calendar of events in 2014 -...

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 2014

Calendar of Events in 2014

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January

6 H7N9 avian influenza viruses are detected in environmental samples from Zhuhai and Guangzhou markets. The Health Bureau, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Macao Customs hold an emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.

9 Li Gang succeeds Bai Zhijian as Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region. Bai returns to mainland China for his new post with the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC).

10 The Transportation Infrastructure Office begins a 45-day opinion solicitation exercise on the Seac Pai Van (SPV LRT) Line Feasibility Study.

20 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the President of the Congress of the Republic of Peru, Fredy Otarola.

The Government signs the Supplementary Protocol on the Guangdong-Macao Water Supply Agreement with the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, to determine the price of and process of paying for raw water imported from mainland China during 2014-2016.

22 The Civil Servants Salaries Council is restructured, and chaired by the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities of the University of Macau, Professor Hao Yufan.

The Macau Government Tourist Office announces that Macao recorded more than 29.3 million visitor arrivals in 2013, up four percent year on year.

23 The Second Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly for the first time discusses the bill on the Welfare Package for Incoming, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials.

27 The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau conducts serum tests for H7N9 avian influenza viruses on live chickens from farms supplying poultry to Macao, to monitor the situations of poultry imports, thus strengthening disease prevention and control.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On publishes an executive order to establish the Talents Development Committee, which he chairs. On 2 April, the committee holds its first ordinary meeting. The Chief Executive says three standing special taskforces are formed, and strives to launch a pilot programme for cultivation of elites and people with practical talents within the year.

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February

3 Macao receives a huge number of visitors on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. In all, border checkpoints receive a record high total of over 390,000 border-crossings by 9 pm.

12 The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau records the lowest temperature of 4.8ºC in February since the previous record set in 1996.

The Housing Bureau announces the confirmed list of about 12,000 accepted applications for 1,500 one-bedroom flats in Ip Heng Building, Seac Pai Van. On 27 February, the bureau determines the flat selection sequence by ballot, and selects eligible families to move into these flats according to the order of priority for nuclear families, non-nuclear families and individual applicants.

The Office of the Government Spokesperson holds a press conference to announce personnel changes of Teledifusao de Macau (TDM). Manuel Gonçalves Pires, currently chairman of TDM’s board of directors on part-time basis, will take up the full-time post of Director of TDM from 1 March.

14 Chief Executive Chui Sai On leads a government delegation to Nanning, Guangxi, to attend the inaugural ceremony of Experience Macau – Nanning, Guangxi; and meet with the Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee, Peng Qinghua, and the Chairman of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chen Wu.

17 Taiwan and Macao sign an aviation agreement to lift air transport capacity restrictions between the two parties, allowing carriers to operate charter flights between Macao and airports in Taichung, Taitung and Chiayi. The agreement officially comes into effect on 30 October, in both Macao and Taiwan.

19 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with standing committee member of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the CPC Zhuhai Committee, Li Jia, to review the past and discuss the development of Zhuhai-Macao cooperation in the coming year.

20 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with Shenzhen Mayor, Xu Qin, who is in Macao to attend the Shenzhen and Macao Cooperation Conference, to continue strengthening cooperation in various areas in 2014.

21 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with Professor Franklin Yang Chen-ning, the first Chinese Nobel laureate and a renowned physicist.

25 The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau launches convenient registration measures for first-time kindergarten pupils in the new school year, setting a specified time for all kindergartens to enrol new pupils, release admission lists and complete registration. More than 30 self-service areas are set up throughout Macao for parents to print registration slips for enrolment, using their children’s identity cards.


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March

3 Statistics announced by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau indicate that gaming revenue was 38 billion patacas during February 2014, up 40.3 percent over the previous year, breaking the previous monthly record of 36.48 billion patacas in October 2013.

4 Chief Executive Chui Sai On expresses his intention to stand for the next Chief Executive election, with the hope of being re-elected to continue serving Macao. Chui departs for Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the NPC annual meeting.

5 The government work report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the second session of the 12th NPC indicates that the scope of cooperation between mainland China and Hong Kong and Macao will be expanded, to raise competitiveness of the two special administrative regions.

6 Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, Zhang Dejiang, delivers the keynote speech at the plenary meeting of Macao deputies to the NPC. He puts forward three aspirations for Macao deputies.

10 The Human Resources Office announces a total of 312 applications for the importation of domestic helpers from mainland China have been received as at the deadline of submission of missing documents.

12 The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau detects H7 type avian influenza viruses in samples of live chicken kept in the wholesale market. The bureau implements a contingency plan, seals off the poultry section of the wholesale market, destroys all live chickens in the market, completely sterilises the market, and immediately suspends live poultry trading for 21 days.

14 The verdict is announced in the case in which the Chairman of Chinese Estates Holdings in Hong Kong, Joseph Lau, and businessman Steven Lo, are alleged to have offered a HK$20 million bribe to Ao Man Long and laundered money. The Court of First Instance finds Lau and Lo guilty of one count of bribery and one count of money laundering, sentencing each to a total of five years and three months’ imprisonment. Both are absent from the hearing.

17 The three-month application period for the 2013 second phase multiple-room Home-Ownership Scheme housing units has ended. The Housing Bureau has received some 42,000 applications for 1,900 flats offered by eight Home-Ownership Scheme Housing Projects; the applications are oversubscribed by 22 times.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On issues an executive order to set 29 June 2014 as the Election Day for Chief Executive Election Committee members, marking the commencement of procedures for the fourth Chief Executive Election.

19 The Macao SAR Gazette publishes an executive order to appoint members of the Urban Planning Committee. In addition to the eight official representatives, a total of 27 socially recognised outstanding people from urban planning or other relevant fields are appointed.

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25 The Legislative Assembly passes via urgent procedures the amendment to the law of Prohibition of the Production, Trafficking and Consumption of Illicit Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (commonly known as the Anti-drug Law) that incorporates five new types of drug into the appendix of prohibited substances. The MSAR also has the right to amend the appendix of prohibited substances, in accordance with the needs of society, without prior approval from the United Nations, to spare no effort in combating drugs.

27 The 2014 Macau International Environmental Cooperation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) is held for three consecutive days, attracting participation by over 400 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions.

31 The inauguration ceremony for the president and members of the Chief Executive Electoral Affairs Commission (CEEAC) is held, with Court of Final Appeal Judge Song Man Lei appointed as the president of the commission.

April

3 The Science and Technology Development Fund receives a one-off 200 million patacas grant from the Macao Foundation, for introducing a research and scientific equipment special funding scheme to support higher education institutions, primary and secondary schools in purchasing research and scientific equipment.

4 The Executive Council concludes the discussion on a draft by-law on the Establishment of Macau Basic Television Channels Limited. According to the contract, the company will provide services to assist residents in receiving basic TV channels. The company’s capital totals 10 million patacas, while the operating cost for the first year is expected to be less than 10 million patacas. From midnight on 22 April, this government-owned company will retransmit TV signals to all TV users in Macao.

A Macao Affairs Bureau is established in Hengqin New Area. It is responsible for promoting cooperation between Hengqin and Macao. The bureau will add a Government appointed deputy director to its structure.

9 Chief Executive Chui Sai On leads a delegation to Hainan Province to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2014, and meet with provincial government officials.

11 The three-day Dynamic Macao Business and Trade Fair – Zhejiang Hangzhou kicks off at the Zhejiang World Trade International Exhibition Centre.

12 In his individual capacity, Antonio Ferreira (known also by his Chinese name, Wu Shun Him), Vice President of Tung Sin Tong Charitable Society’s Board of Directors, has raised 50 million patacas together with his friends, to provide an interest-free loan as initial capital for Sin Fong Garden unit owners to rebuild their homes. The Macau Social Enterprise Company Limited (MSE) is commissioned to manage the money. The Macau Jiangmen Communal Society also pledges it will pay 60 percent of the cost for rebuilding Sin Fong Garden.


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14 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with Portuguese Minister of Education and Science, Nuno Crato. Chui says the Government respects the decision of the Portuguese School of Macau (EPM) to remain at its current location.

The Government recommends 33 projects to Hengqin for the Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Industrial Park; 30.3 percent of these are for cultural, creative and tourism industries.

15 A 60-day public consultation is launched on the Non-mandatory Central Provident Fund System.

The preparatory committee for the joint entrance examination of the University of Macau (UM), the Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM), the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT), and the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) announces its plan to launch the joint entrance examination in 2017.

18 The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau detects H7 subtype avian influenza viruses in environmental samples from live poultry stalls at Patane Temporary Market. About 8,000 live poultry in the wholesale market are immediately culled, and a 21-day ban on poultry trading is imposed.

23 Chief Executive Chui Sai On reveals that the Government has filed a formal application to the Central People’s Government to seek additional land in Hengqin through a compensated leasing mechanism, to support the development of Macao’s small and medium-sized enterprises, and participate in regional cooperation. The Government has also applied for jurisdiction over Macao’s customary waters.

28 The Macao SAR Gazette publishes an executive order to approve the Regulations for Approval of Provision of Financial Support by the Cultural Industries Fund. The fund focuses on supporting the development of dozens of cultural and creative businesses that meet the four major categories for creative design, cultural exposition and performance, art collection and digital media. The fund will be open for applications from 6 June to 18 July.

May

1 A Labour Day demonstration is organised by 18 groups. According to the police, approximately 200 policemen are dispatched for the demonstration, which involves 40 vehicles and 1,000 people, and is carried out in an orderly manner.

6 Registration for election of the fourth Chief Executive Election Committee begins.

8 Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Edmund Ho Hau Wah, leads Macao NPC deputies and members of National Committee of CPPCC to visit Hengqin.

10 A 60-day public consultation commences on the Macao Residents Home Purchasing Plan.

17 The President of Portugal, Anibal Cavaco Silva, arrives in Macao for a two-day visit. Chief

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Executive Chui Sai On and President Silva meet and sign the Cooperation Framework Agreement between the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Portuguese Republic, to maintain closer communications by making the existing biennial meeting an annual event.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On is granted the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit by President Silva of Portugal; this is the highest honour among all Medals of Merit in Portugal.

21 A high-speed passenger ferry travelling from Kowloon to Macao collides with a mainland Chinese vessel just off the outlying island of Cheung Chau. A total of 38 people are injured.

25 Several organisations hold a rally and demonstration against the bill on the Welfare Package for Incoming, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials. The organiser claims that over 20,000 people participated in the rally, while the police say about 7,000 people took part in the demonstration.

26 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with President of the Legislative Assembly, Ho Iat Seng, to discuss the bill on the Welfare Package for Incoming, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials. The Government and the Legislative Assembly are highly concerned about the public’s feedback on the bill. The Chief Executive acknowledges that the bill still has room for improvement and he will therefore instruct the departments concerned to communicate with the Legislative Assembly on amending the bill for future resubmission. Mr Chui personally handed a letter to Mr Ho Iat Seng asking for deletion of the first item from the agenda for the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly on 27 May.

Mr Ma Man Kei, a great Chinese leader, politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist of Macao, passes away at the age of 95 in Beijing. Ma’s body is transported from Beijing to Macao on 29 May, and his public memorial ceremony is held at the Macau Forum on 1 June.

27 The Legislative Assembly discusses whether to approve the Chief Executive’s request to withdraw the bill on the Welfare Package for Incoming, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials for discussion and voting from the Legislative Assembly’s plenary agenda. The 31 legislators in attendance unanimously approve the withdrawal motion.

28 The Judiciary Police announce the cracking of a cross-border computer crime syndicate, for the first time discovering law-breakers using a computer virus to corrupt seven ATMs of a bank. Two male Ukrainian hackers are arrested in the operation.

29 The Government withdraws the proposed bill on the Welfare Package for Incoming, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials, and will launch a public consultation on the bill, to listen to public opinion and reach a consensus, with the aim of joining hands with Macao residents to improve the MSAR’s administrative system.

31 Tender opening is carried out for the public bidding for conventional taxi licences. Among more than 900 tender submissions, the highest bid submitted for one of the 200 eight-year taxi licences is over 1.2 million patacas.


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June

9 The Social Security Fund announces the list of Special Allocations from the Budget Surplus 2014 for the Provident Fund Individual Accounts. A total of 334,202 individuals are on the list, and 7,000 patacas are injected into each of their Provident Fund Individual Accounts.

10 The Government signs a concession contract with Macau New Era Public Bus Company Limited (New Era). From 1 July, New Era will take over the bus services formerly operated by the Reolian Public Transport Company Limited, for three years.

13 A high-speed ferry travelling from Hong Kong to Macao crashes into a seawall and is stranded along the waterway in the Outer Harbour, injuring 70 passengers and crew members.

16 Public registration and exchange processes for the Year of the Horse and the Year of the Goat banknotes are jointly conducted. Residents may log onto the joint registration system of the two issuing banks via the webpage of the Monetary Authority of Macao, for one-time online registration.

The Public Security Police announces that, with effect from 1 July, the permitted stay in Macao for Chinese passport holders arriving for transit is to be shortened from seven days to five days, to deter people from deliberately breaching the existing entry requirements for transit by visiting Macao and returning home without travelling elsewhere.

20 The Judicial Police announces the cracking of two transnational illegal football bookmaking syndicates controlled by mainland Chinese. A total of 26 men and women are arrested, and betting slips worth five billion patacas are seized. This is the largest ever raid on illicit football bookmaking.

The Dynamic Macao Business and Trade Fair – Sichuan Chengdu opens. It features a total exhibition area of 11,000 square metres, with 260 booths.

22 Xin Xin – the female half of the giant panda couple that Macao received as a gift from the Central People’s Government, dies from suspected acute renal failure with complications of hemorrhagic enteritis, despite all attempts to save her.

25 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the delegation of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, to exchange views on promoting bilateral cooperation and issues of common concern. Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tam Pak Yuen, says that from July, gold and jewellery shops in casinos will be banned from adding new UnionPay card swipe terminals.

29 The fourth Chief Executive Electoral Commission election is held, with 4,505 votes cast out of the 5,448 eligible voters, representing a turnout rate of 82.69 percent. The Chief Executive Electoral Affairs Commission (CEEAC) announces the preliminary results of vote counting at 11 pm, with 4,237 valid votes, representing 94.05 percent of votes cast; there were 70 blank ballots and 198 void ballots.

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July

1 The Transportation Infrastructure Office launches a 45-day public consultation on the planned routes for the Northern Section of Light Rapid transit (LRT) Macao Peninsula Line. The line will begin at the northern part of Golden Lotus Station, run through the Northeast District, Macao’s high-density residential area, and end at the Border Gate Station. The three proposed elevated routing plans are: Racecourse East, Avenida 1 de Maio and Waterfront.

According to statistics provided by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, the gross revenue from games of chance in June was 27.215 billion patacas, down 3.7 percent year-on-year. This marks the first decline in five years for Macao’s gaming revenue.

2 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the Vice Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Zhang Xiaoqin.

3 The Business Incubator Centre of the Guangdong-Macao Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park opens, to provide a registered address and provide office services that will be free in the first year for Macao SMEs.

8 The Government solemnly states that Macao is a region ruled by law. In Macao, any kind of so-called “referendum”, which lacks a constitutional legal basis, has no legal grounding, and is illegal and invalid.

10 The Executive Council announces the new conceptual development plan for Zone A, proposing to reposition it as a residential area primarily offering public housing. It is suggested that the number of residential units will be substantially increased from 18,000, as previously planned, to 32,000 – of which 28,000 will be public housing units and 4,000 will be private residential units.

15 Chief Executive Chui Sai On holds a press conference to officially announce he will run for the fourth Macao Chief Executive election, to seek re-election.

16 The Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Joint Conference 2014 is held in Macao. Both parties sign six cooperation agreements and memorandums, with the highlight being the breakthrough attained in the joint construction of the Cuiheng New District, Zhongshan. Macao and Zhongshan officially decided to jointly establish the Guangdong-Macao Full-scale Cooperation Demonstration Zone.

Guangdong Governor Zhu Xiaodan announces that 10 square kilometres of reclaimed land will be allocated in Hengqin for the establishment of the Macao Industrial Park, to encourage Macao enterprises to invest in Guangdong.

22 It is alleged that Shanghai Husi Food Company Limited uses expired raw materials for food processing. Macao has imported frozen crispy chicken drumsticks produced by the company, and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau immediately requests the importer to stop supplying the products in question, and asks retailers to stop using or selling them.


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The bureau also dispatches staff to inspect local markets. None of the products in question are found.

24 A TransAsia Airways flight crashes on Penghu Island. Chief Executive Chui Sai On commissions the Macao Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan to convey his deep condolences on behalf of the people of Macao, via the Mainland Affairs Council, to the deceased, and sincere sympathy to relatives of the victims.

The Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee and the University of Macau sign a strategic cooperation framework agreement. Both parties will cooperate in various ways, including research on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation, public opinion surveys, joint construction of an industry-academic-research cooperation base, establishment of a Guangdong-Macao scholar exchange mechanism, participation in research on Hong Kong-Macao legal issues, promotion of close cooperation between the University of Macau and the Advisory Committee, construction of a platform for students’ social practices, and setting up a protection mechanism.

25 Vong Hin Fai, election agent of Chui Sai On – who seeks re-election as Chief Executive, submits the nomination form to the Chief Executive Electoral Affairs Commission (CEEAC). Chui Sai On’s nomination form is endorsed by signatures of 331 members of the Chief Executive Electoral Committee, representing approximately 83 percent of all electoral committee members, qualifying Chui to be a candidate for the Chief Executive Election.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets Senior Colonel Wang Wen, the new commander of the People’s Liberation Army Macao Garrison, and welcomes his arrival in Macao to assume his new post.

29 The Court of First Instance delivers its verdicts on the case involving former Chairman of the Administrative Committee of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau Tam Vai Man and three other defendants, who are charged with misfeasance concerning 10 burial plots. All four are acquitted of the charges.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, Zhang Dejiang, meets a delegation of Macao Chinese Chamber of Commerce led by Ma Iao Lai, in Beijing. Zhang praises the chamber’s contributions and puts forward four aspirations.

31 The Health Bureau stays vigilant regarding and pays close attention to the development of the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, and begins imposing health assessments for and tracking people arriving from the three West African countries affected by the virus.

August

9 A 45-day public consultation on the bill of Review of the Legal System for Light Vehicle for Hire (Taxi) Passenger Transportation drafted by the Legal Affairs Bureau and the Transport Bureau commences.

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16 Incumbent Chief Executive Chui Sai On, the sole candidate for the fourth Chief Executive election, delivers his election platform entitled “United to Achieve Aspirations and to Share Prosperity” and explains his policy vision and blueprint for the next five years.

31 The incumbent Chief Executive Chui Sai On wins re-election in the fourth Chief Executive Election of Macao, and is elected as the fourth-term Chief Executive designate, with a high vote count of 380.

September

3 Various sectors in Macao hold ceremonies to commemorate the 69th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

6 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets the Minister of Culture, Cai Wu.

7 Chief Executive Chui Sai On leads a delegation of government officials to attend the 18th China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen, Fujian.

12 The Vice Premier of the State Council, Wang Yang, arrives in Macao for the Eighth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Shao Qiwei, to express gratitude to the CNTA for supporting Macao in organising the 8th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting, and to exchange views on tourism cooperation and development between Macao and mainland China.

13 The Vice Premier of the State Council, Wang Yang, attends the opening ceremony of the Eighth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting. He delivers his four aspirations for the meeting in his speech entitled “A New Future for Asian-Pacific Tourism Cooperation and Development”. He also states that the Central People’s Government fully supports Macao in expanding the scope of tourism exchanges and cooperation with different countries.

The Eighth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting concludes successfully. Five main topics have been thoroughly discussed among 21 APEC member economies, including integration of tourism markets, facilitating harmonious development of the tourism industry, promoting intelligent tourism, interconnection of travel, and encouraging low-carbon development. The Macao Declaration is passed during the meeting, and consensus is reached on eight issues.

The Vice Premier of the State Council, Wang Yang, meets Chief Executive Chui Sai On, and congratulates Chui for being elected as the fourth-term Chief Executive designate of the MSAR.

The Vice Premier of the State Council, Wang Yang, meets Vice Chairman of the National


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Committee of the CPPCC, Edmund Ho Hau Wah. Wang says that Ho’s work is highly appreciated by the Central People’s Government. Ho expresses his gratitude for the trust and support from the Central People’s Government over the years.

15 According to Executive Order No. 40/2014, the Government will issue 4G LTE mobile network operating licences in two phases. In the first phase, four eight-year licences will be issued. Tender opening for 4G LTE mobile network operating licences is arranged on 19 November. The Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation receives and accepts all six tender submissions.

19 Dynamic Macao Business and Trade Fair – Liaoning Shenyang is held.

22 Premier Li Keqiang meets Chief Executive designate Chui Sai On, to appoint him as the fourth-term Chief Executive of the MSAR, and presents him with the appointment decree of the State Council.

President Xi Jinping meets with the re-elected and appointed fourth-term Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, and recognises the Government’s achievements in the past five years. President Xi indicates that Macao has experienced significant changes that occurred in and beyond Macao, and needs to promote a sense of foresight and preparedness, solid planning and sustainable development.

26 The Judicial Police announce that police of mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan have joined forces in smashing a cross-boundary telecommunications fraud syndicate, which has operated for two years under the control of some Taiwanese and mainland Chinese. In all, 31 men and women including the mastermind are arrested, revealing that Macao is used as a money-laundering centre.

October

1 To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Government hosts a series of activities, including a flag-raising ceremony, National Day reception, National Day sports and art show, and a firework performance.

6 Macao’s casinos enforce a total smoking ban on mass gaming floors, and set up enclosed smoking rooms without gaming tables and equipped with separate extractor fans.

8 The prize presentation ceremony for the Macao Science and Technology Awards 2014 is held, to recognise those who contribute to science and technology.

12 Hosted by Chief Executive Chui Sai On, the High-level Forum of the 10th Pan-Pearl River Delta Region Co-operation and Development Forum and Trade Fair (PPRD Forum) is held in Guangzhou. The forum is themed “Cooperative Development to Build a Better Future”. Leaders of the “9+2” provinces and regions deliver speeches, and discuss issues related to constructing an open economy and promoting cooperation and development.

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13 Macao and Guangxi sign the summary of the meetings on cooperation between the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region, for deepening bilateral cooperation in areas including tourism, trade fairs, conventions and exhibitions, cultural and creative industries and environmental protection, and improving the mechanism for cooperation between both sides.

21 World-renowned travel book series Lonely Planet recommends 10 countries, 10 regions and 10 cities as “Best in Travel” destinations in 2015. Macao is selected one of the “Top 10 Regions to Visit” in 2015, the only place in Greater China on the list.

23 The 19th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair (MIF) is held for four consecutive days, with the theme “Cooperation – Key to Business Opportunities”.

25 The 11th World Summit of Chinese Entrepreneurs commences, with participation by more than 1,600 Chinese entrepreneur organisation representatives from around 36 countries and regions, making it the largest ever such event.

27 Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the Secretary of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, Qiang Wei, to exchange views on further tourism cooperation.

The 51st Annual General Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union opens. Chief Executive Chui Sai On states in his speech that the Government will continue to support the development of Macao’s broadcasting industry, to better serve the community.

29 The University of Macau completes research on TV services in Macao and submits the final report to the Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation. The report recommends that the Government adopt policies including: clearly separate free-to-air and pay-TV services, encourage different modes of TV reception, strengthen supervision and governmental policies, and raise awareness of copyright issues, to promote a new triple-play model in Macao.

November

6 Vang Iek Radio Taxi Company, which has operated the so-called “yellow taxis” for 25 years, ceases operations due to failure to reach consensus with the Government regarding the special taxi licence renewal.

Six health centres under the Health Bureau acquire the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) accreditation, and become the first batch of ACHS- accredited daytime medical centres in Macao.

10 Chui Sai On’s campaign office receives over 120,000 submissions of opinions and suggestions from the community. As instructed by the Chief Executive, the Policy Research Office conducts an analysis of the submissions, revealing that traffic issues top the list of public concerns, followed by housing and healthcare.


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11 Chief Executive Chui Sai On attends the Legislative Assembly plenary meeting and announces that the previous array of measures to relieve and support livelihoods will be continued in 2015.

12 A fire breaks out at a boutique on Rua do Tarrafeiro in the small hours. Four are killed in the tragedy.

13 The 61st Macau Grand Prix begins.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, Chen Zhu, to exchange views on a wide range of public health issues and development of traditional Chinese medicine.

15 The Datengxia water conservancy project construction mobilisation meeting is held in Guiping, Guangxi, marking the commencement of the project to safeguard water supplies for the Pearl River Delta and Macao in the long run.

According to information provided by the Public Security Police, the number of border-crossing travellers reaches 515,000, setting a record high for the number of entries and exits in one day.

17 The tender opening process is conducted for open bidding for the Reconstruction of the Patane Municipal Market. All 15 tenders are accepted. The new market will be a 13-storey multi-purpose complex, including the ground floor.

20 With the approval of the State Council, new border-crossing arrangements at the three checkpoints between Macao and Zhuhai will come into effect from midnight (00:00) on 18 December. The Lotus Flower Bridge Checkpoint is the first to implement 24-hour operations, the Border Gate will extend its operational hours by two hours, and the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-border Industrial Zone Checkpoint will temporarily operate daily from midnight to 7:00 am.

30 The State Council appoints principal officials and Prosecutor General of the fourth-term MSAR Government, including Secretary for Administration and Justice, Chan Hoi Fan; Secretary for Economy and Finance, Leong Vai Tac; Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Tam Chon Weng; Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo Arrais do Rosário; Commissioner Against Corruption, Cheong Weng Chon; Commissioner of Audit, Ho Veng On; Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, Ma Io Kun; Director-General of Macao Customs, Lai Man Wa and Public Prosecutor-General, Ip Son Sang.

December

3 The Chairman of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, Li Fei, says the dominance of the gaming industry is not in line with the overall interests of Macao. Macao’s economy, especially its gaming sector, has close connections with mainland China, indicating

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that Macao should not only focus on the pace of economic growth and tax revenue. It must consider the perspectives of the economy, social security, stability and interests of development of mainland China and the country as a whole.

7 Chief Executive Chui Sai On leads a government delegation formed by incumbent and incoming principal officials and over 100 prominent members of the community to Beijing, to attend the Exhibition on Achievements of the Macao Special Administrative Region, in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the MSAR.

8 The Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Zhang Dejiang, meets with Chief Executive Chui Sai On, saying the Central People’s Government recognises Macao’s achievements in the past 15 years since its reunification with the motherland. He hopes the new MSAR Government will be fully aware of challenges ahead and dedicated to starting a new chapter for Macao’s stability and prosperity.

11 Chief Executive Chui Sai On appoints 11 members of the fourth Executive Council: Chan Hoi Fan, Leong Heng Teng, Liu Chak Wan, Ma Iao Lai, Leonel Alberto Alves, Cheang Chi Keong, Chan Meng Kam, Ho Sut Heng, Wong Yue Kai, Lam Kam Seng and Chan Chak Mo.

13 On the first National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims, the Government holds a solemn memorial attended by Chief Executive Chui Sai On and some 200 people from various sectors. All participants pay a two-minute silent tribute to the victims.

14 Taxi fares increase, with the flagfall rate rising from 15 patacas to 17 patacas. The additional charge for subsequent distances increases from 1.5 patacas for every subsequent 230 metres, to two patacas for every subsequent 260 metres.

The 31st Community Chest Walk for a Million is held. Over 40,000 residents join this annual event, raising more than 16 million patacas.

15 The Government holds the 2014 Decorations, Medals and Certificates of Merit Awards Ceremony. Chief Executive Chui Sai On confers decorations, medals and certificates of merit on 50 public figures and entities.

18 The Agreement between the Mainland and Macao on Achieving Basic Liberalisation of Trade in Services in Guangdong under the Mainland China and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) is signed. The Agreement builds on the present foundation of CEPA and its supplementary protocols by further opening up Guangdong’s service sector to Macao, enabling both sides to realise basic liberalisation of trade in services.

Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets with the Vice Minister of Commerce, Gao Yan, to exchange views on effective implementation of basic liberalisation of trade in services between Guangdong and Macao under the CEPA framework.

19 President Xi Jinping arrives in Macao, to attend celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Macao’s reunification with the motherland, and chair the inauguration of the fourth-term MSAR Government.


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President Xi Jinping announces the Central People’s Government’s decisions to commence preparations enabling Macao to administer its customary waters and offer Macao another pair of giant pandas as a gift.

20 President Xi Jinping administers the oath of office to the Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, and the principal officials and Prosecutor General of the fourth-term MSAR Government, in the presence of more than 1,200 public figures.

President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech at the inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term MSAR Government, and puts forward four aspirations for Macao, urging the administration to build a diligent, clean, efficient and just government under the rule of law.

The fourth Executive Council of the MSAR holds its first meeting, which is chaired by the Chief Executive and attended by all Executive Council members. Leong Heng Teng is re-appointed as Executive Council spokesperson.

24 Chief Executive Chui Sai On arrives in Beijing for a three-day duty visit.

26 President Xi Jinping receives Chief Executive Chui Sai On at Zhongnanhai, during Chui’s duty visit in Beijing.

Premier Li Keqiang receives Chief Executive Chui Sai On during Chui’s duty visit in Beijing.

The Housing Bureau releases the waiting list of applications for social housing for 2013. Of over 6,100 applications, more than 3,800 are accepted.

27 Chief Executive Chui Sai On says the Central People’s Government has officially approved the documents regarding the initiation of relevant works on specifying Macao’s jurisdiction over its customary waters. The MSAR Government will play an active role in supporting and cooperating in that regard.

Macao Yearbook 2015


39

President Xi Jinping shakes hands with the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On, who is on his duty visit in Beijing on 26 December 2014.

Premier Li Keqiang shakes hands with the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On, who is on his duty visit in Beijing on 26 December 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

40

President Xi Jinping speaks at the 15th anniversary celebration of Macao’s return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term MSAR Government on 20 December 2014.

President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, administers the oath of office on 20 December 2014 to the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui Sai On.


41

President Xi Jinping receives the Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Ho Hau Wah, at the Macao East Asian Games Dome on 20 December 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, makes a toast at the cocktail reception to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland on 20 December 2014.

President Xi Jinping receives and poses for a group photo with the newly inaugurated principal officials of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the MSAR Government at the Macao East Asian Games Dome on 20 December 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

42

Premier Li Keqiang poses for a group photo with the Hong Kong and Macao official delegates and entrepreneurs who are participating at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2014 in Hainan Province on 10 April 2014.

Vice Premier Wang Yang, accompanied by Chief Executive Chui Sai On meets leading delegates from the APEC economies, observers, APEC Secretariat and international organisations attending the TMM8 on 12 September 2014.


43

On 8 December 2014, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhang Dejiang, and other officiating guests tour the photo exhibition showcasing Macao’s achievements in the 15 years after its return to the motherland.

Signing ceremony of Framework Agreement on Cooperation in Construction of Cuiheng New District of Zhongshan, witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On (back row, 5th from left), and the Governor of Guangdong province, Mr Zhu Xiaodan (back row, 4th from left) on 16 July 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

44

The President of the Portuguese Republic, Mr Anibal Cavaco Silva, accepts a bouquet from a student welcoming him on the tarmac on 17 May 2014.

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Mr Rui Machete, sign the Amended Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Portuguese Republic, witnessed by the Portuguese President, Mr Anibal Cavaco Silva on 17 May 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and guests visit a photo exhibition on Macao’s tourism development at the opening ceremony of “Experience Macau, Nanning, Guangxi”, a tourism promotional activity held in the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on 15 February 2014.


45

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and guests visit the exhibition of achievements on the 10th anniversary of the PPRD Forum on 12 October 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, meets with the Secretary of the Guangdong CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Hu Chunhua, during his visit in Beijing on 4 March 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, officiates at a ribbon-cutting ceremony of a photo exhibition celebrating the 15th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland on 16 December 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

46

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, leads the designated principal officials and the Prosecutor General of the Fourth MSAR Government to meet the press at the Government Headquarters on 1 December 2014.

Flag-raising ceremony to mark the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression on 3 September 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, announces the decision of the Government to withdraw the bill on the Welfare Package for Designated, Incumbent and Former Chief Executives and Principal Officials on 29 May 2014.


47

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, presides at the awards presentation ceremony of 2014 Decorations, Medal and Certificates of Merit on 15 December 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, at the memorial ceremony of the former CPPCC Vice Chairman, Mr Ma Man Kei, on 1 June 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

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The candidate of the Fourth Chief Executive Election, Mr Chui Sai On, presents his campaign platform on 16 August 2014.

President of the Electoral Affairs Committee for the Election of the Chief Executive, Ms Song Man Lei, announces the election result of the Fourth Chief Executive Election on 31 August 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, officiates at the swearing-in ceremony of members of the Electoral Affairs Committee for the Election of the Chief Executive on 31 March 2014.


49

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, inspects the Lotus Flower Bridge Checkpoint between Cotai and Hengqin to learn about the new arrangements imposed for 24-hour border crossing on 17 December 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, visits a cement factory at Ka Ho Coloane, to know more about the operation processes and the improvement measures for pollution control on 16 April 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, visits shops and talks with merchants in Colonae to know more about business environment on the island on 26 February 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

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Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, hosts a luncheon for the representatives of the local Portuguese and English media on 1 April 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, hosts a luncheon for the representatives of the local Chinese media on 31 March 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, poses for a group photo with a visiting state media delegation comprising members of former Macao-based correspondents on 5 November 2014.


51

Officials of the Government Information Bureau announce the final report of the public consultation on the revision of the Press Law on 17 April 2014.

Officials of the Cultural Affairs Bureau introduce the follow-up of archaeological finding at the site of Rua do Estaleiro in Coloane to the media on 13 June 2014.

Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, attends a seminar of the 21st anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of the Macao SAR on 27 March 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

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Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, officiates at the opening ceremony of the Amcham Corner at 19th MIF on 23 October 2014.

Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, attends the graduation ceremony of the 20th Training Programme for Police Forces Police Cadets on 21 November 2014.

Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, at the Exhibition on China’s Lunar Exploration Programme on 5 September 2014.


53

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U (3rd left), attends the opening ceremony of General Ye Ting’s Former Residence on 28 May 2014.

Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, attends a plaque unveiling ceremony of the Lunar and Planetary Science Laboratory, in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, at the Macau University of Science and Technology on 19 November 2014.

Spokesperson of the Government, Mr Tam Chon Weng, introduces new opening hours of Border Gate, Lotus Flower Bridge and Zhuhai-Macao Crossborder Industrial Zone checkpoints at a press conference in the Government Headquarters on 20 November 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

54

An official (5th from right) of the Housing Bureau passes the key to the first batch owners of the one-bedroom Home Ownership Scheme Housing project Ip Heng Building on 13 August 2014.

Parade performance of the International Youth Dance Festival 2014 on 19 July 2014.


55

Drill on the Ebola contingency plan on 11 November 2014: a patient, suspected to be infected with Ebola virus, is quarantined inside a capsule before being transferred to the Conde S. Januário Hospital for further treatment.

Transport Bureau and Public Security Police Force jointly crack down on violation of taxi regulations on 29 April 2014.

The award presentation ceremony for the first competition for Macao Basic Law promotional campaign in school, co-organised by the Legal Affairs Bureau, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Macao Basic Law Promotion Association and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau on 18 January 2014.

Macao Yearbook 2015

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Opening ceremony of an exhibition for the celebration of the establishment of the Macao SAR, jointly organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Macao Foundation and Macau Artist Society on 29 September 2014.

Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, welcomes the 500,000th Korean visitor to Macao at the Macao International Airport on 26 November 2014.

Arranged by the Office for Infrastructure Development, local reporters visit the artificial west island, a main segment connecting the undersea tunnel and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge which is under construction, on 24 September 2014.


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Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau staff examine samples of imported live poultries laid-up at the wholesales market on 1 June 2014 after the resumption of importing live poultries from the mainland to Macao.

Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau staff seal off and disinfect the Macao Nam Yue Wholesale Market and cull the live poultries there to prevent spread of H7 avian flu virus on 13 March 2014.

Open day of the Maritime Museum and workshops are held at the promenade outside the museum on the Activity of the 2014 Marine and Water Bureau Day on 19 July.

Social workers of the Social Welfare Bureau visit street sleepers on 12 February 2014.

calendar of events in 2014 -...

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