News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the number and value of real estate transactions as per Stamp Duty record continued to decrease in the first quarter of 2015, with notable decline being observed in existing residential units. A total of 1,883 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP10.10 billion in the first quarter of 2015, down by 12.7% and 26.9% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Purchase and sale of residential units totalled 1,114 at MOP6.09 billion, down by 21.2% and 29.0% quarter-to-quarter. Among them, transaction of existing residential units totalled 913 at MOP4.29 billion, down by 25.0% and 29.6% respectively; pre-sale residential units rose slightly by 2.0% to 201 with the total value dropping by 27.3% to MOP1.80 billion. The average price of residential units decreased by 5.5% quarter-to-quarter to MOP89,541 per square metre of usable area. The average price of existing residential units decreased by 1.7% quarter-to-quarter to MOP80,663 per square meter, with the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa dropping by 1.4% and 3.1% respectively. Many of the existing residential units purchased and sold were in Baixa da Taipa, Barca and Novos Aterros da Areia Preta (NATAP), and the average price was MOP89,763, MOP66,574 and MOP92,383 respectively per square meter. The average price of pre-sale residential units decreased by 17.3% quarter-to-quarter to MOP121,249 per square meter. Purchase and sale of pre-sale residential units in Taipa declined significantly, with the average price tumbling by 22.6%; the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Coloane dropped by 10.7% and 10.8% respectively. Many of the pre-sale residential units purchased and sold were in NATAP, Coloane and NAPE & Aterros da Baía da Praia Grande, and the average price was MOP104,036, MOP116,438 and MOP182,362 respectively per square metre. Analysed by year of completion, there were 580 residential units built more than 20 years ago (89 in Barca, 63 Barra/Manduco) and the average price was MOP66,950 per square metre, down by 1.1% quarter-to-quarter. For the 209 residential units completed between 11 to 20 years ago (50 in Baixa da Taipa, 24 in NATAP), the average price rose slightly by 0.1% quarter-to-quarter, at MOP82,748 per square metre. The average price of the 77 residential units completed within 5 years or less (13 in Baixa da Taipa, 13 in Doca do Lamau) decreased by 2.3%, at MOP121,774 per square metre. Analysed by usable floor area, there were 541 residential units having a floor area of 50.0 to 99.9 square metres, and the average price fell by 2.6% quarter-to-quarter to MOP84,776 per square metre. Among the 437 small-sized residential units having a floor area of less than 50 square metres, the average price rose by 3.1% to MOP83,331 per square metre. The average price of office units was MOP116,188 per square metre, down by 6.0% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of industrial units increased by 2.3% to MOP56,363 per square metre. In the first quarter of 2015, there were 2,332 real estate sale contracts signed, involving 2,385 properties, up slightly by 0.9% quarter-to-quarter; meanwhile, 3,015 mortgage contracts were signed, involving 4,700 properties, up by 5.6%. As regards construction in the private sector, gross floor area of construction of new buildings totalled 1.19 million square metres (of which hotels accounted for 83.5%), providing 706 units (674 are residential units) and 2,673 parking spaces for cars upon completion. Meanwhile, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 207 thousand square metres, altogether providing 547 units (527 are residential units) and 658 parking spaces for cars. Average price per square metre of residential units *Annex Table
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government would strengthen co-operation with Hubei Province in internationalisation and innovation to jointly explore opportunities in the Portuguese-speaking countries. Mr Chui was speaking to the Secretary of CPC Provincial Committee of Hubei Province, Mr Li Hongzhong, in a meeting on 17 May in Wuhan, where Mr Chui attended the opening of the 9th Central China Investment and Trade Expo (Expo Central China 2015). He said it was necessary to strengthen co-operation with Hubei, which was in line with the development direction from the Central Government in diversifying Macao’s economy and strengthening regional ties, and explore opportunities brought on by the national development strategy – the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (“Belt and Road”). A mechanism to further promote exchanges between Hubei and the Portuguese-speaking countries would be established by next year, he said. Mr Li told Mr Chui Hubei was interested in using Macao’s link with the Portuguese-speaking countries, stressing it was a crucial part of developing external co-operation. The Expo is held in every two years focusing on economic and trade, with highlights in internationalisation, the market and professionalism. The Governor of Hubei, Mr Wang Guosheng; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; member of the Standing Committee of Hubei Committee People's Political Consultative Conference and Vice President of the Office for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ma Io Hang; Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping also presented in the meeting.
…

Consumer Council conducted its fifth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in May on 18 May for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets at Lam Mau, Patane and San Kio areas in Santo António Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. 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.
…

Consumer Council will be holding its ‘Keep your shopping receipts’ activity again from now on till November 14. Consumers can exchange draw tickets with their shopping bills, receipts or other forms of invoices, and participants are entitled to a draw of cash prizes up to MOP2,000. The Council believes the activity will help consumers develop the habit of retaining their shopping receipts. More than 172 shops and 1,200 participants in last year’s activity Local consumers did not ask for shopping receipts in the past, this made it difficult to claim when consumer dispute arises. To encourage consumers to keep their shopping receipts and invoices, Consumer Council held an activity called ‘Keep your shopping receipts’ last year, 172 shops joined the activity to offer consumers with receipts voluntarily and over 1,200 consumers participated in the event. Extended period for this year’s activity After the activity ended last years, comments reflected that it helped to enhance consumers’ awareness in retaining their receipts. This year, the Council will be holding the ‘Keep your shopping receipts’ activity again from May 15 to November 14. When making purchases of MOP50 or above, consumers can use their receipts, together with a ‘Keep your shopping receipts’ sticker provided by the participating shops, to exchange a draw ticket at the Council’s offices (Av. Horta e Costa, N.º 26 or Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52 RAEM Services Centre ). Draw prizes include cash prizes of MOP2,000 (1 winner), MOP1,500 (2 winners), MOP1,000 (3 winners), and MOP500 (4 winners). Another 100 winners will also be drawn for a special ‘Certified Shop’ edition of electronic money card of MOP100 each. Interested parties may visit the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo) to check for the details and the list of all participating shops. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
…

The “20th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair” (20th MIF) will be held at the Venetian-Macao-Resort-Hotel from 22 to 25 October 2015. The event is organised by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) is invited as Special Supporting Organisation while 15 local, Mainland China, and Hong Kong economic and trade authorities or trade associations are invited as event co-organisers. The Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association, and Association of Advertising Agents of Macau are joint co-ordinators of the event. Expanded SME Exhibition Area to embrace Cultural and Creative Industry This year, the Macao SME Pavilion will be jointly organised by Macao Chamber of Commerce and IPIM, with Macau Small and Medium Enterprises Association and Macau Business Women’s Association as co-organisers. Macao Convention & Exhibition Association, Macau Fair & Trade Association, and Association of Advertising Agents of Macau are joint co-ordinators. The main objective of the Pavilion is to promote and sell specialty products that are either “Made in Macao”, sold under a “Macau Brand”, or “Represented by Macao Enterprises”. The organisers will continue to provide support and incentives to participating exhibitors. As improvement from previous MIFs, a “Creative Power Exhibition Area” will be added this year to create a unique display area for Macao SMEs in the cultural creative domain. Developing the cultural creative industry is one of the key driving forces to diversify the Macao economy. Further incentives will be offered to qualified exhibitors or cultural creative entrepreneurs looking to use the area to exhibit, sell, or promote their brand products. This will be a great opportunity for them to test market responses and explore potential business cooperation opportunities. At the same time, interactive activities such as on-site demonstrations and small workshops will be held at the Area to encourage interaction and experience sharing between the public and the exhibitors. Approximately 100 booths are planned for the “Macau SME Pavilion”. A wide magnitude of businesses will be represented in the Pavilion, focusing mainly on souvenirs, food and beverage, products from Portuguese-speaking countries, and cultural creative products. Other products such as household items, electronic gadgets, handicrafts/accessories will also be displayed. Continuing to offer Multiple Incentives and Services The organiser will continue to subsidise local SMEs to participate in MIF. Qualified SMEs will receive a 60% discount on the price of the booth. With the 60% subsidy, the price of a standard 9m2 booth will be reduced from MOP9,000 to MOP3,600. Exhibitors will receive an additional 10% discount if they register before 22 May 2015. Exhibitors who have previously participated in exhibitions organised by IPIM will receive a 10% discount. Therefore, exhibitors who satisfy both conditions will receive a total of 20% additional discount, meaning that their fee for one exhibition booth will be reduced to MOP2,880. Exhibitors who are endorsed by related cultural creative organisations/associations or have previously participated in related cultural creative exhibitions organised by the government (must submit related written proof) will receive a further subsidy of MOP880/booth, meaning that the exhibition fee per booth will be MOP2,000 (size of each booth will be approximately 6 m2). The organiser will provide many enhanced services at the Macau SME Pavilion during the 20th MIF. A centralized and well-equipped cashier accepting credit card payment will be set up within the Macau SME Pavilion. Based on experience from previous years, this will help to improve payment efficiency. Moreover, the organiser will work with MIF appointed banks to provide capital management consultation services to exhibiting SMEs. The “Subsidy Program on New Business Opportunity Cultivation for SME” will continue during this MIF. The organiser will provide free promotion for SMEs that participate in sponsored lucky draw or offer merchandise discount. Information on their special offers will be advertised on related newspapers, magazines, event program, mobile phone apps, and social media platforms in order to help attract more visitors to the show. Exhibitor Application starts in May The organiser will accept application to “Macau SME Pavilion” from 18 to 29 May, Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30. The applicants should bring their registration form and required information in person and submit them to the offices of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) (1) Address: 20th Floor, China Civil Plaza Building, 263 Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção, Macao or, (2)Address: 4th Floor, World Trade Centre, no. 918, Avenida da Amizade. For further information on the 20th MIF, please contact the Administrative and Service Centre of the MIF Co-ordinator at Tel: +853 2882 8711, Fax: +853 2882 8722, or visit the MIF website at www.mif.com.mo.
…

The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP137.3 billion (USD17.20 billion) at the end of April 2015. The reserves increased by 0.3% from the revised value of MOP136.9 billion (USD17.14 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves at end-April 2015 represented 12 times the currency in circulation or 104.4% of Pataca M2 at end-March 2015. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency’s exchange rates against the currencies of Macao’s major trading partners, fell by 0.34 points month-to-month but rose by 7.74 points year-on-year to 104.85 in April 2015.
…

The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) has organised the participation of cultural and creative entities from Macao in the 11th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) through the Macao Creative Pavilion, which opened on 14 May at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre. Director Ding Zhongyuan and Deputy Inspector Chai Fengchun, from the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited the Pavilion accompanied by Leong Ieng Va, Acting Chief of the Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries of IC. The Pavilion features a collection of “Made in Macao” original T-shirts, showcasing more than 50 original designs by local artists, conveying the philosophy and style of Macao brands. The Pavilion has been very well received, welcoming many visitors on the opening day. The local entities represented at the Pavilion include Ka Yan An Tai Company Limited, Creative Industries Promotion Association of St. Lazarus Church District–10 Fantasia, Macau Creations Limited, Soda Panda Product Design, Bom Dia Estúdio, Larm’s Legend Limited and UNICAM. Since 2006, IC has been organising the participation of local entities in the annual ICIF in Shenzhen and from 2010 onwards it set up the “Macao Creative Pavilion” to display Macao’s cultural and creative products. In this year’s ICIF there are more than 2,200 participating units, representing over 40 countries. The 11th edition will last for five days, with different pavilions focusing on cultural industries, creative design, film, anime and games, press and publishing, Silk Road, artworks, intangible cultural heritage, cultural tourism and applied art. For more details please visit the official website at www.cnicif.com.
…

The next edition of the annual Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF) will take place soon and the respective preparatory work is currently in full swing. GMBPF is co-organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (GMBPF) and the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province and will be held from 30 July to August 2 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre of Macau Fisherman´s Wharf. According to projections based on data collected from past editions, it is estimated that the number of admissions will exceeded one hundred thousand. In view of the large flow of visitors, the event will generate unlimited business opportunities to the participating enterprises. The start of a new era of cooperation between Guangdong and Macao Broader prospects for development Based on the experience gained from the six prior editions, the 7th edition of the GMBPF will see a continuous enhancement and upgrading of its operations, to highlight its image as a regional branded exhibition, capable of attracting a large number of residents to visit and do their shopping. The event also reflects the concrete measures adopted by the governments of both territories to promote trade and economic cooperation, especially in the promotion of the overall planning of the convention and exhibition industry, to achieve collaborative development. Driven by a number of policies, in particular, the deepening and implementation of the Outline of the Plan for Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta, Guangdong-Macao Framework Agreement, Framework Agreement on Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao and CEPA Agreement between the Mainland and Macao on Achieving Basic Liberalization of Trade in Services in Guangdong, coupled with the implementation of the “One Belt, One Road” new national strategy and the official launching of the pilot China (Guangdong) Free Trade Zone in April this year, cooperation between Guangdong and Macao has entered a new comprehensive stage with excellent development prospects for both territories. Enthusiastic participation of the Guangdong enterprises Rigorous selection of high-quality companies by related government trade agencies Given that the GMBPF plays a very important role in the economic and trade cooperation between the two territories, the government trade departments of the municipalities in Guangdong Province attaches great importance to the respective preparatory works. With the support and encouragement of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, the concerned government agencies have carefully selected enterprises of high-quality branded products to exhibit in Macao, with strict supervision of respective quality. Thanks to this policy, many of the products selected carry the honorific title of “Famous Trade Mark” or “Branded Product”, and are very popular with the consumers, owing to the quality guarantee provided. Wide variety of products to highlight the fun-filled activities The 6.000 square metres venue is divided into two distinct areas, namely the Exhibition and Sale Area of Macao´s Featured Products and the Exhibition and Sale Area of Guangdong Branded Products. GMBPF offers a wide variety of merchandises, and visitors can easily do their shopping of food and products from many municipalities in Guangdong Province, without going there, as well as to explore Macao´s innovative and locally-made food and products. In order to enable young entrepreneurs to create their own business, and to inject new fresh impetus to the economic and industrial diversification of Macao, the Organizers have specially set-up a Young Entrepreneurs´ Exhibition Area, to provide the youngsters an opportunity to show their achievements, and enhance their visibility, thus bringing in more vitality to the Fair and attract more young consumers. It is expected that the fun-filled activities at the GMBPF will warm up the atmosphere and attract more visitors to the Fair. Last year, the cooking demonstration – Celebrity Kitchen – achieved huge success. This year, popular cooking show host, Maria Cordero, has again been invited to not only demonstrate her cooking skill but also interchange with the public and help promote Macao and Guangdong´s branded products. Up to 60% of subsidy to encourage active participation of local enterprises A large flow of visitors is expected at the GMBPF. Exhibitors can seize this golden opportunity to enhance the brand awareness of their products, carry out the testing of their products and interact and collect opinions from the public. Furthermore, through business negotiations activities, they could obtain the latest trade information from both Guangdong and Macao regarding their sectors. Through the platform provided by GMBPF, participating enterprises will surely see an improvement in their business, so do not miss this rare opportunity. Macao´s enterprises (including MinM products, products form the Portuguese-speaking Countries, souvenirs, foodstuff, daily necessities and cultural and creative products, among others) are welcome to participate as exhibitors. Registration will take place between May 15 and 26. Due to the limited number of stands available, first-come first-served basis policy will apply. In order to support the development of local SMEs, and assist the creation and promotion of “Made in Macao”, Macao Creative” branded products, and effectively promote Macao´s role as a trade services platform for trade and economic cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, incentive plan to subside the participation of Macao´s enterprises in the GMBPF will continue, to encourage the participation of Macao enterprises. “Made in Macao”, “Macao Brand” and local agents of foreign products (priority will be given the products from Portuguese-speaking Countries) will be entitled to a subsidy corresponding to up to 60% of the cost of the stand, i.e., MOP $2.800,00 (standard stand) and MOP $2.000,00 (raw stand), after subsidy, as rental costs. Remarks: Products “Made in Macao” - Products “Made in Macao” and intended for export. Exhibitors should provide certificate of origin issued by Macao Economic Services. - Products “Made in Macao”, intended for internal consumption. Exhibitors should provide industrial licence issued by Macao Economic Services. “Macao Brand” - Exhibitor should provide respective trad mark registration issued by Macao Economic Service and other valid documents. Products agented by Macao enterprises - Exhibitors should provide Letter of Agent Authorization or other valid document For further information on Guangdong and Macao Branded Products Fair, please call GMBPF hotline: 853- 8798 9636. Companies interested to participate as exhibitors please deliver their application forms at the offices of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), 4th Floor, World Trade Centre, no. 918, Avenida da Amizade, or 19th Floor, China Civil Plaza, no. 263, Alameda do Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção.
…

The 26th Macao Arts Festival, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, proceeds in full swing presenting a number of performances this week. In particular, the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera Theatre will stage 1699 The Peach Blossom Fan – Kun Opera on 16 May (Saturday) and Kun Opera Excerpts on 17 May (Sunday). Chinese traditional cultural achievements will be thus represented in modern theatre to magnificently demonstrate the quintessence of this item of intangible cultural heritage. 1699 The Peach Blossom Fan – Kun Opera features up-and-coming young actors and paragons of Kun Opera from Jiangsu Province. The production has invested lavishly in the quality of its costumes and sets: the most valued long sleeve costumes were manufactured with the single thread embroidering method, while the other 291 clothing items and accessories are all handmade; the stage is framed with translucent water paintings representative of the Ming era based on the concept of ‘Heaven, Earth and Man’, restoring the prosperous lifestyle of the Qinhuai riverbanks of other times. Director Tian Qinxin collected music scores scattered throughout China producing a 3-hour version of the original work. Although only six of the 44 scenes will be staged, not a single word of the contents has been changed in order to keep to the original text. Kun Opera boasts a long history. In 2001, the United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) unanimously agreed to inscribe Kun Opera on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Performers of Excerpts of Kun Opera by the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kun Opera have maintained the unique features of southern Kun Opera in what concerns singing, acting, recitation and acrobatics, carrying the tradition forward while absorbing the new. The troupe performing in Macao on this occasion includes popular and experienced performers who have won numerous awards and have been promoting the art of Kun Opera overseas, causing stir in dozens of countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia and making this art world famous. In addition, this week the Festival also presents the wordless comedy Cocorico. For further enquiries about the 26th Macao Arts Festival, please visit: www.icm.gov.mo/fam.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will lead a delegation to Wuhan and Fuzhou from 17 to 21 May for the opening of the 9th Central China Investment and Trade Expo (Expo Central China 2015) and the opening of Experience Macao – Fujian. In addition to attending the opening of Expo Central China in Wuhan, the Chief Executive will also visit the Wuhan City Planning Museum and meet with leading local officials. In Fuzhou, Mr Chui will meet leading officials of Fujian province, and officiate at the opening of Experience Macao – Fujian, a tourism event to promote Macao. Delegates accompanying the Chief Executive would include Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng; Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Jackson Chang; Director of the Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai; Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng; and Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. In Mr Chui's absence from Macao, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, will be acting Chief Executive from 17 to 19 May. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, will be acting Chief Executive on 20 and 21 May.
…