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The 2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (2012) is currently taking place at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. During the 3-day event, exhibitors will make use of the green trade and commercial platform in tapping local, Mainland and international markets, and also grab the opportunity to promote their innovative environment-friendly products. In view of the current trend of energy conservation and low emission, MIECF exhibitors seize the business opportunities and are therefore showcasing their latest environmentally-friendly vehicles with related technologies and accessories. ResoPark, a Portuguese company participating in the MIECF for the first time, has been operating in Macao for two years, its main line of business is a smart car parking system, using sensor and lighting signage to help locate available parking spaces, thus reducing energy waste and pollution for drivers in search of their cars. According to Mr. Ricardo Vieira, ResoPark´s Business Manager, the said system will facilitate drivers and believes that it has considerable market potential. He also hopes that the smart system will help Macao to reduce air pollution and improve energy efficiency. On the other hand, NEC Hong Kong Limited is participating in the Green Showcase for the first time. The company's Business Manager said that the environmental products on display by NEC include a high power charging system for electric vehicle, where a 10-minute charge-time will be sufficient for a car to travel 50 kilometres. He said that the system has been in operation in Hong Kong, and hopes that MIECF will assist his company to open Macao and international markets, especially for green products. European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is participating in the MIECF for the fourth time. The Vice Chairman, Mr. Jens-Erik Olsen, said that Macao has the potential of becoming the most environmentally-friendly city in China, but it is important to adjust the habit of the general public in their mode of transport, and reduce the use of private cars and switch to mass transit rail system. He believes that an appropriate policy should be in place to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads. After the authorities have imposed heavy traffic tax, London's traffic conditions have improved, he said. OOU Trade Co., Ltd., from Guangzhou, is exhibiting their newly developed product – green lunch box. According to the agent of the said product, Mr. Ho, traditional PVC and recyclable lunch boxes increase the pollution problem and that the degradation of such boxes takes a hundred years, while burning will produce carcinogenic Dioxin. He said that his company uses corn as the raw material in the production of lunch boxes, and the degradation period is greatly reduced to 20 to 30 years. However, the technology and capital costs are high and therefore they are having a trial on lunch boxes and that if the reaction from the exhibition is positive, they will consider developing other products. There are over 390 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions participating in this year's MIECF. The Green Showcase includes the Pan-PRD Region Exhibition Zone, European Pavilion, USA Zone, International Exhibition Zone, Macao Exhibition Zone and Distinguished Exhibitors Zone, to promote the latest environmental technology.
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Hosted by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the 2012 Macao International Environmental Protection and Exhibition Forum 2012 (2012MIECF) officially opened today (March 29). The Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, together with other officiating guests, presided over the respective lighting ceremony. Several keynote speakers delivered their speeches on the current direction and strategy for the development of the environmental protection in China, and, in line with the current world trend, to increase the dialogue and contact with other countries, to jointly promote a green economy. In his keynote speech, Mr. Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of the 11th National Committee of the People´s Political Consultative Conference and Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People´s Republic of China said that the industrial revolution was a great step forward for mankind, but was now facing unprecedented challenges. China, a developing country, is encountering a series of environmental problems, while pursuing the development path. He said that the Central Government of the People´s Republic of China has stressed the need to get an in-depth knowledge on the current development situation, in China as well as abroad, in order to achieve a scientific development, through restructuring in the development model, while promoting a development that covers all areas and is at the same time coordinated and sustainable, so as to develop a green economy through technology innovation. He stressed that the environmental industry, being one of the principal components of the green economy, has been designated by the Chinese government as one of the seven strategic emerging industries, and therefore priorities will be given for its development. Regarding the development of the economy and technology by the Macao SAR Government, Mr. Wan Gang said that, under the framework of the Agreement on Establishing a Technological Co-operation Committee by Mainland China and Macao signed between the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC and the Macao SAR, the two territories will co-operate in four sectors, namely, traditional Chinese medicine, information technology, energy conservation and environmental protection as well as popular science. He said that, at the end of 2010, the Ministry of Science and Technology has officially approved the setting up of two partner laboratories of State Key Laboratories in Macao. That the two territories also co-operate in the training of talents from the Portuguese-speaking countries in technology management, to avail of the advantages offered by Macao, this being also an important measure for the training of talents in the scientific and technological field for the country. Dr. Wan said that in July 2010, in Beijing, the Scientific and Technologic Division of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the PRC has signed with the Macao Environmental Protection Bureau of a Letter of Intent on the Study of Mainland and Macao Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection Technological Co-operation, to reinforce the co-operation between the two territories, especially in the environmental field. At the same time, Minister Wan Gang hope that Mainland China and Macao will continue to co-operate in environmental protection, so that, under the 12th 5-Year Plan of the PRC, the co-operation scope could be widened, thus contributing to the green development of Macao. In his keynote speech, Mr. Zhao Penggao, Deputy Director General, Department of Resources Conservation and Environment Protection, National development and Reform Commission of the PRC, representing Mr. Xie Zhenhua, Vice Chairman of National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC said that the development of low carbon environment has already become a common idea of the international community and that strengthened international communications, and co-operation and technology exchange will benefit all countries, as this will lead for the stable growth of the economy, through energy saving and environmental protection. In Mr. Zhao´s opinion,as MIECF has an important and far-reaching significance by inviting different countries to explore issues concerning environmental protection and showcase latest advanced technologies in the environmental field . He said that China, while undergoing industrialization, urbanization and agricultural development, is facing challenges brought by its economic development, in particular in the improvement of the quality of life for the general public, environmental protection and climate changes. China is at present accelerating the restructuring of its economic development mode. He added that such restructuring would be innovative and comprehensive, and will be realized through improvement to the economic structure, higher efficiency and promotion of the well-being of the community. He added that experience in China and abroad has shown that energy conservation and environmental protection will lead to advancement in the economic restructuring, given that development will create market demand and provide a new impetus. Mr.. Zhao added that, in such case, companies could elevate the level of technology, improve operation efficiency and, for the people, it may bring improvement to the environment and improve the quality of the life. This is also a way for China to crack the resources and environment bottleneck, in the pursuit of sustainable development. The third speaker, Ms. Song Xiaozhi, Deputy Director General of Department of International Co-operation and deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, Office of Environmental Protection of the PRC, representing Mr. Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Environmental Protection of the PRC, said that the State Council of the PRC has convened two ordinary meetings last year, and four resolutions were passed, as follows: a) to ratify the environmental protection planning under the 12th 5-Year Plan of the PRC; b) promulgation of "Opinions Regarding the Reinforcement of Key Works in the Field of Environmental Protection"; c) approval for the revision of the air quality standard, to include PM2.5 in the monitoring list; and d) to convene the 7th National Environmental Conference. She said that, in accordance with the above important speech made by Vice Premier Li Keqiang, during the period covering the 12th 5-Year Plan, it is necessary to complete four missions and three major tasks as follows: 1) based on the active exploration of new environmental protection system, to enrich and improve the theories of environmental protection; 2) modify the Environmental Protection Law, to build a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework with regards to environmental protection; 3) rationalize and improve the environmental protection functions and organization systems; and 4) endeavour to substantially improve the quality of the environment. How to improve the environment is an eternal theme, this being the starting point and also the final goal. At present, we should focus on improving air, water, soil and other environmental quality standards, and gradually ensure the consistency of the monitoring system with the general public. The three main tasks are: 1. to improve the level of environment protection supervision and management, 2. to solve the outstanding environmental issues that affects a scientific development and causes damages to the health of the masses and 3. to reform the institutional mechanisms and introduce innovations to the environmental protection work. She said that over the last few years, China has launched a series of measures to develop a green, low-carbon and circular economy, through, principally, by making huge investments in the green industry, and the setting-up of emerging strategic industries for the production of new energies and biotechnology, and carry out pilot low carbon economy projects, in accordance with the principle "reduction, reutilization and transformation" of resources, by developing and applying appropriate advanced technologies.
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At the opening of Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition 2012 (2012MIECF), a Canadian environmental expert delivered keynote address to share with the audience his experience in green buildings. He believes that construction is closely related with climate change, and therefore innovative architectural design can improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. Mr. Andrew Bowerbank, a GMF Council Member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities delivered the keynote address. He pointed out that, currently 40% of the energy and another 40% from power generation. He said that the total population in 2008 was 6.5 billion and it is anticipated that by 2050, the global population will increase to 9 billion. Energy demand is therefore expected to be higher and will soon reach the critical point. Faced with growing energy demand and shortage of resources, he believes that every country will have the ability to reverse the current energy situation, by actively developing new energy and adopting the right technology strategy. He said that, since 2008, China has been investing heavily in renewable energy and energy efficiency, with an annual growth of 77%. In addition, Canada successfully implements low-carbon economic policy and is getting satisfactory results. Mr. Bowerbank said that construction and climate change is related to architectural design and we need to make changes in our generation, to make the best use of green buildings. He gave the example of the DCL Medical Centre in Canada, which selected low-carbon construction materials and a design featuring advantages such as low-density, fire and pest control and efficient insulation. He said that the construction is also sturdy and economical. Besides, the external appearance and components of the building also meet environmental protection goals, such as the use of perforated metal, solar panels and green roof. He also introduced several new environmental protection concepts, such as bionics, "vertical" farm and synthetic biology. Mr. Bowerbank is a respected authority on green buildings, smart-grid energy systems, industrial design, and low-carbon economics. He was the founding Executive Director of the World Green Building Council (2007-2010) as well as the founding Executive Director at the Canada Green Building Council - GTA Chapter. During his tenure with the WorldGBC, Mr. Bowerbank acted as Member Representative for the United Nations Environmental Programme with a specific goal to deliver a global framework for major carbon reductions in buildings and infrastructure.
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The Tourism Development Committee, an advisory body for making tourism development policies and strategies, held its inaugural plenary meeting today after the announcement of the appointment of its 47 members. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met with the members, affirmed their contribution and encouraged them to provide constructive suggestions to help make Macao a world leisure tourism centre to achieve substantial development of the society. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, who is chairman of the Committee, said in the meeting that the advisory body should endeavour to enhance the competitiveness of Macao's tourism industry. Four task force teams were set up in the meeting, to look at human resources, management on tourism marketing, transportation and infrastructure, and a study team on world leisure tourism centre. The appointed members are from related government departments and the tourism sector.
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Up to 6:00 p.m. on the first day (29 March) of the 2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Exhibition and Forum (2012 MIECF), the Organisers have arranged 285 business matching and negotiation sessions, which resulted in the signing of 15 co-operation projects. Agreements signed involved co-operation in green building technology, waster oil recycling, LED lights, green vehicles, and solar energy products. Most of the protocols were signed by Macao and mainland China companies or institutions, while the other signing parties were mostly from Hong Kong, the Netherlands and Brazil. Two forums are planned for tomorrow morning, namely " Why Green Buildings is the Key Player in Developing Sustainable Environments" and " Green Finance and Green Investment/Risk Management", and Mr Chris Zijdeveld, President of Dutch Passive Housing Foundation will give a keynote address themed "A Reachable Sustainable Future And Lessons Learned From Developed Countries", from 11:50 to 12:30. Three forums are schuduled to be held in the afternoon, namely "Environmental Policy and Low Carbon Economic Development", "Techniques and Equipments For Environmental Industry: Business Opportunities", and "Green Chemical Forum - Energy Conservation and Efficiency".
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The 2012 Macao International Environmental Cooperation Exhibition and Forum (MIECF) opened today, bringing together several thousand exhibitors and delegates from around the world. In a welcome speech at the opening ceremony in Macao, Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On said Macao was aiming to become a distinctive green channel in the West Bank of the Pearl River Delta 'The Macao SAR Government would fulfill her international obligations and actively cope with the national targets for the reduction of greenhouse gases in combating the climate change,' he said. 'Macao will also strengthen environmental protection work in order to avoid the negative impacts on social and economic development caused by environmental pollution. 'The MIECF is an important green exchange platform and channel for regional environmental protection industry. The co-operation and participation of different parties has made a great success for four consecutive years. 'Last year, this success has been recognised by the General Assembly of the Global Association of Exhibition Industry and awarded with the international exhibition certification. The Macao SAR Government wishes that this activity can promote further regional exchanges and co-operation on environmental protection technology.' Mr Chui extended his gratitude to the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China for being the Special Supporting Organisations, as well as the Governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region for co-organising MIECF. MIECF is a three-day annual event which brings together the world's top environmental government officials and experts and academics in the field to discuss the latest environmental issues and is a meeting point for leading and well-known domestic and overseas exhibitors to create opportunities in the environmental business.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today met with the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Zengwei, and exchanged views on boosting Macao as a trading and service platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr Chui started by having expressed his appreciation for Mr Jiang's presence at the presentation session of a special fund for co-operation and development between China and Portuguese-speaking countries held yesterday. He said the setting up of the special fund could further consolidate Macao as a trading and service platform for China and Portuguese-speaking countries, and that would enable Macao to co-operate better with these countries. Mr Chui also expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Commerce's long term support, especially in the diversification of Macao's economy. Mr Jiang said that with the joint effort of the Macao Government and the people, Macao's overall development was encouraging. He said that the aim of this visit was to enhance the co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and he believed the special fund could foster bilateral trading relations. He said that according to the instruction from Premier Wen Jiabao, China and Portuguese-speaking countries could further promote trading co-operation by using the advantage of Macao's traditional relationship with Portuguese-speaking countries. The Secretary for Economy and Finance Mr Tam Pak Yuen, the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam also attended the meeting.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that both the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate for December 2011-February 2012 held stable as the previous period (November 2011-January 2012), at 2.1% and 0.8% respectively. Total labour force was 346,000 in December 2011-February 2012 and the labour force participation rate stood at 73.2%, same as the previous period. Total employment reached 339,000, up by 900 over the previous period. Analyzed by industry, employment of the Retail Trade, Hotel, and Gaming saw increase, while that of Wholesale Trade; and Restaurants & Similar Activities registered decrease. Number of the unemployed decreased by 300 from the previous period to 7,100, with 11.9% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, down by 0.8 percentage point. In comparison with December 2010-February 2011, both the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate decreased by 0.7 percentage point; however, the labour force participation rate increased by 1.1 percentage points.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) signed an agreement with the People's Bank of China (PBOC) which enables AMCM to acquire RMB bonds to achieve diversification in investment. In order to enhance investment management for reserves and to achieve the long term goal of appropriate diversification for its asset portfolio, AMCM proposed to relevant government agencies of the Mainland to acquire assets denominated in RMB. The proposal had a positive response of PBOC. After a few rounds of negotiation, the application of the MSAR Government for quota of the RMB bond market to invest part of its funds was successful and confirmed. The AMCM representatives signed the "Chinese (Mainland) Inter-bank Bond Market Agency Agreement" with the PBOC on 28 March 2012. In accordance with the provisions therein, AMCM can purchase RMB bonds up to RMB 10 billion via the bond transaction platforms under the jurisdiction of the PBOC. AMCM can directly invest in the Mainland inter-bank bond market in a timely manner according to the strategy formulated for its reserves. After the signing of the above mentioned agreement which is in principle by nature, AMCM will shortly formulate detailed market operation arrangement with the responsible units of the PBOC. It is generally believed that the move can broaden investment channel. Simultaneously, AMCM will be able to make use of the opportunity offered by the rise of the capital market of the Mainland. Through the introduction of a series of stable and secure RMB financial products, AMCM is able to further fine tune its function in fund management.
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Macau Government Tourist Office Representative in Indonesia is participating at TTC Travel Mart in three major cities in Indonesia, namely Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali on 26, 28 and 30 March respectively. Taking part for the 6th time, MGTO promotes Macau tourism and its latest development to the trade partners in Indonesia, especially the travel agents/buyers from those three cities in this B2B travel mart. Through this event, travel trade representatives from Macau are able to meet and encourage Indonesian buyers to create unique Macau packages for the needs of Indonesian market. Indonesia is a key potential source market for Macau and MGTO will continue to explore more international source markets to diversify market portfolio. In 2011, Macau welcomed over 220,000 Indonesian visitors, a growth of 5.7%. In the first two months of 2012, visitors from Indonesia registered an increase of 6.9%. There are 527 travel agents and 679 visitors participating in this year's TTC travel mart. Among which, 276 agents are from Jakarta, 145 from Surabaya, 67 from Bali and 39 from other cities. The number of participating sellers has increased by 20% compared to last year.
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