Garrison’s open day attracts 3,500 visitors

The twelfth open day of the People’s Liberation Army Macau Garrison attracted 3,500 visitors over the first day of May. Thirty-two local primary and middle schools visited the camp yesterday for a special session organized for local schools. Soldiers at the Taipa camp presented military drills to visitors, including anti-terrorism exercises, and exhibited a series of weapons, which participants were allowed to hold. Training facilities and the history hall were open to the audience, including the armored force simulation-training center. Ten military training projects were also shown to visitors.

Imports decline by 23.2 percent year-on-year

The total merchandise imports for March declined by 23.2 percent year-on-year to MOP5.49 billion, of which imports of motorcars and mobile phones decreased by 63.7 percent and 57.6 percent respectively. Information released by the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total merchandise exports for March amounted to MOP1.01 billion, down by 3.9 percent year-on-year. The value of domestic exports (MOP147 million) dropped by 21.5 percent and the value of re-exports (MOP867 million) remained stable. The merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP4.48 billion.

Fund scheme to be launched in construction industry

The fifth Construction Industry Safety Award Scheme forum and awards presentation was held last week at the Macau Tower, with 18 companies picking up awards. During the event, Lionel Leong, Secretary for Economy and Finance, disclosed a new funding scheme to be launched within the industry. This year’s edition of the scheme was organized by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL). This year, 7,500 construction workers competed for the awards. A total of 78 awards were given: 18 were to companies and 42 individual awards were given to workers. The program was supported by 12 parties, including governmental departments and associations. Additionally, the forum invited eight companies to share their experiences and advice as to how to work safely.

Locally shot film dominates box office

The romantic comedy “Finding Mr. Right 2” is currently dominating the Chinese box office in the aftermath of China’s Labor Day holiday, taking in around RMB300 million (USD46 million) as of yesterday. According to various reports, the film has also set a new record for a romantic comedy by taking in more than RMB100 million per day over three consecutive days. “Finding Mr. Right 2” narrates the relationship between a Macau-based public relations officer at a casino resort and a US-based realtor. Writer and director Xue Xiaolu told the Times last year that they filmed in many locations across Macau, hoping “to present a real Macau […] a complex [city] with a side of glittering lights, and a simple, guileless and cordial side.”