News

Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), the 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), came to a close today (21st Oct) after four days which saw thousands of trade visitors, residents and tourists come through the doors here for visit, business negotiations, sourcing and purchasing. Many pavilions were well received with tremendous number of visitors and customers. The four-day MIF received a total of 103,899 visits, representing an increase of 9.23%, over last year. Meanwhile, a total of 1,847 sessions of business matching were conducted, resulting in the signing of 88 protocols. A total of 47 forums, conferences, seminars & presentations were held with 6,800 attendees. The 17th MIF spanned an exhibition area of over 30,000 sqm with the showcase of over 1,800 exhibition booths represented by more than 700 exhibitors, and received trade delegations from over 50 countries and regions. In addition to first time exhibiting countries such as Madagascar, Cyprus and Jordan, the Pavilion of Portugal had its biggest ever exhibition area, reaching 500 sqm. Meanwhile, with the debut participation of Shenzhen Cultural Industrial Fair and the introduction of the "Cultural and Artistic Performance Pavilion", it not only built the Fair into a platform for the Chinese cultural and creative industries to "go out" for new markets, it also provided an excellent stage for some of the world's finest performances and demonstrations such as the ones presented at Beijing Pavilion and Hunan Pavilion, the lifelike mechanical models of marine animals of the Zhuhai Chimelong International Ocean Resort, the singing and dancing shows of the China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion, the onsite demonstrations by many masters of Chinese traditional arts and crafts, and the glamorous fashion shows of "Macao Brand Show", to name just a few. In order to further raise the standards of technology and equipment of the convention and exhibition industry of Macao, deepen regional cooperation of the convention and exhibition industries in the Pearl River Delta, and strengthen the exchange of the technological results among the local and overseas industry players, the MIF this year upgraded the "Convention and Exhibition Pavilion" by having it jointly organised by industry players from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, to showcase their state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for convention and exhibition. Besides, the 17th MIF specially set up a "Packaging Design Pavilion" to give richer contents to the theme of "culture and creation". In addition to the availability of renowned packaging design experts onsite to provide professional advisory service, there were also several seminars on related topics, so as to promote the exchange of technological results among local and overseas industry players and improve the standards of packaging design of Macao's branded commodities and food specialties enterprises. With regard to SMEs, a full spectrum of services such as a brand new 3D website of "Macao Ideas" launched during the "SME International Business Days", SME Service Corner, orientation to "branding" and "franchising" and the upcoming "Assistance Plan for SMEs to Explore New Business" were lined up to help SMEs accomplish operational upgrade and transformation. "Investment" constitutes a major theme of the MIF. Out of the 47 forums, conferences, business networking activities held during the MIF this year, including the "International Trade and Investment Forum 2012" and "The 9th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", the total number of attendees exceeded 6,800. All of these activities served to provide a platform for direct exchange and meeting among exhibitors and buyers of various industries for creating new business opportunities. Besides, with a view to fully utilizing Macao's advantage as a platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and helping local and Mainland SMEs explore the markets of Portuguese-speaking countries, the MIF this year had the biggest ever Pavilion of Portugal which occupied an exhibition area of nearly 500 sqm. Meanwhile, several related activities and seminars were held, including "EU Wine & Food Products Promotion and Networking Cocktail Reception", "Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception", "Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities Unlocking Cultural and Creative Industries' Potential – In Culture, Business, Innovation" and "Brazil's Investment Environment & Business Opportunities provided by 2014 FIFA World Cup & 2016 Rio Olympics Games", among others. The four-day Fair attracted a total of 103,899 visits, an increase of 9.23% over last year. This year, the "One-trip, Multi-stop" service and "Convention and Exhibition Through Train" plan diverted trade visitors to visit the Canton Fair and to go to Hengqin of Zhuhai and Nansha of Guangzhou for field inspection, with an aim of pooling conventions and sharing resources, and hence optimizing the results and business opportunities for the participating trade visitors. Meanwhile, a total of 1,847 sessions of business matching were conducted, (up 22.9% over last year) which included 351 sessions for hotels, 254 sessions for supermarkets, 289 sessions for others and 953 sessions of onsite project negotiations, which were related to hotels, tourism, food products and wines wholesaling, supermarket retailing, food & beverage, and retailing, etc. The buyers mainly came from Macao, Hong Kong, USA and Switzerland, etc. Among them, the percentage of participation in business matching by Portuguese-speaking countries recorded an increase, in that a total of 350 sessions were arranged for them. This year, the products exhibited by Portuguese-speaking countries included wine products and food. And of these products, Portuguese red wines were the popular among visitors. Over the last four days, 88 projects had their protocols signed during the 17th MIF (an increase of 8.64% over last year), which included 24 contracts, 42 agreements, 10 letters of intent and 12 memoranda (of which 10 projects signed were related to Portuguese-speaking countries, including Portugal, Angola and East Timor, in respect of joint exploration of the Greater China market, setting up a chain store for Portuguese agricultural food products, cooperation in the processing of coffee from East Timor, cooperation for vineyard, and distributorship of Portuguese food products, chocolates and Casa Angola products, as well as friendly cooperation among government entities and trade associations, etc.). The protocols signed were mainly related to tourism, culture and creation, convention and exhibition, information technology, education, manufacturing, real estate, food & beverage, trade and commerce, environmental protection, products distributorship, agricultural cooperation, shops of brand name products, food processing and friendly cooperation among government entities and trade associations, etc. The signing entities mainly came from countries and regions including Macao (45.39%, of which 80% were SMEs), Mainland China (38.16%), Hong Kong (5.26%), and Portuguese-speaking countries (3.95%) (of which Portugal (1.97%), in which the Associação de Jovens Empresários Portugal-China signed 2 agreements with enterprises of Macao, Angola (1.32%), East Timor (0.66%), Taiwan (1.32%), Malaysia (3.29%), Korea (0.66%), Philippines (1.32%), USA (0.66%), etc. Today was the final day of the 17th MIF. Many trade visitors, residents and tourists took the opportunity to visit the Fair for seeking business opportunities, sourcing and purchasing, as well as for watching the exquisite cultural and creative exhibits, demonstrations and performances. Many pavilions were well received by tremendous number of visitors and customers. The 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 17th to 20th October 2013. Remarks: This is a preliminary press release. The above data were updated until 13:00 of 21st October. The data and information will be subject to further update. Please check back again for more updated news released later by the Government Information Bureau.
…

The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF), an initiative by the Macao government, is contributing to China's efforts to achieve specific objectives for a low carbon society, as well as to raise public awareness and improve conditions for humanity. From its launch in 2008 through to 2012, MIECF has grown from strength to strength and regarded as a success by delegates, exhibitors and the international community. Now, MIECF returns for its sixth edition in 2013 from March 21 to March 23, at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. As the 2013MIECF Event Manager, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd is inviting interested service providers to participate in the second phase of Call for Tender, for appointment of service contracts. The range of services being tendered for are: - Stand Contractor
- Freight Forwarder
- Travel Services
- Printing/ Production Services
- Design Services
- Registration Services
- Shuttle Bus & Limousine Services
- Accounting Services
- UFI Audit Service
- Translation Service
- Manpower
- Promotion Services
- Networking Events Operator
- Conference, Green Public Day &Concurrent Events Operator Interested parties are welcome to submit their tenders. Submission deadline is 5 November 2012. Full information on the tender procedures and specifications can be obtained form the website at www.macaomiecf.com.
…

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organized grand promotion events once again in Australia, featuring Macau - A New Dimention, Macau Food Week and Macau Festival to attract the young and families to Macau. The Macau Festival Opening Ceremony was held today (October 20) at the outdoor area in Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour. Deputy Lord Mayor of City of Sydney, Robyn Kemmis, Deputy Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Hu Xiaolan, Cultural Representative of Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Donna Ingram and Director of MGTO, João Manuel Costa Antunes, among other guests, officiated the opening ceremony. "Macau Festival 2012" was scheduled to take place on weekends and Sundays around the theme "Touching Moments, Experience Macau". MGTO Representative in Australia prepared a rich variety of entertainment and food stalls, whilst promoting next year's 60th Macau Grand Prix and the 25th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest during the event. Macau Food Week took place at the Sheraton on the Park during October 19 – 26. 50 representatives from Australia's travel and food media sampled many classic Macanese delicacies such as Caldo Verde, African Chicken, Serradura and Macanese Egg Tarts at the opening ceremony. In addition, MGTO hosted a special dinner themed around "Macau: A New Dimension" at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia to showcase Macau's past, presence and future, and the Consul of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Wang Hao and Consul General of the Consulate General of Portugal in New South Walses, Sofia Batalha, together with over 100 Australia's leading travel trade and media partners attended. There was an increase of 5 percent in the arrivals from Australia, amounted to more than 83,000 in total from January to September this year, making Australia the second largest long haul source market for Macau.
…

Following the full scale emergency exercise and the bomb threat exercise carried out in Macau International Airport, a full scale emergency exercise was also conducted in the Macau Heliport on 19 October evening to simulate a helicopter accident and the response of all relevant entities to cooperate with each other to handle this emergency and attend to the injured, in accordance with the respective contingency plans. The exercise was smooth and achieved the goal. The safety exercise started at 23:30 with the participation of 80 people. It simulated the scenario of an accident with a helicopter carrying passengers. An engine failure occurred after the helicopter has taken off; the helicopter lost propulsive power and landed heavily back onto the pad. The accident resulted in the detachment of some parts from the aircraft and caused three injuries. The Flight Operation Control Centre immediately activated the emergency response procedures and notified all relevant entities. The Heliport Emergency Operation Centre was then activated. Representatives of the relevant entities and the rescue team arrived on site in a short time to handle the emergencies: rescuing the injured, evacuating the personnel, maintaining order in the terminal, attending to enquiries and so on. The whole exercise was concluded in an hour. East Asia Airlines Ltd, the present operator of helicopter services between Macao and Hong Kong, was the coordinator of this exercise. The participants included the Customs Bureau, the Public Security Police Force, the Fire Brigade, the Harbour Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority.
…

The 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) opened its door to the general public today (19th) and continued to hold a series of forums, seminars and presentations, as well as cultural shows and performances. While the different pavilions were drawing patronage of constant streams of residents, the sales areas were making good business. During the day, a total of 591 sessions of business matching were conducted and 34 protocols were signed. Support to SMEs in Achieving Upgrade and Transformation
The "SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony and Macao Ideas Website Launching Ceremony" were held at 12:30 PM today, during which Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mr. Kou Ming, Deputy Director of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Ms. Echo Chan and Ms. Irene V. K. Lau, Executive Directors of IPIM, were present, among other guests. In his welcome address, President Jackson Chang said IPIM would provide "One-stop Service" to the enterprises and investors who intended to set up companies in Macao. The services include the provision of free office premises for up to 6 months, policy consultancy, business secretarial service and assistance for setting up a company in Macao, etc., so as to help SMEs lower the business start-up costs. The "SME Days" this year features a wide range of activities, including the launch of a brand new 3D website of Macao Ideas (Macao products display centre), SME Service Corner, orientation and consultancy services for "branding" and "franchising", with the aim of encouraging SMEs to seek good business opportunities through the MIF. In particular, in the new "3D Virtual Tour of Macao Ideas", visitors are able to have a 360-degree view of the exhibits and experience the fun of a "seated tour of Macao Ideas". At the same time, it provides an instant information platform for entrepreneurs who seek business partnership about the latest updates and products inside "Macao Ideas". More Economic and Trade Activities Being Held
On the second day of the 17th MIF, the activities held included the "Seminar on EU-Macao Business Opportunities - Unlocking Cultural and Creative Industries' Potential", "The 2nd Jiangsu-Macau•Portuguese-Speaking Countries Business Forum", "The 7th Anniversary of the Establishment of Macau Businesswomen Association And The 6th Macau Honor Board – Creative Decoration Cake Shop Awards Ceremony" and "Cultural & Artistic Performance Showcase", among others. The entire MIF has been filled with an atmosphere of economic and trade negotiations and participants preoccupied with networking activities. Splendid Traditional Arts & Crafts and Cultural Shows
Meanwhile, in the exhibition pavilions with the theme of culture and creation, masters of Chinese traditional arts and crafts have been invited to showcase their products and skills, such as the silk and cotton painting from Anhui province, innovative paper cutting method for Chinese paper-cut artworks, Chinese calligraphic art demonstration and embroidery skills from Hunan province. The master of crystalline glaze ceramics from Taiwan, Mr. Peng Wen Xiong, was onsite to sign autograph for visitors and personally introduced the unique, superior and amazing skills and techniques of his fellow-masters of arts in producing their exhibits which portrait the universe with brilliant and distinctive creativity, giving the spectators an awesome experience. Other highlights in the exhibition hall included the Chinese Ethnics Groups, cultural and artistic performances, and the splendid shows in the US Pavilion and Macao Fashion Festival, to name a few. The Second Day Conducts Over 500 Business Matching Sessions
Today, as many as 591 sessions of business matching were carried out onsite resulting in the signing of 34 protocols, which were related to investment in developing commercial real estate, joint development of the Greater China market, cooperation between trade associations, cooperation in the exploitation of software, development of an eco-tourism spring resort, hosting of a themed exhibition of Chinese calligraphic tablets, establishment of a seafood restaurant, agricultural cooperation project, production of grain and oil, manufacturing, environmental protection, opening shops for brand name handbags, jewelry and clothing, and distributorship for products of environmental protection technology, brand name lighting products, electronics products, food and wines, etc. Numerous key activities have been scheduled for tomorrow, which include "The 9th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs", "How to Choose an Excellent Headquarters to Cooperate With?", "Utilizing Social Network and Media to Promote Your Business", "The Value of Design" and "Macao Brand Show", and more. To facilitate residents to visit the MIF, free shuttle buses will continue to provide service to and from the MIF venue. Meanwhile, for tomorrow and 21st Oct, visitors to the MIF may park their cars at the public car park of the Venetian Hotel for a maximum of 4 hours upon presentation of the MIF admission ticket. For further enquiries, please call 853-28828711 or visit our website at www.mif.com.mo
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Gaming Sector displayed sustainable growth in 2011. Total Receipts reached MOP 270.25 billion and Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 124.38 billion, up notably by 42% and 36% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added, measuring the sectoral contribution to the economy, amounted to MOP 161.13 billion, up by 42%; besides, Gross Fixed Capital Formation soared by 104% from 2011, at MOP 2.24 billion on account of the completion of several large-scale tourism and gaming facilities. In 2011, Total Receipts of the Gaming Sector reached MOP 270.25 billion, of which Receipts from Gaming & Related Services (e.g. food & beverage, currency exchange, etc.) increased notably by 42% year-on-year to MOP 270.11 billion; Interest Receipts totalled MOP 139 million. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 124.38 billion, an increase of 36% from 2010, with Purchase of Goods, Commission Paid and Customer Rebate surged by 45% year-on-year to MOP 94.76 billion (76% of the total). Moreover, Operating Expenses (MOP 14.20 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 12.27 billion) also increased by 19% and 15% respectively over 2010.
…

The 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), the annual trade and economic event of Macao, which integrates exhibitions, high level forums and professional conventions, business matching, sourcing and purchasing activities, inaugurated today (18th October 2012) at the Macao Venetian Convention and Exhibition Center. Grounding on the success of the last 16 editions, the MIF this year has risen to a new level in terms of internationalization and professionalism. The scale of the themed pavilions and the quality of commodities have also achieved new improvements with more outstanding features. Accompanied by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr. Cheong Chou Weng and other guests, the Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Dr. Chui Sai On visited the MIF venue before the opening ceremony, which took place afterwards at Macao Venetian Convention and Exhibition Center -- Sicily Hall at 11:00 AM today. Officiating guests included Dr. Chui Sai On, Chief Executive of Macao SAR, Mr. Zhou Bo, Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr. Feng Tie, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Mr. Kenneth Viagem Marizane, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, Mozambique, Mr. António Almeida Henriques, Secretary of State Assistant to the Minister and of Economy and Regional Development, Portugal, Ms.Veneranda M. Lemos Martins, Secretary of State for Support and Promotion of the Private Sector, East Timor, Mr. Wong Rong, the standing member of CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and the Secretary of CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Ms. Bu Xiaolin, Vice-Chairman of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Government, Mr. Xu Ming, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Jiangsu Province, Mr. Shi Dagang, Vice-chairman of the Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, and Mr. Cheong Chou Weng, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. More Internationalized with More Remarkable Results
With the theme of "Cooperation – Key to Business Opportunities", the MIF this year has followed closely the trends of the international markets and developments of Macao's economy, highlighted Macao as a service platform, especially the role of a service platform for economic and trade cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Thus, the features of the MIF this year are more prominent and more internationalized with more remarkable results, said Tam Pak Yuen in his opening address. Exhibitors from Many Countries and Regions Made their Presence with Specially-Decorated Pavilions and Booths
The MIF this year is strongly supported by the participation of exhibitors from Mainland China and overseas countries and regions. Over 1,800 exhibition booths have been set up, an increase of 9% over the same period last year. Among the exhibitors, the countries which are participating for the first time include Cyprus, Bangladesh and Madagascar. Meanwhile, more cities are now served by our "Convention and Exhibition Through Train Service" resulting in a boost in the number of participating trade visitors. This shows that the impact of MIF on its target markets has been on the rise over the years. Scale of Themed Pavilions Expanded to Showcase Rich and Colourful Exhibits and Programmes
Meanwhile, the industry-specific or themed pavilions feature more varieties of exhibits and programmes. In addition to the themed pavilions such as Macao Pavilion, Macao Manufactures and Trades Pavilion, Macao – Ideal Place to Live, International Brands Pavilion, International SME Exhibition and Sales Area and Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion and Macao Fashion Festival 2012, the 17th MIF also features some new pavilions for cultural and artistic performances, packaging design, arts and crafts, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao exhibition and Shenzhen Cultural Industries Fair, while the Macao Creative Pavilion and other pavilions such as Beijing, Anhui, Jiangsu and Taiwan, which have culture and creation as their main theme are presenting an vast array of artistic performances and creative programmes. A Brief, Grand Opening Ceremony Unveils a Series of Remarkable Forums and Conventions
Moreover, the MIF comprises a wide range of activities and programmes. The activities held today included the "International Trade and Investment Forum 2012", "Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception, "EU Wine & Food Products Promotion", "The Promotion of Hunan Essence", "The 5th Guangzhou / Hong Kong / Macao Exhibition Industry Cooperation Forum & The 1st Pearl River Delta Region" and the opening ceremonies of numerous pavilions. Among others, the "International Trade and Investment Forum", with the theme of "New Horizons for Regional Cooperation", has invited Mr. Zhang Wei, Vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Vice Chairman of All-China General Chamber of Industry & Commerce, Mr. Ma Iao Lai, President of Macao Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Kenneth Viagem Marizane, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade of Mozambique, and Mr. António Almeida Henriques, Secretary of State, Assistant to the Minister and of Economy and Regional Development of Portugal, to deliver keynote speeches. Some 280 guests attended the Forum. On the other hand, as many as 584 sessions of business matching were held resulting in the signing of 25 protocols related to tourism, film and television, construction materials and food products. The activities of tomorrow will include the "SME International Business Days Opening Ceremony, Macao Ideas Website Launching Ceremony and Protocol Signing Ceremony" and "Emotional Design for Uplifting Brand Image", to name just a few. In the meantime, the MIF this year has introduced new elements of culture and artistic performance. Over the four-day Fair period, the pavilions of Beijing, Hunan, Digital Imaging and Photography Equipment Pavilion, Guangzhou Chimelong Group and China's Ethnic Groups Pavilion will stage an abundant variety of cultural and artistic performances. The 17th MIF will be open to public in the next 3 days, from tomorrow (19th) until 21st October. To facilitate visitors to the MIF, the Organiser has arranged free shuttle buses to and from the MIF venue, which stop at Estr. Marginal do Hipodromo, Av. Dr. Mario Soares (The Macau Square), Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (in Macao) and Rua Foshan (Grandview Hotel) in Taipa. From 19th to 20th October, the shuttle buses (onward route from Macao/Taipa to MIF venue) will run from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, while the return route will run from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. On 21st October, the onward route will run from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and the return route will run from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Meanwhile, residents may park their cars at the public car park of the Venetian Hotel for a maximum of 4 hours upon presentation of the MIF admission ticket. For further enquiries, please call 853-28828711 or visit our website at www.mif.com.mo
…

During the 17th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF), (18 to 21 October), a series of high-level forums and promotion seminars were held, in addition to the setting-up of several themed exhibition areas, in order to use the advantages of Macao´s unique business and trade services platform, to promote economic and trade co-operation between Macao, Mainland China, Portuguese-Speaking Countries and the rest of the world. Organised by the Fujian Macau Economic Co-operation Promotion Committee and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), co-organised by the International Lusophone Markets Business Association, Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Industry and Commerce Brazil-China of Macau and São Paulo Chamber of Commerce, the "Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao Economic Exchange Networking Cocktail Reception" was held on 18 October, at 4:30 p.m., in Ballroom J, 3rd Floor, Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. The above-mentioned activity was aimed to promote economic and trade exchanges among Portuguese-Speaking Countries, Fujian and Macao, having as its theme, the textile industry, to fully utilise and develop Macao´s economic and trade services platform to open the markets in the Portuguese-Speaking countries, deepen the cooperation between Fujian and Macao, so as to facilitate the economic and trade exchange and create business opportunities for the trade promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, business associations and enterprises of the involved countries. Mr. Zhong Muda, Vice General-Director of Fujian Provincial Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Co-operation, and Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of Macao Trade and Investment Institute, delivered their welcome remarks at the networking cocktail. In addition, in the presentations session, representatives of Fujian, Portuguese-Speaking Countries and Macao shared their insights about the textile industry and explore opportunities for collaboration between the above-mentioned countries and regions. After the presentations, the guests had the opportunity for exchange to further seek co-operation opportunities. Members of the Fujian Trade and Economic Delegation, representatives from several countries participating in MIF, leaders of the chambers of commerce, business associations, trade promotion agencies, operators of the textile industry and representatives from the business community also took part in the networking cocktail reception.
…

Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, João Manuel Costa Antunes led a delegation of over 30 members to visit Sydney, Australia from October 16 to 20, met and exchanged ideas with their tourism officials and inspected the famous or recently-built tourism facilities, including historic monuments which have been transformed into tourism attractions, so as to absorb related experiences and ideas before kicking off a series of promotional activities in Sydney.
The delegation comprises over 30 members including Advisor of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Maria Madalena Leong, 24 members and Secretary General of Tourism Development Committee, Wong Mei Cheng, MGTO Head of Destination Marketing Department, Betty Fok and Head of Organizational Planning and Development Department, Cheng Wai Tong. On October 16, MGTO Director Antunes met with the press representatives from Sydney to introduce about the visit's mission and activities to be held. During their stay, the delegation met with New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, Acting Director of Industry Partnership and Government Policy of Destination NSW, Simonne Shepherd, Chairman of NSW Tourism Industry Council, Ken Corbett, Manager of Water Strategy of Sydney Town Hall, Bhakti Devi, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, Andrew McEvoy etc. and exchanged the latest tourism development of Australia and Macau. The delegation also visited and inspected various renowned tourism facilities and attractions in Sydney including the latest major project of the New South Wales Government – Barangaroo waterfront. Other attractions include Darling Harbour, Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade. Barangaroo waterfront is Australia's significant project and is Sydney's newest development site which is part of a 2020 master plan prepared and forwarded by the NSW Government. Known as the future of Sydney, Barangaroo will manifest an extraordinary vision of Sydney and become its newest landmark. Queen Victoria Building has over a century's history and is renovated into a tourism and leisure facility. Through exchange and inspection during the visit, the delegation learned about the conceptions and effects of these projects, which will help to inspire new ideas and creativity when Macau further develops its tourism facilities and products in future.
…

The century-old Government Headquarters will once again be opened to the public over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday 20-21 October) from 9 am to 6 pm. Members of the public may make use of this opportunity to admire the Southern European style structures. During the open days, a series of performances will be provided for the visitors, including music and shows by the Public Security Police Band, students from School of Music and School of Dance of the Macao Conservatory.
The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) will also host an exhibition of more than 3,000 types of orchids, showcasing the beauty of the renowned floral species. Large-scale floral works will also be displayed at the main entrance, exit, garden and hallways of Government Headquarters to depict the charm of orchids and the art of bonsai; flowers in bloom will be everywhere to fill the environment with fresh scents. Guided tour to the first floor of the Government Headquarters and a photo exhibition of old Macao will be staged in the multi-purpose conference room.
To commemorate this special occasion, Macao Post will set up a special counter at the Nam Van Lake to provide hand-back service and issue a set of commemorative envelope and postcard. Special traffic arrangements will be introduced on Travessa do Paiva during the open days and drivers are advised to follow the directions given by police officers. Located on Avenida Praia Grande, the Macao SAR Government Headquarters covers an area of 7,700 square metres and comprises three buildings with a total floor area of 10,000 square metres. After its construction, it was bought by the Portuguese-Macao government and used as the official residence and offices for the Portuguese governors who had served in Macao. After the establishment of the Macao SAR Government on December 20, 1999, the mansion was renovated, with its original architectural style and features retained. The front block of the Headquarters houses conference room for the Executive Council, the Lotus Room, a multi-purpose conference room and a press room, as well as the Green Room, the Yellow Room and the Blue Room, which are usually used for meetings and banquets.
…