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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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Consumer Council has conducted a questionnaire on the services and charging methods of tutoring centres during summer period. Among the returned questionnaires, most tutoring centres indicate that students are not requested to join tutoring class in August, though certain responding centres state that tuition fees are compulsory whether or not the students are going to join the tutoring class, and such tuition fees serve as a guarantee for a seat in next academic year's tutoring class. The Council considers it necessary for tutoring centres to operate openly and let consumers know about their scope of services and charging methods before consumers apply for any class. The questionnaire mainly focuses on surveying the kind of services provided by tutoring centres and their charging methods during July and August. The questionnaire was sent out to over 160 registered tutoring centres in Macao and 80 questionnaires have been returned. Among the returned questionnaires, only 2 tutoring centres impose mandatory tuition fees in August, over 60 centres offer tutoring service during the whole summer or only in July, students can voluntarily choose to join class, and around 40% of the centres charge less during July and August due to deduction of tutoring hours. The returned questionnaires show that mandatory tuition fees charged by tutoring centres are not common, though some centres may still be charging mandatory fees as around half of the sent questionnaires have not been returned to the Council. Further, around 33% of the returned questionnaires state that parents are required to prepay tuition fees for reserving a seat in the coming academic year. Responding tutoring centres deem it necessary for related government departments to establish guidelines for charging tuition fees. Tutoring centres are also responsible for informing parents about any special fees charged during summer period. The questionnaire on tutoring centres services and charging methods are published in Consumer Report issue no. 215; information on those charging prepaid fees for next academic year is also listed on Consumer Council's website. Consumers may contact the Council directly should they find any difference in the information provided and the practices adopted by tutoring centres. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the two offices of Consumer Council, Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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An explosion today in a restaurant believed 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 for treatment. One man required admission for observation. The other seven, who sustained glass cuts to their hands, legs and head, discharged after treatment. 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 utilised 16 emergency vehicles and more than 40 personnel in the operation. The Bureau has ruled out foul play after a preliminary investigation and said it believed the explosion was caused by gas leakage.
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The Macao Historical Archives operates under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and is responsible for the preservation of records of historic value. Given Macao's geographical location in a sub-tropical zone, it is essential to actively protect paper records in order to avoid deterioration and ensure their correct preservation. Such measures include regular pest control. The next scheduled pest control in the Macao Historical Archives will take place on 29th to 31st of July. The Reading Room and Exhibition Room will be closed to the public from 2.30pm on Friday 29th July, and throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday from 30th to 31st July. It will re-open to the public on Monday 1st August.
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Regarding the situation that occurred today (24 July) in Taipei with EVA Air flight BR807 bound for Macao, the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT), after being informed of the accident, proceeded to find out whether any Macao residents were injured in the incident. According to information obtained by the Tourism Crisis Management Office, there were no Macao residents injured during the incident. So far, GGCT has not received any requests for assistance from Macao residents. If necessary, Macao residents should contact the tourism hotline (853-28333000) for assistance.
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GGCT is closely monitoring the high-speed train accident in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) is paying close attention to yesterday's (23rd of July) high-speed accident train accident that took place in Wenzhou, and will continue to monitor the events and it's impact on Macao tourists. So far, GGCT has not received any requests for assistance from Macao residents. If necessary, Macao residents should contact the tourism hotline (853-28333000) for assistance.
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Consumer Council has handled 3438 cases during the first half of this year. Inquiry cases amount to a total number of 2475, reflecting the intense need of consumers to inquire about their own consumer rights. Consumer alerts, talks and exhibitions have been released and organized by the Council for the enhancement of consumers' self protection. The Council aims to better its service in replying and meeting consumers' needs and will continue to pay attention to complaints regarding telecommunication services, telecommunication equipment and supplies, and other categories of complaints which are increasing in numbers. Among the 842 cases of complaints handled in the first half year, the top 3 categories are telecommunication services, telecommunication equipment and supplies, and food & beverages. Around 40% of the 123 complaints on telecommunication services involve business practices of telecommunication suppliers, vague charges, and charges for roaming service, etc.; the number of these cases also tends to escalate. For telecommunication equipment and supplies, around 40% of the 88 complaints received involve product quality of mobile phones and after sales service; 30 cases are related to price difference of the same product selling in different retail spots; 11 cases are related to cameras and photographic products. Consumer Council indicates that Macao is a free market and there is no interference or guidance to market prices, consumers are advised to make price comparisons prior to making purchases. For food and beverages, 73 complaint cases, mainly on business practices of retailers selling milk powder, have been received. Consumers can now access contact information of Hong Kong milk powder suppliers on Consumer Council's website, this helps safeguard the basic right of consumers when purchasing milk powder. Other categories which tend to increase in numbers include complaint cases related to product quality of clothing and apparel, skincare products, and cosmetics; cases from tourists also play a significant part in the total number of cases received. Further, as entertainment business develops in Macao, the number of complaint cases regarding concerts have also increased, 19 complaint cases have been received in the first half of 2011 whist only 2 cases were received in the same period of last year. Consumer Council will keep on providing assistance to consumers, and look into disputes and cases to make better suggestions and measurements to consumers.
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Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' and specific price survey report on canned foods. In comparison with last month's data, the 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' dated 19th July shows minor price rise and price drop in most items; on the contrary, the specific price survey report on canned foods shows obvious price increases in certain brands. The current 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' was conducted on 19th July, surveying over 240 product samples from 14 retail spots. In comparison with last month's figures, among the surveyed product samples, 81 samples recorded decrease in prices and 62 items remained unchanged. Obvious increases in average price were observed in milk products and snacks: half of the 22 surveyed milk products recorded price increase of less than 1% to over 8%, other surveyed infant milk powder samples also recorded minor increase in price. For snacks, average price of over half of the 21 surveyed samples were found to have risen. Consumer Council also conducted a specific price survey report on canned foods on 118th July. Prices of 10 canned food items were recorded in 22 retail outlets. 'Hong Mei Brand Ox Tail Soup (298g)' and 'Narcissus Brand Spiced Pork Cubes (142g)' both recorded obvious price increases. Further, price difference of 'Porthos Sardines in Olive Oil (125g)' selling in different outlets amounted to over 58%. Consumers are advised to check with the above mentioned reports for the most updated price. Consumer Council has optimized its website with regard to the online search of data on its 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' and specific price survey report. Consumers can choose the items of their interest and use our online search function to interactively compare the retail prices of their chosen items at various retail outlets. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' and specific price survey report on canned foods are now accessible on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). Reports are also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. For inquiries, please call 8988 9315
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