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On 26 July 2010, the inaugural class of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Singapore Campus met for its orientation day at the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) Macao, UNLV Singapore’s partner in offering a Masters Degree in Hospitality Administration. Ten students make up this elite inaugural group, representing the hotel properties of the City of Dreams, Grand Hyatt Macau, L’Arc Hotel Macau, MGM Grand Macau, and the Venetian Macau. The pioneering class will begin their studies on 1 August 2010 beginning with Human Resource Management and Information Technology for the Hospitality Industry; future modules will include Casino Management, Hospitality Finance, and Services Management to name a few. UNLV’s Master of Hospitality Administration (MHA) Executive Programme targets working professionals within the hospitality field. Its flexible programme design, combining distance learning and on-site intensive one-week seminars, is a convenient model for industry professionals to maintain their current employment while pursuing an internationally recognised graduate degree. The MHA degree programme is offered at the Las Vegas and Singapore campuses of UNLV, and Macao is its third programme location. The pioneering batch will visit Las Vegas for Seminar Week in December 2010. UNLV is offering the MHA programme in partnership with IFT Macao, a long time hospitality educator and partner of the university. Dr. Andy Nazarechuk, Dean of UNLV’s Singapore Campus says, “UNLV Singapore is proud to offer this unique opportunity in partnership with IFT Macao to the hospitality professionals of Macao. We are pleased to see the high quality of the first group of students and we are certain that through their graduate studies they will to contribute to the future leadership within the hospitality industry.” Background on UNLV and IFT
UNLV has a 50-year history of academic excellence and its graduates can be found in key management positions in leading hotels throughout the world. The Singapore Campus, which opened in August 2006, is UNLV’s first international campus and has a current student population of over 250 students. UNLV’s Singapore Campus is accredited in the United States and recognised by the Singapore Ministry of Education. IFT, established in 1995, is a public institution of higher education that offers degree and professional programmes in a wide range of tourism-related disciplines such as hospitality, tourism business, heritage, events, retail and marketing, leisure and entertainment, sports and recreation, creative and cultural studies, and culinary arts. IFT has received various awards in recognition of its achievement in quality education. In 2008, IFT was awarded the “Medal of Merit for Tourism” by the Macao SAR Government for its contribution to the development of tourism industry. Contact Information for media interview
For more information or to arrange for interviews with either Dr. Andy Nazarechuk, Dean of UNLV Singapore, or Dr. Fanny Vong, President of IFT Macao, please contact: For UNLV Singapore
Ms. Jenny WeinmanManager of Graduate Programs
(65) 6332-9538 ext. 610
jennifer.weinman@unlv.edu.sg For IFT Macao
Ms. Frida LawSenior Public Relations Officer
(853) 8598-3182
frida@ift.edu.mo
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for April-June 2010 was 2.8% and the underemployment rate was 1.9%, down by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage point respectively over the previous period (March-May 2010). Total labour force was 326,000 in April-June 2010 and the labour force participation rate stood at 71.6%, with the employed population increasing by about 1,000 over the previous period to 317,000. Analyzed by industry, employment of the Transport, Storage & Communications Sector and Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services registered an increase. Number of the unemployed decreased by about 300 from the previous period to 9,300. As the summer holiday approached, number of fresh labour force entrants saw increase, accounting for 7.5% of the unemployed, up by 2.1 percentage points over the previous period. In comparison with April-June 2009, the labour force participation rate and the unemployment rate decreased by 1.0 and 0.8 percentage point respectively; however, the underemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point. In the second quarter of 2010, the unemployment rate of local residents stood at 3.4%, down by 0.3 percentage point quarter-to-quarter; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate of local residents rose by 0.9 percentage point to 67.1%.
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The Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010, co-hosted by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, concluded today (25 July) with a recorded admission of 98,000 visitors (as at 3:30 pm 25 July) and a retail turnover of MOP 36 million. During the four-day Fair, 14 seminars and product presentations were conducted, 617 business matching sessions completed, 10 cooperation agreements signed.
Ten agreements inked
At the 2010 Fair, ten cooperation projects have been signed, including one agreement, seven sales intentions, one contract and one memorandum of understanding. The majority of the signatories came from Macao, and cities from the Guangdong Province (including Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Meizhou) and Hong Kong. Among the agreements are: Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promote Overseas Investment and Trade, Strengthen Trade Service Platform and Foster Convention and Exhibition Cooperation between Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Zhongshan Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. Other cooperation projects cover the trades of accessories and spare parts for motor-cycles and bicycles, sales of farm produce, food and beverages industry, sales of foodstuffs. Significant increase in business matching and negotiations over the previous edition
Prior to the beginning of the Fair, nearly 200 branded products of Guangdong and Macao for business matching were received by the Organisers. Hence, 398 business matching sessions, showing a 64.5% growth over last year’s 589 sessions, were arranged during the Fair. 69 (11.2%) out of the total number of business matching sessions were for Macao enterprises, translating a 10% growth vis-à-vis last year. 111 (18%) sessions were among Guangdong enterprises, compared to 8% growth over the previous year. 39 or 6% were sessions for Guangdong and Macao enterprises to match businesses with foreign enterprises, representing 22% more than that of last year. Enterprises participating at these sessions are from Macao, Guangdong Province (including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Foshan, Shaoguan, Heyuan, Meizhou, Huizhou, Shanwei, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen) and Hong Kong. Items for purchase negotiations include consumer products, foodstuffs, daily necessities, electronic products, and clothings. Seminars and Presentations introduce products technology
On the first day of the 2010 Fair, the Services industry and Trade in Services Forum saw the exchange of ideas and in-depth discussions over the topic of trade and economic cooperation in services industry of Guangdong and Macao by representatives from the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and those from the business associations and enterprises of Macao. The four-day event hosted 14 seminars and presentations over themes such as beverages, tea tasting, green household utensils, healthcare and cosmetics. Stronger promotion responded with more sales and purchases
With the experience gained from last year’s Fair, the Organisers have issued more guidelines to encourage more quality merchandise for the 2010 Fair. To cope with the promotion of the Asian Games in Guangzhou, a designated booth for the Asian Games souvenirs display and sales was set up on site, winning much popularity from visitors. Promotions were rolled out in all forms before the Fair for more publicity. As at 3:30pm today, admission reaches a cumulative total of 98,000 for the four-day event. The increased crowd stimulated the on site sales turnover to MOP 36 million. Some exhibitors found items short of the scaled up demand. The carnival-style Fair and more access to the Fair appeal to residents
Cultural shows and performances were held recurringly throughout the Fair at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre to draw in more residents and tourists. Performances from Macao, Hong Kong and Guangdong were invited to stage their programmes on dancing, magic shows, music, etc. Shuttle buses were arranged to bring residents to and from the venue while 3 hours complimentary parking lots were available to driving visitors. There will be 132 winners for the prizes of the lucky draw and 5 winners for the grand prizes. Results of the lucky draw for the 2010 Fair will be published at the Macao Daily News on 27 July 2010 and on the official website of the Fair at http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com . Five winners were awarded the prizes of the Grand lucky draw whereas 132 winners for other prizes of the draw. The Fair is vital to the deepening of the cooperation between Guangdong province and Macao
The Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010 is co-hosted by the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, and coordinated by the Macau Fair & Trade Association. To complement the efforts of the governments of Guangdong and Macao SAR on the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta Region and the subsequent Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Guangdong and Macao signed in March last year, the 2010 Fair, following the footsteps of the 2009 edition of the event by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, comes again as an important platform jointly fostered by Guangdong province and Macao. The 2010 Fair is the third occasion of its kind as a mega trade and economic activity jointly held by Guangdong province and Macao after the 2003 and 2009 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair. The objectives of the Fair is to make full use of the competitive edge of Macao being a platform for conventions & exhibitions and Guangdong Province as a manufacturing base, to co-promote to the world for economic developments of Guangdong and Macao. The Fair bears significance to the deepening of trade and economic cooperation between Guangdong province and Macao. During the Fair, the Jiangmen Consultancy Office for the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Cooperation of the Jiangmen City conducted its launching ceremony. This turns Macao into full play as a business services platform and assists products of mainland China to enter the market of Macao and to a greater extent to the international market.
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On the third day of the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010, co-hosted by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, eight seminars and product presentations were conducted, three cooperation agreements inked and 178 business matching sessions completed. Admission to the 2010 Fair on this Saturday exceeded 23,000 as at 5:30pm, reaching the highest record since the Opening. Huge crowds of enthusiastic residents populated the Fair for purchase
Admission today (24 July) to the 2010 Fair created a new record since the Opening of the Fair three days ago. More than 23,000 visitors flocked the venue as at 5:30pm on 24 July. Admission was smooth and orderly due to the well preparation of the organizer. The 2010 Fair turned out to be the best weekend activity for local residents. Families of all ages crowded the venue to enjoy the continuous running shows and performances and lucky draw. Daily shows start from 1pm to 9pm. After last year’s Fair, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute had carried out an in-depth marketing survey to document the experience gained, which helps formulate the directives given to potential exhibitors this year on the kind of merchandize more suitable for Macao residents. Much sought after items include foodstuff, daily necessities, as well as audio visual aids. Booths with free tasting items were queued with long lines of customers. The organizers act as catalysts for three cooperation agreements
Three more cooperation agreements were signed today (24 July) by Jin Yue Xuan B & F Group and Macau Tak Seng F & B Management Co Ltd on a “Contract for Establishing a Restaurant in Macao’, by US MART Chain Supermarket Co Ltd and Meizhou Jia Feng Agricultural Development Co Ltd on their “Sales intention on Agency of Organic Fruits and Vegetables in Macao”, and by US MART Chain Supermarket Co Ltd and Macao Group Foodstuff Co Ltd on their ‘Sales Intention on Agency of Huizhou Branded Dried Fruits, Preserved Vegetables and Agricultural Products in Macao”. The parties entering into cooperation are from Zhuhai, Meizhou and Huizhou. They will be working together mainly on food and beverages and foodstuffs, including the opening of a hot-pot restaurant in Macao, and a Macao Agency on organic fruits and farm product. The organizer had concluded 178 business matching sessions today. Products presentations are welcomed by buyers and Macao residents
Eight presentations were arranged today covering products in the field of beverages, Chinese tea, green household utensils, healthcare products and cosmetics. They include: “Introducing Natural Health Products’ organized by Profit Trading, “Introducing Da Hong Pao Tea” organized by Cultural Club, “Coffee Product Presentation” organized by Excelente Coffee & Food Products Company Limited. As today is Saturday, the Fair is crowded with buyers and local residents, who showed much concern about the content of the presentations particularly those have close ties with their daily lives. Mega buyers turn up to explore Guangdong and Macao markets More international mega-size supermarkets joined the line up to visit the Fair today (24 July) after large scale supermarkets from mainland China and online super buying groups came in the previous two days at the Fair to get to know more about the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products. According to the representative of TESCO, one of the three largest retail chains in the world, they came to know the products of Macao from the Macao Pavilion at the 2nd Guangdong Foreign-invested Enterprises Commodities Fair held this June. They believe Macao have a great variety of quality products, which have good potentials to be sold in the mainland market and this falls in line with their goals and objectives. They were then visiting the Fair to classify the Macao products which were already under negotiations, and to conduct a field search on the Fair to collect more information about the purchase of Macao products. These mega buyers, invited by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute to come to the Fair 2010 for procurement or business negotiations, include the Guangzhou Grandbuy Co Ltd, Guangzhou Hongsheng Department Store Co Ltd which had built the famous “Hong Sheng Shopping Park”. A rich programme of activities for residents to enjoy
The 2010 Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair will come to an end tomorrow (Sunday 25 July). Opening hours on Sunday are: 11am to 8pm. Business matching sessions will be continued on this last day of the Fair. The Cultural shows will be on from 1pm to 8pm, whereas the lucky draw will be conducted from 7:45pm to 8pm. Winners of the lucky draw will be published on the Macao Daily News on 27 July and on the official website of the Fair at http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com As tomorrow is the last day of the Fair, exhibitors will make full use of their last chance to market their products, all residents may be able to buy the items of their choose at a good price.
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Received with enthusiastic response, Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010 has five cooperation agreements signed today A huge increase in admission to the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010 co-hosted by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province was recorded on the second day of the event. More than 14,000 visitors were recorded as at 5:30pm today (23 July). Trade visitors and buyers, particularly buyers, continued to be drawn in by the product presentations and programmes of the Fair. A total of 160 business matching sessions were completed and 5 cooperation agreements signed. 160 business matching sessions held and five cooperation agreements signed
Participating exhibitors and buyers continued to be encouraged by the organizer to have face-to-face business negotiations and to match business intentions; over 160 business matching sessions were conducted. Five cooperation agreements were successfully inked. The US MART Chain Supermarket Co Ltd had signed three cooperation agreements respectively with Zhuhai Lung Nong Feng Import and Export Co Ltd on their ‘Sales Intention on Agency of Branded Organic Rice and Healthy Products in Macao’, with Guangzhou Bai Xin Animal Farms Co Ltd on their ‘Sales Intention on Agency on High Quality Frozen Meat in Macao”, and with Guangdong Yong Yan Xian Gin Li Da Development Co Ltd (HK) on their “Sales Intention on Agency of Fruits and Soft-Shelled Turtles in Macao”, whereas two other agreements were signed by Goldland MCO Ltd respectively with Multivalued International Trade Limited on their “Sales Intention on Bicycle Equipments”, and with Heshan Guoji Nanlian Motorcycle Industry Co Ltd on their ‘Sales Intention on Branded Motor-cycle’. The US MART Chain Supermarket Co. Ltd is among those enterprises which had agreements signed at both the 2009 and 2010 Fair. According to its Director William Cheung, its controlling company City Mall Shopping Center Ltd had already executed all three cooperation agreements concluded in the previous edition of the Fair. Three more agreements will be tabled for signature tomorrow (24 July). He said that the cooperation agreements concluded this year were facilitated by the strong support from the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Agriculture of Guangdong Province. Seminars and product presentations as magnets to trade visitors and residents
Six product presentations were arranged, namely, “Natural cleaner” by Guangzhou Asia Urdan Co. Ltd, “Environment Protection concept for kitchen” by Guangdong Elecpro Electric Appliance Holding Co. Ltd., “New Concepts on Environmental protection” by Agencia Comercial Chan Wai, “Appreciation on Crystal” by Bella Ornaments Gift Shop, “How to choose effective anti-aging products’ by Salao de Beleza Chun Ieng, and “Introducing Da Hong Pao Tea” by Cultural Club. The presentations were not only well received by many professionals and trade visitors from Macao and Guangdong Province, but also attracted plenty of Macao residents who showed interests in the business opportunities brought along by the presentations of the quality products. Buyers and resident visitors showed great interest in the additives-free ‘Natural Cleaner’ demonstrated by the Guangzhou Asia Urdan Co. Ltd and were eager to try out the products instantly. Residents fuel the buying and selling frenzy at the venue
Favourable weather on the second day of the Fair brought in crowds of residents who joined the shopping frenzy at the weekend. Admission soared to 14,000 as at 5:30pm on 23 July. Many exhibition booths began to run out of stock. The majority of the exhibitors said the buying power of Macao residents is very strong. For repeat exhibitors, having learned from previous experience, they have stocked up many more items for sale on site this year. For instance, the Longhai Jellyfish Group Co., Ltd, from Dianbai County of Maoming city, had in the Fair 2009 sold out their 40 boxes of goods long before the last day of the event. With this wonderfully positive response, they brought in 80 boxes of goods this year, and still the demand was far greater than supply. They had to stop selling the items and change their strategies to product tasting only. The AGHG aloe products exhibition booths of the American Global Health Group, LLC’s Taishan AGHG Aloe Products Co. Ltd and Global Health (Taishan) Plantation Co.,Ltd. were very popular among visitors. The booths gathered crowds of visitors for product tasting, which reflected the new concept of health living of the public. Although this is the debut appearance of AGHG at the Fair in Macao, AGHG is full of confidence to introduce to Macao their much sought after items from the US and Europe and their concept of healthy living to Macao. Cultural performances and lucky draw continued to be held today (23 July) at the Fair to build up a carnival atmosphere in the event. Activities for tomorrow (24 July)
The Fair will continue to be open to the public tomorrow. Opening hours are: 11am to 10pm for 24 July (tomorrow), 11am to 8pm for 25 July (Sunday). Eight product presentations and agreement signing ceremonies will be held tomorrow. The Cultural shows will be on from 1pm-9pm, whereas the lucky draw will be conducted from 5.30pm-6pm with prizes including air tickets and a television. All are welcomed to join in. The organizer welcomes trade visitors/exhibitors/Macao residents/tourists to take part in this year’s event between Guangdong and Macao to enjoy the pleasure of the Carnival. For more information about the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010, please call our hotline at: +853-87989788 or visit our website at http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com
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With the objective of testing and assessing the efficiency of the Airport Emergency Plan, the government bodies and the aviation operators involved in airport security jointly conducted the “Bomb Threat Exercise 2010” which simulated the activation of the Airport Emergency Plan and the security contingency procedures in response to a bomb threat that occurred in the passenger terminal of the airport. About 100 people participated in the exercise which was deemed smooth. The exercise took place from 02:00 to 05:30 this morning. The scenario simulated a suspect baggage being found in the departures hall of the passenger terminal of Macau International Airport. Upon being notified of the incident, the police on duty and the airport security guards reported it to their superior. After the police forces have assessed the incident, an emergency was declared. The Airport Emergency Operations Centre and the security contingency procedures of the police forces were immediately activated. The site was cordoned off; a thorough inspection was done on the whole airport area where the police and the airport security guards found another suspect bomb in the car park. The special police were called in to inspect the two objects who confirmed that one of them was a genuine bomb. The bomb was then detonated. Conducted in accordance with the work schedule approved in the beginning of this year by the Facilitation and Security Committee, the exercise was coordinated by Public Security Police Force, Unitary Police Force, Macao Customs Services, Judiciary Police, Fire Services Bureau, Security Coordination Office, Health Bureau, Maritime Administration, Civil Aviation Authority, CAM-Macau International Airport Company Ltd, Administration of Airports, Ltd., Macau Security Company Ltd. (airport security), Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd and Air Macau Company Ltd. Exercises are carried out every year in Macau International Airport with the objective of testing and assessing the effectiveness of the Airport Emergency Plan and the capacity of the participating entities on command and control, coordination, communication, resource allocation and so on when facing contingencies, so that the participants can further improve themselves in recognizing and dealing with aviation security emergencies, therefore ensuring the compliance of our security services with the Standards and Recommended Practices of International Civil Aviation Organization and guaranteeing Macao as a safe and secure air hub in the world.
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The tourism industry of Macao has been developing rapidly in recent years, while hotel industry is one of the key elements, management team of hotel industry must equip with strategic thinking and advance vision, thus IFT and CNI co-organised the “CNI-IFT Advanced Certification in Strategic Hospitality Management” with the aim to provide industry executives an all-rounded training in Strategic Hospitality Management. This certification programme consists of four modules to be offered in 2010 and 2011. Individuals can attend one of the following modules:
Module 1 - Strategic Hospitality Operations (conducted in January 2010)
Module 2 - Strategic Hospitality Marketing (conducted during 22 – 23 July 2010)
Module 3 - Strategic Thinking
Module 4 - Strategic Financial Management
and earn a certificate of “CNI-IFT Executive Development Programme”, OR accomplish all four to receive the “CNI-IFT Advanced Certification in Strategic Hospitality Management”. The “Strategic Hospitality Marketing Executive Development Programme” is one of the four modules of the “CNI-IFT Advanced Certification in Strategic Hospitality Management”, exposing participants to innovative, practical and profitable approaches of addressing key strategic hospitality marketing challenges. Participants will learn the latest applications of strategic thinking and analysis in hospitality marketing: from upstream marketing and strategic analysis to value innovation, managing brand equity and marketing metrics. IFT gladly invited Prof. Gerard Gonzales, Adjunct Associate Professor, Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management as the speaker. Prof. Gonzales has accumulated 30 years of international hotel and resort management experience. Prior to setting up his management consulting practice in 1989, he held positions as general manager, financial controller, consultant, administrator and internal auditor with various hotels, resorts and restaurant organisations in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the USA. As principal consultant of Gonzales & Associates, he consults for several independent and chain hospitality organisations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, France and the United Kingdom in the area of strategic planning and marketing, asset management, organizational development and customer value management. The 2-day “Strategic Hospitality Marketing Executive Development Programme” includes the following topics:
I. Strategizing Marketing
- Marketing’s Business Purpose
- Strategic Planning
- Strategic Marketing System
- Strategic Marketing Planning
2. Strategic Analysis
- Environmental Scanning
- Competitor Analysis
- Customer Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
3. Managing Brand Equity
- Brand & Brand Equity
- Lessons in Brand Equity Management
4. Value Innovation
- Competitive Methods: Then & Now
- The 4 Lenses of Innovation
- Blue Ocean Strategy
5. Measuring Value
- Marketing Metrics Audit Process
6. Case Study Discussion
- Pearl River Garden Hotel, Sanya
- Banyan Tree: Development A Powerful Service Brand Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT), Macao and Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI), Singapore started co-organising executive development programmes and public lectures since 2007, providing advancement opportunities for industry professionals. The Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) is a partnership between world-renowned Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)’s Business School (NBS). This alliance brings together the world’s leading hotel management school and one of Asia’s elite business schools. Singapore-based Nanyang Business School was ranked the top 24th school worldwide in the Financial Times’ business school rating this year. Please visit www.cni.ntu.edu.sg for more information. IFT has always strived to seek diversified development and expansion of international network. Collaboration with many overseas organisations and universities helps ensure that its programmes meet international standards. The executive development programmes and public lectures provide opportunities for senior executives to probe into the development of Macao’s tourism industry and challenges it has to face.
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Support Centre for Wealth Partaking Disbursement The Wealth Partaking Scheme 2010 was launched in 13th July by virtue of the Administrative Regulation no. 14/2010 published on 12th July 2010. With an effort to cope with the implementation of the Scheme, the Support Centre for Wealth Partaking Disbursement was set up in Avenida da Praia Grande, n.º 762-804, China Plaza, shop O and P and in operation starting from 13th July. The Centre provides enquiry service and assistance in solving problems associated with the Scheme, which is opened on Monday to Friday (except public holiday), from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. straight. The service hotline number and facsimile are 2822 5000 and 2822 3000 respectively. The public can visit the official website of Wealth Partaking Scheme http://www.planocp.gov.mo for related information. The disbursement of the SAR government is carried out by means of bank transfer in July and August to beneficiaries of financial assistance from the Social Welfare Bureau, teaching staffs receiving direct subsidy as well as students in tertiary education receiving student aid from the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (Student Benefits Fund), retired civil servants receiving retirement pension and individuals receiving survivor pension, elderly receiving subsidy for senior citizens as well as civil servants. The remaining others will have the crossed cheque received by post during ten weeks from 26 July to 30 September, in accordance with the age group. In case any resident fails to receive his/her cheque ten days after the receipt date as indicated, he or she may visit the Support Centre for Wealth Partaking Disbursement for enquiries. As what we have been doing in previous years, various public departments, namely, the Financial Services Bureau, the Identification Services Bureau, the Social Welfare Bureau and the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau maintain close contact with each other to serve the community. In 2009 the Support Centre handled a total number of 46,158 enquiries, of which 25,589 brought forward in person. Most of the reception enquiries, i.e, 7,321 of them were for reissuance of cheques whereas the second most were applications for alteration of correspondence address which accounted for 458 cases, representing respectively 29% and 2% of total number received at the reception, equivalent to a reduction of 50% compared with the number of enquiry using the same via in 2008. On the whole, the Wealth Partaking Scheme 2009 recorded about 10,000 requests for reissuance of cheques. Returned cheques due to incomplete correspondence address or non-deliverable post summed up to 18,867 cases, accounting for merely 4% of the total number of cheques posted, a reduction of 60% compared with 2008. The satisfactory results have been attributed to the cooperation of the citizens as well as the continuous improvement of the convenient measures. With two years experience, it is expected that the Wealth Partaking Scheme 2010 will be implemented in a more efficient manner.
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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 6th and 7th of August. The Reading Room will be closed to the public from 2.30pm on Friday 6th August, and throughout the day on Saturday 7th August. It will re-open to the public on Monday 9th August.
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The Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010 commences today (22 July) at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Officiating at the Opening Ceremony of the Fair were Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR, Lu Shumin, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Macao SAR, Zhou Zhi Kui, Director General of Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Liang Yaowen, Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, Jackson Chang, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Chui Sai Cheong, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce, Cao Xiang Nong, Deputy Mayor of Huizhou Municipality, Feng Yu Rong, Deputy Mayor of Zhongshan Municipality, Zhao Zhi Hui, Deputy Mayor of Zhanjiang Municipality, Chen Jia Lin, Deputy-Mayor of Jiangmen Municipality, Chen Jian Shen, Deputy-Mayor of Chaozhou Municipality, Ho Teng Iat, Vice President of Macao Chamber of Commerce. After the ceremony, the officiating guests graced the enterprises exhibition area of the Fair. To complement the efforts of the governments of Guangdong and Macao SAR on the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta Region and the subsequent Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Guangdong and Macao signed in March last year, the 2010 Fair, following the footsteps of the 2009 edition of the event, comes again as a joint effort between Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province. Promoting the ‘cooperative advantages’ of Guangdong and Macao to the world Liang Yaowen, Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, said at the Opening Ceremony, “Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair is another important platform jointly built by us, aiming to give full play to the advantages of Macao as a platform for conventions & exhibitions and Guangdong as a manufacturing base, to jointly promote branded products of Guangdong and Macao to the world”. He added, “This is the third running of the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair, and this time, it is enriched in contents and features.” Taking Guangdong and Macao cooperation to a new level
President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Jackson Chang spoke at the Opening Ceremony, “To complement the implementation of the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta and to expedite the building of the most vibrant and internationally competitive metropolis in the Asia Pacific Region, the trade and economic departments of Guangdong Province and Macao once again join hands to organize the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010.” Mr Chang said, “The 2010 Fair also provides Macao residents and tourists with a comprehensive and colourful event which combines shopping, cultural exchanges, leisure and entertainment, product presentations, business matching and negotiations. Jiangmen Consultancy Office in Macao avails overseas market expansion through the Macao platform After the opening ceremony of the Fair, the Jiangmen Consultancy Office in Macao, the contact point in Macao for business enquiries for the Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau of the Jiangmen Municipality, was officially launched under the witness of officiating guests, namely, Francis Tam, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Liang Yaowen, Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Chen Jialin, Deputy-mayor of Jiangmen Municipality. Jiangmen is the second city in the Pearl River Delta after Zhuhai to set up a contact point in Macao for business enquiries. This marks another stage of deepening the cooperation of Macao with the Pearl River Delta cities, facilitating Macao and Jiangmen in the mutual exploration of markets in the coming round of economic and trade cooperation, benefiting Jiangmen enterprises to make use of Macao’s regional services platform to expand overseas. The Deputy Mayor of Jiangmen Municipality, Chen Jia Lin expressed in his speech that with the official launch of the Jiangmen Consultancy Office in Macao, the link with the various government departments of Macao SAR, business associations and chambers of commerce in Macao would be strengthened. The Consultancy Office is expected to actively collect the trade and investment information of Macao and various countries, promote the investment environment of Jiangmen, encourage Macao and overseas investors to invest in Jiangmen, and to encourage Jiangmen entrepreneurs to make full use of Macao as a close contact and highly efficient trade and services platform to explore international markets. Services industry and Trade in Services Forum briefs small and medium enterprises on current development trends in services industry of Guangdong and Macao The Services industry and Trade in Services Forum at Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010 was held at the Seminars & Presentation Zone of Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention & Exhibition Centre on 22 July. The forum aims at promoting the exchange and cooperation of services industry and trade in services between Guangdong and Macao for mutual exploration of business opportunities. The Services industry and Trade in Services forum, co-hosted by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, was held in the afternoon of the same day as the opening ceremony of the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair. At the Forum, Zhong Jianhui, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Province, and Irene Va Kuan Lau, Executive Director of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute delivered their speeches. The Forum was moderated by the Chairman of General Assembly, Association of Advertising Agents, Edmund Wong, with speakers, namely, Division Chief, Division of Trade in Services, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province Bi Huiyang, Chairman of Board of Directors, Macau Importers & Exporters Association, Tsui Wai Kwan, Deputy Director of Foreign Investment Administration Department, Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, Ye Hua, Standing Director of Industrial Association of Macau, Lei Si Tai, Executive Director of Neko Sports and Casual Wear, Catherine Ng presenting their views on trade and economic cooperation, services industry and trade in services between Guangdong and Macao. Also at the Forum, the speakers shared their views on how to make use of the ‘cooperative’ edge of Guangdong and Macao to explore the market of Guangdong and other domestic markets, successful experience in finding business opportunities, information exchange and in-depth discussions on the trade and economic cooperation of services industry between Guangdong and Macao. Bi Huiyang presented the outlook of cooperation in Trade in Services between Guangdong and Macao, while Tsui Wai Kwan delivered a thematic speech on the formation of the Macao platform for trade and its room for development in mainland China. Then, Ye Hua talked about the attraction of foreign investment in the services industry of Guangdong Province, Lei Si Tai explained how to make good use of CEPA policies to promote economic and trade cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, and finally Catherine Ng shared her experience of business success in running a brand. The Forum has attracted more than 90 representatives from the trade and economic departments of Guangdong and Macao, corporate leaders and executives from enterprises and business associations. Two cooperation agreements signed and 156 business matching sessions held On the first day of the 2010 Fair, 156 business matching sessions were held and two cooperation agreements signed. The agreements were, Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Jointly Promote Overseas Investment and Trade, Strengthen Trade Service Platform and Foster Convention and Exhibition Cooperation between Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Zhongshan Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. The agreement signing was witnessed by Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macao SAR, Chen Xiang, Deputy Director of the Economics Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao SAR, Chen Ling, Consular Department, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao SAR, Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Zhong Jianhui, Deputy Director-General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province. Although the first day of the Fair was affected by the unstable weather brought along by the rainband of typhoon Chanthu, the enthusiasm of visitors were not diminished by the weather. More than 13,000 visitors were recorded up to 6pm on the first day, representing an increase compared to the recorded 8,000 visitors last year. A carnival of multi-colours The Fair will continue to be open to the public tomorrow. Opening hours are: 11am to 10pm for 23 July and 24 July (Friday and Saturday), 11am to 8pm for 25 July (Sunday). A wide selection of activities will be staged: product presentations and seminars, jumbo discount for branded products purchase, consumption coupons, lucky draws (prizes include air tickets and television) and cultural performances. The organizer welcomes trade visitors/exhibitors/Macao residents/tourists to take part in this year’s event between Guangdong and Macao to enjoy the pleasure of the Carnival. For more information about the Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair 2010, please call us at 853-87989788 or browse our website at http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com
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