News

Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the 2013 Taipei International Food Show was held from June 26 to 29 at the Nangang Exhibition Hall and Hall 1 of Taiwan World Trade Centre. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute organized around 50-member Macao Business Delegation to attend to visit the show and for procurement purchase. 2013 Taipei International Food Show is currently Taiwan´s largest, most professional, visible and renowned food fair. For the first time, the said event is presented as a "Five-in-One Food Expo", comprising the Taipei International Food Show (FOOD TAIPEI), Taipei International Food Processing & Pharmaceutical Machinery Show (FOODTECH & PHARMATECH TAIPEI), Taipei International Packaging Industry Show (TAIPEI PACK), Taiwan International Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show (TAIWAN HORECA), and Taiwan International HALAL Expo (HALAL TAIWAN), to offer a complete panorama of Taiwan's food supply chain, consisting of the food-manufacturing, food-processing machinery, packaging, catering, and Halal food industries. There were a total of 1,557 exhibitors in the five exhibitions, occupying 3,637 booths. The Show attracted 6,588 international buyers with the number of visitors from home and abroad reaching 65,000. In addition to the exhibitions, the Organizer also organized several related activities, including national theme days, launching of new products, seminar on professional packaging and food machinery, and seminar on the opening up of the vast halal food market. There was also a catering competition as part of the relevant activities. Apart from visiting the above-mentioned Food Show, during their stay in Taiwan, members of the Macao Business Delegation also met with the Executive Director of Taipei World Center, under the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Mr. Liu Shi-Wei and the Officer of the Head of the Exhibition Department, Mr. Kang Yih-Jyh , for exchange for matching purposes, and also to obtain the latest and the most updated information about Taiwan´s convention and exhibition, and food industry. The Delegation also visited Taiwan Design Centre, where they were warmed received by the CEO of the said centre, Mr. Tony K. Chang, who also arranged a briefing on the development process of the creative design of the food packaging and food utensils. Furthermore, while in Taiwan, the Business Delegation also visited the actual "Dreamworks" production line of Taiwan´s branded souvenir food, the pineapple cake produced by Vigor Kobo, to learn about the related operating conditions. The above-mentioned series of activities provided an opportunity for members of the Macao Business Delegation to carry out procurement negotiations and exchanges with the TAITRA exhibitors in the fields of food, foodstuff, frozen food, dairy products, wine, kitchen utensils, cutlery, and food production machinery and equipment. Members of the Macao Business Delegation organized by IPIM comprised of members from the food, catering, trade, retail and other industries. Members of the delegation included: Mr. Sam Lei, Senior Manager of IPIM; the Macao Federal Commercial Association of Wine and Food Industries in Portuguese Speaking Countries and Regions, Mr. Ip Sio Man, Executive Director of Macau Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Vong Veng Him, the Vice-President of "Ou Mun Peng Sek Sao Son Ip Seong Wui", Mr. Ling Man Yi, the Vice-President of Macau Union Suppliers Association, Mr. Mok Sio Kei, the President of the Board of Directors of Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises of Catering, Mr. Ieong Weng Seng, the Vice-Chairman of Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association, Mr. Si Tou Tek Lam and the Vice-Chairman of The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District, Ms. Lio Mei Chan.
…

Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on canned foods on 4th July 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.
…

Consumer Council's research result shows that many interviewees hold positive comments on the service quality, product quality, and after sales service of 'Certified Shops'. Both local citizens and tourists regard the 'Certified Shop' emblem as a guarantee for shopping. The research is featured in the latest issue no.238 of Consumer Report. The Institute for Social and Cultural Research under the Macau University of Science and Technology was commissioned by the Council in 2010 to conduct a research on the effectiveness of its 'Certified Shop' promotional campaign for the evaluation of the mechanism since its establishment a decade ago. The Council then revised and modified its promotion strategies after reviewing the research result. In order to review the revised promotional campaign, the Council commissioned the Institute again for another research. The latest research result reviews that public's recognition of the mechanism has been increased, as outdoor media such as bus body wrapping advertisements and bus shelter scrolling panels, etc. make a good impression on the public. Further, advertisements placed at the arrival hall inside the airport also increases tourists' recognition of the 'Certified Shop' emblem. The research also shows that accessibility to promotional materials of 'Certified Shops' plays an important part in encouraging consumers' patronage to 'Certified Shops'. Many of the interviewees who have visited 'Certified Shops' hold positive comments on the service quality, product quality, and after sales service of 'Certified Shops'. Among the local citizens who have been interviewed, about 41 percent of them regard the service quality of 'Certified Shops' as 'better' and 'very good', about 50 percent of them regard the product quality as 'better' and 'very good', and around 54 percent of them also agree that the standard for after sales service of 'Certified Shops' is 'better' and 'very good'. For tourists, about 72 percent of the total number of interviewees think that the service quality of 'Certified Shops' is 'better' and 'very good', 71 percent of tourists think likewise for product quality, and 61 percent of tourists agree that after sales service of 'Certified Shops' is 'better' and 'very good'. Research result and the suggestions given by the commissioned body have been published in the latest issue no.238 of Consumer Report and are also available on the Council's website. The latest Consumer Report also features articles on the new laws about uncompleted property and food safety. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at Consumer Council (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 24-A, Edf. Cheung Heng, R/C), and the service counter of Consumer Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the resources online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
…

According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply continued to increase in May. As total deposits grew at a faster pace than total loans, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector dropped from a month earlier.
Money supply
Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 0.1% and 12.6% respectively. M1 thus increased 10.7% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities rose 1.6%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased 2.8% to MOP407.6 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 52.4% and 27.2% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 24.0%, down 0.7 percentage points from a month ago or 1.8 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 55.1%, up 0.4 percentage points month-to-month or 0.8 percentage points year-on-year.
Deposits
Resident deposits rose 2.9% from the preceding month to MOP399.4 billion. Of which, MOP deposits dropped 0.3% while HKD deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 3.6% and 4.5%. Non-resident deposits grew 6.7% to MOP150.6 billion whereas public sector deposits with the banking sector grew 4.0% to MOP55.9 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector rose 3.9% from a month earlier to MOP605.9 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 19.7% and 47.0% respectively.
Loans
Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.8% from a month ago to MOP220.8 billion. Among which, MOP71.5 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP129.5 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 32.4% and 58.7% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans remained virtually unchanged at MOP260.0 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.9% (MOP2.3 billion) and 21.2% (MOP55.1 billion) respectively.
Loan-to-deposit ratios
The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-May dropped 0.6 percentage points from the previous month to 48.5%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors fell 2.4 percentage points to 79.4%.
…

With the rapid development of the catering, health care and beauty industry, IFT has approached the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) and ITEC, an international specialist examination board providing quality qualifications in beauty and spa therapy, hairdressing, complimentary therapies, sports and fitness training, and customer service, and has successfully obtained the accreditations to offer the courses and exams of the two organisations. Currently, IFT has developed partnerships with 13 international organisations to offer nearly 70 internationally recognised courses and accreditations. SCAE is a training organisation aiming to create and inspire excellence in the coffee community through innovation, research, education and communication. Its Coffee Diploma System (CDS) provides practical knowledge and techniques on all aspects of the specialty coffee sector, requiring learners to master the skills from roasting to running a coffee bar. Lately, IFT offered one of the modules of its Coffee Diploma and received very good response from the public. Course participants who have attended no less than 80% of the class and passed the written and practical exams will obtain a course certificate by IFT and an official SCAE certificate, which can be counted as 10 credits in SCAE Coffee Diploma System. For the area of the health care and beauty studies, IFT has obtained the accreditation from ITEC to offer courses and exams in aromatherapy, make-up, manicure & pedicure, diet & nutrition and holistic massage. Being a leading international specialist examination board in U.K. for nearly seventy years, ITEC has established over 655 registered institutes globally, providing quality qualifications in beauty and spa therapy. With increasingly fierce competition in the labour market, international qualifications can enable employees to manifest their professionalism and serve as an important part in their career upward mobility. Therefore, IFT has always been trying its utmost to develop partnership with international organisations to offer more internationally recognised courses and qualifications, in order for the public and industry professionals to enhance their professional skills so as to promote the development of the industry. Since the 1990s, IFT has been offering the International Travel Agent Foundation Course of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In 2001, with the support and the joint efforts of the European Union and local industry, the Macao Occupational Skills Recognition System (MORS) was developed. Besides, a number of international mega resorts and hotels have opened in Macao in these recent years, and the society has developed rapidly and faced severe manpower drought. Therefore, IFT has been successively expanding its list of international partners with the renowned training and certification organisations, including the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Servsafe®, International Bartenders Association (IBA), London Chamber of Commerce (LCCI), Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School, Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC), American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AH&LEI), Court of Master Sommelier and Burgundy Wine School. The current scope of accreditations includes culinary arts, nutrition, food security, catering and hospitality, accounting, management, public relations, supervision, retail, information technology and advertising. Through offering the extensive international qualifications, IFT hopes that the pressing needs of local professionals can be relieved, and at the same time, the working population can be motivated to raise their qualifications which will help the local industries to grow more professionally.
…

Organised by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), special supporting organisation World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), and co-organised by 15 economic and trade promotion institutions and chambers of commerce from Macao, Mainland China and Hong Kong, co-ordinated by Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao, the 18th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) will be held from 17th to 20th October 2013 in the Convention and Exhibition Centre at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel . MIF is one of the largest annual international economic and trade events in Macao as well as the first exhibition to be accredited by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). After 17 years of continuous innovation and development, MIF has now become a branded Macao fair. MIF's role in boosting Macao's economic growth is becoming increasingly significant, in particular, with the introduction of new technology, capital and expertise. It fosters technological progress and the upgrading of the local tourism and leisure industry, as well as other business areas, such as finance, manufacturing, convention and exhibition, cultural and creative industries. MIF provides Macao's SMEs as well as enterprises from abroad with more business opportunities. It serves as a regional trade and investment platform and an important co-operation and service platform, linking China, the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region in particular, Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the European Union and the rest of the world. Enriched Exhibition Content to Open Tremendous Business Opportunities for Trade Visitors The 17th MIF held in October last year, had over 1,600 booths and more than 20 themed exhibition zones, 330 trade and economic delegations from more than 50 countries and regions participated in the event, engaging in 1,847 business matching sessions. This fully reflects, once again, the vital role played by MIF as a regional co-operation platform and hub for trade exchanges. The theme of this year's MIF is "Co-operation – Key to Business Opportunities", covers an exhibition area of over 32,000 square metres. There will be various themed pavilions, as well as pavilions for a number of Chinese cities/provinces, various overseas countries. An Asian Creativity Business Zone and a Healthcare Pavilion will be established in MIF this year. Major features include: domestic and foreign investment environments and investment projects, cultural and creative industries, food and wine, fashion design, healthcare, professional product and magicians' supplies and equipment, a financial investment exhibition, digital photography equipment and the opportunity to buy international SMEs' products. This year's seminars, forums and promotional activities highlight the investment environments and projects services, technology and products of Mainland China and overseas countries, so as to create more business opportunities for trade visitors. The Organiser will continue to support the participation of local small and medium-sized enterprises by providing a number of concessions Macao SME Exhibition Zone organised by Macao Chamber of Commerce, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and co-organised by the Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association, Macau Businesswomen Association and co-ordinated by Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association and the Association of Advertising Agents of Macao. A total 120 booths will be set up in the Macao SME Exhibition Zone. For eligible Macao SMEs, the organiser will provide the following concessions: a discount of 40% off the rental fee of a nine square metre standard booth, with an original rental fee of MOP9,000.00, the discounted price is MOP3,600.00. Enterprises making their registration on or before 19 July, as well as those that have previously participated in exhibitions organised by IPIM are both entitled to a 10% discount. The Recruitment and Briefing Session for the Macao SME Exhibition Area will be held at 3:00 p.m. on 5 July (Friday) in the Macao Business Support Centre (MBSC), located on 20th Floor, China Civil Plaza, 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, Macao. Interested parties are cordially invited to participate. Applications for exhibition in the Macao SME Exhibition Zone will be held from 8 to 26 July (Monday to Friday), from 09:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Applicants should register in person and bring along their application form and all required documents to IPIM's SME Service Centre (Address: 19th Floor, China Civil Plaza, 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, Macao). Each SME can only apply for one booth, on a first-come-first-served basis. The exhibition venue will be zoned in accordance with the nature of the business and the allocation of each booth will be decided in a draw. Enterprises applying for preferential schemes related to exhibition in the Macao SME Exhibition Zone should meet the following requirements: small or medium-sized enterprises (employing less than 100 people in Macao) incorporated in Macao; have fulfilled obligations as a tax payer and have been registered with the Macao Finance Bureau for at least two years (as of 17 October 2013), a Macao resident should own at least 50% of the company or by a company incorporated in Macao. After satisfying the above criteria, the applicant should also meet one of the following two requirements: it has participated in at least one MIF in the past or other exhibitions organised by IPIM or is a company manufacturing Made in Macao Products, holder of Macao Brand or is an agent for Macao Products. For further details, please contact the MIF Co-ordinators Administrative and Service Centre on (853) 2882 2711, fax: (853) 2882 8722 or visit the official MIF website: www.mif.com.mo.
…

Due to the recent challenging safety situation in some areas of Egypt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel safety reminder to Chinese citizens who intend to visit there. Following is the translated version of the full text: "Continuous and massive protests taking place in Egypt's Cairo and Alexandria since 30 June have caused casualties. In view of the above situation, the Department of the Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Egypt specially remind Chinese citizens to exercise caution when travelling to Egypt, especially Cairo, Alexandria and the Nile Delta. In any case of emergency, Chinese citizens should timely report to local police and contact the Chinese Embassy and consulate in Egypt through the following means: Police reporting hotline in Egypt: 00202-122; Tourist Police in Egypt: 00202-3906028; Consular Assistance and Protection hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Egypt: 00202-27380466、00202-27363556; Consular Assistance and Protection hotline of Chinese Consulate General in Alexandria: 00202-271125995." The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest development of safety situation in the above cities and also advises Macao residents to avoid making unnecessary trips. Those who are currently travelling in Egypt should remain cautious for personal safety. According to the Macao tourism industry, there are no Macao tour groups currently in Egypt. However, there are some five individual travellers visiting there. GGCT so far has not received any requests for assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or the Chinese Embassy and consulate for assistance.
…

The Macao SAR Government is highly concerned over reports of US Government's secret internet surveillance on many countries and regions, and wondered if it included Macao networks. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said he has expressed the concern when he met with Consul General of the United States in Hong Kong and Macao, at the reception to commemorate the 237th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. The SAR Government has been dedicating full efforts to safeguard Macao's freedom of information, personal privacy and network safety by applying effective measures to protect the government's internal network and data, Mr Chui said. Meanwhile, the Office for Personal Data Protection has sent a letter to the Consulate General of the United States in Hong Kong and Macao to ask for a clarification, and an explanation for the allegation.
…

In order to provide diversified training opportunities for Macao's local hotel industry professionals and enhance their management skills, Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland co-orgainsed a two-day Executive Development Programme on Leadership Module: Key to Personal Effectiveness on 2 and 3 July. The programme helped participants to understand that their perceptions of the world, work and the other people in their lives are affected by past experiences, their expectations and where they place their priorities. Their level of performance and overall team working results can be significantly impacted by increased self-understanding and understanding of others, by enhancing their ability to adapt and by improving their ability to connect with others in both personal and work theatres. The programme attracted 23 professionals of local hotels and mega resorts to participate. IFT has the honour of inviting Mr. Yateendra Sinh, the CEO of Lausanne Hospitality Consulting SA, the Consulting and Executive Education subsidiary of Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, to be the facilitator of this programme. Graduated from the University of Bombay majoring in Economics and Hotels & Management, Mr. Sinh held various operational responsibilities such as pre-opening and managing hotels, business clubs, townships and large IT infrastructure networks. Since moving to Switzerland in 2000, he has delivered training and consultancy on strategic, managerial and operational issues, in over 36 countries. Mr. Sinh believes in continuous improvement of service quality and in providing the hospitality industry with radical and innovative solutions. The purpose of the programme is to enable participants to recognise and understand the person they are dealing with and adapt the best approach for communication. Programme topics include: Knowledge
- Explain the nature of perception and its importance in our relationship with others.
- Identify the four basic colour energies and the characteristics associated with each.
- Examine the relative strengths and weaknesses of each colour. Competencies
- Develop a quick way to recognise the different types of person you are dealing with in the hotel Industry.
- Develop efficient strategies to communicate, influence and negotiate.
- Elaborate the perception from "Difficult Person" to a "Valued Person" in your relationship with somebody. Mindset
- Be ready to see others in a different and a more valuable way.
- Open for new challenges and objectives. As the tourism and hospitality industry is growing swiftly in Macao, the demand for knowledgeable professionals is increasing and thus hotel management needs to upgrade themselves to cope with the changing market trends. This module addresses the key requirements in "Best communication" to help participants to enlarge their leadership skills. It is hoped that participants can always strive a fruitful collaboration with people they are dealing or negotiating with. IFT is always striving to enhance its research and teaching so as to contribute to the society. By organising diversified seminars and workshops, IFT constantly shares with the industry the most updated information and research findings about the future development of Macao's sustainable tourism industry and ways to enhance it.
…

Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on rice on 2nd July 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.
…