News

India is the origin of curry, one of the most popular cuisines that are popular around the globe. IFT Educational Restaurant is presenting the glamorous Indian Food Promotion on 12-16 October. Chef Govind Ram Arya and Gorang Anand from New Delhi are invited to be guest chefs during the week. The diverse traditions and cultures of India have played an influential role in its culinary art. The cuisine varies in different regions, reflecting the customs of the religious beliefs. Curry is the spirit of Indian cuisine; northern Indian Curry is famous for its rich and unique favour, with sophisticated and subtle use of various spices and herbs. In additional, traditional Northern Indian Tandoori grill is also available; the charcoal grill is remarkable for keeping the juicy meat tender and mouth watering. The two chefs, Arya and Anand, are chefs from luxurious 5-star Le Meridien Hotel in New Delhi. They will bring a variety of authentic Indian delights, including the world renowned Curry dishes, Tandoori kebabs, Pilaff rice, various vegetarian dishes and lovely desserts. Operating Hours:
Buffet Lunch: 1230 – 1500 (MOP160/person, half price for aged under 12)
Buffet Dinner: 1900 – 2230 (MOP200/person, half price for aged under 12) Enquiries & reservations:
IFT Educational Restaurant (Tel.: 85983 076 / 077 / 168 / 185) IFT has always been dedicating to organise gourmet promotions of different ethnic cuisines for the public. At the same time, it arouses the interests of food services industry in Macao as to explore more ideas in cooking. Along with the Northern Indian and Tandoori Food Festival this week, Chef Arya and Anand will host a Culinary Workshop on 14 & 15 October at IFT, which local chefs and IFT students will have valuable opportunity to learn and experience the traditional Indian cuisine. It aims to inspire the participants to create more spectacular gourmets and to promote the tourism in Macao.
…

Headed by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), a delegation of 21 industry partners of the Industry Partner Program of Macau Business Tourism Centre (MBTC) exhibited at the 17th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) held at Bangkok Convention Centre between 6 and 8 October, to promote the city as a new MICE destination in Asia. In tackling the current adversity, many Asian convention bureaus (CVBs) and destination marketing organizations, including MGTO/MBTC, are stepping up subventions to assist event organizers. Since the launching of the ‘Strategic MICE Market Stimulation Program’ by MGTO in mid of May this year and was revised on 1 August, the program has received positive response. Many industry partners revealed that the number of potential requests by the international buyers in hosting their events in Macau during the IT&CMA trade show increased compared to the previous edition. The booth of Macau at the IT&CMA received the bronze award for the category Stickiest National Pavilion. The prize is awarded to the country or territory which booth stands out from the crowd, by decision of a panel of juries. Being the second largest booth after host Thailand, the design of MGTO booth celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Macau SAR and decorated with colorful campaign Experience Macau. Organizers announced the winners of this year on 8 October at the Sticky Awards Luncheon. During the tradeshow, organizers invited Macau to conduct media briefing on 8 October, which was attended by more than 30 media from the different parts of the globe. Taking the convenience of time and location, on 9 October, after IT&CMA, MGTO held jointly with Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau a business session named MICE Macau & Thailand Seminar. The seminar brought together more than 50 representatives from corporate companies, travel-related agents and event organizers from Thailand with around 20 representatives from Macau, for service and products update and business discussion. In its 17th year, IT&CMA is the region’s premier meetings and incentive travel tradeshow and has attracted thousands of delegates from more than 40 countries. It is at the same time a platform for promoting the Asia-Pacific region as a MICE destination as well as a source for MICE visitors.
…

The organizers of the “Macau International Kart Grand Prix - 46th CIK-FIA World Karting Championship” will provide a free shuttle bus service on Saturday and Sunday to facilitate transportation of residents and visitors between city center and the karting track in Coloane. The bus stand at the city center is located nearby Macau Square and Banco Luso Internacional, at Av. Dr. Mário Soares. On Saturday the shuttle bus schedule is from 10:00 (depart from Macau) until 20:00 (arrival in Macau), and Sunday the free bus services runs between 10:00 (depart from Macau) and 18:00 (arrival in Macau). The entrace to watch the races is free. The CIK-FIA World Karting Championship is world’s top kart event, and this will be the first time it has been held in Asia. The world championship will be disputed among around 170 kart drivers coming from Europe and Asia. The Macau International Kart Grand Prix is organized by the Automobile General Association Macao-China, and is supported by the Macao Sports Development Board and the Macau Government Tourist Office. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
…

Due to the relocation of the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card Production System from 19 October 2009 to 8 November 2009, the issuance of the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card will be suspended during the aforesaid period. For the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card applications received 10 working days before or during the relocation of the production system, the collection date will be postponed accordingly. For urgent matters, documentary proofs must be provided for “Special Express Service”. Besides, the requests for modifying marital status and updating chip information (including fingerprint and photo) will also be unavailable during the relocation period; however, our service counters will continue to receive Macao SAR Resident Identity Card applications as usual. Furthermore, please be advised that the “Express Service” and the “Special Express Service” for identity card applications will not be available from 12 October 2009 to 27 October 2009 and from 15 October 2009 to 8 November 2009 respectively. For any inquiries, please contact us at 2837-0777 or 2837-0888. Thank you for your kind attention and sorry for any inconvenience caused.
…

To combat the activities of human trafficking, the Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee organizes the “Workshop on Combating Human Trafficking” from October 7 to 8 in World Trade Center Macau. Expert trainers from the United States Department of Justice, and also from the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who are both very experienced dealing with human trafficking cases, are invited to share with the participants their experience in combating trafficking in persons. Participants are from different areas including Macao Customs, Public Security Police and Judiciary Police.
Over the past year, the Macao government has devoted a lot of effort in fighting against human trafficking, in areas including prevention, victim protection and prosecution. The anti human trafficking law has come effective since June 2008, in which the applicable area of human trafficking crimes has been enlarged, and the penalty of committing such crimes has also been increased. Given such solid foundation, the work on combating trafficking in persons is largely facilitated.
Training for frontline officers is an important focus of the Macao Government. Everyday at work they encounter people who may be potential human trafficking victims, or human traffickers. Looking more into the techniques of identifying victims, investigation and prosecution of such cases can certainly help strengthen the effort in combating human trafficking.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, today appointed the seven members for the fourth-term Legislative Assembly. The Government Gazette today published an administrative order signed by the Chief Executive, which announced the names of the legislators he appointed. They are Ms Ho Sio Kam, Mr Tsui Wai Kwan, Mr Tong Io Cheng, Mr Chui Sai Peng, Mr Vong Hin Fai, Mr Lau Veng Seng and Mr Sio Chi Wai. In accordance with Annex II of the Basic Law, the Assembly consist of 29 members, 12 of whom are directly elected, 10 indirectly elected and seven appointed by the Chief Executive. Meanwhile, the Court of Final Appeal issued a proclamation today to confirm the result of the direct and indirect elections of the fourth-term Legislative Assembly. The 12 directly elected legislators are Ms Kwan Tsui Hang, Mr Chan Meng Kam, Mr Ng Kuok Cheong, Ms Leong On Kei, Mr Ho Ion Sang, Mr José Maria Pereira Coutinho, Mr Au Kam San, Mr Lee Chong Cheng, Mr Mak Soi Kun, Mr Ung Choi Kun, Mr Chan Wai Chi and Ms Melinda Chan Mei Yi. The indirectly elected legislators from industrial, commercial and financial sectors are Mr Ho Iat Seng, Mr Kou Hoi In, Mr Cheang Chi Keong and Mr Fong Chi Keong. The indirectly elected legislators from labour sector are Mr Lau Cheok Va and Mr Lam Keong Sang. The indirectly elected legislators from professional sector are Chui Sai Cheong and Leonel Alberto Alves. The indirectly elected legislators from social, cultural, educational and sport sectors are Mr Vitor Cheung Lup Kwan and Mr Chan Chak Mo.
…

Tamaya Art Pyro Technics from Japan netted the top prize, while Italy’s La Tirrena Fireworks and Philippines’s Platinum Fireworks, Inc. took second and third places in the 21st Macau International Fireworks Display Contest at a ceremony held at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center on October 1. Macau Government Tourist Director João Manuel Costa Antunes presented the trophy and prize to the winner. Cash prize to the winner is US$8,000, while prizes to the first and second runners-up are US$4,000 and US$2,500 respectively. The contest this year featured ten teams from Spain, Korea, Chinese Taiwan, France, Italy, the Philippines, Japan, Portugal, Austria and China. To celebrate this 21st edition, MGTO has purposely invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. Teams from France, Italy and Austria who joined the event for the first time matched their fireworks skills with veterans from Chinese Taiwan, Japan and Korean. Mr. Antunes noted in his speech that MGTO will continue to enhance the quality and attractiveness of the contest to boost its charm as a must-see annual event in Macau. The organizer arranged China's Hunan Jixiu Fireworks Manufacturing & Display Company to present the last fireworks show to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. Crowds of residents and visitors enjoyed the fireworks during the National Day holiday at various spots of Macau and Taipa, adding festive and joyful atmosphere to the city. This year again, each participating team is requested to complement their display with music. Each team used different kinds of music, ranging from classical or folk music to contemporary music, coupled with special themes and features to enthrall the audience. Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has a history of 21 years and receives wide accolades and recognitions. The annual glamorous fireworks displays, together with the colorful activities, have become a signature event that brings splendid experience to the public and visitors in Macau. To add festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau jointly presented the Fireworks Carnival on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower on each of the fireworks display nights, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, left for Beijing today to attend the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Speaking to the press before leaving for the capital, Mr Ho said that he felt very happy and excited to attend the ceremonies. About 100 people from Macao also left this morning for the celebrations in Beijing. They included the Chief Executive-designate, Mr Chui Sai On, principal officials, members of the Executive Council and Legislative Assembly, and representatives from the community. While Mr Ho is away, the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, will be Acting Chief Executive.
…

Due to the relocation of the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card Production System from 19 October 2009 to 8 November 2009, the issuance of the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card will be suspended during the aforesaid period. For the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card applications received 10 working days before or during the relocation of the production system, the collection date will be postponed accordingly. Besides, the request for modifying marital status will also be unavailable during the relocation period. Furthermore, please be advised that the “Express Service” and the “Special Express Service” for identity card applications will not be available from 12 October 2009 to 27 October 2009 and from 15 October 2009 to 8 November 2009 respectively. For any inquiries, please contact us at 2837-0777 or 2837-0888. Thank you for your kind attention and sorry for any inconvenience caused.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the value of total exports of goods amounted to MOP582 million in August 2009, down by 55.7% year-on-year, with the value of domestic exports falling by 70.0% to MOP224 million and that of re-exports dropping by 37.0% to MOP358 million. The value of total imports of goods amounted to MOP3.09 billion, down by 13.9% year-on-year. A trade deficit of MOP2.50 billion was recorded for August 2009. From January to August 2009, total value of merchandise exports fell by 55.3% year-on-year to MOP5.11 billion, of which the value of domestic exports and re-exports declined by 69.5% and 32.1% respectively; meanwhile, total value of merchandise imports slid by 20.9% to MOP23.10 billion. The trade deficit for the first eight months of 2009 widened by 1.4% year-on-year to MOP17.98 billion; the exports/imports ratio went down markedly by 17.1 percentage points to 22.1%. Analyzed by destination of Macao’s exports, in the first eight months of 2009, the value of merchandise exports to the USA, the EU and Mainland China decreased by 79.2%, 60.1% and 45.7% respectively year-on-year. The value of Textile & garment exports declined by 72.4% year-on-year to account for 36.8% of the total exports of goods; meanwhile, the value of Non-textile exports dropped by 30.3%. Regarding the country of origin of imported goods, value of merchandise imports from Mainland China dropped by 40.0% year-on-year, but that from the EU rose by 3.8%. The value of imports by Broad Economic Category registered year-on-year decrease, of which Raw materials & semi-manufactures and Fuels & lubricants fell by 41.6% and 26.8% respectively; meanwhile, the value of imports of Consumer goods recorded a mild decrease of 8.2%, with that of Food & beverages rising by 16.5%.
…