News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for January 2014 amounted to MOP996 million, down by 1% year-on-year; value of domestic exports (MOP168 million) decreased by 7% while that of re-exports (MOP828 million) held stable as in January 2013. Total merchandise import grew by 25% year-on-year to MOP8.82 billion. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP7.82 billion for January 2014. Analysed by destination, merchandise export to Mainland China (MOP130 million) and the EU (MOP35 million) in January 2014 increased by 6% and 5% respectively year-on-year, while export to Hong Kong (MOP629 million) and the USA (MOP35 million) decreased by 5% and 18% respectively. In addition, exports of Non-textiles (MOP908 million) were similar to that in January 2013, of which exports of Machines, apparatus & parts (MOP173 million) increased by 39% year-on-year, but that of Diamond & diamond jewellery (MOP159 million) and Electronic components (MOP56 million) both declined by 11%. Exports of Textiles & garments (MOP87 million) decreased by 13%, of which exports of Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP30 million) fell by 28%. By country of origin, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP2.94 billion) and the EU (MOP2.03 billion) increased by 21% and 14% respectively year-on-year in January 2014. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 31% to MOP5.78 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP1.53 billion), Watches (MOP802 million) and Beauty, cosmetic & skin-care products (MOP262 million) soaring by 139%, 124% and 60% respectively. External merchandise trade reached MOP9.81 billion in January 2014, up by 22% compared with MOP8.06 billion a year earlier.
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To facilitate timely release of monthly data on Travel Agencies and the Hotel Industry, the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) releases extrapolated results of the respective surveys within the month following the reference month starting January 2014. Visitor arrivals in package tour totalled 745,000 in January 2014, down by 2% year-on-year, attributable to the decrease in visitors from the Republic of Korea and Mainland China. Visitors from Taiwan (57,000); Hong Kong (39,000) and Thailand (13,000) registered year-on-year increase, whereas those from Mainland China (560,000), the Republic of Korea (33,000) and Japan (11,000) recorded decrease. Outbound residents using services of travel agencies were 111,000 in January, up by 1% year-on-year; those travelling in package tour totalled 42,000 and the main destinations were Mainland China at 29,000 (71% of the total); the Republic of Korea (8%); and Taiwan (7%). There were 98 hotels and guesthouses operating at the end of January 2014, providing 28,000 guest rooms, up by 7% year-on-year; 5-star hotels had 18,000 rooms, accounting for 66% of the total. In January 2014, a total of 873,000 guests checked into hotels and guesthouses, up by 5% year-on-year, with 530,000 staying in 5-star hotels. The average length of stay of guests held stable as January 2013, at 1.4 nights. The average occupancy rate was 81%, down by 3 percentage points year-on-year, with 5-star hotels leading at 83%. In January 2014, visitor-guests took up 70% of the total number of overnight visitors, similar to that in January 2013.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 346 MICE events were held in the fourth quarter of 2013, bringing 987,000 participants and attendees, and the floor area used totalled 411,000 m2. There were 322 meetings and conferences, with 56,000 participants; moreover, 24 exhibitions were organized, and number of attendees soared by 59% year-on-year to 931,000, in which 4 exhibitions that were held in Macao for the first time attracted over 200,000 attendees. In accordance with the information from organizers of 23 exhibitions, 13 exhibitions were repeated events, engaging 302 full-time workers. Revenue of the exhibition organizers amounted to MOP116 million, up by 34% year-on-year, primarily coming from financial support granted by government & other organizations (81%) and rental of exhibition booths (19%). Expenditure of the exhibition organizers increased by 52% to MOP198 million, mainly arising from production, construction & decoration services (32%); publicity & public relation (16%); and accommodation, food & beverages (12%). There were 1,941 exhibitors in the fourth quarter of 2013, with the majority coming from Hong Kong (32%), Macao (28%) and Mainland China (23%). Professional visitors totalled 61,794, of which 35% were from Macao and 31% from Mainland China. Information from 243 interviewed exhibitors indicated that sales of products took up 87% of the revenue while rental of exhibition booth shared 51% of the expenditure. For the whole year of 2013, a total of 1,030 MICE events were held, up by 8 year-on-year; total number of participants and attendees reached 2,034,000, and the floor area used totalled 833,000 m2. There were 66 exhibitions, with number of attendees rising by 27% year-on-year to 1,893,000; the floor area used totalled 343,000 m2 and the average duration stood at 3.2 days. Meanwhile, 964 meetings and conferences were held with 141,000 participants, and the average duration was 1.9 days. Revenue of the exhibition organizers totalled MOP 180 million and Expenditure amounted to MOP 300 million. In accordance with the information from 653 interviewed exhibitors, 90% of the revenue was generated from sales of products, while 56% of the expenditure was mainly incurred on rental of exhibition booth.
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The stamp poll was organized by Communications Museum to encourage philately and promote appreciation for the stamps of Macao, has gained enthusiastic response and a total of 1211 votes have been received. "My Favourite Stamps" and "My Favourite Souvenir Sheets" of Macao, issued by Macao Post in 2013 that received the highest number of votes are as follows: My Favourite Souvenir Sheet
1st Rank: Centenary of the Macao Chamber of Commerce;
2nd Rank: 60th Macao Grand Prix;
3rd Rank: Lunar Year of the Snake. My Favourite Stamps
1st Rank: 60th Macao Grand Prix;
2nd Rank: Streets of Macao II;
3rd Rank: Centenary of the Macao Chamber of Commerce.
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Organized by the Communications Museum and co-organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Electronic Device Construction Competition took place between January 11 and 18. The panel of judges, constituted by Ph.D. Cheang Tak Son and Ph.D. Vai Mang I, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers of Macau, Ph.D. Wong Man Chung, Faculty of Science and Technology of University of Macau, Ph.D. U Kin Tak, Faculty of Information Technology of Macau University of Science and Technology, Ph.D. Wong Seng Fat, Macau Institution of Engineers and a representative of Communications Museum, has evaluated 56 Junior Secondary teams and 89 Senior Secondary teams from 20 schools that participated in the competition. The awards presentation ceremony will be held in the Museum Auditorium on March 1. All participation works will be exhibited in the Museum from March 1 to 30. Winners of Junior Secondary Group
1st Prize: Yuet Wah College, Macau, English Section - Kuan Chi Iao, Cheong Ngai Hin, Cheang Chon Meng, Chan Hou Fong
Supervisors: Ieong Man Un, Tam Man Tou, Chan Hoi Man
2nd Prize: Santa Rosa de Lima Chinese Secondary - Kou Chong I, Lei Cheok Leng, Lei On Kei, Leong Wei I
Supervisors: Li Guang Yue, Chio Soi Lam, Chan Kou Meng
3rd Prize: Yuet Wah College, Macau, Chinese Section - Chan Hei Wang, Chio Song Kit
Supervisors: Ieong Man Un, Tam Man Tou, Chan Hoi Man Appreciation Awards:
1. Tung Sin Tong Middle School - Chio Ngou In, Lam Ka Hou
Supervisors: Tou Un Hong, Tan Li Wen, Ao Ieong Kin Ião
2. Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macao - Wong Iok Seng, Lo Kong Chio, Tam Chon Wai, Fong Ka Pui
Supervisors: Wong Kai Meng, Wong Weng Fai
3. Estrela do Mar School - Ao In Cheng, Ho Sut Teng, Lai Chi Leng, Ao Kin San
Supervisor: Cheong Ka Iong
4. Macau Pooi To Middle School - Chan Pak Hin, Leong Hou Un
Supervisor: Chen Yu
5. Sacred Heart Canossian College, Chinese Section - Lei Weng Ian, Cheang Chi In, Chan Lok Si, Wong Weng Si
Supervisors: Lao Chi Weng, Pang Chi Seng, Lam Tai Long Winners of Senior Secondary Group
1st Prize: Santa Rosa de Lima Chinese Secondary - Ng Chi Cheng, Sam Kam Teng, Tong Ka Wai
Superviors: Ho Pui Man, Li Qi, Mak Sio Leng
2nd Prize: Santa Rosa de Lima Chinese Secondary - U Cho Kei, Leong Pui Lei, Kam Ho Ieng
Superviors: Ho Pui Man, Li Qi, Mak Sio Leng
3rd Prize: Santa Rosa de Lima Chinese Secondary - Wan In Ieng, Lao Nim Teng, Leong Cheng Man, Kong Iok Ian
Superviors: Ho Pui Man, Li Qi, Mak Sio Leng Appreciation Awards:
1. Sacred Heart Canossian College, Chinese Section - Wan Teng Teng, Cheong Pou Lam, Wong Chi Chon
Supervisors: Lao Chi Weng, Pang Chi Seng, Lam Tai Long
2. Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macao - Ng Ha Lon, Lei Ka Kit
Supervisors: Wong Kai Meng, Wong Weng Fai
3. Yuet Wah College, Macau, Chinese Section - Sit Hou Fai, Fong Wai Chio
Supervisors: Ieong Man Un, Tam Man Tou, Chan Hoi Man
4. The Workers' Children High School, Macao - Lao Ka Fong, Ng Hoi Wa, Ho Kam Un, Chou Chan Tong
Supervisor: Tong Kin Fai
5. Tung Sin Tong Middle School - Liang Miao Rong, Ng Lai U, Lei Ian Sin
Supervisores: Tou Un Hong, Ao Ieong Kin Iao, Tan Li Wen
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Organized by the Communications Museum and co-organized by the Macau Society of Biomedical Engineering (MSBME), the Science and Arts Activity for Primary Student was completed in the afternoon of December 14, 2013. The panel of judges, constituted by Ph.D. Vai Mang I, President of MSBME, Ph.D. Wei Bing, Faculty of Education of University of Macau and a representative of Communications Museum, has evaluated 43 teams that participated in the activity. The awards presentation ceremony will be held in the Museum Auditorium on March 1. All participation works will be exhibited in the Museum from March 1 to 30. Best works of Category 1 - Primary 4
1. Lin Fong Pou Chai School: Kuok Chi Chon, Ku Keng Hang
Supervisor: Chan Chung Yin
2. Lin Fong Pou Chai School: Choi Hoi Fai, Mui Ian Cheng
Supervisor: Chan Chung Yin
3. Chan Sui Ki Perpetual Help College: Lai Weng Tong
Supervisor: Chok Soi Wan Best works of Category 2 - Primary 5
1. Instituto Salesiano da Imaculada Conceição: Iong Chi Chong
Supervisor: Iong Kuok Kin
2. Pui Ching Middle School: Leung Chin Chong
Supervisor: Wong Kit Man
3. Choi Nong Chi Tai School: Wong Ieng Ieng, Ho Chi Un
Supervisor: Chao Chong Hou Best works of Category 3 - Primary 6
1. Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau: Wong Choi Ieng, Iida Airi
Supervisor: Ho Wing Iu
2. Macau Pooi To Middle School, Primary Section: U Chon Man, Kou Kin Chon
Supervisor: Wong Chao Lei
3. Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau: Loi Sin Tong Supervisor: Ho Wing Iu
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, is scheduled to attend the opening of the First Plenary Session of the Twelfth National People's Congress on 5 March in Beijing. Mr Chui will meet with the Director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Mr Liu Qibao, and the Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Hu Chunhua, during the visit to the capital from 4-8 March. The Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Alexis Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms Wallis O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Victor Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Daniel Fung Sio Weng will take part in the visit. The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be Acting Chief Executive while Mr Chui is away.
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Macao Post has launched the "Secure Electronic Postal Box – SEPBox" on 8 October 2013. With success registration and activation of "Secure Electronic Postal Box – SEPBox" on or before 31 March 2014, users are automatically eligible for the monthly lucky draw and have the chance to win a brand new Smartphone. 6 consecutive rounds of lucky draw have been holding since October last year. The forth round lucky draw was held on 12 February 2014 under supervision of the Administration Committee of Macao Post. The winner is Mr. Chio Kam Fong who has received a brand new Smartphone – iPhone 5S. With success registration and activation of "Secure Electronic Postal Box – SEPBox" through the Web or mobile applications on or before 31 March 2014, users are automatically eligible for the monthly lucky draw. Let's register and activate "SEPBox" to join the last two lucky draws! For more information of "Secure Electronic Postal Box - SEPBox" and lucky draw, please visit our website http://seps.macaupost.gov.mo. For enquiry, please contact us at Tel: 28720029 or email us at: support@seps.macaupost.gov.mo.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) joins "Guangzhou International Travel Fair 2014" (GITF 2014) for a great opportunity to extend the tourism market and enhance connections with Mainland and international travel industry partners. The Office also seizes the chance to promote the positioning of Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Starting from today (27 February), GITF 2014 is taking place at China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou for three consecutive days. Head of Marketing Division of MGTO, Cora Vong participates in the exhibition together with 39 industry delegates representing a total of 18 enterprises including hotels, travel agencies and MICE facility companies from Macau. Boasting a size of 180 square meters, MGTO's booth is designed after the theme "Touching Moments･Experience Macau" to promote Macau's special image as a fascinating travel destination by showcasing the Historic Centre of Macau, events and festivals, the newest tourism facilities and products, etc. Personnel are stationed at the booth to provide travel information and distribute promotional leaflets to visitors. Macau trade delegates also discuss business opportunities with their Mainland counterparts. GITF is recognized as one of the most influential international travel fairs across Southern China and the Asia-Pacific Region. Last year the event attracted a great number of exhibitors including 700 tourism entities and businesses from 39 countries and regions. GITF 2013 hosted 80,000 overseas and domestic visitors in total. Through the exhibition, MGTO hopes to introduce Mainland citizens and industry partners from various places to the latest tourism development and diverse tourism products in Macau. Taking the opportunity to promote the positioning of Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, the Office seeks to draw more visitors to Macau for an experience of the city's unique blend of East and West culture as well as the festive ambience. This press release is available at: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for February on 26th February for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 10 supermarkets in Taipa area. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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