and commerce, chambers of commerce and enterprises of Portuguese-speaking countries, Fujian and Macao to jointly explore new business opportunities. In the meantime, a signing ceremony of Fujian-Macao cooperation projects related to such areas as natural health food, brands cooperation and environmental protection was held. The presentation session “Philippines, and Agribusiness Opportunities”, organized by Philippine Department of Agriculture, was held in the afternoon of the first day. During the presentation, the Philippines’ country profile and agricultural production were presented. It also carried out an analysis of the growing, trading and export markets of the major crops, including the future prospect of trades in bananas, mangos, pine apples and coconut oil. Participants in the presentation deemed that the investment opportunities in the Philippines’ agricultural and comprehensive industries are worth expecting. “Macao Fashion Festival 2010”, jointly organized by Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center (CPTTM) and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute held its opening ceremony which included such activities as “fashion shows” and the “Creative Chic” staged by the Macao Local Designers’ Society, which showcased the creations of local designers. Besides, there was also a fashion show for the works of the graduates from the Diploma Course in Fashion Design and Production of CPTTM. There are some shop window designs on display in this area to introduce the latest trends of local fashion brands. The fashion show area also provides business matching service for the fashion industry, so organized to showcase the talents of local designs, with the aim of promoting bi-lateral trade and investments or service cooperation in domestic and overseas markets. The Fair has also arranged a series of agreement signing ceremonies related to such areas as environmental protection and technology. The second day of MIF this year will be the first day open to public. The major activities include a series of trade and economic seminars and presentations, namely “Seminar and Biz-talks on Beijing-Macau Economic Cooperation”, “SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony and Protocol Signing Ceremony”, “Printing Leadership Forum”, the Forum entitled “The High Degree of Decision Horizon: Gold BRICs’ grows up, where Macau is going?”, “Investment Opportunity in Zhuhai Hengqin New Area”, and “Macao Brand Show”, “Inner Mongolia & Macao Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Conference”. The Main Hall will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the SME Exhibition will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free shuttle buses will be provided to facilitate the professional visitors and the general public in getting to the MIF venue. Urban terminals for 3 different routes of the public shuttle service will be located, respectively, at Avenida Doutor Mário Soares (Macau Square), Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo (Royal Supermarket, Areia Preta Branch) and Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (at the Pak Vai bus stop, near Rua de Gago Coutinho). From 22nd to 24th October, visitors to the MIF can enjoy 4-hour free parking at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel upon presentation of the MIF entrance ticket.
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The 15th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) was inaugurated today (21st October) at 11:00 AM at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel with a grand Opening Ceremony attended by an impressive number of guests and visitors.
The dignitaries who officiated at the Opening Ceremony included: Dr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Bai Zhijian, Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Ba Teer, President of People’s Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Mr. Zhou Bo, Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr. António Serrano, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Fisheries of Portugal, Mr. Lu Shumin, Commissioner of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Ye Shuangyu, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Fujian Province, Mr. Meng Qiliang, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Guizhou Province, Mr. Zhao Bin, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Hubei Province, Mr. Chen Weigen, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Jilin Province, Mr. Cai Lifeng, Deputy Director of Hunan Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee, Mr. Cristiano da Costa, Vice Minister of Economy and Development of East Timor, Ms. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Undersecretary for Special Concerns, Department of Agriculture of Philippines, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Mr. Dong Songgen, Vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr. Liu Zhiqiang, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Tang Bingquan, Vice Chairman of Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Xu Guangju, Vice Chairman of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and Chairman of Zhejiang Federation of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, Vice President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Cheong Chou Weng, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. In his speech at the Opening Ceremony, Francis Tam Pak Yuen said MIF is Macao’s annual trade and economic event as well as an important exhibition.. Throughout these years, MIF has enjoyed strong support and widespread participation from governments plus industrial and trade sectors around the world. Today, MIF has become an international brand name exhibition which facilitates bilateral investment and trade co-operation. MIF has been playing an increasingly important role in promoting economic regional integration and the participation of enterprises in international and regional collaboration. MIF this year adopts the theme of ‘Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities’. While further enhancing the ties between Macao and mainland provinces, Portuguese speaking countries and the European Union, the Fair also showcases the business opportunities presented by regional collaboration and the prospect of moderate diversification of Macao’s economy. The MIF this year is attended by 318 delegations from over 60 countries and regions who participate in the exhibition and the conventions. More than 30 pavilions of specialized themes with over 1,400 booths are set up. There will be 38 sessions of international forums, conferences, seminars and presentations. The 15th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), held from 21st to 24th October, 2010 (Thursday to Sunday), is organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and co-organized by four government departments, namely Macao Economic Services Bureau, Macao Government Tourist Office, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, and 10 non-government organizations, including Macao Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Association of Macau, Macau Importers and Exporters Association, Association of Knitting and Spinning Industry of Macao, Macau Shipper´s Association, Macau Association of Banks, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Macau, the Macau Chinese Enterprises Association and The Chinese Manufacturers´ Association of Hong Kong, and include as its partners, the Permanent Secretariat for the Forum on Economic and Trade Co-operation Between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (Macao), International Lusophone Markets Business Association, World Federation of Chinese Entrepreneurs Organization and Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association. Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macao Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao are entrusted to coordinate the current edition of the MIF.
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Macao Post announces that the Temporary Post Counter for the “Open Day of Government Headquarters of the MSAR”, that scheduled on 23rd to 24th October from 9:00 to 18:00 in front of Government Headquarters, Avenida Doutor Stanley Ho, according to the weather forecast, will now be postponed to 30th to 31st October.
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