News

Chief Executive Edmund Ho began his official visit to Germany today (13 September) in Munich, the capital of Bavaria where he met with Bavarian officials and visited two of the leading enterprises there. In the morning, Mr. Ho met with the Vice-minister of the Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology, Mr. Hans Spitzer. Mr. Spitzer said that there were some 50,000 small and medium enterprises in Bavaria now and they were all keens to enter the Chinese market. Although Hong Kong and Singapore were the traditional hub for those enterprises in the Asia market, they would certainly consider Macao for the Mainland China market in the future as Macao provides the advantage of lower operation cost and an up-to-date telecommunication systems. He said that he would consider including Macao in the visit of a Bavarian trade delegation to Asia scheduled for next year. Chief Executive Edmund Ho said that all Bavarian or German enterprises were welcomed to use Macao as a platform to enter the Mainland China market, especially the Pearl River Delta and the Pan-Pearl River Delta region. At the same time, the SAR was glad to help Bavarian enterprises to set up offices in Macao to strengthen trade links. He also said that enterprises in the Pearl River Delta were moving toward the direction of high technology and the advance technological background of German enterprises would be in great demand there. Later, Mr. Ho and the delegation visited Giesecke & Devrient Co. and Siemens AG, which were contracted to develop the computer system for electronic identity card to the SAR Government. In the Afternoon, Mr. Ho had a half-hour meeting with the Bavarian Premier Edmund Stoiber. Premier Stoiber was briefed about the latest development of Macao and he said that Bavarian enterprises wished to enter the China Market through Macao. Mr. Ho said that Macao was developing into a service hub between foreign countries and China, especially the Pearl River Delta so the SAR was willing to help all Bavarian Enterprises to enter the China market. Tomorrow, Mr. Ho and the delegation will go to Berlin and meet with the Federal Chancellor, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder at the German capital. They will also meet with the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Jurgen Chrobog.
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Chief Executive Edmund Ho today started his two-day visit in Xiamen, where he will attend the opening of the 8th China International Fair for Investment and Trade tomorrow. Mr. Ho met with Vice-premier Wu Yi late this afternoon and Ms. Wu congratulate him on his re-election, also at the meeting were commerce minister, Mr. Bo Xilai and director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr. Bai Zhijian. Mr. Ho also met with Governor of Fujian Province, Mr. Lu Zhangong and vice secretary of CPC Fujian Committee, Mr. Huang Ruilin. Mr. Ho will attend the opening of the 8th China International Fair for Investment and Trade Tomorrow in the Morning.
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The Secretary for Economy and finance, Francis Tam today forecasted a two-digit growth in the economy as recent statistics revealed growth in many sectors besides rapid growth in gaming sector. The statistics and census department recently announced a 47.5% GDP growth in the second season of 2004, and a 36% growth in the first six months. Mr. Tam said that the 47.5% growth was due to a low record in last summer, when SARS hits the neighbouring regions and thus hindered the Economy of Macao. He disagreed with the opinion that the gaming was the only industry that enjoy significant growth in Macao, saying that statistics had shown that many sectors, including merchandise exports, public investment in large-scale construction project and tourist spending had also contributed in the growth. He predicted a two-digit GDP growth for the year-round performance but expressed reservation about the prediction that the growth would exceed 30%. He also said that the government was monitoring Macao’s rapid economic development to avoid “risk situations or abnormal situations “ that would affect the livelihood of the population or the objective of sustainable development; however, the Government would always act in line with free-market principles.
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Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah will lead a delegation to Germany on Sunday (12 September) for a six-day official visit set to strengthen economic and tourism ties. During the visit, Mr. Ho will meet with the German Chancellor, Mr Gerhard Schroeder, the State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Mr Jurgen Chrobog, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics and Labour, Dr. Alfred Tacke, Bavarian Premier Edmund Stoiber, and the Head of the Hessian State Chancellery, State Minister Mr. Stefan Gruttner. The visit will start in Munich, followed by Berlin, Leipzig, Wiesbaden and Frankfurt. Mr. Ho will be accompanied by the president of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Susana Chou, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen and other officials. A dozen of local businesspeople are also part o the delegation. Mr. Ho and the delegation will visit a number of enterprises including Giesecke & Devrient Co., Siemens AG, and Porsche, and attend activities hosted by the German Federation of Chambers of Commerce.
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Chief Executive Edmund Ho said today (12 September) before leaving for Germany that he anticipated that the visit would help promote bilateral trade and economic ties. Mr. Ho left Macao to go to Germany today for his 6-day official visit there. He said that he would take the opportunity to promote Macao’s advantages under the one country two systems policy and the opportunities opened to foreign investors to enter the Mainland Market through Macao by the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). He also said that he hopes Macao could contribute to the economic and trades relations between China and Germany. During the visit, Mr. Ho will meet with the German Chancellor, Mr Gerhard Schroeder and other officials, and will visit a number of enterprises including Giesecke & Devrient Co., Siemens AG, and Porsche, and attend activities hosted by the German Federation of Chambers of Commerce. The visit will start in Munich, followed by Berlin, Leipzig, Wiesbaden and Frankfurt. Mr. Ho was accompanied by the president of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Susana Chou, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen and other officials. A dozen of local businesspeople are also part o the delegation.
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Chief Executive Edmund Ho returned to Macao after his two-day visit to Xiamen where he participated in the 8th China International Fair for Investment and Trade. Mr. Ho talked to the press when he arrived at the Macao International Airport, saying that with the good foundation of cooperation and the realisation of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional cooperation, the economic ties and tourism collaborations between Macao and Fujian were expected to progress. In Xiamen this morning, Mr. Ho visited the venue of the 8th China International Fair for Investment and Trade at the company of the Governor of Fujian Province, Mr. Lu Zhangong. He also attended the International Investment Forum where Vice-Premier Wu Yi delivered a speech. The 8th China International Fair for Investment and Trade and the International Investment Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce. Delegations from Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan and other mainland provinces were met with participants from more then a dozen of countries and regions in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
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Macao Special Administrative Region and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region signed today a memorandum on easier entry regulations for Macao SAR residents. According to the memorandum, permanent residents of Macao SAR who have the Electronic Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card (with computer chips included) may enter Hong Kong SAR with their resident identity Card and a special declaration form. The new regulations do not extend to those who need a traveling visa to enter Hong Kong currently, including nationals of 41 countries and holders of certain traveling documents. However, they may enjoy visa-free entry to Hong Kong by applying to a special varification arrangement, if they agreed to have the Macao SAR Identity Bureau submitting their personal information to the Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department. There are currently 435 Macao SAR permanent residents who need visa to enter Hong Kong; they will be contacted by the identification Department individually for their willingness to do so. The new regulations also include a lift of the ban on non permanent Macao residents who obtained their identity card for less than two years to apply for the Visit Permit to HK SAR. The new regulations were scheduled to be in effect from 18 October. The Special declaration form can be obtained through Self-Service Kiosk at the Macao Ferry Terminal and the Macao Identification Bureau. Currently, the number of Electronic Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card holder is approximately 124,000. DSI will start the mass replacement process by the end of this year. Consequently, when travelling to Hong Kong. Furthermore, once the replacement process finishes in early 2007, the number of individuals involved will increase to 440,000.
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The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has reached a common consensus on ‘Travel facilitation for Macao residents entering/exiting Hong Kong’, and this morning, a memorandum was signed by representatives from both parties. As preparation work, including setting up, revising, and publishing relevant regulations, is necessary, the relevant measures will preliminarily come into effect on 18 October, with the relevant details being announced first. A. Contents 1. Relaxing the requirements on entering Hong Kong: 1) Cancellation of the restriction on Macao non-permanent residents with Chinese or Portuguese nationality that they need to have obtained Macao Resident Identity Card for two years or more in order to visit Hong Kong.
Ø The above residents can apply for «Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR» (hereinafter referred as «Visit Permit to Hong Kong») after they have obtained their Resident Identity Card.
Ø Beneficiaries include: Persons with One-Way Exit Permit of the People’s Republic of China, persons with Temporary Residence Authorization issued for family reunion or investment immigration etc., and the number amounts to approximately 10,000. 2) Cancellation of the restriction on holders of «Macao SAR Travel Permit» that they need to have obtained Macao Resident Identity Card for two years or more in order to transit through Hong Kong.
Ø Certain common transit requirements still apply if the individual is travelling from Macao to Hong Kong.
Ø The maximum transit period allowed is 7 days. 2. Simplification on the Formalities
Holders of Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card», who do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong, do not need to present other travel documents when entering or exiting Hong Kong. Holders are only required to present their ID cards and the particular «Declaration Form for Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region Permanent Resident Identity Card to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region» (hereinafter referred as «Declaration Form»). This Declaration Form differs from the declaration forms used by other visitors entering Hong Kong borders. (Please refer to the section of «Declaration Form» for details) Holders of Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card», who require visas to enter Hong Kong, can enter/exit Hong Kong borders by presenting their ID cards and Declaration Form, after having been verified and notified by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR that they do not need extra visa application to enter Hong Kong. (Please refer to the section of “Verification Arrangement” for details) The above individuals can enter/exit Hong Kong at different entry/exit borders. Every time, they are allowed to stay in Hong Kong as visitors for a maximum of 14 days. However, they are not allowed to apply for extending their stay in Hong Kong or changing their visitor status. The above individuals must at the same time meet the common entry requirements of the Hong Kong SAR. Otherwise, they will be rejected entry by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR. Holders of «Macao Resident Identity Card» or Electronic «Macao SAR Non-Permanent Resident Identity Card» still need to apply for «Visit Permit to Hong Kong» or other travel documents when travelling to Hong Kong. B. «Declaration Form» 1. Format
Ø The forms are printed exclusively by the Government Printing Bureau of the Macao SAR. Forging or using forged «Declaration Form» is a criminal offence.
Ø «Declaration Form» contains security features. 2. How to obtain «Declaration Form»
Ø The «Declaration Form» can be printed by simply inserting the electronic ID card into the Self-Service Kiosk, and PIN is not required.
Ø The personal data on the ID card surface such as surname, given name, sex, date of birth, number and issue date of Permanent Resident ID Card etc., the applicant’s photo from the chip, and the OCR reading lines that follows the ICAO standard are printed on the «Declaration Form».
Ø «Declaration Form» is temporary free of charge. 3. The Self-Service Kiosk that prints the «Declaration Form» operates 24 hours a day, and are situated at the following locations in Macao:
Ø The entry/exit lobby, or the restricted area after passing immigration of the Macao Ferry Terminal.
If the chip is damaged, the individual can first pass the check-in counter, and then request the officer on duty to print the form at the back office of the Immigration Department.
Ø Identification Department.
If the chip is damaged, please request assistance from the department personnel during office hours.
Ø Preliminarily, each cardholder can print 3 forms per day. 4. The items to be filled in the «Declaration Form» include: nationality, home address, address in Hong Kong, and method of transportation. 5. For smoother entry at the border, one should fold the «Declaration Form» inwards and safeguard it properly. 6. Visitor should present his/her completed «Declaration Form» when entering Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Immigration officer will stamp on the form. The same «Declaration Form» must be presented when exiting Hong Kong, and the form will be returned to the visitor after the Hong Kong immigration officer has stamped on the form. 7. Visitor should always carry the «Declaration Form» with entry stamp while staying in Hong Kong, for its inspection by the competent authority of the Hong Kong SAR Government, such as its inspection by policemen. 8. For visitors travelling to other places via Hong Kong and returning to Macao via Hong Kong, please note that:
Ø Visitors travelling to Mainland China must prepare two «Declaration Form»s, one for entering Hong Kong from Macao and one for entering Hong Kong from China.
Ø Similarly, visitors travelling to places other than Mainland China can prepare two «Declaration Form»s. If only one «Declaration Form» is prepared, the individual must present travel document, such as valid passport, for stamping at the border when entering Hong Kong from other places. 9. Visitor with Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» may be refused entry if he/she does not have «Declaration Form» when entering Hong Kong. 10. If the Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» has been renewed, the «Declaration Form» printed from the former Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» will no longer be applicable, and the individual must use the «Declaration Form» printed from the new Electronic ID card when entering Hong Kong. 11. Loss of «Declaration Form» in Hong Kong:
Ø During Office Hours: One should report loss at the Immigration Department of the HKSAR (Extension Section, 5th Floor, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai). For query, please call (852) 28246111.
Ø During Non-Office Hours (urgent necessity of returning to Macao): One can contact Harbour Control Section of the Immigration Department of the HKSAR at (852) 254301958 for special arrangement. C. Verification Arrangement Currently, Immigration Department of the HKSAR has enforced the policy of visa requirement on the nationals of 41 countries or regions, holders of stateless travel documents, and holders of special travel documents (hereinafter referred as “Individuals who need visa to enter Hong Kong”). Hence, even though the above individuals have obtained Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card», they are still not allowed to enter Hong Kong with Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» and «Declaration Form» directly. The abovementioned 41 countries or regions are: Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belorussia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cuba, Eritrea, Georgia, Grenada, Iran, Iraq, Kazakstan, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Kyrgystan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova (Republic of), Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine (State of), Panama, Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. The abovementioned “special travel documents” are: Costa Rican Provisional passports, Documento de Identidad Y Viaje issued by Costa Rican Government, Special Peruvian passports, Tongan National passports and Tongan Protected Persons passports, Uruguay passports issued under Decree 289/90, Tuvalu (with national status stated as ‘I-TUVALU’) and Vatican Service passports. After negotiation between both parties, the Immigration Department of the HKSAR agrees to make special verification arrangement for the MSAR, and the details are as follows: 1. Participation in the arrangement is voluntary. 2. Identification Department (hereinafter referred as “DSI”) will first issue official letters to all MSAR Permanent Residents who would need a visa to enter Hong Kong, requesting for their consents on DSI providing their personal information to the Immigration Department of the HKSAR. A Notice on the “Statement of Purpose for Personal Data Collection” from the Immigration Department of the HKSAR will be attached to the letter. Once the “Individuals who need visa to enter HK” sign the Agreement, DSI will provide the relevant data to the Immigration Department of the HKSAR for preliminary verification. 3. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR will inform DSI about the result of the verification, and DSI will notify the relevant individual. 4. As informed by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR, the individuals that will not require additional visa applications can enter Hong Kong with Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» and «Declaration Form». On the contrary, the relevant individuals must apply for Hong Kong visas. Moreover, they are neither allowed to use Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» to enter Hong Kong nor print «Declaration Form» using the Self-Service Kiosk. 5. The verification result will remain valid until DSI receives further notification from the Immigration Department of the HKSAR. If the verification result becomes invalid, DSI will inform the relevant individual as soon as possible and modify the Self-Service Kiosk to prohibit the individual from printing the «Declaration Form». 6. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR can refuse the above individuals entry if they do not conform to the common entry requirements of the Hong Kong SAR. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR will always review the visa arrangement and make changes. Upon receiving notification from the Immigration Department of the HKSAR, DSI will modify the Self-Service Kiosk accordingly (omit or add in the relevant individuals allowed to obtain «Declaration Form»). As of today, the number of MSAR permanent residents who require visas to enter Hong Kong is approximately 435. D. Other Information Eligible individuals can still enter Hong Kong using their valid «Visit Permit to HK », and can continue to renew their expired «Visit Permit to HK » at DSI. Currently, the number of Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» holder is approximately 124,000. DSI will start the mass replacement process (according to the ID number) by the end of this year. Consequently, more and more citizens will benefit from Electronic «Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card» when travelling to Hong Kong. Furthermore, once the replacement process finishes in early 2007, the number of individuals involved will increase to 440,000.
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