News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of licensed motor vehicles reached 200,169 at the end of June 2011, a year-on-year increase of 4%, of which 54% (108,178) were motorcycles and 39% (78,301) were light private cars. New registration of motor vehicles went up by 11% year-on-year to 8,392 in the first half year of 2011, with motorcycles and light private cars accounting for 56% and 40% respectively. In the first half year of 2011, number of traffic accidents rose by 7% year-on-year to 6,879 cases, resulting in 2,684 victims and 4 of them were killed. Cross-border vehicle traffic by land between Macao and Mainland China increased by 9% year-on-year to 2,004,085 vehicle trips in the first half year of 2011, of which vehicle traffic through the Border Gate took up 82%. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport totalled 17,368 in the first half year of 2011, a decrease of 12 flights year-on-year. The major routes were Taiwan, China (34% of total); Mainland China (32%) and Thailand (10%). Helicopter flights between Macao and Hong Kong (8,000) and between Macao and Mainland China (1,896) increased by 11% and 19% respectively. Passenger transport by sea between Macao and Hong Kong totalled 61,364 ferry trips in the first half year of 2011, up by 6% year-on-year. Ferry trips between Macao and Mainland China totalled 12,020, down by 7% year-on-year. In the first half year of 2011, seaborne container throughput totalled 47,980 TEU or 35,721 containers handled, up by 13% and 18% respectively year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo decreased by 3% year-on-year to 84,260 tonnes, with 1,836 tonnes of transshipment goods. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land decreased by 17% to 17,602 tonnes, including 5,576 tonnes of transit goods. In the first half year of 2011, outward air cargo (11,750 tonnes) and inward air cargo (5,148 tonnes) decreased significantly by 28% and 38% respectively; meanwhile, transit air cargo dropped by 27% year-on-year to 2,323 tonnes. At the end of June 2011, number of mobile telephone users rose by 18% from a year earlier to 1,262,274 whereas fixed-line telephone users decreased by 1% to 167,529. As regards internet services, number of subscribers reached 185,605 and the cumulative duration of usage totalled 246 million hours in the first half year of 2011, up by 19% and 23% respectively.
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The Coordinated Portfolio Investment Survey (CPIS), jointly conducted by the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) and the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), is aimed at collecting information on investment by Macao residents in securities issued by unrelated non-residents, in terms of market value and geographical distribution. The results of CPIS for the reference year 2010 are summarised as follows: On 31 December 2010, investment of Macao residents (including individuals, the government and other legal entities but excluding Macao's foreign exchange reserves) in securities issued by unrelated non-residents amounted to MOP125.7 billion at current market value, up by 8.1% from a revised value of MOP116.3 billion at end-2009, a record high value since the inception of this survey in 2002. Among the total, equity securities, long-term debt securities and short-term debt securities were valued at MOP69.6 billion, MOP51.7 billion and MOP4.4 billion respectively. In comparison with the previous year, investment in equity securities, of which mutual funds and investment trust units accounted for MOP16.7 billion, soared by 13.9%. Investment in long-term debt securities rose modestly by 3.6% whereas that in short-term debt securities fell by 16.9%. In terms of geographical distribution, Macao residents' investment in securities issued by entities from Mainland China, including those securities listed on non-Mainland exchanges, surpassed the corresponding investment in Hong Kong entities for the first time, representing 20.5% of the total market value of local residents' portfolio investment outside Macao. The rest was mainly invested in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Cayman Islands, Australia, Luxembourg and Bermuda. Investment in securities issued by entities in the Mainland amounted to MOP25.7 billion, a marked increase of 26.3% or MOP5.3 billion from end-2009. It consisted of MOP22.0 billion in equity securities, MOP3.6 billion in long-term debt securities and MOP0.1 billion in short-term debt securities, constituting 31.6%, 7.0% and 2.8% of the respective total. The share of investment in securities issued by Hong Kong entities fell slightly from 20.2% at end-2009 to 19.5%. However, the corresponding market value increased by 4.1% to MOP24.5 billion, of which the investment in long-term debt securities rose by 7.0% to MOP7.8 billion, accounting for the largest share in the respective securities category, at 15.0%. The share of investment in European securities dropped by 3.6 percentage points from a year earlier to 26.0% and the corresponding market value also fell by 5.0%. Among the European countries, the United Kingdom continued to assume the largest share in the total securities investment (8.3%), with a market value of MOP10.4 billion at end-2010. Meanwhile, portfolio investment in Luxembourg registered a hefty increase of 27.6% whereas investment in French and Dutch securities witnessed notable decreases of 24.1% and 21.6% respectively. The share of US securities held by Macao residents rebounded from 7.7% at end-2009 to 8.1%, and the corresponding market value rose by 13.0% year-on-year to MOP10.2 billion at end-2010. Investment in long-term US debt securities was valued at MOP7.6 billion, representing the second largest share in the respective securities category after Hong Kong. Investment in securities issued by Australian entities grew by 13.8% from one year earlier, bringing the share of Oceanian securities in the total portfolio investment up from 5.0% to 5.5% at end-2010.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will lead an official delegation to visit Inner Mongolia on Monday to Thursday, at the invitation of the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. A statement by the Government Spokesperson Office said on his first visit to Inner Mongolia as Chief Executive, Mr Chui will meet leaders of Inner Mongolia to explore means of bilateral co-operation and visit Hohhot, Ordos, Manzhouli and Hulunbuir where he will meet officials of the local governments. The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute will sign a co-operation memorandum with the Inner Mongolia Sub-Council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and a business delegation comprising 40 Macao businesspeople will also visit Inner Mongolia together with the official delegation and sign deals on department stores, real estate and beef import with their counterparts. Members of the official delegation will include the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; 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 and Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Ms O Lam; the President of Macau Polytechnic Institute, Mr Lei Heong Iok; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Cheong Chou Weng; the President of Administrative Committee of Macao Foundation, Mr Wu Zhiliang; the Director of the Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai, and a number of members of the Executive Council.
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Organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair" will be held at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre for 4 consecutive days starting 28 July. Since the opening in the morning, 2011 GMBPF has attracted many industrial and business professionals, local residents and visitors, with a total attendance exceeding 17,000 by 5p.m. on the first day. The opening ceremony was commenced with the participation of official both from home and from the Mainland, namely Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary of Economy and Finance of Macao SAR; Mr. Song Yanbin, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao SAR; Mr. Chen Xiang, Representative from Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR; Mr. Tan Juntie, Deputy Secretary General of Guangdong Provincial Government, Provincial Director of Hong Kong and Macao Office; Mr. Liang Yaowen, Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province; Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Mr. Mao Iao Lai, President of Macau Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce; Mr. Feng Yurong, Deputy Mayor of Zhongshan Municipal People's Government; Mr. Chen Jialin, Deputy Mayor of Jiangmen Municipal People's Government; Mr. Chen Jianxin, Deputy-Mayor of Chaozhou Municipal People's Government; and Mr. Cui Feongchi, Deputy Mayor of Yunfu Municipal People's Government. Deputy Secretary General Tan Juntie and President of IPIM Jackson Chang delivered their speeches at the opening ceremony. Chang mentioned that the signing of the "Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement" in March had noted a new stage for cross-boarder cooperation of the two regions. He hoped that the interaction between the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and other economic and trade associations would be enhanced with a closer and tighter connection. By acquiring the new trends and opportunities, the cooperation amongst the enterprises of the two regions will be promoted, and different sectors within the convention and exhibition industry will also be joined. Macao will fully showcase its advantage as a business platform and will help to promote the branded products of Guangdong to the overseas countries, Portuguese language countries in particular. Seven Protocols and 221 Business Matching Achieved on the First Day Following the opening ceremony was the protocol signing ceremonies conducted at the business matching area. Many local companies signed agreements with enterprises from Foshan, Zhongshan, Qingdao, Jiangmen and Singapore. The protocols accomplished are as follows: Intention on purchase of printed fabric, Intention on purchase of tires, Intention on LED lighting project, Intention on Turtle breeding base, Agreement on bridges maintenance in Macao, Agreement on Culture cooperation & exhibition of branded "Love of Crystal", and Sales contract of Singapore sauce. Mr. Chen Xiang, Mr. Mao Iao Lai, Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, and Executive Directors of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Ms. Echo Chan and Ms. Irene V. K. Lau witnessed the signing of protocols at the ceremony. Moreover, 221 sessions of business matching took place on the first day of 2011 GMBPF. Until 5p.m. of the day, the number of attendance hit 17,000. The 2011 GMBPF fills up the 6,000-square-meter venue, accommodating 267 booths (85 for Macao and 182 for Guangdong Province) and featuring 246 enterprises from Macao and from Guangdong Province. Through product sales, business matching, sourcing and purchasing, and other promotional means, the event looks forward to establishing a platform for the excellent enterprises and branded products from the two regions, to boosting the eminence of their products and to expanding both the local and the overseas markets. At the same time, it will bring more varieties of branded products to the local residents and visitors. Activities at the 2011 GMBPF Improve Cultural Exchange and Cooperation between Macao and Guangdong The first day of 2011 GMBPF features the debut of "2011 Guangdong & Macao Cultural and Creative Industries Development and Cooperation Forum" (started at 3 p.m.), organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province with the perspective to strengthen the cooperation between the two regions, to unfold the advantages of talents, and to boost cultural creativity. The Forum presents keynote speeches and panel discussion. Speakers invited include Dr. Liu Qiyu, Director of Propaganda Cultural Development and Institutional Reform Office, Department of Propaganda, Guangdong Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Long Jiayou, Director of Culture Market and Industry Division, Department of Culture of Guangdong Province; and Mr. Liang Taowen, Deputy Director of Hengqui (Zhuhai) New Area Administrative Committee. Also, the representative of cultural and creative enterprises in Macao shared the view on the topic "How to Build a Guangdong-Macao Cultural and Creative Industry Development and Cooperation Platform". Excellent Event Welcomes Visitors from Home and from Afar
The 2011 GMBPF conglomerates trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure and entertainment in one. Visitors enjoy free admission. "Seminar for Promoting Brands in the International Market" will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Tourism Activities Centre. The Fair is opened to public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from July 29 – 31 (Fri – Sun). In order to step up the atmosphere and the attractiveness of the event, the organizers do not only provide special discounts and vouchers to potential buyers, but also a grand lucky draw and many cultural performances. Artists, celebrities and singers from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will stage entertaining shows throughout the four-day 2011 GMBPF. Local and overseas clients and enterprises, local residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy this exciting and thrilling annual event. Shuttle bus services are available for visitors to 2011 GMBPF at different locations. Three-hour free parking is provided in the car park of Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Further information is available on the 2011 GMBPF official website http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com Interested parties may also call +853-87989605 for details of the event.
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Due to weather conditions, Consumer Council's photo exhibition on 'Smart Consumption – Food Safety', scheduled on 28th July to 1st August next to Flower City Garden in Taipa, will be postponed to 4th to 8th August. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for April-June 2011 was 2.7%, up slightly by 0.1 percentage point over the previous period (March-May 2011) on account of more people looking for work during the Summer Holiday. The underemployment rate was 1.2%, down by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force was 338,000 in April-June 2011 and the labour force participation rate stood at 71.6%, with the employed population increasing by about 800 over the previous period to 329,000. Analyzed by industry, employment of Real Estate & Business Activities and Retail Trade saw increase, while that of the Construction Sector registered a decrease. Number of the unemployed increased by about 200 from the previous period to 9,000, with 7.4% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, up by 1.1 percentage points over the previous period. In comparison with April-June 2010, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate dropped by 0.1 and 0.7 percentage point respectively; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate stayed unchanged. In the second quarter of 2011, the unemployment rate and the labour force participation rate of local residents held stable quarter-to-quarter, at 3.3% and 66.8% respectively.
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Owing to the heavy snowfalls in Chile, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Chile are subject to delay until further notice. Affected Areas
Lonquimay Curarrehue Melipeuco Curacautín
Pucón Cunco Vilcún Villarrica
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, visited the site of the gas leak explosion in NAPE yesterday evening to learn more about the effect to the surrending areas, according to a statement by the Government Spokesperson Office. Speaking to the press during the inspection, Mr Chui said the Government was deeply concerned with the incident and the related bureaux would review their work to prevent a recurrence in the future. After preliminary investigations, the Fire Services Bureau had ruled out foul play and said it believed the explosion was caused by gas leakage. A 48-year-old Hong Kong man who sustained rib and foot fractures was in stable condition and remained in hospital for observation. The Government Spokesperson Office organised a press conference with 10 bureaux in the evening to update the press on the incident. The President of the Civic and Municipal Affrirs Bureau, Mr Tam Vai Man, said the government would review current legislations on the storage of gas cylinders in restaurants.
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An explosion today in a restaurant believed to be caused by a gas leakage has injured 13 people. According to the Fire Services Bureau, the explosion took place in a restaurant in NAPE at 07:02 a.m. The injured comprised five men and eight women, one of whom was trapped in the rubble and had to be freed by firemen. Eight people, four men and four women aged between 41 to 65, were sent to Conde S. Januario Hospital after the accident and seven of them who had sustained glass cuts to their hands, legs and head, were discharged after treatment. A 48-year-old Hong Kong man who sustained rib and foot fractures was in stable condition and remained in hospital for observation. The eight hospitalised people comprised three Macao women, one Korean man, one Korean woman, two Hong Kong men and a man from mainland China. Five people, one man and four women, were treated at the scene. The restaurant was located on the ground floor of 'Centro Internacional de Macau' on Rua de Malaca. The Fire Services Bureau ruled out foul play after a preliminary investigation and said it believed the explosion was caused by gas leakage. It utilised 16 emergency vehicles and more than 40 personnel in the operation. During the incident, the police blocked off a section of Rua de Malaca and Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes. More than 40 police officers took part in the operation. Affected by the explosion, the communications network of Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal was terminated. The Maritime Administration activated an emergency mechanism and asked ferry companies to minimise the effects towards passengers. Currently the ferry terminal and ferry companies maintained normal services.
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Major Event to Foster Guangdong-Macao Trade and Economic Cooperation 2011 Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair will be held soon Jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the 2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (2011 GMBPF) will be held from July 28 to 31, for four consecutive days, at the Convention and Exhibition Centre of Macau Fisherman´s Wharf. All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce, PRC have been specially invited as Supporting Organizations for the event. Over 40 government bureaus and trade promotion institutions from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are acting as co-organizers. 2011 GMBPF is co-ordinated by the Macau Fair & Trade Association. Stressing the Importance of the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement 2011 Macao & Guangdong Branded Products Fair is a major trade and economic event developed from the foundation of the Western Guangdong Famous Products Fair which was held in 2003. Based upon such experience and cooperation, the two territories have successively organized two editions of the Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair, in 2009 and 2010, respectively, to jointly make use of the common experience towards trade and economic cooperation in the region. Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair has become an important activity and means for the trade and economic cooperation between the two economies, by providing new markets and broader opportunities for enterprises and branded products of the two territories. While Macao is pursuing the role as trade and economic cooperation platform between China and the Portuguese-Speaking markets, GMBPF is also a catalytic role to play in assisting enterprises from Guangdong Province to "expand abroad" and to "attract foreign investment", apart from the opening-up of the markets in the Portuguese-Speaking countries. The signing of the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement by the respective governments, in March this year, marks the beginning of a new round of in-depth cooperation between the two territories. 2011 GMBPF is an important trade and economic event organized by the trade promotion institutions and enterprises of the two territories pursuant to the terms of the above-mentioned Agreement. The trade promotion organizations of both territories attach great importance to this event, and all preparatory works have been carried out smoothly, as a result of careful planning and organization. Products on Exhibition Highlight Brand Effects 2011 GMBPF continues to offer some of the features of the past editions, by focusing on the positioning of Macao as world tourism and leisure centre and its role as trade and economic platform. GMBPF also aims to jointly promote the adequate diversification of Macao´s economy, so as to develop business opportunities abroad for the Guangdong and Macao enterprises, as well as to accelerate the transformation of Guangdong´s economic structure and its industrial upgrading. As in the past, GMBPF will continue to actively promote branded products from enterprises of both territories, as a mean to promote such products to the local residents and tourists, given that GMBPF will be a colourful event embracing shopping, cultural exchange and entertainment, that aims to increase the influence and penetration of Guangdong´s branded products in Macao. 2011 GMBPF venue will cover an area of around 6,000 square metres, divided into areas as the followings: an exhibition and retail area and an area exclusively reserved for exhibition. There are altogether 267 booths in the exhibition and retail area, including 85 for Macao products and the remaining 182 for products from Guangdong Province. Branded products for exhibition and sale include foodstuff, daily necessities, electronic products and arts and crafts, from Macao and major cities in Guangdong Province. This year, a "City Exhibit Gallery" products display area has been introduced to showcase selected branded products. To coincide with the economic diversification of Macao´s economy and to highlight made in Macao branded products and Macao´s cultural and creative industries, a "M in M" (Made in Macao) and a "Cultural and Creative Area" will debut in the Macao Exhibition Area, to showcase Macao´s branded and typical products. Recruitment Plans are jointly devised by Trade Promotion Organizations of the two Territories In organizing this year´s edition of the GMBPF, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) have set its priorities in the branding effects of the participating exhibitors, by selecting and exhibiting branded products preferred by trade visitors from abroad, and local residents. Another step is to provide a certain degree of financial support to the local exhibitors, in line with government's policies and regulations, such incentive has greatly aroused exhibitors´ enthusiasm. Lastly, a multi-level organization has been devised to attract enterprises´ participation. For instance, in addition to IPIM, local chambers of commerce and business associations contributed with their efforts, by organizing and mobilizing the participation of their members. As a result of these efforts, response to the local recruitment of exhibitors was overwhelming. The Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province also attaches great importance to the GMBPF, having organized its subordinated units from 21 prefecture-level municipalities in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Foshan, Shaoguan, Heyuan, Meizhou, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Yangjiang, Zhanjiang, Maoming, Zhaoqing, Qinyuan, Chaozhou, Jieyang, Yunfu, as well as from Shunde District, to participate in this event. Subsequent to the organization and the mobilization by the mentioned trade and economic units above, response has been active and enthusiastic. Facing with many applications from the enterprises, the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province has selected 161 enterprises, many of them are front-line well-known brands, including 98 enterprises with products honoured as branded products at national or provincial (Guangdong) levels, 25 enterprises whose branded products are being actively nurtured by the Ministry of Commerce and the Guangdong Province to develop into international brands. Apart from this, 52 exhibitors are leading enterprises in their respective industries. Cultural and Creative Industries Forum and Seminar on Promotion of Own Brands to the International Market Debut in the 2011 GMBPF In recent years, cultural and creative industries are booming in Mainland China and the consumer market in cultural items is prospering along with the improvement in people´s livelihood. All these factors have contributed to the creation of favourable conditions for the cultural and creative industries. In line with the Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement, to jointly promote cultural and creative industries, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province are organizingthe Macao & Guangdong Cultural and Creative Industries Development and Cooperation Forum for the first time. Topic of the mentioned forum will be "How to Build a Guangdong-Macao Cultural and Creative Industry Development and Cooperation Platform". Representatives of the concerned bureaus from Guangdong Province and leaders of the Macao industrial and commercial sectors will exchange and share their experiences on the topic. The Organizers expect that the Forum will broaden and strengthen cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, in the development of talents and the increase of cultural and creative radiation in the region. Furthermore, during the Fair, Macao Trade and Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province will also organize a "Seminar on Promotion of Own Brands to the International Market". Successful establishment of a brand will not only bring about huge profits to the concerned company but also social recognition, and therefore brand promotion carries strategic meaning as far as an enterprise is concerned. "Seminar on Promotion of Own Brands to the International Market" will have some famous experts and scholars to be the keynote speakers, and will consist of speech and panel discussions mainly evolving around brand building, value, demand trends in the brand market, strategy for promotion of own brand, selection of business model and related issues to consider. In addition, field visits will also be organized for the participants to enterprises in the related industries in Macao. Product Presentations Seminars – Platform for Participating Exhibitors and Enterprises During the 2011 GMBPF, several product presentations seminars will be held, including those with the following topics: "Health Value of Natural Soda Water", "Let Macao Become a World Tourism and Leisure Centre", "World-famous Wuliangye and its Wines Series", "The Era of Xingjiu Energy Saving", "Embroidery Chaozhou-Style", "Bank of China´s Mobile Banking Services", "Traditional China Tea Art Performance", "Herbal Medicine – Types, Characteristics and Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum and Coriolus Versicolor", etc. Furthermore, business matching will be held to promote cooperation between Guangdong and Macao procurement managers with enterprises of branded products, as a mean to jointly promote the development of the Guangdong-Macao trade and economic platform. As in the past, the Organizers have invited over 25 famous procurement enterprises from home and abroad to conduct business negotiations in the venue with the participating exhibitors and enterprises. A business matching and procurement area has been especially set-up, as platform for enterprises from both territories to develop and activate the retail markets from home and abroad, and to create favourable conditions and business opportunities for the branded products from Guangdong Province to enter the Portuguese-Speaking Countries. To further expand the influence of the 2011 MGBPF
Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will continue to promote the 2011 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair on an on-going basis, by uploading exhibitors´ information and photos of the products on IPIM´s website (www.ipim.gov.mo) for long-term promotion so as to provide a never-ending virtual publicity platform for the Guangdong and Macao branded products. Furthermore, business opportunities abound in the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair. Availing of this opportunity of concentration of merchants, the Organizers will hold a comprehensive promotion of Macao´s branded products. In this connection, visitors will be guided to "Macao Ideas", the display centre of Macao´s products, opened in early May this year, where products "Made in Macao", products carrying the "Macao Brands" and products "Designed in Macao", along with products from the Portuguese-Speaking Countries with authority of agency in Macao are on display. The advantages of the platform created by the Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair are thus clearly put into evidence. Grand Carnival-type Event (A Carnival of multi-colours) 2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair is a carnival-style grand event, embracing trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure and entertainment, rich in content and full of highlights. Special attractions include "Big Discounts for Branded Products", "Consumption Coupons", "Lucky Draw" as well as cultural and artistic performances and other activities. Lucky draws will be held every day. During the first three days of the Fair (July 28, 29 and 30), lucky draw will be held daily at 5:45 p.m., while the Grand Lucky Draw will be held at 7:30 p.m. on the last day (July 31). Cultural and artistic performances will be one of the major attractive activities during the GMBPF. This year, there will again be exciting performances by singers and artists from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, including Vincy Chan, Hanjin Tan and Zhou Bohao, who will all perform live performance for the audience. There will be different remarkable activities every day, so please follow closely the event´s announcements, which will be published at the official website and major newspapers. Trade Visitors and Local Residents Cordially Welcome To facilitate public participation, the Organizers will provide free shuttle bus services to and from the venue, departing from Macao and Taipa downtowns, respectively. Apart from the bus route of the past editions (Avenida Doutor Mario Soares – Macau Square – Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida (close to the bus stop at Pak Vai Plaza, Rua Gago Coutinho) - Estrada Marginal do Hipodromo – Royal Supermarket (Iao Hon) - Bordergate (Portas do Cerco) - Macau Maritime Terminal and each official hotel, the Organizers have also added a shuttle bus stop at the Estrada Governador Albano de Oliveira (Entrance of Tai Fung Bank, Taipa Branch) for transportation of visitors to and from the venue. In addition, free parking for up to three hours is also available at the Macau Fisherman´s Wharf, courtesy of the Organizers. All four days of the 2011 Guangdong and Macao Branded Fairs are open to the public. The Organizers cordially welcome all merchants from home and abroad as well as Macao residents and tourists from all over the world to participate in this grand trade and economic event jointly organized by the two territories and to experience the exciting carnival atmosphere. Opening hours: July 28 (Thursday): from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. July 29 to 31 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For further information on 2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair, please call 853-87989605 or navigate the following official website: http://www.guangdongmacao.fair.com
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