News

The Government will put into effect a string of measures to cope with the influx of visitors over the Lunar New Year holidays. Protecting personal safety and properties is the top priority of the Government, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, in an inter-departmental meeting on 16 February on crowd control. He said government departments would have to strengthen the information dissemination processes, releasing more information on the situation at cross-boundary checkpoints and areas popular with visitors. The Government would review in a timely manner its capacity to receive visitors and exchange views with the Central Government, to properly safeguard the living quality of the people, he said. The Government will ensure the disciplinary services have adequate manpower to maintain public order. Between 17 to 28 February, special crowd control measures will be in force in the city centre and major cross-boundary checkpoints, namely Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Senado Square, Ruins of St. Paul and Border Gate checkpoints. A three-level flow crowd control system will be implemented between Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Avenida da Praia Grande in the Senado Square area, depending on the situation. If necessary the authorities will first suspend the use by pedestrians of the three zebra crossings between Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and Avenida da Praia Grande to allow smoother vehicular traffic. This could be followed by making pedestrian traffic one-way-only, and finally to restrict entry to the area. Public transport will also be adjusted according to the crowd control measures. In addition to more additional bus trips, there would be special bus routes plying to popular areas. The bus companies had also arranged for extra staff including station assistants to help passengers. Information on any changes in the routings would be released via many channels, including in the Transport Bureau's mobile app. On public health, services in emergency wards, including 24 hours consultation, in-patient ward and the Island's emergency service in the Conde S. Januario Hospital, will be in operation. The Government has set up a co-ordination network with the two private hospitals to provide support in the event of large-scale needs or for emergencies. The Fire Service Department had earlier inspected fire equipment and conditions of evacuation passageways in cinemas and new year fairs to ensure a safe and joyous holiday for residents and visitors. The Government strives to provide a more pleasant experience to visitors over the holidays. Macao Government Tourism Office personnel will be deployed in the city centre to answer visitors' enquiries and introduce the walking tour routes, hoping to divert the flow away from the major attractions.
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' in February on 16 February 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), 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 over 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that both the volume and value of real estate transactions in 2014 registered year-on-year decline. A total of 13,230 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP83.69 billion for the whole year of 2014 as per Stamp Duty record, down by 31.2% and 12.9% respectively year-on-year. Purchase and sale of residential units totalled 7,625 at MOP49.80 billion, down by 36.7% and 27.0% respectively year-on-year; total value of pre-sale residential units (1,282) and existing residential units (6,343) amounted to MOP15.61 billion and MOP34.18 billion respectively. In 2014, the average price of residential units increased by 22.0% year-on-year to MOP99,795 per square metre of usable area, with the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula (MOP95,576), Taipa (MOP106,316) and Coloane (MOP122,697) rising by 19.8%, 29.6% and 20.0% respectively. The average price per square metre of pre-sale residential units (MOP156,164) and existing residential units (MOP85,219) rose by 48.1% and 28.8% respectively. Moreover, the average price of office units and industrial units was MOP121,112 and MOP54,250 respectively per square metre, up by 62.5% and 60.9% year-on-year. In the fourth quarter of 2014, a total of 2,156 building units and parking spaces were purchased and sold at MOP13.81 billion, down by 29.8% and 24.9% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Purchase and sale of residential units totalled 1,414 (including 197 pre-sale residential units) at MOP8.57 billion, down by 20.1% and 24.9% respectively. The average price of residential units stood at MOP94,788 per square metre of usable area in the fourth quarter, down by 5.2% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of pre-sale residential units rose slightly by 1.8% quarter-to-quarter to MOP146,608 per square metre, with the average price of those in Taipa rising by 10.0%, while the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Coloane dropped by 5.9% and 3.2% respectively. Many of the pre-sale residential units purchased and sold were in Coloane (50), Baixa da Taipa (46), and Novos Aterros da Areia Preta (NATAP) (42), and the average price was MOP130,577, MOP178,449 and MOP136,508 respectively per square meter. The average price of existing residential units decreased by 10.1% quarter-to-quarter to MOP82,073 per square metre; the average price of those in the Macao Peninsula and Taipa dropped by 10.9% and 7.2% respectively. Most of the existing residential units purchased and sold were in Barra/Manduco (136), NATAP (129) and Baixa da Taipa (124), and the average price was MOP73,442, MOP94,962 and MOP95,293 respectively per square metre. Analysed by year of completion, there were 733 residential units built more than 20 years ago (100 in Barra/Manduco, 97 in Areia Preta & Iao Hon) and the average price was MOP67,714 per square metre, down by 6.7% quarter-to-quarter. For the 333 residential units completed between 11 to 20 years ago (68 in Baixa da Taipa, 47 in NATAP), the average price decreased by 9.0% quarter-to-quarter, at MOP82,638 per square metre. The average price of the 98 residential units completed within 5 years or less (25 in Baixa da Taipa, 14 in NATAP) decreased by 7.9%, at MOP124,619 per square metre. Analysed by usable floor area, there were 605 residential units having a floor area of 50.0 to 99.9 square metres, and the average price fell by 8.0% quarter-to-quarter to MOP87,031 per square metre. Among the 584 small-sized residential units having a floor area of less than 50 square metres, the average price dropped by 9.2% to MOP80,842 per square metre. The average price of office units and industrial units was MOP123,601 and MOP55,075 per square metre, down by 6.6% and 8.8% respectively quarter-to-quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2014, there were 2,346 real estate sale contracts signed, involving 2,364 properties, decreased by 21.3% quarter-to-quarter; meanwhile, 3,345 mortgage contracts were signed, involving 4,451 properties, down by 69.4%. For the whole year of 2014, a total of 12,354 real estate sale contracts were signed, involving 12,493 properties, down by 5.8% year-on-year; moreover, 14,341 mortgage contracts were signed, involving 32,193 properties, up by 88.3%. As regards construction in the private sector, gross floor area of construction of new buildings in the fourth quarter totalled 322 thousand square metres, providing 899 units (840 are residential units) and 808 parking spaces for cars upon completion. Meanwhile, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 147 thousand square metres, altogether providing 1,245 units (1,188 are residential units) and 501 parking spaces for cars. For the whole year of 2014, gross floor area of construction of new buildings totalled 2.24 million square metres, providing 1,900 units (1,744 are residential units) and 6,497 parking spaces for cars upon completion. Gross floor area of buildings completed was 440 thousand square metres, altogether providing 3,001 units (2,885 are residential units) and 1,939 parking spaces for cars. ** please find attached file
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Following the sixth edition of "Macao Philatelic Catalogue" issued in 2013, the seventh edition has also been well-printed. Continuing the previous edition's format, it covers well-organized text providing comprehensive background information on all philatelic products issued from 2013 to 2014. The "Macao Philatelic Catalogue VII" is priced at MOP80.00. It will be available for sale at the Philatelic Shop of Macao Post Headquarters, "Rua do Campo" Post Office, Maritime Ferry Terminal Post Office, Airport Post Office, and the Communications Museum, starting from 1st March 2015.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector retreated slightly in the fourth quarter of 2014. At end-2014, the share of international assets in total banking assets fell to 86.0% from 86.5% at end-September 2014, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities dropped to 81.6% from 82.1%. Non-local currencies continued to be the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-2014, the shares of the pataca in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.7% and 1.6% respectively. Hong Kong dollar, US dollar, the renminbi and other foreign currencies accounted for 38.8%, 35.7%, 18.2% and 6.6% of total international assets as well as 44.9%, 32.6%, 15.9% and 5.0% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-2014, total international assets advanced marginally by 0.1% from a quarter ago and by 19.6% from a year earlier to MOP1,009.8 billion (USD126.4 billion). Within this total, external assets increased by 14.8% year-on-year to MOP749.8 billion while local assets in foreign currencies jumped by 35.9% to MOP260.0 billion. As a major component of international assets, external non-bank loans grew by 26.4% to MOP350.6 billion. International Banking Liabilities
Total international liabilities decreased slightly by 0.02% from three months ago but increased by 19.8% year-on-year to MOP957.8 billion (USD119.9 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies expanded year-on-year by 25.2% to MOP495.4 billion and 14.4% to MOP462.4 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government in local banks continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 13.3% to MOP425.9 billion at end-2014 from MOP375.8 billion at end-2013. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region
The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to the regions of Asia and Europe. At end-2014, claims on Hong Kong, Mainland China and Singapore occupied 33.3%, 33.1% and 1.8% of total external assets correspondingly, while claims on Portugal, the United Kingdom and Luxembourg took up 6.0%, 1.5% and 1.1% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Thailand accounted for 43.2%, 25.8% and 7.3% of the total respectively while France, Portugal and Germany took up respective shares of 3.1%, 2.1% and 1.5%. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR's participation in the "Locational International Banking Statistics" project of the international organisation.
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Following the spread of rumors today (16) on social media networks, regarding a mobile phone SMS game with awards, organized as part of "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Ram", Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) makes the below clarification. MGTO confirms that it has initiated today the dissemination of mobile phone messages through CTM to its subscribers, with the content: MGTO will hold the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" on 21/2/2015, please insert the code and reply to 66016383 to choose "My Favorite Local Performing Team", to win the attractive prizes. More details at Website of MGTO: http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/main/page.php?id=36 (Chinese version available at http://zh.macautourism.gov.mo/main/page.php?id=36) For any clarification, please contact the Tourism Hotline 28 333 000.
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The Government Information Bureau today launched a new set of photos themed "celebrating the festival", which can be viewed at the mobile application "MSAR News". The photos, taken by the Bureau's photographer Mr Ho Kuok Wai, captured people buying seasonal flowers, dried seafood and sausages, snacks, and spring couplets, giving a better glimpse on how locals prepare for the Lunar New Year. The app, "MSAR News", offers various real-time news, government information, pictures and local weather reports. It can be searched and downloaded with the keyword "MSAR News" in App Store and Google Play.
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The lunar Chinese New Year is approaching. This year, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) received the application for a number of extra and charter flights and have eventually approved a total of 73 flights, allowing the local air transport market to provide enough capacity during Chinese New Year for both the Macao residents and the passengers from other places, especially the Chinese across the straits, to travel between Macao and mainland China, Taiwan China, Japan and Korea. The 73 extra and charter flights which were approved by AACM have started operation since 14 February and will run till 28 February 2015. These flights include: Vide em anexo! The extra and charter flights of this lunar new year outgrows the last year's figure of 28 flights by more than 160%. Last year, only Air Macau Company Ltd. filed in the application; this year, there were 5 airlines who submitted their applications, namely Air Macau Company Ltd., East Asia Airlines Limited, Juneyao Airlines, TransAsia Airways and Jin Air. AACM said, "Traditionally, the Chinese across the straits often go home during Chinese New Year to enjoy their holidays. For the mainland Chinese, the mood for outbound travel or travelling within the country is often enthusiastic during this time. This often leads to a high demand for the air transport market in Macao. Furthermore, the Macao residents can enjoy four to five leisure days this year, the duration of which makes it possible to go on a short trip. As a result, the markets for the short-haul flights such as mainland China, Taiwan China, Japan and Korea are in great demand." The SAR Government has always supported the development of aviation and has adopted liberal air transport policies since the beginning. In approving extra and charter flights, the Authority will put into consideration passenger interests, based on safety first as the top priority. Flexible measures are adopted to make approvals in an appropriate manner so that it is convenient for airlines to prepare for their best in offering quality flight services to passengers even at peak seasons. In October 2012, AACM started to implement the restrictions on the carriage of lithium batteries by passengers on board the aircraft. As there are cases from time to time of passengers who do not follow the requirements, AACM takes the opportunity hereby to inform passengers that lithium batteries of 100Wh or less must be carried in cabin or hand carry baggage but not in checked-in baggage. The details of the above requirements can be read in the AACM website – "Laws, Regulations and Multilateral Conventions – Aeronautical Circular" at http://www.aacm.gov.mo/english/publications_aga.php
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP133.3 billion (USD16.70 billion) at the end of January 2015. The reserves increased by 1.5% from the revised value of MOP131.4 billion (USD16.44 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-January 2015 represented 12 times the currency in circulation or 107.1% of Pataca M2 at end-December 2014. 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, rose 1.34 points month-to-month and 6.16 points year-on-year to 102.96 in January 2015.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) announces the launch of four new walking tour routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities", available starting from tomorrow (16 February). Together with the four existing routes which have been redesigned, a total of eight walking tour routes are presented for visitors' choice. Encouraging visitors to explore different neighborhoods, the routes are expected to balance visitor trends around Macau and foster community tourism. Suggest parish-oriented routes Taking the poll result and community development into consideration, MGTO redesigned and proposed eight parish-oriented walking tour routes which cover different parishes on Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. The parishes include Cathedral Parish, St. Lazarus Parish, St. Lawrence Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Parish and St. Anthony Parish on Macau Peninsula as well as Our Lady of Carmel Parish on Taipa and St. Francis Xavier Parish on Coloane. The eight suggested routes are as follow: Footsteps into the Historic Centre; An Experiment of Creativity; Crossroads of China and Portugal; A Legacy of Arts and Culture; Enchanting Stories of Our Lady of Fatima Parish; The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony's Parish; Bygone Days of Taipa Village and Nostalgia in Coloane. Promotion for the routes
A themed guidebook (in Traditional and Simplified Chinese language) about "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" walking tour routes will be made available starting from tomorrow (16 February). The guidebook presents the eight routes and relevant information including sightseeing attractions, dining options, transportation, shopping, performance activities and public facilities. Visitors can obtain the printed guidebook for free from local hotels or MGTO's Tourist Information counters while the electronic version is available for download on MGTO's website: www.macautourism.gov.mo. They can also check out the routes and relevant information on the website. In addition, there is a mobile App (Android & iOS versions to be launched soon) for "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" walking tour routes. In terms of promotion, the Office is advertising the routes on WeChat, light-box advertisements and through short TV promotional videos, among others. MGTO has arranged different performances at certain sightseeing points along the tour routes during weekend, further enhancing livelihood to their specific neighborhoods. Moreover, the Office joins hands with local organizations to present community tourism activities and boost the charm of the communities. With the variety of activities offered, visitors can enjoy a more fantastic stroll along these routes and explore different local quarters for hidden gems and a glimpse of the city's aroma. Listen to opinions and keep improving Back on 27 September 2013, MGTO launched the first four walking tour routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" with the purpose to highlight the attractions in different local districts for visitors to explore. Since the project was launched, different social sectors have offered many valuable opinions concerning community tourism development. MGTO therefore also carried out a poll to collect public opinions regarding the new walking tour routes last year. Based on an analysis and summary of these suggestions collected from different sectors, the Office has optimized the existing routes together with new routes designed. As a result, a total of eight walking tour routes are now launched based on the idea of parish. As an important subproject in the "Community Tourism Development Plan", the "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" walking tour route project aims to promote community tourism, industry development in different neighborhoods as well as moderate diversification of economic development. In the future, MGTO will make continuous efforts to optimize the tourism signage system and local tourism environment through inter-departmental work force for the welfare of both locals and visitors.
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