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Further delegations from Portuguese-speaking countries are due to arrive in Macao for the 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao, an event to be held on 11 and 12 October. Premier of the State Council, Li Keqiang, who will arrive in Macao tomorrow (10 October), is to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), also known as Forum Macao. Government delegations from four of the participating countries are expected to arrive in Macao later today. They are: the 13-member delegation from the Federative Republic of Brazil, led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Services, Mr Marcos Pereira; the 18-member delegation from the Republic of Cape Verde, led by the Prime Minister, Mr José Ulisses Correia e Silva; the 25-member delegation from the Republic of Mozambique, led by the Prime Minister, Mr Carlos Agostinho do Rosário; and the 23-member delegation from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, led by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Estanislau Aleixo da Silva. Two delegations due to arrive in Macao tomorrow are: the 28-member delegation from the Portuguese Republic, led by the Prime Minister, Mr António Costa; and the 17-member delegation from the Republic of Angola, led by the Minister of Economy, Mr Abrahão Gourgel. The 18-member delegation from the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, led by the Prime Minister, Mr Baciro Djá, arrived in Macao on Friday (7 October). A total of four delegations from the seven Portuguese-speaking countries are led by their respective prime minister. This shows participating countries place great significance on the 5th Ministerial Conference, and the increasing influence of Forum Macao in boosting cooperation and fostering development between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. The theme of the 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao is "Moving towards a Stronger China-Portugal Trade and Economic Relationship: Jointly Discussing Cooperation, Constructing Platform and Sharing Development". The Ministerial Conference aims to advance further Macao’s unique functions in connecting China and the Portuguese-speaking countries and boosting cooperation initiatives between them. Forum Macao was established in Macao in October 2003. It was initiated by the Central Government and organised by the Macao Government, with participation from seven Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and East Timor. The previous editions of the Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao took place in October 2003; September 2006; November 2010; and November 2013.
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Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, Li Keqiang, will arrive in Macao tomorrow (10 October) for a three-day visit. Premier Li, who will lead a Central Government delegation, will on Tuesday (11 October) deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao). During his three-day visit to Macao, Premier Li will meet Government officials and receive briefings on several topics, including: strategies to boost the development of Macao; strategies regarding the city’s economy; progress on large-scale construction projects; and work on various aspects of Government activities. Premier Li will meet people from across the community, and pay several inspection visits, in order to gain further understanding of the latest developments regarding Macao. The 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao will be held in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday. The visit of Premier Li shows the Central Government’s great support and significant encouragement for the Government regarding the pushing forward of development in Macao.
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More than 500 media representatives will soon gather in Macao to cover events relating to the 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao, to be held on 11 and 12 October. The Premier of the State Council, Li Keqiang, will deliver a keynote speech during the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao). The host body is known as Forum Macao. More than 500 media representatives from a total of 76 news organisations have registered with the authorities. Among them are 270 representatives from a total of 36 local news outlets; nearly 180 people representing 12 news agencies from the mainland; and about 70 media representatives from news organisations outside Macao, including some from the Portuguese-speaking countries. The theme of the 5th Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao is: Working Toward Stronger Sino-Portuguese-speaking Countries’ Trade and Economic Relations – Combining Efforts, Jointly Building a Platform, Sharing Fruits of Development. The Ministerial Conference aims to advance further Macao’s unique functions in connecting and boosting cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Forum Macao was established in Macao in October 2003. It was initiated by the Central Government and organised by the Macao Government, with participation from seven Portuguese-speaking countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and East Timor. The previous editions of the Ministerial Conference of Forum Macao took place in October 2003; September 2006; November 2010; and November 2013.
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In order to allow the public to have better understanding of the St. Joseph’s Seminary and the history of the development of the Catholicism in Macao, as well as to appreciate the Seminary’s valuable collections, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has worked with the St. Joseph’s Seminary and the Diocese de Macau to establish the “Treasure of Sacred Art of St. Joseph’s Seminary” at the St. Joseph’s Seminary, which was officially inaugurated today (7 October) at 6pm. The opening ceremony was officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Cai Siping; the Bishop of Diocese de Macau, Stephen Lee Bun Sang; Priest of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jojo Peter Ancheril; and the Head of the Department of Exhibitions and Museums of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Lei Lai Kio. Prior to the opening ceremony, the Sanctus Thomas Choir of the St. Joseph’s Seminary Choir presented a series of sacred music performance. On inauguration day, 8 October, admission to the “Treasure of Sacred Art of St. Joseph’s Seminary” was free and was open to residents and tourists. St. Joseph’s Seminary is located at St. Augustine’s Square. In 2001, the seminary received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, and became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macao in 2005 and was inscribed in the World Heritage list. It has became an important part of the Historic Centre of Macao. In 1728 the Jesuits founded the St. Joseph’s Seminary, which became an important base for Catholic training. Built in 1758, the adjacent church became the second higher education institution of the Jesuits for educating missionaries in Macao, where the complex was commonly known as “Sam Pa Chai” among the local population. From 1762, the Seminary went through several hands and vicissitudes, returning only to the management of the Jesuits in 1930. This historical seminary is closely connected to the evolution of Macao’s society and it has greatly contributed to the city’s culture, education, art and charitable endeavours. St. Joseph’s Seminary had been the second and third site of Colégio Diocesano de Sao José, with several religious relics, such as ancient books, oil paintings, statues and ritual supplies collected. In order to allow the public to appreciate these valuable historical collections, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has worked with the St. Joseph’s Seminary and the Diocese de Macau to establish the “Treasure of Sacred Art of St. Joseph’s Seminary”, featuring nearly 110 valuable items and sets. Residents and tourists can learn more about the history of the Seminary and the history of the Catholicism in Macao, as well as the history of cultural exchanges between China and the West after their visit to the Museum. In response to this initiative, the organizer also host two lectures on 8 October, at 10am and 11:30pm, at the St. Joseph’s Seminary. The first lecture, titled “The First University of the Far East in Macau : The Commitment of the Jesuits to Higher Education in Asia”, is conducted by the Director of the Macau Ricci Institute, Stephan Rothlin, S.J.,; while the second lecture, titled “Contributions of St. Joseph’s Seminary on Music in the 20th Century”, is conducted by the Professor of the School of Arts of the Macao Polytechnic Institute, Dai Dingcheng,. The “Treasure of Sacred Art of St. Joseph’s Seminary” is open daily from 10am to 5pm (closed on Wednesdays). Admission is free. From 22nd October onwards, guided tours in Cantonese are available to the public every Saturday and Sunday, from 3pm to 4pm. For more information, please call through tel. no. 2835 7911, during office hours.
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The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China expresses strong opposition to the content relating to Macao carried in a report lately issued by the Congressional-Executive Commission on China of the United States of America. Foreign countries have no right to interfere in China’s domestic affairs and should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of Macao. The 2016 annual report, produced by a self-styled commission of the U.S. Congress, is groundless and baseless. Since the return to the motherland, the Macao SAR has made remarkable achievements in various aspects. These achievements have been widely recognised by international communities and agencies.
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The Government Headquarters Open Day sessions will this year be held on 15 October (Saturday) and 16 October (Sunday), from 9am to 6pm. The sessions will include a series of performances and thematic flower displays. During the two days, members of the public will have the opportunity to visit the Protocol Palace of the Government Headquarters – a brightly coloured landmark built more than 160 years ago – and its garden, located on Avenida da Praia Grande. There will also be guided tours of the ground floor of the Headquarters. There will additionally be a display in the Multi-purpose Room of the Protocol Palace, titled “Exhibition of Old Photos of Macao”. This year’s flower show is themed “Green Home”, inspired by the concept of urban dwellers that also seek a “green” life. The colourful blooms of the flower show will be in the front yard display zone, the lawn display zone and the flower rack display zone. There will be live musical performances by the Macao Police Band; and musical instrument performances, choir singing and dance performances by students from, respectively, the School of Music and the School of Dance – institutions both based at the Macao Conservatory. The original portion of the Government Headquarters – including the Protocol Palace – was built in 1849. It was used as the office for Macao heads of government prior to the establishment of the Macao SAR, and has been used for that purpose since then. Nowadays the building houses the Executive Council chamber; a Multi-purpose Room; and the Lotus Room. The office of the Chief Executive is on the first floor, together with the Green Hall, the Yellow Hall and the Blue Hall, which are for greeting guests and holding meetings and banquets. An application for digital devices called “GCE Macao” has been developed on behalf of the Chief Executive’s Office. It has more detailed information about the Headquarters and a schedule of Open Day session activities. Members of the public may download this application and at the same time enter a lucky draw game. For more information, please visit http://www2.gcs.gov.mo/openday or http://www.gov.mo.
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Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC, from the Portuguese acronym), in co-organization with the Macao Government Tourism Office and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the 19th Lusofonia Festival associated with the culture of the Macao Portuguese-speaking communities will be held from 21 to 23 October, at the Taipa Houses-Museum in three consecutive days. The Festival offers excellent activities including gastronomy, music, dance and games, as well as street decoration in the surrounding areas of the Taipa Houses-Museum in Portuguese style, allowing visitors to feel like travelling in a foreign country. All residents and tourists are welcome to participate in the event, and experience the Portuguese customs and feel the Festival’s cheerful atmosphere. The 19th Lusofonia Festival Press Conference was held on 6 October at the Auditorium of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. Representatives who attended in the Press Conference included the Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Leung Hio Ming; the Deputy Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Cheng Wai Tong; the Head of the Department of Cultural Events of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Kent Ieong Chi Kin; and the Head of the Division of Recreational Activities, Cheang Kai Meng. The first edition of the Lusofonia Festival was held in 1998, aiming to celebrate the Portuguese Expatriate Day on 10 June as to honour Portuguese-speaking individuals who resided in Macao and contributed to Macao’s development. The programme of this edition is as diversified as in previous years. Different cultural booths of Macao Portuguese-speaking communities from ten countries/regions, namely Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Goa, Daman and Diu, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Macao and East Timor, will be set up, introducing their countries or regions’ traditional music, photographs, arts and crafts, costume, literary books and gastronomy, thereby putting vitality in the Lusofonia Festival as well as allowing visitors to have in-depth understanding of the Portuguese-speaking countries and regions’ culture. Three ensembles of the art groups from nine Portuguese-speaking countries or regions will perform different styles of music and dance every evening; several local Portuguese-speaking performing art groups will also offer performances in the afternoon and evening. Every night starting from 7:30pm, music performances by local groups will be held at the Carmo Square, allowing the public to enjoy music in a relaxed environment while tasting Portuguese-inspired delicacies. In addition, activities also include Portuguese-inspired gastronomy restaurants (providing daily roasts of Portuguese flavour at lunch and typical dishes from the different Portuguese-speaking countries at dinner), a Macau Grand Prix Simulator with the Guia Circuit raceway and Portuguese traditional games such as pole climbing, bigfoot game, tug of war and sack racing, as well as activities for children (children can ride on Irish ponies in about 1-meter height and take photographs, participate in group games for children and workshops) and a table-football competition (for under 15 and over 16 years of age in two categories). A radio station will also be installed on site to broadcast Portuguese music throughout the day. The 19th Lusofonia Festival features will be held from 7pm to 10pm on 21 October (Friday), from 12pm to 11pm on 22 October (Saturday) and from 12pm to 10pm on 23 October (Sunday) at the Taipa Houses-Museum, featuring singing, dancing, games and gastronomy in three consecutive days. In this 19th edition, the Festival further demonstrate the vibrancy of Macao as a tourism city through a diversified programme and continues to pass on rich Portuguese-inspired local culture. For more information, please access the IC’s website at www.icm.gov.mo or call IC through tel. no. 8399 6699, during office hours.
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A delegation from Guangzhou Medical University (GMU), led by the university’s president Wang Xinhua, recently visited the University of Macau (UM). During the visit, the two universities signed an agreement on increasing collaboration in health sciences and training medical professionals. The agreement was signed by Wang and UM Rector Wei Zhao. This is the second collaborative project between the two institutions. Earlier in March, a delegation from UM visited GMU’s State-Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, while in July the two universities signed a Letter of Intent. After the signing ceremony, the delegation visited the laboratories of UM’s Faculty of Health Sciences and the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine to learn more their developments and achievements. The guests also exchanged ideas with the researchers from the two facilities. Wang praised UM for its faculty and lab equipment and expressed hope that the two institutions will work closely together to achieve breakthroughs in research and talent development.
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Organised by the Macao Museum under the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the exhibition “The Enchanting Red Boat – An Episode of the Cantonese Opera Culture” has been enthusiastically received by residents and tourists. In order to meet the public demand, the organiser will extend the Exhibition period until 27th November. Cantonese Opera, a performing art stylistically inspired in Lingnan culture, was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. Many of the early Cantonese operas originated in zaju (variety show) during the Yuan Dynasty, and its contents focused mainly on the ancient emperors and key officials of the central plains of China. Cantonese Opera has been prevalent since it appeared in Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and flourished tremendously in the Pearl River Delta in the late Qing Dynasty. In the 1930s, following efforts and reforms made by members of the sector, the contents of Cantonese Opera were diversified and catered to the style of the public. As a result, Cantonese Opera has become popular and has been highly sought, more than in the past. The Exhibition features nearly 100 artefacts, including the most representative artefacts of the Macao Museum related to Cantonese Opera, and other materials, photos and collections provided by Cantonese Opera associations and organizations, illustrating the history and development of Cantonese Opera in Macao. In order to enrich the exhibition, a series of activities including a talk and a workshop have been held. In addition, Crosswords Prizes are held until 9th October. Interested individuals can obtain a registration form on site or download it at the Macao Museum website (www.macaumuseum.gov.mo), and return the form to the “Crosswords Collection Box” on the third floor of the Macao Museum during the exhibition period. The Macao Museum will announce the list of winners and prize redemption procedures on its website on 25th October 2016. The extension of the exhibition period allows residents and tourists to have enough time to visit the exhibition and develop an in-depth understanding of Cantonese Opera, thereby promoting this traditional art deeply rooted in the Lingnan culture. Schools and community organisations are welcome to reserve docent services for students and the elderly. For enquiries, please call Ms. Leong, staff member of the Macao Museum, through tel. 8394 1218, during office hours. The Macao Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (no admission after 5:30pm; closed on Mondays). For details about the aforementioned exhibition and activities, please call the Macao Museum through tel. no. 2835 7911, during office hours, or visit Macao Museum website (www.macaumuseum.gov.mo).
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, money supply continued to grow in August. As total deposits increased at a faster pace than total loans, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector dropped from a month earlier. Concurrently, the non-performing loan ratio, an indicator for bank asset quality, kept virtually stable. Money supply Currency in circulation dropped 0.1% while demand deposits grew 4.2%. M1 thus increased 3.2% from one month earlier. Meanwhile, quasi-monetary liabilities rose 2.4%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased 2.5% to MOP503.7 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 grew 9.9% and 5.3% respectively. The shares of Pataca (MOP), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Chinese Yuan (CNY) and United States Dollar (USD) in M2 were 30.5%, 52.3%, 6.2% and 8.7% respectively. Deposits Resident deposits increased 2.6% from the preceding month to MOP490.5 billion and non-resident deposits grew 1.2% to MOP279.0 billion. Concurrently, public sector deposits with the banking sector decreased 0.5% to MOP156.3 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector increased 1.7% from a month earlier to MOP925.8 billion. The shares of MOP, HKD, CNY and USD in total deposits were 20.6%, 47.8%, 7.9% and 21.1% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.6% from a month ago to MOP408.4 billion. Among which, MOP119.0 billion was MOP-denominated, MOP265.0 billion was denominated in HKD, MOP2.3 billion was denominated in CNY and MOP19.3 billion was denominated in USD, representing 29.1%, 64.9%, 0.6% and 4.7% of the total respectively. External loans grew 0.3% to MOP370.3 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP, HKD, CNY and USD accounted for 1.8% (MOP6.8 billion), 27.5% (MOP101.8 billion), 12.6% (MOP46.8 billion) and 51.5% (MOP190.6 billion) respectively. Operating ratios At end-August, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector edged down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month to 63.1%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors dropped 0.6 percentage points to 84.1%. The one-month and three-month current assets to liabilities ratios stayed at relatively high levels of 61.6% and 59.5% respectively. Furthermore, the non-performing loan ratio was 0.2%, virtually unchanged from one month earlier and up slightly by 0.1 percentage point from one year ago.
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