News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total merchandise export for May 2011 amounted to MOP589 million, up by 13.8% year-on-year, of which value of re-exports (MOP393 million) and domestic exports (MOP196 million) increased by 14.6% and 12.3% respectively; exports of Tobacco & wine soared by 94.7% year-on-year. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP4.90 billion, up by 44.9% year-on-year, of which imports of Mobile phones soared by 91.2%. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP4.31 billion in May 2011. In the first five months of 2011, total value of merchandise export decreased by 8.2% year-on-year to MOP2.78 billion, of which value of re-exports declined by 12.7%, but that of domestic exports rose by 2.0%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 37.0% to MOP22.88 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first five months of 2011 widened by 47.1% year-on-year to MOP20.10 billion; the exports/imports ratio dropped by 5.9 percentage points year-on-year to 12.2%. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.19 billion), Mainland China (MOP461 million) and the USA (MOP249 million) in the first five months of 2011 decreased by 14.4%, 4.2% and 22.4% respectively year-on-year; however, exports to the EU (MOP166 million) increased by 4.6%. Exports of Jewellery (MOP144 million) and Clocks & watches (MOP137 million) decreased by 69.8% and 22.9% respectively, but that of Tobacco & wine (MOP244 million) grew by 65.3%; meanwhile, exports of Textile & garment declined by 7.5% to MOP584 million. In the first five months of 2011, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP7.04 billion) and the EU (MOP5.59 billion) expanded by 36.1% and 54.8% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 39.0% to MOP13.87 billion, of which imports of Food & beverages (MOP3.38 billion), Gold jewellery (MOP2.10 billion), Watches (MOP1.43 billion) and Handbags & wallets (MOP1.13 billion) increased by 38.2%, 68.1%, 33.9% and 104.6% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP4.06 billion) registered year-on-year increase of 69.9%. In the first five months of 2011, total value of merchandise import and export amounted to MOP25.66 billion, up by 30.1% compared with MOP19.73 billion a year earlier.
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2011 Population Census (2011 Census) will take place from 12 to 26 August. Taking advantage of the fishing moratorium period, the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) conducts the marine population census for the next six days starting tomorrow (1 July) in order to collect accurate information on the marine population. Kong Pek Fong, Director of DSEC, says that the 2011 Census officers, put on Census uniform and carry a Census ID Card, will visit every vessel that berthed in Macao's custom maritime area between 1 and 6 July, to collect demographic data such as year and month of birth, place of birth, educational attainment and occupation of the marine population, as well as information on the locations and frequency of operation. For enquiries or appointment scheduling, the fishermen can call the Census Hotline at 8809 8809; alternatively, they can go to the temporary census station at the South Sampan Wharf to complete the questionnaire on-site or make an appointment during this six-day period. Ms. Kong indicates that the scale of the fishing industry and number of fishermen have been decreasing over the years, with about 170 vessels at present. The marine population is an important component of the total population of Macao. DSEC calls for the support of the fishermen to give accurate data to the marine population census. To facilitate smooth operation of the 2011 marine population census, Kong Pek Fong, Director of DSEC; Ieong Meng Chao and Cheng I Wan, Deputy Directors; Mak Hang Chan, Chief of Department; and Cheang Lai Seong, Chief of Division went to visit the Macao Custom and Maritime Administration, to introduce the 2011 Census and the marine population census, as well as to extend the gratitude for their support and assistance in providing marine transport to the Census officers. In addition, DSEC took the opportunity to promote the marine population census and schedule appointments with some of the fishermen during the fishing moratorium courses organized by the Labour Affairs Bureau, to ensure successful conclusion of the marine population census.
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Around 30 representatives related to the tourism industry were invited to speak at a round table seminar on "How to build a Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" organized by Macau Government Tourist Office this morning (June 28) at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center in an effort to stimulate in-depth discussion and gain professional insights and suggestions. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U was present at the seminar and delivered the opening speech. Cheong U expressed that the promulgation of the National 12th Five-Year Plan and the signing of the "Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Framework Agreement" further consolidate and support Macau's development as a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure'. The general definition of a "Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" is a renowned destination with world class standard that offers quality public health facilities, a safe environment and a good ecosystem, a place for healthy living, happiness, entertainment and one that offers opportunities for business and other purposes. Another perspective proposes a number of more concrete criteria, including the possession of an international reputation, an internationalized source market structure, a more diverse industry system, an international transportation system, a first-class management and service system, among others. He pointed out that the positioning of Macau as a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure' has drawn great awareness among the community, including the academics, the tourism industry and related groups. In view of this, MGTO has organized a round table seminar on "How to build a Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" during its Annual Marketing Meeting to provide a platform for the Government, the academics, the tourism industry and related groups to express and share their ideas and suggestions on how to achieve the goal of developing Macau into a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure', including the parameters, overall planning and concrete measures towards this positioning. Around 30 speakers presented at the seminar and all the written statements received, over 40 in total, have been compiled as a report and distributed on site. Concluding the seminar, MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed that it is not easy to answer the question of "How to build a "Global Center of Tourism and Leisure". In spite of all the potentials for tourism development, Macau is also facing a number of challenges in terms of tourism diversification, accessibility, human resources, quality control and management. The achievement of the goal will require support and participation from all Macau residents. He noted that the insightful recommendations from the tourism industry and MGTO representatives will contribute greatly to the government's future planning. About 300 participants, including directors and department heads of MGTO, Secretary-General of the Tourism Development Committee and many of its members, representatives of MGTO, speakers and guests attended the seminar, which was followed by a luncheon hosted by MGTO for the guests and travel trade. Meanwhile 57 MGTO representatives from 17 countries/regions will have internal meetings with MGTO directors and department heads over the next days to discuss marketing strategies and tactics for next year.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (the "AMCM") is concerned with the latest reports from the media relating to the insurance for motor cycles. There are no provisions in the current Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance which mandates insurance companies authorized to write motor insurance to accept the insurance for certain categories of motor vehicles. Car owners are free to approach any authorized non-life insurance companies to purchase motor insurance. Currently, there are a total of 12 insurance companies in Macao which are authorized to write motor insurance including motor cycles. If the insurance companies accept the applications for motor insurance, they must comply with the terms and conditions, and tariff under the Ordinance. Regarding the captioned subject, the AMCM has followed up with the related insurance company who clarified that the change in underwriting decisions would not affect the existing motor cycles already insured and their renewals. As regards new applications relating to drivers under 25 years old or less than 2 years driving experience, the insurance company promised to follow with the persons and associations affected promptly to find a viable solution for this matter. The AMCM shall continue to follow up the matter. And, according to the above mentioned regulations, if the applicant is declined by more than 3 insurers, the applicant can follow the procedures as laid down in a notice issued by the AMCM to apply for motor co-insurance. When the AMCM receives such requests, it will nominate one insurer who will be responsible to issue the policy for the applicant and handle the claims. In fact, the motor co-insurance is shared by all 12 insurers, and the terms and conditions are defined by the AMCM. The motor co-insurance regime was set up in 1995, and until now, it has handled 1,482 applications, and among them, there were only 25 applications related to motor cycles, which represented 1.7% of the total number of applications received.
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Owing to the strike action taken by the workers' union in Uruguay, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Uruguay will be suspended until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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Do you know the population size of Macao? The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) invites all residents of Macao to participate in the "Population Count via SMS" to figure out our population size. Each of the 10 lucky winners will win an iPhone. 2011 Population Census (2011 Census) will be conducted from 12 to 26 August. From 1 July to 12 August, DSEC is organizing the "Population Count via SMS" to raise public awareness and participation to the 2011 Census. The game is easy to play, just send your name and answer via SMS (e.g. Chan Tai Man 555500) to 6300 6003 and you will receive an SMS from DSEC to confirm your participation. Number of entries is unlimited. The 10 participants whose answers match exactly with or come closest to the preliminary results of the 2011 Census to be released in December 2011 will be the winners. If more than 10 participants have the correct answer, the final winners will be decided by lucky draw. DSEC staff will contact the winners individually to collect their prizes. In July and August, DSEC will organize promotional activities such as "2011 Census Outdoor FUN" and outdoor exhibitions. Everyone is welcome to join. Please check the details on the 2011 Census website (censos.dsec.gov.mo).
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The entry period of the 'Consumer Rights Chinese Slogan Competition' held by Consumer Council is over and almost 600 entries have been submitted during the half-month entry period. Entrants' works show that local citizens pay very much importance to consumer rights and green consumption. The entry period of the said competition ended on 17th June and almost 600 works had been received. Entrants' works will be reviewed in July by judges including Mr. Cheang Kok Keong, Chairman of Macao Media Advancement Association, Dr. Pang Hoi Ling, member of Macao Modern Literature Association, and Ms. Lam Iok Fong, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, (FSH) University of Macau and local writer. Five winning slogans and 10 excellence award winners will be chosen; result will be announced on the Council's website and award winners will be contacted individually. Consumer Council indicates that various kinds of activities will be held in the future to promote consumer rights to local residents. The entries received for this competition reflect that the public hopes to safeguard their consumer rights by promoting laws, enhancing the awareness of self-protection and businesses' ethical practices, etc; other works focus on using less plastic bags and green consumption. The Council plans to use the winning slogans in future education work and activities to promote consumer rights. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the operation of a new tourism and gaming resort lowered the unemployment rate for March-May 2011 to 2.6%, down by 0.1 percentage point from the previous period (February-April 2011), the lowest since the Handover of Macao to China. The underemployment rate was 1.3%, down by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force was 337,000 in March-May 2011 and the labour force participation rate stood at 71.6%, up by 0.4 percentage point from the previous period. The employed population was 328,000, up by about 3,300 over the previous period. Analyzed by industry, employment of the Gaming Sector saw notable increase, while that of Manufacture of Wearing Apparel registered a decrease. Number of the unemployed decreased slightly by 100 from the previous period to 8,800, with 6.3% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, up by 2.1 percentage points over the previous period. In comparison with March-May 2010, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate dropped by 0.3 and 0.8 percentage point respectively; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate rose by 0.1 percentage point.
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With the joint efforts of related departments of the Macao SAR Government and assistance of Hong Kong Consumer Council, suppliers of infant milk powder in Hong Kong agree to have their Macao service hotlines listed on the website of Macao Consumer Council for the convenience of parents in Macao to purchase milk powder. In recent years, supply of infant milk powder in local market has become tense. To safeguard the consumer rights of local citizens, Macao Consumer Council has been in constant consultation with other related departments including Health Bureau (SS), Provisional Municipal Council (IACM), and Economic Services (DSE), to discuss on how to solve such problem. Macao Consumer Council contacted Hong Kong Consumer Council in the first stage and arranged a meeting with suppliers of infant milk powder in Hong Kong and the related Macao government departments to safeguard stable supply of infant milk powder. Government department representatives met with representatives of milk powder suppliers including Mead Johnson, Friso, Nestle, and Wyeth, earlier in HONG KONG. Both sides exchanged information about the current situation of Macao infant milk market and the measures taken to solve the problem. Hotlines available to Macao consumers had been set up by some suppliers, enabling consumers to order directly from such suppliers; consumers could also get information on where to purchase certain brands of infant milk powder by calling hotlines set up in both Macao and Hong Kong. Suggestions were given by Macao government department representatives, including the listing of contact information of suppliers on website, and strengthening the promotion of inquiry hotlines and services to reach different levels of consumers. Infant milk powder suppliers were also asked to keep in contact with Macao agents and reserve a portion of stock in case any emergency happen in Macao. Suppliers in Hong Kong agreed to provide all the contact details and inquiry hotlines information to Macao Consumer Council for listing on its website. The Council will keep in touch with the said suppliers and contact others for further information to enhance its website. The public may visit the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) for detailed information of brands such as Mead Johnson, Abbott, Wyeth, Friso, Nestle, and Snow Brand in the first phase. Meanwhile, infant milk powder suppliers are alerted to take note of the following: Suppliers should keep their promises in providing adequate supply of infant milk powder, retailers should also do business with moral responsibility by not selling infant milk powder in form of 'bundling' or provide milk powder to only the 'highest bidder'. World Health Organizati on recommends breast-feeding to infants under six months. Should milk powder is necessary due to certain reasons, parents should take caution when purchasing milk powder and see if such brand can be easily bought through different channels. Parents should seek for professional advice and guidance when infants need to change from one milk powder to another between different months and ages.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total visitor arrivals increased by 9.4% year-on-year to 2,295,551 in May 2011. Same-day visitors (1,258,741) accounted for 54.8% of total visitor arrivals, with 731,926 coming from Mainland China. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China rose by 16.8% year-on-year to 1,326,627 (57.8% of total), mostly coming from Guangdong Province (678,832), Fujian Province (77,161) and Zhejiang Province (46,622); those travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 531,167, up by 18.0% year-on-year. Visitors from Hong Kong (612,851) and the Republic of Korea (31,975) increased by 3.9% and 26.2% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (102,664); Japan (28,628); Malaysia (26,754) and the Philippines (26,009) decreased by 1.2%, 22.2%, 11.0% and 7.2% respectively. Total visitor arrivals reached 11,065,180 in the first five months of 2011, up by 7.2% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China (6,276,332), Hong Kong (3,100,898) and the Republic of Korea (164,270) increased by 13.7%, 3.0% and 22.8% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (488,626); Japan (152,442) and Malaysia (129,030) decreased by 10.5%, 9.9% and 11.5% respectively. In the first five months of 2011, same-day visitors accounted for 54.7% of the total, at 6,048,948. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea totalled 4,360,577 in the first five months of 2011, up by 2.5% year-on-year. Visitors arriving at the Outer Harbour increased by 6.4% to 2,861,733, with the majority coming from Hong Kong (54.0%) and Mainland China (24.5%); meanwhile, those arriving at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa decreased by 6.8% to 1,312,193. Visitor arrivals by land went up by 12.5% year-on-year to 6,035,257; those arriving through the Border Gate totalled 5,583,463 and the majority were visitors from Mainland China (80.6%) and Hong Kong (13.4%). Visitor arrivals by air decreased by 5.3% year-on-year to 669,346. Visitors arriving at the Macao International Airport went down by 5.5% to 659,276, with the majority coming from Mainland China (36.7%); Taiwan, China (33.7%); and Malaysia (6.6%).
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