News

According to the monitoring data of Gamma Radiation recorded for the past 24 hours (2nd June 16:01 till 3rd June 16:00) by the Taipa Grande Station of the Macao Meteorological Bureau, the Gamma-ray absorbed dose rate per minute ranges between 0.1160 and 0.1283μGy/h (micro Gray / hour) which is far more below the warning level of 0.35μGy/h. In viewing that the nuclear leakage occurred at Fukushima Prefecture Nuclear Power Plant is now in relatively stable situation and no immediate impact is expected on Macao, the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau will cease to release the press release for the ambient gamma radiation starting from 3rd June 2011. However, the latest gamma radiation data will continue to be updated on our website every six hours. The Macao Meteorological Bureau will continue to pay close attention to the radiation level in Macao. If any abnormalities being discovered, we will release related message to the public immediately and inform relevant government departments to adopt relative contingency measures.
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The Legal and Judicial Training Centre is going to organise the Seminar on "Mutual Legal Assistance: Party Autonomy in Cross-Border Civil and Commercial Matters" on 7th June, from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Multi-function Room of the Law Reform and International Law Bureau located on Alameda Dr. Carlos D' Assumpção, n. ° 398, CNAC building, 6th floor. The Seminar, integrated as part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, will feature as its keynote speaker Dr. Tang Zheng, Lecturer of the School of Law, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. The Seminar will be conducted in English, with simultaneous translation to Cantonese and Portuguese. During the four daily sessions, which will take place until June 10th, the following topics will be discussed: 1. Choice of Forum Agreements;
2. Choice of Forum Agreements in Europe – The Brussels I Regulation;
3. Judicial Support of Arbitration Agreements;
4. Choice of Law. The 2nd Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field between the European Union and Macao, which incorporates this seminar, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and is going to take place until December 2012. The execution of the Co-operation Programme is coordinated by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, together with many entities and public departments of the Macao SAR, namely the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Economic Services, the Financial Services Bureau and the Institute of European Studies of Macao.
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Consumer Council's latest specific price survey report on tissue and toilet papers was conducted on 30th May. The current report showed an average price decrease of around 2% to 24% for most brands. Out of the 13 surveyed samples of tissue and toilet papers from 25 local retail outlets, the retail prices for most of them remain steady. A price drop of around 2% to 24 % was observed for 4 surveyed brands sold at different retail outlets. Yet, there was a slight increase of around 1% to 2% for some of the surveyed samples when compared with last month's report. As the current report has shown a decrease in price for most of the surveyed samples, it results in a great discrepancy in price of the same brand sold at different retail outlets. The discrepancy in price observed this time is 53% as compared to 40% recorded at last month's survey. Consumer Council has set up a "Specific Product Price Information Platform" on its website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo) to allow consumers to use its online search function to check the prices of items that are of their interest and also the price discrepancies of the surveyed items at different retail spots. Besides, the "Supermarket Price Information Platform" can also be found on the website. Both platforms allow consumers to check the prices of the surveyed products and review the previous surveys that Consumer Council has conducted over the past months. The specific price survey report on tissue and toilet papers is now available online on the Council's official website. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315. The latest Consumer Report issue no. 213 is also published, covering the recent activities performed by Consumer Council and the detailed report on the test on accuracy of fuel meters at gas stations in Macau that was publicized lately. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the two offices of Consumer Council, Public Information Center located at Vicky Plaza (Rua do Campo), bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo).
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According to the monitoring data of Gamma Radiation recorded for the past 24 hours (2nd June 10:01 till 3rd June 10:00) by the Taipa Grande Station of the Macao Meteorological Bureau, the Gamma-ray absorbed dose rate per minute ranges between 0.1160 and 0.1283μGy/h (micro Gray / hour) which is far more below the warning level of 0.35μGy/h. The Macao Meteorological Bureau will continue to pay close attention to the radiation level in Macao. If any abnormalities being discovered, we will release related message to the public immediately and inform relevant government departments to adopt relative contingency measures.
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To celebrate China Cultural Heritage Day, observed this year on the 11th of June, the Cultural Affairs Bureau is offering a wide variety of public activities and benefits, among them a concert by the Macao Orchestra at the Mandarin's House, a special lecture, additional docent services and free admission to attractions and exhibition venues. The exhibition and performance Genesis and Spirit – supported by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China and the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and jointly organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the China National Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage – includes the large-scale Exhibition of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Macao Forum, the Performance of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ruins of St. Paul's and the Demonstration of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage – Thangka Painting and Wood-Block Printing at the Mandarin's House. The three part presentation aims to increase public knowledge and awareness of the precious value China's Intangible Cultural Heritage and the conservation works being undertaken to protect it. To help residents play a more participatory role in cultural heritage, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has broadened the scope of its activities this year, with the opening ceremony to be held on 11th June. Centred on one of the major topics in the development of Chinese culture, China Cultural Heritage Day seeks to create a favourable environment for the protection of cultural heritage and to raise public awareness of the importance of its conservation. A regulation issued by the State Council of the People's Republic of China has declared the second Saturday in June China Cultural Heritage Day. This year, on 11th June, the entire nation will host a series of celebratory events revolving around the theme 'Cultural Heritage for a Better Life'. Genesis and Spirit exhibition, performance and demonstration at Macao Forum, Mandarin's House and Lou Kau Mansion This year, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has joined forces with the China National Centre for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage to organise the exhibition Genesis and Spirit – Exhibition of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. The opening will take place on the afternoon of 11th June at the Macao Forum, and the exhibition will run until 10th July. Reflecting the rich resources, uniqueness and fascinating quality of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage, the exhibition also features a special introduction to the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Macao. Several performing groups will convene at 5:00pm on 11th and 12th June at the Ruins of St. Paul's to present Chinese folk dances from various regions. The performances will feature items inscribed on China's List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, among them the Dangshan Suona, the Left Foot Tune of Yi and the Farmers' Dance of China's Korean ethnic group. Demonstrations of the folk arts of Thangka Painting and Wood-Block Printing will be given at the Mandarin's House from 11th -15th June, presented by three renowned representative inheritors of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. Niang Bem, Chong Defu and Gao Wenying will reveal to the public the surviving skills of the rare art forms of Thangka Painting and Wood-Block Printing. The Mandarin's house will also host the Macao Orchestra, for a heritage-themed performance titled Colours at 4:00pm on 11th June. Come listen as the various classic musical works complement the elegant environment of this historical mansion! The Shandong Folk Arts Show opens to the public from 31st May to 19th June at Lou Kau Mansion. Celebrated artisans Xu Xiuling and Qiao Zhenxia will demonstrate the arts of Lu Embroidery and Zhangqiu New Year's Prints, crafts that are unique to the region of the historic States of Lu and Qi. A free workshop on Zhangqiu New Year's Prints is available to the public at 3:00pm on 11th June. Interested parties are invited to register. Exhibition, lecture and docent services cater to variety of participants Jointly organised by the Historical Archives of Macao and the Statistics and Census Service, the exhibition How Many are We? runs from 11th June to 14th August, conveying information about the development of Macao over the last few centuries through data collected from Macao's census enumeration. In addition, the Historical Archives of Macao – Open Day, scheduled for 11th June, will allow the public to visit and learn from informative displays about the archive collection and techniques for the restoration of printed documents. In a special lecture, titled Analysis of Sense of Identity and Regional Characteristics Interpreted through Case Studies of Cultural Heritage Conservation, to be held at 3:00pm on 12th June at the Macao Museum Auditorium, the public can hear from Taiwanese expert Chiu Ruhua about the creation and significance of the cultural heritage communities in Taiwan and Japan as practical examples for cultural heritage conservation work. The lecture will be given in Putonghua (Mandarin). For reservations and enquiries, please call 8399 6424.
A free Tour of Heritage Library Buildings, organised by the Macao Central Library and designed for primary students and their parents, will run from 2:00pm to 6:00pm on 11th June. The tour takes participants to several Macao libraries that are undergoing conservation work and which form part of the city's cultural heritage, imparting them a better understanding of the libraries' historical backgrounds and the opportunity to experience the joy of reading.
The Night Tour of World Heritage Sites – Listen to Stories of the Old City, organised by the Macao Heritage Ambassadors Association, will provide free docent services on the evenings of 11th and 12th June, in a total of six sessions. Tour departure times are scheduled for 6.30pm, 7:00pm and 7.30pm. For online registration, please visit www.mhaa.org.mo. For enquiries please call 6238 6441.
Attractions offer free visits with complimentary shuttle bus service
Along with the free exhibitions, shows, performances, lectures and docent services already mentioned, several additional cultural heritage sites and exhibition venues will open to the public for free on 11th and 12th June. The Guia Lighthouse and Dom Pedro V Theatre will provide free docent services from 10:00am to 5:00pm, while the Macao Museum and the Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business will waive their admission fee. For the convenience of both residents and tourists, complimentary shuttle buses provided by the Cultural Affairs Bureau will link designated venues on 11th and 12th June. The buses will run every 45 minutes, from 11:00am to 5:00pm, between the Macao Forum, the Ruins of St. Paul's and the Mandarin's House (passengers alight near A-Ma Temple and walk to the House). For enquiries regarding China Cultural Heritage Day activities or registration for the Free Workshop on Zhangqiu New Year's Prints to be held at Lou Kau Mansion, please call the Cultural Affairs Bureau hotline on 8399 6699 or visit www.icm.gov.mo. 2011 China Cultural Heritage Day Activities
(* please find the attached file.)
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According to the monitoring data of Gamma Radiation recorded for the past 24 hours (1st June 16:01 till 2nd June 16:00) by the Taipa Grande Station of the Macao Meteorological Bureau, the Gamma-ray absorbed dose rate per minute ranges between 0.1178 and 0.1291μGy/h (micro Gray / hour) which is far more below the warning level of 0.35μGy/h. The Macao Meteorological Bureau will continue to pay close attention to the radiation level in Macao. If any abnormalities being discovered, we will release related message to the public immediately and inform relevant government departments to adopt relative contingency measures.
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According to the monitoring data of Gamma Radiation recorded for the past 24 hours (1st June 10:01 till 2nd June 10:00) by the Taipa Grande Station of the Macao Meteorological Bureau, the Gamma-ray absorbed dose rate per minute ranges between 0.1178 and 0.1300μGy/h (micro Gray / hour) which is far more below the warning level of 0.35μGy/h. The Macao Meteorological Bureau will continue to pay close attention to the radiation level in Macao. If any abnormalities being discovered, we will release related message to the public immediately and inform relevant government departments to adopt relative contingency measures.
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On the complaints lodged by 822 bank customers on 17 March this year relating to compulsory squaring of open position under margined FX contracts, the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) has rolled out a series of investigations according to current policy statement in handling complaints (http://www.amcm.gov.mo/pledge/cPledge.htm). We have conducted 5 meetings with all the complainants with a view to hearing their complaints and reporting interim progress. AMCM has completed the initial investigation and will proceed to more detailed investigations on a case-by-case basis. Our initial findings are as follows: 1. The bank involved squared the open positions in accordance with the related provisions of the margined FX transaction contracts executed between the bank and its clients. The complainants executed the relevant contracts at the time when an account for margined FX trading was established, which included a clause whereby the bank was authorized to square any open FX positions unilaterally. 2. Discrepancies were identified in the notifications to clients in respect of the time of position squaring and actual time when the action took place. In this connection, AMCM has requested the bank to rectify, whilst the bank has issued written elucidations to customers in this respect between 24 March and 26 May. 3. The complaints mainly involved disputes over the compulsory squaring clause in the margin FX trading contract and the service hours of the bank. Such issues are contractual in nature, which are beyond the authority of AMCM. As at 30 May, AMCM received 201 complaints relating to the incident, involving 1119 FX transactions. AMCM will pursue closely each and every individual case and will not fail to notify the results in writing to each complainant. Again, AMCM would like to remind the general public that the FX market is highly volatile and tumultuous. There are high risks involved. Extra prudence should be exercised in FX investments and margined FX tradings.
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To further facilitate the collaboration of products brands from Guangdong and Macao, the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair", co-organized by Macao Trade and Investment Institute (IPIM) and Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and facilitated by Macau Fair & Trade Association, will be held from July 28th to 31st at Macao Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Focus on Contributions of Convention and Exhibition Business to Service Industries under Cooperation Framework
Continuing the legacy of trade cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, the upcoming Fair reflects the efforts undertaken by IPIM and Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province to implement and strengthen business collaboration between the two regions and is one of the measures to enhance Macao's economic diversification appropriately. Based on the "Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement "signed by its two organizers in March 2009, the Fair has been held in Macao for three consecutive years. To tie in with the "Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement", this year the Fair will further highlight the importance of trade cooperation between Guangdong and Macao and its actual implementation. Building on its success gained from the past two years, the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair" will foster closer cooperation and exchanges between enterprises from the two territories. Through product displays and promotion, business matching, purchasing negotiations and product recommendations, the event will serve as a platform for branded products and enterprises of the two regions, where product visibility can be enhanced, markets can be opened up and further invigorated through sales on a mutual basis and greater access to overseas and domestic markets can be developed, in order to provide Macao citizens with a broader range of branded products. Guangdong's branded products brought together under the same roof for joint developments The Fair's exhibition area is around 6,000 square metres this year. Work is currently underway in Guangdong and Macao to solicit the participation of potential exhibitors, especially with regard to organizing and coordinating the exhibitors of branded products from the two territories. Active measures have been undertaken by the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province to facilitate participation of branded products and enterprises in the Fair, through mobilizing its network of foreign trade departments in different provinces and cities. As of now, more than 150 enterprises from 20 cities have already registered for participation. Many of them are top-tier brands and enterprises, representing special products, foods, daily-use items, electronic products, handcraft products and others. 43 of these enterprises have been awarded titles including "Well-known Products of China" and "Branded Products of Guangdong Province." 26 trademarks have been awarded the titles of "Famous Trademark in China" and "Guangdong's Famous Brands". To ensure the products showcased in the Fair cater to Macao's market needs as well as its quality and output requirements, efforts are currently made by Guangdong provincial authorities to coordinate and screen the enterprises for participation in this event. Local enterprises eligible to exhibition subsidy As in the past, the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair" organizers have set up a Subsidy Scheme to encourage participation of enterprises in the event. The Scheme is targeted at eligible exhibitors with Manufactured in Macao, Macao brands and Overseas products with agent in Macao. Eligible enterprises only need to pay HK$2,800, as 60% of the full exhibition fee is covered by the subsidy provided. Recruitment for exhibitors for the Fair will begin tomorrow (June 2) until June 16, with the aim of encouraging Macao enterprises to participate and take advantage of this platform for business development. With limited booths, it is on first come first served basis and is subject to availability. Note:
Products "Manufactured in Macao"
· Products "Manufactured in Macao" and exported from Macao, participating exhibitors have to provide Certificate of Origin issued by Macao Economic Services.
· Products "Manufactured in Macao" and sold in Macao, participating exhibitors have to provide Approval of Industry issued by Macao Economic Services.
Products "Macao brand"
· Products "Macao brand", participating exhibitors have to provide Trademark Registration issued by Macao Economic Services or related supporting document(s). Products "with agent in Macao"
· Participating exhibitors have to provide Agent Authorization of the products or related supporting document(s). Plethora of onsite events held to enrich the Fair's appeal At the "2001 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair", trade activities such as purchasing negotiations sessions, product seminars and business matching will be held. To strengthen business matching between professional business clients and exhibitors, renowned Guangdong emporiums and supermarket groups will be invited to Macao, where purchasing seminars and business matching will be conducted to facilitate exchanges and interfacing between retail/ purchasing enterprises of Guangdong and Macao. In addition, international and domestic chambers of commerce and delegations will be invited to carry out purchasing negotiations to help optimize the functions of Macao's business services platform. Throughout the fair's duration, display panels and exhibitions of selected brands and products will be set up at "city galleries for special products" in the various provinces and cities of Guangdong. Furthermore, discussion seminars will be held and visitors to the Fair will be introduced to the local investment and business environment. Also, recommendations of Macao's branded products will be made to business visitors from various countries. These business clients will be taken to visit the recently-opened "Macao Ideas", a display centre for Macao products, and the promotional platform provided by the Fair will be leveraged on to publicize Macao-made products, Macao brands, Macao-designed products and products of Portuguese-speaking countries distributed by their agents in Macao. In order to attract more local citizens and tourists to the Fair, the organizers will be staging cultural performances, with plans to invite Hong Kong and Macao singers and artistes, along with several arts groups, to entertain visitors. During the Fair period, lucky draw activities will also be held to distribute spending coupons to citizens and tourists, with the view of presenting them with a colorful summer carnival event. For further information on the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair", please call the event's hotline at 853- 8798 9605 or visit its official website, www.guangdongmacaofair.com.
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According to the monitoring data of Gamma Radiation recorded for the past 24 hours (31st May 16:01 till 1st June 16:00) by the Taipa Grande Station of the Macao Meteorological Bureau, the Gamma-ray absorbed dose rate per minute ranges between 0.1178 and 0.1300μGy/h (micro Gray / hour) which is far more below the warning level of 0.35μGy/h. The Macao Meteorological Bureau will continue to pay close attention to the radiation level in Macao. If any abnormalities being discovered, we will release related message to the public immediately and inform relevant government departments to adopt relative contingency measures.
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