News

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is ready to unveil the first four walking tour routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" on 27 September, encouraging visitors to explore the lesser-known quarters in Macau. The new routes are expected to divert visitors off the beaten tourist track in order to alleviate the burden and boost community tourism. Capturing the occasion of the forthcoming 1st October Golden Week, the Office will introduce four walking tour routes at the first stage to guide a leisure stroll around town for visitors who can explore different areas in Macau for fascinating encounters and local traditions. The four walking tour routes are as follow: "A Tour of Historical Trails", setting off from Avenida da Praia Grande to Praça de Ponte e Horta; "A Tour of Nature and Creativity", a walk from Kun Iam Temple to St. Lazarus Church; "A Tour of East Meets West", which starts from Senado Square and ends at Maritime Museum; and "A Tour of Arts and Culture" from Macau Fisherman's Wharf to A-Ma Temple. The tour maps will be available in different languages including Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), English and Portuguese starting from 27 September. MGTO will introduce and promote the four walking routes as part of the project "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" through different advertising channels such as WeChat, SMS, MGTO website, Social Networking Service, printed publications and so on. The Office also produced different videos for the four routes which enable visitors to virtually experience the walking tours and enjoy the scenery along the routes at first hand on MGTO's website. In addition, MGTO has been inviting overseas travel agencies and media for successive familiarization trips in Macau while encouraging travel consultants to consider adopting the walking routes in their itinerary planning. In the future, MGTO will introduce Smartphone applications for the walking routes as well. To enrich visitors' stroll experience, event highlights along various tour routes will be marked on the October edition of MGTO's monthly free publication "What's On". Besides, MGTO together with Transport Bureau, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau as well as Land, Public Work and Transport Bureau have formed an interdepartmental task force to work on improving the existing signage system with their first priority given to the area which covers the tour routes. The team also strives to have direction signs or tour map boards gradually built at the starting and ending points of the various routes since the end of this year, in order to provide a more leisure and walker-friendly environment for both locals and visitors around the city. Locals and visitors will be able to obtain the walking tour maps for free at MGTO's Tourist Information counters. They can also download the maps or enjoy the videos of the routes on MGTO's website soon: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo . When devising the project "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities", MGTO keeps regular communication with relevant associations while continuing to pay close attention to public opinions and refine the tour routes. Meanwhile, the Office seeks to improve supporting facilities through interdepartmental cooperation. MGTO is currently designing a number of other walking routes including the island tours for successive launches next year.
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The Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macao SAR (IC) received a total of 27 applications for the Subsidy Programme for Fashion Design on Sample Making 2013, launched in June to promote the development of Macao's fashion design industry. To appraise the entries and based on such criteria as creativity and originality, market potential, quality, overall visual effects, optimization of the business plan and budgeting rationality, the IC gathered a professional adjudicating panel composed by: Dr. Raymond Au, Associate Head and Professor at the Institute of Textiles & Clothing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mr. Walter Ma, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association; Ms. Vitoria Kuan, Senior Manager at the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM); Ms. Terry Sio, member of the Committee of Cultural Industries of Macao and President of the Rainbow Group; Mr. Fong Son Kin, Vice-President of the Macau Industry Association; Mr. António Conceição Junior, a veteran fashion designer from Macao; and Mr. Chan Peng Fai, Chief of IC's Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries. After the initial review, 15 entrants were selected to the second review. On an individual basis, the following applicants were selected (in random order): Lee Ming San, Lam Lai Heng, Lei Nga Sun, Wai Chin Seong, Leng Carmen, Tam Chi Kit, Cheang Chi Tat, Chan Wai Chan, Un Fong Teng, Cheong Oi Leng, Clemente da Costa Miguel Alexandre, Nunes Grilo Andreia Filipa. On a team basis, the jury selected the following applicants: Lei Weng Man and Lei Ho Sin Ieng, Cheang Man Cheng and Tse Ka Wai, as well as Dias Cardoso Ana Claudia and Dias Cardoso Nair Alexandra. The Cultural Affairs Bureau will notify the short-listed entrants by phone.
The second review will take place on October 26, in a location to be announced. Entrants must produce a fashion sample based on the drawings submitted for the initial review. On the second review day, the sample outfit must be presented by a model (full make-up and hair dressing are required, in order to bring out the total look). In addition, entrants will give a presentation of the work to the adjudicating panel, individually or in groups, and answer questions made by the panel. Each candidate chosen for this second review will be reimbursed up to a maximum of MOP10,000 as compensation for the sample making and presentation costs, upon submission of the relevant expenses' invoices. In the second review, a maximum of eight finalists will be selected as beneficiaries of the Programme, each of whom will be subsidized up to a maximum of MOP150,000.
For details please visit www.icm.gov.mo/dpicc/sps or www.macaucci.com. For further enquiries, please call Ms. Lam or Ms. Lau on (853) 2892 4040, during office hours.
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The General Counting Committee of the Legislative Assembly Election today announced the completion of the general counting of votes. A total of 151,881 voters cast their votes. The number of valid votes stood at 146,467, while there were 1,083 blank ballots and 4,331 invalid ballots. The following are the number of votes won by participants on the list in the direct election: Group 1 Nova União para Desenvolvimento de Macau (New Macau Development Union): 13,089 Group 2 Liberais da Nova Macau (New Macau Liberals): 3,227 Group 3 Associação de Activismo para a Democracia (Association of Macau Activism for Democracy): 923 Group 4 Associação de Promoção de Direitos dos Cidadãos (Citizens' Rights Promotion Association): 848 Group 5 Associação de Novo Macau Democrática (Democratic New Macau Association): 8,827 Group 6 União Para O Desenvolvimento (Union for Development): 11,960 Group 7 Observatório Cívico (Macau Civic Watch): 5,225 Group 8 União de Macau-Guangdong (Macau-Guangdong Union): 16,251 Group 9 Nova Esperança (New Hope): 13,119 Group 10 Associação para Promoção da Democracia, Liberdade, Direitos Humanos e Estado de Direito de Macau (Ideais de Macau) (Democracy, Liberty, Human Rights and Rule of Law Promotion Association of Macau (Macau Dream): 1,006 Group 11 Associação Esforço Juntos para Melhorar a Comunidade (Association of Joint Efforts to Improve the Community): 2,306 Group 12 Aliança Pr'A Mudança (Alliance for Change): 8756* Group 13 Associação dos Cidadãos Unidos de Macau (Macau United Citizens Association): 26,390 Group 14 União Promotora Para O Progresso (Progress Promotion Union): 15,815 Group 15 Frente do Movimento Operário (Labour Movement Front): 227 Group 16 Supervisão pela Classe Baixa (Grassroots Supervision): 368 Group 17 Aliança da Democracia de Sociedade (Social Democratic Alliance): 179 Group 18 Ações Inovadoras (Breakthrough Action): 1,642 Group 19 Associação de Próspero Macau Democrático (Democratic Prosperous Macau Association): 10,987 Group 20 Cuidados para Macau (Caring for Macau): 5,323 *Statistics showed there is one vote of error in the 28th polling station, but the General Counting Committee of the Legislative Assembly Election has no authority to make any correction.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals increased by 7.1% year-on-year to 2,871,088 in August 2013; same-day visitors accounted for 50.3% of the total, at 1,445,589. In August 2013, visitors from Mainland China increased by 15.1% year-on-year to 1,881,588, coming primarily from Guangdong Province (861,944) and Fujian Province (75,787); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 894,403. Moreover, visitors from the Republic of Korea (48,395) increased slightly by 0.7%, while those from Hong Kong (646,301); Taiwan, China (98,647) and Indonesia (31,012) decreased by 4.5%, 7.2% and 1.7%. Long-haul visitors from Australia (6,813) and the UK (5,214) increased by 1.6% and 0.5% year-on-year, whereas those from the US (12,714) and Canada (5,533) decreased by 6.1% and 8.0% respectively. The average length of stay of visitors held stable from a year earlier, at 1.0 day in August 2013; overnight and same-day visitors stayed an average of 1.9 days and 0.2 day respectively. Visitor arrivals totalled 19,578,498 from January to August 2013, an increase of 4.7% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China and the Republic of Korea increased by 11.1% and 4.7% respectively, while those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China decreased by 3.9% and 10.0%. Long-haul visitors from the US (115,337), Australia (68,846) and Canada (47,030) saw year-on-year decline; on the contrary, those from the UK (38,793) registered year-on-year increase.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organizes the "Experience Macau Carnival" roadshow in Hong Kong during September 21 – 22 to promote the diversified tourism products and glamorous events and festivities of Macau. The roadshow adopts MGTO's promotional theme "Touching Moments Experience Macau" and showcases Macau's events and festivities, delicious cuisines, unique cultural elements and entertainments through a variety of interactive games and exhibitions. A special WeChat game is displayed to attract public's "follow" on the lately launched MGTO's official WeChat account. There are the award-winning F3 racing car and Grand Prix simulator for visitors to experience the excitement of car racing and to get ready for the 60th Macau Grand Prix which will be held in November. Grand Prix Hong Kong racer, Adderly Fong, is also there to share the fun with audience. The opening ceremony of the carnival included a series of spectacular performances, bringing a joyful and surprising atmosphere to the audience. The international award-winning magician, Avon Lee, performed "Magic Tea Time" to showcase the "Tasteful Moments" of Macau; famous travel experts, Tony Hung and Roxanne Tong, were invited to share their travel experiences and introduce the fascinating tourist attractions of Macau; celebrities Siu Fay and Vivian Chan sang the new theme song "Number One" of the Macau Grand Prix, coupled with the Grand Prix Girl Dance Performance, bringing the show to a climax. MGTO launched earlier the micro movie "We Meet We Love" in Hong Kong to promote Macau, and the final episode voted by audience was first broadcasted in the carnival. The main characters, Alex Lam and Tracy Chu, were invited to the opening ceremony to share their "Enchanting Moments" in Macau with the audience. MGTO also hosted the "Experience Macau" cocktail following the opening ceremony to greet over 100 Hong Kong travel trade partners, incentive organizers, airlines and media, etc. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes gave a speech in the cocktail to introduce the new "Vibrant Moment" which was added this year to the four existing "Moments", and the new MGTO promotional video themed "Vibrant Moment" was also presented, promoting the diversified tourism products and events and festivities of Macau. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Head of Destination Marketing Department, Betty Fok, and Head of Communication and External Relations Department, Kathy Iong, etc, together with Coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Committee, João Manuel Costa Antunes, and the committee members, attended the opening ceremony of the "Experience Macau Carnival" roadshow today at Olympian City II in Hong Kong.
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The second edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum ("GTE-Forum" or "the Forum"), one of the most prominent international events of the year, adjourned on 19 September with tremendous success after the three-day activities. Carrying on the achievement of the Inaugural Forum last year, the second edition of the Forum has also successfully gathered over 1,000 attendees from different countries and cities around the world, including delegations from more than 10 provinces and autonomous regions in Mainland China, with approximately 160 local and overseas media representatives covering this event. Apart from fostering the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) again, the Forum has successfully deepened exchange and investment cooperation between tourism and tourism-related industries of China and their counterparts in Portugal and Spain through a series of follow-up activities after the Inaugural Forum. This edition has not only successfully invited Portugal and Spain representatives to promote tourism investment during the event but also arranged four Chinese regions and provinces to participate in PRC Provincial Governors Presentation as an increase from last year. With the overseas corporate sponsorship on this edition as well, GTE-Forum has proven its recognized status in Mainland China and the international market. Ms. Pansy Ho, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of Global Tourism Economy Forum, concluded this edition of the GTE-Forum, "We must optimize both our software and hardware facilities so that the tourism industry can benefit the most from the tremendous potentials amidst the industry's continuous expansion. We should also share resources and mutual benefits, creating a hub of transportation systems which connect and extend to all destinations through integrated transport network in order to ease travel experience and promote individual mobility. In addition, we should share business resources, basic knowledge, technology knowhow or manpower in order to benefit different sectors and industries through tourism economy." Mr. Cheong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government and Executive Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, delivered his closing remarks, "This year the Forum has set up a Ministerial Roundtable for tourism officials from various countries to explore opportunities and challenges brought by global tourism growth. We have also invited international tourism organizations, tourism industry partners, international business elites and experts to attend a series of discussion sessions. New seminars and promotion sessions were introduced for networking between Mainland China and foreign enterprises as well this year. The Forum also featured themed luncheons, entertainment shows and Macau World Heritage tour. Through a variety of activities, the Forum has encouraged broader discussions and deeper speculation, inspiring new ideas and perspectives which we believe will highly benefit the long-term and sustained tourism development. " Secretary Cheong continued, "Reflecting on our experience in organizing the past two editions, we will be most well-prepared for the Forum in the year ahead. We sincerely wish the participants can come back to Macau again with their continuous support for the third edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum in September next year." The third edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum will be held once again in Macau next year. The organizer is looking forward to extending the achievements of the first two editions and continuously facilitating its role as an international platform of high-end business matching as well as tourism exchange and cooperation, allowing tourism industry partners from Mainland China to fully leverage the Forum as a springboard to achieve more Sino-foreign tourism cooperation across industries, sectors and regions, so that the tourism industry can generate unlimited momentum for global economic rebound. World-Class Speakers Line-up on 2nd Day of Forum
The Forum started the second-day agenda today with WTTC Session: Points of View from International Private Sector Leaders. Under the topic "Driving forward – accelerating the growth", Mr. Jean-Claude Baumgarten, Former President, CEO and Chairman of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum, along with various global business leaders including Mr. Ricco deBlank, CEO of Sun Hung Kai Properties Hotels; Mr. Michael Frenzel, Chairman of WTTC & Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TUI Germany GmbH and TUIfly GmbH; Mr. Arthur de Haast, Chairman of Hotels and Hospitality Group of Jones Lang LaSalle; Mr. Gilberto Jordan, CEO of André Jordan Group and Mr. Naren Srinivasan, Senior Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development of The Hertz Corporation explored how travel and tourism play their role in driving global economy forward and accelerating global economic growth, as well as respective investment opportunities emerged. Afterwards, the Forum began Hospitality Session: Points of View from Global Industry Leaders, an in-depth discussion under the topic "From the drawing board to the Grand Opening". Starting from the key components of a successful hotel project, the panelists approached the impact of the hospitality sector on local, regional and national economies as well as on the society and the environment. Various leaders from hospitality and related sectors expressed their unique perspectives on hospitality development during the session, including Mr. Jerry Huang, President of Greater China, Artyzen Hospitality Group Limited; Mr. Jabulane Mabuza, Deputy Chairman of Tsogo Sun Holdings; Mr. Luis del Olmo, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International; Mr. Joaquín Serra Saval, Senior Executive Vice President of Natura Bissé; and Mr. Henrique Tomaz Veiga, Founder and Chairman of Aequitate, SGPS, SA. Meanwhile, the Forum arranged another concurrent session namely Portugal Investment Presentation, an introduction about investment immigration to Portugal under the topic – "Top Reasons to Invest in Portugal and Golden Visa" delivered by Ms. Maria João Bonifácio, Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Consulate General of Portugal to Macau and Hong Kong, who presented more diverse investment options for overseas travel to Forum participants. A tourism and investment presentation by Guizhou Province was also arranged during a Forum luncheon at 12:30 p.m. to familiarize the attendees with this province which is rich in tourism resources in Southwest China. Comprising two discussion sessions, the agenda in the afternoon began with China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable: Perspective from China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector on Mainland Private Enterprises. Under the topic "Chinese Private Enterprises and Global Tourism Economy" as moderated by Mr. Alexander Wan, Senior Advisor of China Daily Asia Pacific, the session aimed at analyzing how Chinese private enterprises can not only invest strategically in tourism and related industries in overseas markets but also introduce western business model, technology and know-how through the "Go Global" policy. A number of China's most prominent entrepreneurs, experts and scholars in related fields including Mr. Fu Jun, Chairman of the Board of Directors and the President of Macrolink Group Limited; Ms. Jane Fountain, Managing Director of Harmony World Watch Centre; Ms. Wang Ping, Chairman of China Chamber of Tourism and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum; Mr. Peter Wong, Chairman of the M.K. Corporation Ltd and Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum; Mr. Wu Yijian, President of Ginwa Investments Holding Group Ltd; Mr. Yang Bin, Professor and Senior Associate Dean of School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University; and Mr. Zheng Yuewen, Founder and Chairman of Creat Group shared their successful strategies and experience in expanding businesses in overseas markets and cooperation with foreign enterprises during the session, encouraging private entrepreneurs to go global so as to elevate China's tourism industry to international standards. The final discussion of this edition was held about the topic "Creativity and Innovation in Tourism" under PATA Session: Points of View from Asia Pacific Leaders which explored the application of creative, innovative and cutting-edge tourism concepts and techniques to create brand-new tourism products and services, revitalize existing products and optimize cultural and heritage assets so as to enrich common travel experience and generate economic spin-offs from tourism. Moderated by Mr. Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA, insights were gathered from the speakers including Mr. Kaye Chon, Dean of School and Chair Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Company; Mr. David Gavaghan, CEO of Titanic Quarter; Mr. Grant Horsfield, Founder & Chairman of naked Group Ltd.; Mr. Ieong Tou Hong, Chairman of the Macau Economic Development Promotion Association and Honorary Advisor of Global Tourism Economy Forum and Ms. Zhang Mei, Founder & Chairperson of WildChina. - End - About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
Hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, the Global Tourism Economy Forum is a prominent annual event for the global tourism industry. In 2012, the Inaugural Forum attracted over 1,000 delegates from 34 countries and cities all over the world. The Forum aims at establishing a platform for domestic and overseas exchange and cooperation, fostering and promoting integrated development in tourism and service industries, creating better investment prospects and deepening tourism cooperation, thus bringing new opportunities of economic development for China and the world.
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Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 27th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF) brings 22 outstanding shows to the territory from October 2nd to November 3rd 2013. The Festival's offering of symphonic music begins with a concert by the Gulbenkian Orchestra on October 18, which, steered by recently appointed Principal Conductor and Artistic Consultant Paul McCreesh, returns to Macao after a long absence, presenting a programme featuring works by Luís de Freitas Branco (Two Melodies), by Brazilian composer Ney Rosauro (Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra) and by Antonín Dvorák (Symphony "From the New World"). Established in 1962 by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation as a mere twelve-piece ensemble, the Gulbenkian Orchestra today boasts a permanent body of sixty-six musicians and a repertoire spanning from the classical period to the 20th century. Each season, in addition to giving their regular series of concerts in the Portuguese capital, the Orchestra travels to perform at numerous other venues throughout Portugal and around the world. A concert not to be missed by one of Portugal's most prestigious and talented orchestras! Portuguese Fado, a regular presence on local stages, joins Cantonese Naamyam (Narrative Songs) in a unique concert combining western and eastern folk music expressions, to be held on October 24, 25 and 26 at the Mandarin's House. Fado was recognised by UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011 while the Cantonese Naamyam were inscribed on the Tentative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of the Macao S.A.R. in 2009 and on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011. A highlight of this MIMF season is the violin recital by Kyung-Wha Chung, to be held on October 24. After attending the Juilliard School, in New York, international fame came fast on the heels of the South-Korean's win at the prestigious Leventritt Competition, in 1967. Undeniably one of the leading violinists in the world today, Kyung-Wha Chung, throughout her life as a violin soloist and recitalist, has garnered global recognition of the very highest stature. The Macao Orchestra and the Macao Chinese Orchestra take to the MIMF's stages once again, on October 19 and 26, respectively. The Macao Orchestra is joined by the Korean Chamber Orchestra and soprano Aga Mikolajin stirring renditions of Strauss' signature work as well as his final composition, the Vier letzte Lieder. In its turn, the Macao Chinese Orchestra presents well-known TV and film themes, taking the public on a journey to revisit past decades. The quality of the concerts presented to the public is a testimony of the remarkable development and high-level that both local orchestras have achieved throughout the years. Tickets for the 27th Macao International Music Festival can be purchased at all Kong Seng Ticketing outlets, by telephone and through online booking. A variety of discount plans will be offered. For more information related to the 27th MIMF, please visit the Festival's website at: www.icm.gov.mo/fimm.
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The workshop on "Public Procurement in the EU: Evolving Rules for Multiple Goals", being part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, will take place from September 24th to September 26th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in the Auditorium of the "Finanças" building, located on Avenida da Praia Grande, n.º 575-585, basement. This event is jointly organized by the Institute of European Studies of Macau and by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau. This event aims at introducing the EU view on public procurement. The role of public procurement has been evolving as a tool to tackle an increasing number of issues: ensuring fair competition and driving the unification of the internal market, preserving the competitiveness of the market structure, promoting (financially, environmentally and socially) sustainable development, fostering innovation. Such an increasing complexity, together with recent tight fiscal policies demanding for higher savings, suggest to move towards demand aggregation and more centralized approach. Finally, an outline will be provided on how different elements of contract and tender design can be used to address different issues. This activity will feature as its guest speaker Prof. Marco Sparro, M.Sc., CONSIP (Concessionnaire of Public Informatic Services) - the National Central Purchasing Body - R&D Unit, Italy. The workshop will be conducted in English with simultaneous translation into Cantonese and this training initiative is set out into three modules: 1. The public (e-) procurement system in the EU: main principles and goals; 2. Managing aggregated demand: Central Purchasing Bodies and Framework Agreements; 3. Basic elements of contract and competitive tendering design. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2013. The execution of this Programme is coordinated by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau, with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely the Legal and Judicial Training Centre, the Legal Affairs Bureau, the Economic Services, the Financial Services Bureau and the Institute of European Studies of Macao.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (124.07) for August 2013 increased by 5.31% year-on-year, attributable to higher charges for eating out and outbound package tours, as well as rising rentals for dwellings. In comparison with August 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.74%); Health (+6.38%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.09%) on account of rising rentals for dwellings, higher charges for out-patient services and eating out, and dearer prices of fresh food and produce. However, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.14% and 2.58% respectively. The CPI-A (124.30) and CPI-B (124.48) increased by 5.93% and 5.15% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for August 2013 increased by 0.17% month-to-month due to dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and vegetables, higher rentals for dwellings, as well as rising charges for outbound package tours, eating out and domestic services. Price index of Housing & Fuels; Recreation & Culture; and Household Goods & Furnishings increased by 1.20%, 0.99% and 0.86% respectively. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 3.76% upon seasonal sale of Summer clothing and footwear. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.33% and 0.08% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended August 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.39% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+8.75%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.76%) registered marked increase, while index of Education decreased by 3.10%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.91% and 5.36% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first eight months of 2013 increased by 5.28% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.83% and 5.17% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) grew in July 2013 whereas those of commercial real estate loans (CRELs) dropped. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs increased whereas those of CRELs witnessed decline. New Lending Approved In July 2013, new RMLs approved by Macao banks rose 49.1% month-to-month to MOP4.5 billion; of which, 98.3% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents expanded 51.9% whereas the amount to non-residents decreased 27.3%. When compared with the same period of 2012, new approvals of RMLs witnessed increase of 17.7%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose significantly by 258.2% month-to-month to MOP33.5 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 93.8% of the total, surged 236.2%. When compared with the same period of 2012, this type of bank mortgage contracted by 79.7% New CRELs dropped 33.7% month-to-month to MOP2.6 billion; of which, 95.5% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents decreased 34.0% while the amount to non-residents dropped by 24.7%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs declined 47.7%. Outstanding Balances As at end-July 2013, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP108.4 billion, an increase of 1.9% from one month earlier or 25.9% from a year ago. The resident component made up 94.2% of the total. Compared to end-June 2013, outstanding RMLs to residents grew 2.2% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped 2.3%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs went down by 1.2% from end-June 2013 but up 18.6% from end-July 2012 to MOP77.4 billion. Residents accounted for 92.0% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents and non-residents slid 1.3% and 0.5% respectively. Delinquency Ratios At the end of July 2013, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.05%, which decreased slightly from one month earlier and a year ago. The ratio for CRELs also stayed flat from end-June 2013 and end-July 2012 at 0.08%. Annex For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
19 September 2013 Detailed figures on Mortgage Loans Statistics are available on: http://www.amcm.gov.mo/economic_statistics/economic.htm.
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