News

Macao Post will launch an additional stamp issue "20th Anniversary of the Agreement for Trade and Cooperation European Union – Macao" on 15 November 2013. The stamp issue marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of this Agreement and witnesses the mutual benefits and the success achieved in bilateral relations in the fields of economic and trade cooperation.
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The second edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum ("GTE-Forum" or "the Forum"), hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorisation of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, will return to the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre from 18-19 September 2013 (Media registration on 17 September). Details of the Programme and the speaker roster were announced at the press conference today (9 September) at the Tourism Activities Centre (CAT). Explore tourism's critical role in revitalising and driving global economic growth
Themed as "Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism", this edition of GTE-Forum has invited over 40 ministerial officials and private leaders from globally-renowned corporations to more in-depth discussions on why and how investment in tourism industry can revitalize and mobilise global economic growth. The second edition is expected to command the same force as the inaugural edition, with the attendance of over 1,000 delegates from around the world, including delegations from more than 15 provinces and autonomous regions from China. Approximately 160 local and overseas media representatives will cover this event. Ms. Cheung So Mui Cecília, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, said, "Through successful organisation of the inaugural Global Tourism Economy Forum last year, Macau has demonstrated respective capabilities and assets as well as proven itself as an ideal exchange platform. This year we once again bring industry leaders and elites from around the world together to discuss the insights to drive economic growth by leveraging tourism, while there will be over 100 local and overseas media representatives to join the Forum. Macau's commitment to organise three consecutive Global Tourism Economy Forums allows the city to fully facilitate its platform role that can bring significant influence to elevate Macau's international reputation." Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office added, "This year the Global Tourism Economy Forum is themed as 'Regenerate our Economies: Invest in Travel and Tourism', which is in line with Macau's positioning to evolve as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, as well as its objectives of foster adequate diversification and sustainable development. This edition of Forum comprises of ministerial round table, presentation sessions and discussion panels with a lineup of ministerial-level tourism officials, renowned entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific Region and global level, industry leaders, experts and intellectuals to share their ideas and experience. We firmly believe the invaluable insights contributed during the Forum will provide an important reference for the city's build-up of World Centre of Tourism and Leisure." Line up global leaders and deepen global tourism cooperation
The second edition of GTE-Forum will present an impressive line-up of global leaders, including Mr. Su Rong, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference cum Forum Chairman of GTE-Forum; Mr. Li Lu, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce; Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Mr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, TUI Deutschland Gmbh and TUIfly Gmbh; Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes, Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association; and Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism. In addition, ministerial-level government dignitaries such as Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of National Tourism Administration of the People's Republic of China and Mr. Adolfo Mesquita Nunes, Secretary of State of Tourism of Portugal will participate in the Ministerial Round Table in collaboration with the UNWTO session and speak on the subject of global cooperation in travel and tourism. The Forum has also invited renowned tourism and corporate leaders around the world to share their insights in tourism economy development. These leaders include Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Founder and Chairman of Creat Group; Mr. Arthur de Haast, Chairman of Hotels and Hospitality Group of Jones Lang LaSalle; Mr. Naren Srinivasan, Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development of The Hertz Corporation; Mr. Luis del Olmo, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International; and Ms. Liu Ting, President of Asia Link Group, among others. Analyse the components of success and foster international cooperation
This edition of GTE-Forum is collaborating with, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), to explore practical solutions to foster tourism economy from a spectrum of perspectives such as investment opportunities and challenges, supportive tourism policy and tourism innovations. Hospitality Session: Points of View from Global Industry Leaders focuses on the economic and societal impact of hospitality sector at the regional and national levels. China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is designed to demonstrate how Chinese private enterprises follow the "Go Global" policy, build and expand their businesses overseas, promote cooperation with overseas enterprises, and bring in overseas business partners. Further, business matching sessions, presentations and workshops, have been created to facilitate direct contact and exchange between Mainland Chinese and overseas enterprises and organisations during the Forum period. Various social events such as luncheon, entertainment shows, and Macau World Heritage visit have been specially created for delegates so that they can experience the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures as well as endless innovations of Macau tourism. Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairman of the Global Tourism Economic Research Centre Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economic Forum, commented, "A high-level international exchange and business matching platform, the inaugural Forum has successfully served as a springboard and established subsequent business networking activities between China and foreign countries. In addition to a wide range of discussion topics, this edition also emphasises the element of business matching, which not only provides first-hand information about the tourism markets in Asia and China, but also continues last year's success in exploring and fostering cross-regional, cross-sector investment opportunities and cooperation in tourism." - End - About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organised by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorisation of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a prominent annual event for the global tourism industry. In 2012, the Inaugural Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates from 34 countries and cities all over the world. The Forum aims at establishing a platform for domestic and overseas exchange and cooperation, fostering and promoting integrated development in tourism and service industries, creating better investment prospects and deepening tourism cooperation, thus bringing new opportunities of economic development for China and the world.
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The Macao Government has high regards for the role of Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation and Development Forum as a platform to strengthen ties with participating provinces. An increasing number of joint projects have shown the effectiveness of this co-operative mechanism, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today when he delivered a keynote speech at the 9th Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation and Development Forum in Guiyang, Guizhou Province.
He said that with support from the Central Government and the efforts of all provinces from the PPRD region, the co-operation mechanism has been improving. Based on this good foundation, Mr Chui said, reviewing the past and looking into the future, Macao's has a steady development in economy and society which people's livelihood improving. Expanding and deepening regional tourism co-operation had effectively accelerated turning Macao into a world tourism leisure hub, he said. Regional economic and trade interaction has enhanced the vitality of Macao's economic development. Meanwhile, Macao's position as a trading platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries is re-affirmed.
In the future, Macao would continuously step up tourism co-operation with regional provinces as well as boost co-operation on business, services, environmental protection, culture, education and medical services.
Mr Chui stressed that Macao, as one of the components of the so-called 9+2 PPRD – nine provinces on the delta and the 2 special administrative regions of Macao and Hong Kong — would work with all provinces to implement the country's "Twelfth Five Year Plan" and to promote the pan-PRD region's prosperity, stability and development.
Mr Chui led a delegation to the Forum which opened today, presided over by the member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the Vice Premier Mr Wang Yang.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on shampoo and shower gel on 6th September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met today with leaders of Guizhou Province in Guiyang where they agreed to step up co-operation in tourism, services and in the exchange in talents and culture.
During the meeting, Mr Chui, who is in Guiyang leading a Macao delegation to the 9th Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation and Development Forum, which opens tomorrow.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Secretary of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee, Mr Zhao Kezhi, and the Governor of Guizhou Province, Mr Chen Min'er, the co-operation in the past.
Mr Chui said that with the successfully establishment of the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operative mechanism, all the brotherhood provinces had provided much supports to Macao's development.
Mr Zhao said Guizhou and Macao had always maintained a good and close relationship, and he hoped the Forum would act continuously as a platform to further boost co-operation between the two places.
He pointed out Guizhou and Macao could step up co-operation in three areas, namely tourism, services and exchange in talented personnel and culture. Mr Zhao said on tourism co-operation, the two areas could share experience to boost mutually beneficial developments. On services, he said, to meet with the urbanisation of Guizhou, Macao entrepreneurs are welcome to invest in the province. On the exchange of personnel and culture, he said Guizhou has launched initiatives to attract more professionals to work in the city and that Macao talents were welcome to start businesses there.
Mr Chui agreed with Mr Zhao and said with the good foundation in tourism co-operation, multi-destination travel is one of the important directions to take to enhance mutual development, and that Macao and Guizhou could further enhance their relationship in this way.
He said he would assign the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, to follow up on the co-operative projects.
During the two-day visit in Guiyang which started today, Mr Chui also met with the Governor of Sichuan Province, Mr Wei Hong, who is also taking part in the Forum. Mr Chui said that with the completion of all construction projects after the Wenchuan earthquakes in 2008, more contacts and co-operation have begun, adding that he expected to see more co-operations in the future.
He said progress on many projects could be stepped up, especially in tourism, and he highlighted that co-operation in multi-destination travel as an example.
Mr Wei said that a deep relationship has been established since the Wenchuan earthquake, and he thanked the Macao Government and people for their support after the earthquakes in Ya'an earthquake in April this year. He would be glad to see Sichuan and Macao continue to enhance co-operation in education, tourism, culture, medical, sport and to build up trading platforms to allow more communication and co-operation between entrepreneurs from the two places, Mr Wei said.
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In the first half-year of 2013, a total of 289 applications for temporary residency for managerial personnel, technical and professional qualification holders were received by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) (a decrease of 22 compared with the same period last year), 46 applications for major investment and major investment plans (a decrease of 8 compared with the same period last year), representing 86% and 14% of the total of 335 new applications in the first half-year of 2013. Approved cases for managerial personnel, technical and professional qualification holders amounted to 138 (a decrease of 54 compared with the same period last year), approved applications for major investment and major investment plans totalled 23 (an increase of 17 compared with the same period last year). In accordance with the Administrative Regulation No. 7/2007, temporary residency applications for fixed asset purchases have been suspended since 4 April 2007. There were over 4,000 applications lodged before the closing date of the policy and are still being processed. Therefore, there were no new residency applications during the first half-year of 2013 for fixed assets purchases while all of the 4 already approved cases were lodged before 4 April 2007. Statistics of Investment Residency Applications and the Cases and Number of Beneficiaries in the First Half-Year of 2013
(* please find the attached file) For further enquiries on the residency application guidelines, please contact IPIM by visiting the website: www.ipim.gov.mo, email: gjfr@ipim.gov.mo, tel: 28712055 or fax: 28713950. Applicants may also visit the website and enquire about the progress of their residency application status online.
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In an effort to further promote music among the local populace, the 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) has launched several music promotion community activities, bringing music to the community and taking advantage of various spaces in the city with simple installations. A session of "Music All Around", as part of these community activities, has already been held at the Kiang Wu Hospital Lobby Ten members of the Macao Handbells Association (MHA) set up a simple stage at the Kiang Wu Hospital Outpatient Lobby and performed several musical pieces, taking all those present by surprise. The ensemble's conductor, Saver Shek, also gave a brief presentation about the instruments' characteristics and interacted with the younger children, allowing them to experiment with the hand bells and carry out the role of conductor. The children thoroughly enjoyed this experience and eagerly joined the musicians. "Music All Around" will also be held at the Inpatient Department Lobby of the Conde de S. Januário Hospital on September 8th, Sunday, at 4pm, featuring once again the MHA. In addition to these performances, the Macao A Capella Association will also surprise residents and tourists with "flash performances" in several locations in September and October. For more information on these and other MIMF activities, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau website on www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
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Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) brings 22 outstanding shows to the territory from October 2nd to November 3rd 2013. The Festival presents a rich variety of musical performances, including opera, musical theatre, chamber music, jazz, choral music, Portuguese Fado and Cantonese Naamyam, counting with renowned soloists and catering to music lovers' different tastes. The Festival's offering of symphonic music begins with a concert by the Gulbenkian Orchestra, which, steered by recently appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Consultant Paul McCreesh, returns to Macao after a long absence, presenting a programme featuring works by Luís de Freitas Branco (Duas Melodias), Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro (Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra) and by Antonín Dvorák (Symphony No.9 in E minor, op. 95 "From the New World"). Established in 1962 by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as a mere twelve-piece ensemble, the Gulbenkian Orchestra today boasts a permanent body of sixty-six musicians and a repertoire spanning from the classical period to the 20th century. Each season, in addition to giving their regular series of concerts in the Portuguese capital, the Orchestra travels to perform at numerous other venues throughout Portugal and around the world. A concert not to be missed by one of Portugal's most prestigious and talented orchestras! Portuguese Fado, a regular presence on local stages, joins Cantonese Naamyam for a unique concert uniting Western and Eastern folk music expressions. Fado emerged in the middle of the 19th century, becoming more widely known in the 20th century and taking to the international arena by the hand of famous singer Amália Rodrigues. In recent decades, a new generation of young singers has given Fado a new impetus, leading to its recognition by UNESCO as an item of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011. The Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) were originally sung by blind artists as a form of musical storytelling, with lyrics reflecting the hopelessness endemic to the lower classes of society. Following the art's heyday in the 1950s, when the songs were promoted on radio broadcasts, Naamyam fell into a decline, with only vestiges enduring as part of Cantonese Opera. Better understood today, they were inscribed on the Tentative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of the Macao S.A.R. in 2009 and on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. A highlight of this MIMF season is the violin recital by Kyung-Wha Chung. Undeniably one of the leading violinists in the world today, Kyung-Wha Chung, throughout her life as a violin soloist and recitalist, has garnered global recognition of the very highest stature. She was awarded the South Korean Government's highest honour in 1972 and the Ho-Am Prize in the Arts in 2011, among numerous other honours. Tickets for the 27th Macao International Music Festival can be purchased at all Kong Seng Ticketing outlets, by telephone and through online booking. A variety of discount plans will be offered. For more information related to the 27th MIMF, please visit the Festival's website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on rice and canned foods on 4th September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Results of the mentioned surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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The new academic year is about to start! In the new academic year, 53 scholars joined the University of Macau (UM)'s faculty team, with some holding managerial positions. Among the new members are Chair Professor Ge Wei, Prof. Kevin Thompson, Prof. Chung Ling, Prof. Spencer A. Benson, and Dr. Patrick Chan Ping Cheung. They have already assumed office. UM welcomes all the new members and hopes to work with them to accelerate its development into a world-class university. Chair Professor Ge Wei from Hong Kong has been appointed interim dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Prof. Ge is an expert in reproductive biology. He has attained outstanding achievements and enjoys a leadership position in reproductive endocrinology, especially in the area of comparative endocrinology of reproduction. He also has rich experience in curriculum development and university management. UM believes that Prof. Ge's rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead the Faculty of Health Sciences through its inaugural period, and to set a solid foundation for its future development into a world-class medical research centre. Prof. Kevin Thompson from the United Kingdom has been appointed college master. Prof. Thompson is a world-renowned trumpeter, composer and conductor. He has made outstanding contributions in promoting the arts, cultural exchange, and the development of the creative industries. He also has rich experience in leading music colleges. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Music, fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and founding principal of the Birmingham Conservatoire. Before joining UM, he was the director of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, chairman of the Royal West of England Academy, and director of the Dartington College of Arts. UM believes that Prof. Thompson's rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead one of the residential colleges and to promote horizon-broadening international exchange activities with world-class music colleges, thereby supporting the university in its mission to nurture well-rounded graduates. Prof. Chung Ling from Taiwan has been appointed college master. Prof. Chung is a renowned fiction writer, poet and scholar of China-West comparative literary studies. She has outstanding academic achievements and rich experience in senior-level management at higher education institutions. She held leadership positions at well-known universities in the United States and Taiwan for 20 years. She is an emeritus professor of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Before joining UM, she served at HKBU for nine years, as associate vice-president, dean of the Faculty of Arts, and chair professor. UM believes that Prof. Chung Ling's rich experience makes her the ideal person to lead one of the residential colleges in its founding and development as well as to support the university in its mission to provide a multifaceted education to the students. Prof. Spencer A. Benson from the United States has been appointed director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement. Prof. Benson enjoys a leadership position in teaching and learning innovations. He has attained outstanding achievements in scholarship and faculty development. His highly effective administrative and teaching skills have also gained international recognition. Prof. Benson has more than 30 years of experience in biological research, teaching, and administrative management. Before joining UM, he was the director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, associate professor of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics in the College of Computer Math and Natural Sciences, and affiliate associate professor in Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, University of Maryland. UM believes that Prof. Benson's rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead the Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement to enhance teaching and learning at all levels within UM by working with administrators, faculties, departments, and individual instructors. Dr. Patrick Chan Ping Cheung from Hong Kong has been appointed director of the Office of Sports Affairs. Prof. Chan is an expert in sports management and has attained outstanding achievements in sports management, teaching, and administrative management. He has more than 30 years of experience in sports management at senior levels. He has participated in physical education and other scholarly activities at numerous higher education institutions, and has played a leadership role in promoting sports development in Hong Kong. UM believes that Dr. Chan's rich experience makes him the ideal person to lead the university's sports affairs to new heights of success.
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