News

Due to the completion of maintenance works, the open-air café (esplanade) of the Maritime Museum will be reopened on 22nd January 2012. The Museum and the café open daily from 10:00-18:00 (closed on Tuesdays).
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* please find the attached file.
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Consumer Council recently checked the selling prices of 7 festive foods from 22 retail outlets and the survey data is now available online at the Council's website. The said price survey was conducted on 16th January, surveying 7 festive food samples from 22 retail outlets for their selling prices. Survey result showed that many outlets were selling festive foods as discounted items but this 'special price' offered did not mean that the product was sold cheaper than in other places. According to the figures recorded, the highest price difference recorded for the same product selling in different outlets last year was almost 40%, this year, the figures have gone down to about 23%. In comparison with last year's data, most of the 7 surveyed festive foods recorded increase in prices. Selling price of 'Sugus Assorted Fruited Flavour Chews (350g)' had been raised distinctly, over half of the 18 outlets which were selling this candy recorded a price increase of about 25% to 40%. Selling prices of other surveyed festive foods had also increased by 10%. Meanwhile, 'Brown & Haley Almond Roca (340g)' recorded slight price decreases of up to 8% in several outlets, though certain retail outlets were still selling it at a price 10% higher than last year's. The 7 festive foods surveyed this year were 'Ferrero Rocher', 'Brown & Haley Almond Roca', 'Sugus Assorted Fruited Flavour Chew', 'Kjeldsens Butter Cookies' and 'Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies', 'Planters Premium Selection', and 'Kraft Ritz Sandwich Cracker'. Sizes of the last two items were different from the ones surveyed last year. As consumers tend to buy more of these festive foods during holidays, Consumer Council reminded consumers to check and compare prices of these festive foods on its website before making purchases. Retailers are also called on to guarantee the safety and reliability of import channels of these festive foods. The said price survey on festive foods is now available online at the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo).
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Hosted by the Macao SAR Government and coordinated by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the PRC have been invited as special supporting organizations, the Provincial and Regional Governments of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region have been invited as co-organizers, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd as the official event manager, the 2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2012MIECF) will be held once again at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 29-31 March 2012. The fifth edition features the theme "Green Economy – New Engine for Growth", promoting the concept of "Thinking Green, Going Clean, Living Cool". The scope of the green exhibition in the 2012MIECF will cover 6 areas, namely energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building, green mobility, waste and water management solutions and other services. The 2011MIECF was a resounding success, with strong endorsement from 49 government departments from different regions and countries, regional and international associations, institutions and trade chambers. Over 6,514 professional visitors from 48 countries and regions met to conduct business with 333 exhibiting enterprises, occupying a floor area of more than 16,500 sqm. A total of 574 business matching sessions were arranged and 31 projects were signed on-site. As the annual green economic and trade platform for the environmental industry, 2012MIECF is encouraging Local Environmental Companies in Macao to take part in the event by providing up to 60% financial subsidies to eligible organizations. The active participation of more SMEs in potential partnerships and technology exchanges is a key factor that will encourage the growth of more green business opportunities between the Pan-Pearl River Delta region and international markets . Local companies that fulfill the conditions of (1) being a wholly-owned Macao enterprise that is registered with the Macao Finance Services Bureau (DSF) for at least 2 years with tax obligations fulfilled; AND (2) having Macao residents making up at least 50% of the company shareholders, are eligible for the subsidies. They may obtain an application form from IPIM's Macao Business Support Center (Alameda Dr. Carlos D' Assumpção, n° 263 Edf. China Civil Plaza, 19° andar, Macau) during office hours, from today till 31 January. Booths will be allocated on a first- come-first-served basis and the organizer reserves the right to select eligible exhibitors. Please call 8798 9605 or visit www.macaomiecf.com for further information.
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It is forecast that a winter monsoon will arrive in the coastal region of South China on 22nd January (Lunar New Year's Eve), and the temperature will fall significantly to 12 ℃ with rains. The weather will continue to be cold from 23rd to 25th (the 1st to 3rd days of the Lunar New Year). It will be cloudy with a few light rains and the temperature will be between 10 to 13℃ approximately. The public are advised to put on warm clothes. For the detailed weather report, please refer to:
http://www.smg.gov.mo/www/dm/report/fe_forecast7day.htm
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To encourage local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to build their own brand and to learn about the business models adopted in different markets, through exhibitions and exchange programmes abroad, on 23-25 February 2012 Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will organise , a business delegation to participate in the 13th International Chain and Franchise Spring Exhibition ("TICFE2012") in Taipei, aiming to establish contacts and carry out exchanges with the relevant business associations, chambers of commerce and renown brand enterprises in Taiwan. At the same time, in view of the positive response to the first training course, held in December last year, IPIM will hold a second training course for local SMEs. The said course will also include a study tour to Taiwan. Macao will be present at the TICFE for the third consecutive year
Organised by the Association of Chain and Franchising Promotion, Taiwan, the 13th Taipei International Chain and Franchise Spring Exhibition ("TICFE2012") will take place from 24-27 February at Pavilion 1, Zones A and D, of Taipei World Trade Centre. TICFE is considered one of the most professional international franchise fairs in the Asia region. This year there will be 600 booths, with over 180 brands and an expected number of 15 thousand visitors. For the last two years, IPIM has organised business delegations to attend TICFE, to explore business opportunities and have registered satisfactory results. According to IPIM, apart from being invited to the opening ceremony of TICFE2012, members of the Macao business delegation will also have the opportunity to attend business matching sessions and related activities planned by the event organiser. IPIM will set-up the Macao Pavilion and many top quality local brands have already expressed their intention to exhibit their products. IPIM will also take the opportunity to brief organisation and enterprises in Taiwan regarding the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Exhibition and Forum 2012 ("2012MIECF") and the Macao Franchise Expo 2012 ("2012MFE"), to be held in Macao, in March and April this year, respectively Business Training and Study Visits to continue Taking advantage of the opportunity provided by the 2012TICFFE, IPIM will lead a business delegation to Taiwan from 21-25 February, to attend a course on "Building Your Brand through Franchising and Chain Stores Operation", organised jointly with The Youth Career Development Association of Taiwan, and designed for the executives of Macao enterprises planning to create their own brands and/or franchise their business. The Youth Career Development Association has arranged for several experienced instructors to give lectures during the course, which carries the theme of how to build franchise headquarters and related support capability. The course will also include study visits to chain stores and brands in Taiwan, in the areas of catering, food and beverage manufacturing, fashion and education. Persons interested in brand creation and the development of chain operations as a means to expand their business are welcome to join the event. In view of limited number of available places, applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis. For further information, please contact Mr. Tang or Mr. Ho, of IPIM´s SME Service Centre on 87989611/87989614 or visit the following official website: www.ipim.gov.mo. Registration Deadline: 1 February 2012.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased by 18.9% year-on-year to 128.1; the increment was caused by dearer accommodation prices. Price index of Accommodation (+35.0%), Restaurant Services (+19.2%) and Miscellaneous Goods (+14.5%) recorded notable year-on-year increase on account of increasing hotel room rate, higher restaurant charges and dearer jewellery prices. TPI for the fourth quarter of 2011 rose by 9.8% quarter-to-quarter, of which hotel room rate soared substantially during the National Day, the Macao Grand Prix and Christmas holidays, driving up the price index of Accommodation by 30.4%. At the same time, price index of Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Clothing & Footwear increased by 7.0% and 6.8% respectively quarter-to-quarter. The average TPI (117.2) for the whole year of 2011 increased by 15.5% from 2010, with marked increase being observed in the index of Accommodation (+35.7%); Miscellaneous Goods (+19.8%); Restaurant Services (+11.7%); and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+11.5%). The 2009/2010-based TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are based on the consumption pattern of visitors, namely Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; Clothing & Footwear; Accommodation; Restaurant Services; Transport & Communications; Medicine & Personal Goods; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP272.4 billion (USD34.03 billion) at the end of December 2011. The reserves rose by 2.8% from the revised value of MOP265.0 billion (USD33.04 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves increased by MOP82.2 billion or 43.2%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-December 2011 represented 46 times the currency in circulation or 360.1% of Pataca M2 at end-November 2011. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, rose by 0.57 points month-to-month but fell by 1.06 points year-on-year to 88.40 in December 2011. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on canned foods on 11th January, surveying 11 canned food brand samples from 21 retail outlets for their retail prices. In comparison with last survey's record, prices of most surveyed samples recorded no change in price. The Council indicated that a common price increase was found in canned foods imported from mainland China since Q3 of last year (2011), prices then became stable at the end of year. In the current January survey, several samples were sold as on sale items, recording a price drop of around 10 to 20 percent. Moreover, obvious price drop of up to 40 percent was recorded for 'Gu Long Spiced Pork Cubes (142g)'. 'Greatwall Brand Chopped Pork & Ham (340g)', which recorded price increase in several retail outlets last time, continued to show price rise in more outlets and selling price had increased by 5 to 20 per cent. Consumer Council indicated that as price discrepancies and percentage change in price varied quite significantly in different retail outlets, improvements on disseminating supermarket price information would be made. The "Supermarket Price Information Platform" iPhone app launched in December received very good response from the public, the said app had been downloaded over 16,000 times in about a month's time, with over 600,000 browsing records. The Council is planning to include its specific price surveys on canned foods, rice, etc. to its iPhone app. Meanwhile, assessment result of over 1,000 'Certified Shops' and Consumer Report will also be added at a later stage. The Council also plans to release other versions of the smart phone application for consumers using other smart phone operating systems, such as the Android. Due to its manpower restriction, Consumer Council is now conducting three to four specific price surveys and one 'Supermarket price survey' monthly. The supermarket survey will be conducted more often if manpower problem can be solved. The latest specific price survey on canned foods is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Owing to the strike action taken by the workers' union in Nigeria, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Nigeria are subject to delay until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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