News

For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on fresh pork from wet markets and supermarkets on 10 May. Prices of different types of pork, including pork chop, ribs, pork belly, lean meat, etc. were collected. The Council also collected price data of refrigerated and frozen pork chop from over 20 supermarkets and frozen food stores. Consumer Council started to compare local fresh pork prices with those in Zhuhai in April, spreadsheets and charts are prepared for consumers’ reference and to enhance transparency of the fresh food market. The specific product price surveys on fresh pork, and refrigerated and frozen pork chop, as well as the relevant information of fresh pork price comparisons can be found on the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone & Android apps, and the Council’s official WeChat account. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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An award ceremony for Consumer Council’s consumer study award (year 2015-2016) was held on 8 May. The Council states that the study award is a consumer education activity targeted at secondary students and aims to start the promotions for the new school year soon due to the success of this year’s award. Participation from more schools are expected in the coming school year. The Council states that the consumer study award requires students to inspect, analyze, and review during the process to prepare a research report, the Council hopes to build up healthy consumer values in teenagers’ minds, and strengthen their knowledge in consumer rights and duties. The award has driven secondary students to be more attentive to social affairs, and led them to review on the consumer behavior nowadays and its effect on sustainable development of our society. The Council believes the award has marked an important big step in consumers education work. Consumer Council states that one of the highlights of the award is the study camp held for the participants. Students were guided by professionals to analyze the reports submitted, and convert them into scripts for shooting short clips. Inside these clips, students express their own experiences and other findings during the project. Promotions on the new consumer study award for the coming school year will be launched soon, and the mentioned short clips will be used to attract and encourage more schools to participate in the project. The study camp was held successfully on 8 May, and an award ceremony was held on the same day. Wong Hong Neng, President of the Executive Committee of Consumer Council, delivered the awards of Outstanding prizes, Best creativity, Best topic, and Best instructor to the respective winners (list of winners attached).
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The 12th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) will be held from 12 to 16 May at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will set up Macao Creative Pavilion, promoting the participation of Macao’s cultural and creative entities, in order to showcase and commercialise their cultural and creative products in the fair. This year, the Macao Creative Pavilion, themed on crafts and design products, will be installed in section No.2D03 in the Creative Living Hall (Hall 2). The design of the pavilion features multiple hues and irregular colour patches, which symbolise the urban vitality of Macao in a distinctive way. The participating cultural and creative entities from Macao include Native Ltd., JE Handcrafts Co. Ltd., Casa de Artesanato Nam Fan Lou, Soda Panda Product Design, Mobiliário Urbano Designers Limitada, San Seng Fung, Fuhong Society of Macau, Macau Creations Limited, Leathership Creation Limited Company and Follow Design Company Limited. IC has organised the participation of Macao’s cultural and creative sector in the ICIF since 2006, it has also been inviting local cultural and creative entities to join the Macao Creative Pavilion following its inception in 2010. The five-day event attracts a total of 2,297 exhibitors from government delegations, enterprises and organisations, including 40 organisations from overseas. The venue features the Cultural Industries Hall, the Creative Living Hall, the Movies, the Television and Animation Games Hall, the One Belt & One Road Hall, the Cultural Maker Hall, the Art Hall, the Press and Publication Hall, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall, and the Arts and Crafts Hall. For more details please visit the ICIF official website at www.cnicif.com.
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Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-organised by 15 Macao, Mainland China and Hong Kong trade and economic government agencies, chambers of commerce and business associations, and jointly co-ordinated by the Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, the 21st Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), will take place from 20 to 22 October 2016 (Thursday to Saturday) at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), being Macao´s first UFI-approved event and has already become one of the city’s major international annual trade fairs. Last year´s MIF brought together business delegations from over 50 countries and regions around the world, to Macao specifically to participate in MIF, both as exhibitors or professional visitors. “Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities” will continue to be the theme of the 21st MIF, to reinforce regional co-operation. For the first time, MIF will establish co-operation projects jointly with partner countries and partner cities. The said partner countries and partner cities will help build a “one-stop” platform, focusing on “Exhibition to showcase products and services, forums discussing thematic topics and business matching”, and thus establish bilateral and multilateral economic co-operation and exchanges, at different levels. In view of the situation of the “new normal”, Macao´s enterprises are facing at the same time opportunities and challenges in their transformation and upgrade processes, and are putting forward new demands regarding the way MIF is organised. In order to put on a high-quality and highly efficient fair, the duration of this year’s MIF will be reduced from four to three days. Whilst changing the duration of MIF, the Organiser will endeavour to create more opportunities for business matching and negotiations between exhibitors and professional visitors, while at the same time improving participating exhibitors’ effectiveness. Also, the design of the exhibition venue will be more dynamic, the division of the exhibition zones will be more precise and more signage will be put up to make it easier for visitors. Furthermore, as in the past, concurrent activities will include thematic forums, seminars, promotional sessions and business negotiations, so to as to ensure that the participants will get the most from this three-day event. MIF will endeavour to arrange more business matching and negotiation opportunities for enterprises and professional visitors, in order to create new opportunities for development, transformation and establishing new business and enhancing efficiency. An online business matching service platform will provide an on-line registration service for enterprise to seek and make appointments with potential suppliers and buyers. For enquiries, please contact MIF Administration and Service Centre (marketing@mif.com.mo), by joining the WeChat Group “MIFMacau” or visit the official MIF website: www.mif.com.mo.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total population was 649,100 as at end-March 2016, an increase of 2,300 quarter-to-quarter; female population (331,200) accounted for 51.0% of the total. A total of 1,664 live births were delivered in the first quarter of 2016, a decrease of 198 or 10.6% quarter-to-quarter. Male babies totalled 870 and the sex ratio at birth stood at 109.6, corresponding to 109.6 male babies per 100 female babies. Due to the cold weather early this year, mortality increased by 165 quarter-to-quarter to 650. The top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (230), Diseases of the Circulatory System (186) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (90). In the first quarter of 2016, there were 2,695 Chinese immigrants, up by 514 quarter-to-quarter. Individuals granted right of abode totalled 339, a decrease of 55. Non-resident workers totalled 181,436 at the end of the first quarter, down by 210. A total of 975 cases of marriage registration were recorded in the first quarter, up by 9 quarter-to-quarter.
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In order to enrich the knowledge of Macao tertiary students on the fundamental rights and duties of Macao residents, the Nationality Law and consular protection and consular services, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR (hereinafter called Office of the Commissioner of MFA), the Identification Services Bureau (hereinafter called DSI) and the Macao Polytechnic Institute (hereinafter called MPI) jointly held a seminar on “Fundamental Rights and Duties of Macao Residents, Nationality Law, Consular Protection and Consular Services” at MPI on 9 May 2016, so as to promote relevant information to MPI students. The keynote speakers of the seminar were Mr. Weng Jinshan, deputy director of the Consular Affairs Department of the Office of the Commissioner of MFA, and Ms. Wong Pou Ieng, Head of Department of Residents Identification of DSI, and more than 80 students have attended the seminar. In the seminar, Ms. Wong Pou Ieng introduced the composition of Macao Residents and their fundamental rights and duties, as well as the implementation of the Nationality Law in the Macao SAR. On the other hand, Mr. Weng Jinshan shared some cases of consular protection and explained how Chinese citizens request assistance overseas in case of emergency, which benefited the students enormously. DSI will maintain close connection with the Office of Commissioner of MFA to organize different kinds of activities to promote the knowledge on the fundamental rights and duties of Macao residents, the Nationality Law and consular protection and consular services to the public.
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The Office of the Government Spokesperson noted there had been speculation and baseless accusations regarding a donation from the Macao Foundation to Jinan University on the mainland. The Office states the following: 1. Since the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), the city has achieved rapid development with the strong support from the Central Government. It is part of Macao’s responsibility to contribute to the country’s development and to enhance education services in the country. This in turn is part of the tradition of demonstrating love for the country and for Macao. 2. Cultivating talent among citizens is a key policy at national level, as well as an important strategy of the Macao SAR. During the adjustment period of the city’s gaming industry, the Government reiterated that social welfare and the city’s education services would not be affected by austerity measures – such as a reduction of administrative expenses – faced by other public bodies. The Government’s contribution to education was 3.292 billion patacas in the year 2014 – a more than sixfold increase from the 495 million patacas contributed in 2000 by the Government. 3. Macao Foundation’s donation to Jinan University, for the building of new facilities there, will not affect the Government’s input in higher education in Macao. 4. Supervision measures have been adopted to monitor the use of the donation. 5. Jinan University was the first state-founded higher education institution in China to offer education to Overseas Chinese. It invites renowned members of society to join its board of directors, and the board consults with the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council regarding Jinan University’s development. Jinan University’s board of directors is not comparable to a board at a for-profit company. 6. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, was invited to join the board of directors as vice chairperson, without receiving salary or having interests in any form. There is no validity to the accusation that the donation is a case of transfer of interest. Many Macao students have studied at Jinan University over the years: many of them now work in different sectors in Macao and a number of them have joined the public administration. The donation from Macao Foundation is to support the building of two new dormitory facilities for students from Macao and Hong Kong. Macao as a city – and the students Macao sends to Jinan University – will benefit from this facility. In order to build a better Macao, the city needs as many highly educated young people as possible. The Office of the Government Spokesperson urges the public to consider the issue in a rational manner. The Government, as always, pays great attention to public opinion and welcomes all productive comments for the enhancement of public administration.
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A new directive, taking effect today, bans the use of mobile telephones at gaming tables in VIP rooms at casinos. This is in order to regulate further the city’s gaming industry and promote the healthy development of the industry The information was disclosed by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, on the sidelines of a public event on Saturday (7 May). The new directive aimed to prevent ‘proxy’ betting and to avoid any misunderstanding or irregularities from occurring, said Mr Leong. Banning the use of mobile telephones at gaming tables was a common practice in casinos in other cities with well-developed gaming industries, the Secretary said. The Government had kept in close touch with the gaming sector on this new measure, added Mr Leong. After a comprehensive evaluation, it was determined that banning players from using a telephone – while betting – would not hinder a healthy development of the city’s gaming industry, he stated. The Government had previously allowed certain clients of VIP rooms to use their mobile telephones at gaming tables, after registering with the Government – which could create the misconception that ‘proxy’ betting was allowed. The use of mobile telephones at gaming tables would not be permitted from now on as the Government considers that such an arrangement makes it difficult to verify the identity of gamblers, and to confirm the source of their income. Mr Leong said the Government pays great attention to the development of gaming promoters: the Government urged gaming promoters to improve further the quality of their services; to promote their business according to law; and to prevent the possibility of irregularities. The Government strives to promote non-gaming offerings at local resorts, and a balance in the development of VIP gaming facilities versus mass-market gaming facilities. This is in an effort to attract more families to enjoy their stay in a world centre of tourism and leisure; the strategic positioning for Macao that has been adopted by the Government.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) signed the agreement on enhancing air traffic management cooperation in the Pearl River Delta Region with the aeronautical authorities of mainland China and Hong Kong SAR today (09 May 2016), the ceremony of which was convened in Hong Kong. The three parties agree to hold meetings and communicate with each other regularly to maintain closer ties with each other in the coordination of the air traffic management in the Region. The aeronautical authorities between mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR have been holding regular meetings to discuss the long term development of the air traffic management in the Region since 2004. The “Pearl River Delta Region Air Traffic Management Planning and Implementation” was formulated with the aim of gradually establishing a rational air space structure, with facilities that are guaranteed to be sufficient, and in the operation mode that can be carried out smoothly, for the air traffic management system in this Region. In March this year, the three parties agreed in the supervisory working group meeting to sign the aforementioned cooperation agreement with the aim of enhancing their collaboration to better coordinate among themselves in order that the airports in the Region can develop in an orderly manner in accordance with their own positioning, in other words, progressing their development together to achieve a win-win situation. The signing ceremony was convened at the headquarters of the Transport and Housing Bureau of Hong Kong SAR at 11:15. The three signatories were the Director General of Air Traffic Management Bureau of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Mr. Che JinJun, the President of AACM, Mr. Chan Weng Hong and the Director General of Civil Aviation Department of Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Norman Lo. In addition, the CAAC delegation led by the Deputy Administrator, Mr. Wang ZhiQing, will visit Macao from 12 to 14 May 2016, during which they will meet the Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Dr. Chui Sai On to exchange views on the development of the air transport market between mainland China and Macao.
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In order to mark this year’s International Museum Day, the “2016 Macao International Museum Day Carnival”, co-organized by eighteen Macao museums, was inaugurated on Sunday, 8 May, at 3pm at the Albergue SCM. The Carnival’s opening ceremony was officiated by the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; the Deputy Director of the Guangdong Museum, Liu Li Tuan; the Assistant Director of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Hong Kong S.A.R. Government, Chan Shing Wai; the Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; the Director of Macao Post, Lau Wai Meng; the Deputy Commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau, Chao Ka Cheong; the Director of the Maritime Museum, Chan I Un; the Curator of the Macao Science Center, Sio Hon Pan; the Head of the Division of Nature Conservation and Studies of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Fanny Chen; the Vice-President of the Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society, José Chui Sai Peng; the President of the Association of Piety and Charity of the Lin Fong Temple, Kong Su Kan and the Secretary of Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial House in Macau, Lin Chia-Che, among others. Representatives of cultural entities from Guangdong Province and the Hong Kong Home Affairs Bureau and its respective museums were also invited. The Carnival is oriented to three main concepts, namely “penetrating to communities, open areas and local issues”, featuring the theme “Mobile Museum – The Blending of Chinese and Western Cultures in Macao”, gathering a rich variety of activities, including thematic exhibitions, seminars, workshops and guided tours. The museums are not only responsible for varied collections, but also take part in the protection of the surrounding environment. Issues on how to strengthen the connection between human beings and the environment and sustainable development are important to Macao citizens and to all museums. The President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng, said in his speech that the Carnival continuously implements the concept of “The Mobile Museum”, which decorates the streets and surrounding buildings as an exhibition venue, hoping that the public can understand the blending of Chinese and Western cultures in Macao through different perspectives and through a series of activities such as performances, seminars, workshops and guided tours. On the inauguration day, a series of activities was available at St. Lazarus Parish, including workshops, guided tours, seminars, T-shirts with thematic prints and thematic exhibitions. Some of the exhibitions will be open until 18 May (the thematic exhibition of the “Photography Contest of the International Museum Day of Macao 2016” will be open until 28 May). Various workshops related to arts, models, clay models, tea sets, street name plates and planting will be held on 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 28 and 29 May. Three seminars for exploring the blending of the Chinese and Western cultures in Macao about art, history and literature will be held on 14, 18 and 21 May. Guided tours on the history of St. Lazarus’ Church, local cemeteries and St. Lazarus’ Parish will be held on 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 May. For more information, please visit the Macao Museum’s webpage (www.museums.gov.mo), or follow the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office’s WeChat accounts, or call through tel no. 8394 1217, during office hours.
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