News

Owing to the flooding in Thailand, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Thailand, particularly for the areas with postal codes bearing the prefixes below are subject to delay until further notice. Postal Code Prefixes
73 Thank you for your kind attention.
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2013 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF), hosted by the Macao SAR government, will be held from 21 to 23 March 2013. The event aims to develop Macao as a co-operation platform for the environmental industry between Pan-PRD region and countries overseas. In order to strengthen the publicity of MIECF, the official co-ordinators, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Macao Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), visited relevant departments and organisations in Beijing, to appeal for their continuing support and participation in the event. Organisations Visited Continued Support 2013 MIECF A delegation of seven, including Mr. Jackson Chang, IPIM's President, Mrs. Irene V.K. Lau, IPIM's Executive Director and Ms. Vong Man Hung, DSPA's Deputy Director, visited the National Development and Reform Committee (NDRC) and met Mr. Zhao Penggao, Deputy Inspector of the Department of Resources Conservation and Environment Protection. The delegation explained the theme of 2013 MIECF, details of activities and the progress of the organisation of the event. Zhao agreed that MIECF plays the role as a platform for the green industry between Mainland and the rest of the world. The theme for 2013 is Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards a Green Future, which is in line with the current international environmental trend. NDRC will continue to support MIECF and its related activities. During the trip to Beijing, the delegation also visited Mr. Wan Jifei, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and both parties exchanged views on 2013 MIECF co-operation, the direction of Macao's economic development and collaboration with the convention and exhibition industries of the two sides. Wan said that IPIM is an important co-operation partner of CCPIT in Macao; the two have developed far-reaching reciprocation through the mechanism of Entrepreneurs Meeting for Commercial and Economic Co-operation between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries as well as the Mainland and Macao Chamber of Commerce Joint Committee and achieved favourable results. It is hoped that the two organisations will further enhance collaboration in various areas and jointly develop more co-operation platforms to foster trade and economic exchanges between the two sides and to provide quality services for enterprises. The delegation also visited the Ministry of Commerce, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) to introduce 2013 MIECF. Leaders of the above-mentioned departments, business associations and organisations were invited to organise delegations to take part in the exhibition, as well as conduct friendly discussions on the co-operation with Macao's convention and exhibition industry. 2013 MIECF Themed on the Sustainable Development of Cities In its sixth year, the theme for 2013 MIECF will be Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards a Green Future, promoting international co-operation, fostering the development of low carbon societies, with the ultimate goal of Thinking Green, Going Clean and Living Cool. Major forums, themed exhibitions and networking activities will be held to serve as a platform to promote networking between local and international environmental industries, and foster business opportunities for the latest green technology and projects. MIECF has been successfully held in Macao for five consecutive years, with constant growth in terms of participating enterprises, exhibition area and attending professional representatives. 2012 MIECF attracted the participation of over 8,500 people, including more than 6,400 professionals, a total of 398 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions were set up covering a total area of 16,900 square metres. During the three-day event, 702 business-matching sessions were conducted and the signing of 35 contracts completed. MIECF has become a major platform for participating enterprises to showcase green technology, establish customer networks and explore green business opportunities.
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The fireworks displays on Nov 10, 14 and 18 will be rescheduled, with the display on Nov 10 revised to Nov 16, while the other two displays remain unchanged. To add sparkles to the festive carnival atmosphere of the Grand Prix week, MGTO arranges 3 firework displays at 9pm on each date at the waterfront in front of the Macau Tower.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that a total of 2,143 establishments were operating in the Transport, Storage & Communications Sector in 2011, down by 6 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 6% to 15,504. Total Receipts and Total Expenditure reached MOP 20.76 billion and MOP 17.95 billion, up by 20% and 22% respectively over 2010. Gross Value Added, measuring the sectoral contribution to the economy, amounted to MOP 6.33 billion, up by 13% year-on-year; Gross Fixed Capital Formation soared by 228% to MOP 1.09 billion. In 2011, establishments operating in the Transport & Storage Sector totalled 2,111, down by 8 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 6% to 13,534. There were 1,658 establishments operating in Land Transport (79% of the Transport & Storage Sector); besides, 425 were engaging in Supporting & Auxiliary Transport Activities, of which 186 were travel agencies. Total Receipts of the Transport & Storage Sector increased by 14% over 2010 to MOP 14.90 billion, of which Receipts from Passenger Transport (MOP 6.31 billion) rose by 17%, and Receipts from Services Rendered amounted to MOP 5.30 billion. Total Expenditure increased by 16% year-on-year to MOP 13.87 billion. Operating Expenses (MOP 6.49 billion), Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 4.77 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 2.10 billion) rose by 15%, 16% and 12% respectively. Gross Value Added (MOP 3.58 billion) increased by 11% year-on-year; meanwhile, Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 555 million) soared by 383% over 2010. A total of 32 establishments were operating in the Communications Sector in 2011, an increase of 2 year-on-year; number of persons engaged increased by 4% to 1,970. Attributable to an upsurge in sales of smartphones and tablet computers, Total Receipts rose by 40% over 2010 to MOP 5.86 billion, of which Receipts from Provision of Services (MOP 3.17 billion) increased by 8%, and Receipts from Sales of Goods (MOP 2.01 billion) soared by 190%. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 4.08 billion, up by 48% year-on-year, with Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 2.44 billion) rising by 101%; meanwhile, Operating Expenses (MOP 728 million) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 493 million) rose by 8% and 10% respectively. Gross Value Added (MOP 2.76 billion) increased by 17% over 2010, whereas Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 530 million) surged by 146% year-on-year.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on rice. Survey result showed that prices of the 15 surveyed products recorded various price differences and the highest price difference recorded was 21.05 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of 15 brands of rice from 21 retail outlets on 5th November. A general price difference of less than 10 percent was recorded. 'Wing On Thai Jasmine Rice/5kg', which was sold at $57.0 to $69.0, recorded the biggest price difference of 21.05 percent. 'Golden Elephant Brand Premium Jasmine Rice/8kg', which was sold at $119.9 to $140.0, recorded a difference of 16.76 percent. In comparison with September's survey result, 8 out of the 15 surveyed rice brands recorded no change in price, 7 brands recorded general price increases or decreases of less than 5 percent. An obvious change in price was recorded in 'Kangaroo Brand/5kg', which observed a 10.4 percent price increase. The specific price survey on rice is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 992 new companies were incorporated in the third quarter of 2012, up by 16.7% year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 66.1% to MOP162 million, attributable to a plunge of 95.2% in that of Business Services. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail (340), Business Services (204) and Real Estate (154). Analyzed by size of registered capital, there were 678 new incorporations (68.3% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000 and the total value of capital amounted to MOP18 million only; however, there were 28 new companies registered with capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the total value of capital reached MOP105 million (64.8% of total), indicating the predominance of new incorporations with small capital. Analysed by place of residence of the shareholders, capital of the new companies came mainly from Macao (MOP76 million), which was followed by Mainland China (MOP70 million), including MOP62 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region; and Hong Kong (MOP12 million). Besides, there were 616 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, 123 joint ventures between Macao shareholders and other countries or regions. In the third quarter of 2012, companies in dissolution totalled 121 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP12 million, of which 45 were previously operating in Wholesale and Retail. In the first three quarters of 2012, a total of 2,822 new companies were incorporated, up by 11.6% year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 48.8% to MOP450 million. Companies in dissolution totalled 382 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP64 million. At the end of the third quarter of 2012, number of registered companies totalled 39,116, an increase of 3,171 from a year earlier.
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The booking of the "Stamp Bookmark" workshop and thematic guided visit "Special Stamps" which introduces the "International Awards", "3-Dimensional Stamps" and "Coin Covers of the United Kingdom" have received enthusiastic feedback. The "Funny Stamp Chess" in the museum lobby is now ready for you and your kids to play! Clients are welcome to shop for our latest souvenir items like the Bookmark Magnifier and Stamp Photo Frame, which are newly launched at the philatelic shops of the Headquarters and the Museum. Creative Storytelling Challenge, which is jointly organized by the Macao Central Library and Communications Museum, will be held on 1 December. The objective is to encourage youth to use the resources available in libraries and museums to gather information and for problem solving. From now till 15 November, Primary 1 to 4 students are welcomed to register for the Cantonese or Putonghua Category to tell their Story on the Stamps. The selected topics for Primary 1 and 2 students are "Lunar Year of the Dragon", "Giant Pandas" and "Love and Blessings"; whereas those for Primary 3 and 4 students are "Watching over a a Stump, Waiting for a Rabbit", "Ruins of St. Paul" and "Mr. Postman". The three winners and their supervisors will be invited to join a Tour at Hong Kong Museums on 27 January 2013. They will visit the Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Science Museum. Grand Prix
Communications Museum of Macao will be closed from November 15 to 19 (Thursday – Monday) due to the Macao Grand Prix. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
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The Chinese, Portuguese and English editions of Macao Yearbook 2012, an annual publication compiled by the Government Information Bureau (GCS) of the Macao SAR, will hit the shelves tomorrow (6 November). The Macao Yearbook is a comprehensive chronicle. It outlines major events, details of progress achieved, and changes made in the course of Macao's political, economic, social and cultural development, with the aim of promoting Macao and providing detailed information and data for all who wish to study and understand Macao. Published annually since 2002, the Macao Yearbook is available in Chinese, Portuguese and English. It is divided into five sections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government; Calendar of Events; Review of the MSAR; Overview of the MSAR; and Appendices. This year's Chinese edition comprises 551 pages with over 250,000 words, Portuguese edition 685 pages, and English edition 621 pages; the yearbook is enriched by 138 photographs. Consisting of 16 chapters, the Overview of the MSAR presents information on the political and administrative system; legal and judicial system; external relations; economy; gaming industry; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. To illustrate various aspects of the latest developments in the MSAR in a visual way, the Government Information Bureau jointly organised with eight local photography organisations and four news media organisations a photographic competition entitled "Precious Moments in Macao" in early 2012. The yearbook has been enhanced by 12 of the winning entries. The Macao Yearbook 2012, together with a complimentary CD-ROM containing the PDF version of the yearbook, can be purchased at the following places at 120 patacas per copy: major local bookstores; the Government Public Information Centre at Rua do Campo; and the Macao Post Office (Macao Post)'s Philatelic Division, Rua do Campo Branch, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Branch, Macau International Airport Branch, and Nova Taipa Branch. During the promotional period lasting until 31 March 2013, a 20 percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2012. The Macao Yearbook 2012 iPhone and iPad App will be launched on 20 November for download. Currently the app offers three editions of the Macao Yearbook from 2006 to 2011 in three languages, namely Chinese, Portuguese and English. It is available for free download at the App Store; alternatively it can be downloaded through a link on the Government Information Bureau's Website www.gcs.gov.mo.
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A delegation of 8 members led by the Vice-Chairman of Hong Kong Consumer Council, Mr. Ambrose Ho, SC, JP, visited Macao Consumer Council earlier. The President of the General Committee of Macao Consumer Council, Mr. Vong Kok Seng, welcomed the delegation. Mr. Vong indicated that the close co-operation between the two Councils would continue and more frequent collaboration would be strengthened. The Vice-Chairman of HK Consumer Council, Mr. Ho, not only thanked Macao Consumer Council for participating in the 19th Consumers International Congress held in HK last year but also summed up the results of the tests commonly conducted by both HK and Macao Consumer Council in recent years. The Chief Executive of HK Consumer Council, Ms. Connie Lau, also provided suggestions and proposals to the price survey works in both areas. The HK delegation expressed its praise to the mechanisms of 'Certified Shops' and 'Adherents' of Macao Consumer Council and both shared experiences on the supervision of over 1,000 businesses under the mechanisms. The delegation further inquired about the operations of 'Consumer Arbitration Centre'. The President of the Executive Committee of Macao Consumer Council, Mr. Wong Hon Neng, indicated that the experience of HK Consumer Council in dealing with comprehensive consumer disputes in the past 38 years was very valuable and worth learning. Mr. Wong also expressed his thanks to HK Consumer Council for the prompt responses and support that had been given to Macao Consumer Council. Both Councils agreed on the importance of paying attention to industries like beauty and telecommunications, as they have a great impact on consumers nowadays. The two Councils will enhance communication and better the exchange of information on any kind of phenomenon that will affect consumers' health or rights. The HK delegation also paid visits to 'Certified Shops' under the souvenir (specialty foods) industry, Chinese medicine retail industry, goldsmith and jewellers, etc.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that there were 1,320 establishments operating in the Construction Sector in 2011, up by 142 over 2010; number of persons engaged increased by 4,764 to 20,048. Despite a decrease in construction projects, the increase in large-scale public works and private residential buildings drove up total value of construction by 10.4% year-on-year to MOP24.59 billion in 2011. Intermediate Consumption (MOP19.99 billion) and Labour Cost (MOP3.56 billion) went up by 7.2% and 29.1% respectively. Gross Value Added (MOP4.84 billion), measuring the sectoral contribution to the economy, increased by 26.4% year-on-year. Value of private construction projects totalled MOP19.18 billion (78.0% of total), up by 7.5% year-on-year, attributable to a 47.4% surge in the construction of residential buildings (MOP4.21 billion); however, construction of hotels, tourism and gaming facilities (MOP13.05 billion) decreased by 1.9% year-on-year. As regards public works, value of construction of public housing amounted to MOP1.95 billion, up by 32.4% year-on-year as the Government accelerated the progress of construction. Construction of infrastructure such as ferry terminal and land preparation totalled MOP2.21 billion, up by 29.8%. Consequently, total value of public construction reached MOP5.41 billion in 2011, up by 22.0% year-on-year. In 2011, a total of 1,502 construction projects were carried out, down by 255 year-on-year. Number of private construction projects (1,009) decreased by 286 on account of a substantial reduction (349) in the government-funded Scheme for Common Parts Maintenance of Building, as against an increase of 16 in construction of residential buildings. Furthermore, number of public works (493) increased by 31 year-on-year. Coverage of the Construction Survey includes establishments engaging in licensed construction work in 2011.
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