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The President, Mr Xi Jinping, left for Beijing this afternoon after a tour of the new campus of the University of Macau in Hengqin, ending his two-day visit to Macao. Accompanied by Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On, the President and his entourage arrived at the Exhibition Hall of the University of Macau where there were greeted by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng; Rector of the University of Macau, Mr Zhao Wei; and Chairman of the University Council, Mr Lam Kam Seng. Mr Xi viewed a scale model of the new campus and was briefed by the Rector on the overall planning, history and academic mission of the university. The Rector also introduced the President to the latest research of the two state key laboratories run by the university, and showed him a rare collection of antique books at the university library. Mr Xi then proceeded to the Cheng Yu Tung Residential College. As he toured the facility, Mr Xi came across a group of 20 local and mainland students who were debating the topic of 'traditional Chinese culture and contemporary youth'. The President joined in the debate and exchanged views with the 20 students, discussing the impact of Chinese culture on Macao. Before he left the campus, Mr Xi gave a collection of books to the university. On completion of the visit, Mr Xi and his entourage proceeded to Macao International Airport and left on their special flight to Beijing. The President was seen off at the airport by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On and Mrs Chui, principal officials of the Macao Special Administrative Region, heads of the representative offices of the Central People's Government in Macao and more than 200 primary school students.
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Macao should continue to re-inforce law-based governance, enhance economic diversification, bolster social harmony and promote youth education. These are the four aspirations for Macao put forward by the President, Mr Xi Jinping, in a speech delivered at the inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government. In his address, the President started by acknowledging the remarkable achievements made by the MSAR over the last 15 years. Mr Xi went on to urge the new administration to keep up with the good work and to lay an even stronger foundation for Macao's long-term prosperity and stability as Macao now stood at a new starting point in history. He pointed out four priorities for the new administration to focus on. First, the government should continue to vigorously re-inforce law-based governance as people today have higher expectations for good governance. He said it was important to build an efficient, clean and just government with a strong and capable civil service. Second, the government should continue to enhance economic diversification with strategic planning, making full use of the opportunities offered by the nation's deepening reforms to turn Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre. Third, the government should continue to bolster social harmony as stability is the cornerstone of economic growth and social wellbeing. He stressed the importance of putting people first and the sharing of the fruits of economic growth among the whole population. Last but not least, the government should continue to promote youth education to pass on the tradition of patriotism and to ensure that the great cause of "one country, two systems" can be carried on as the younger generation is the hope of Macao and the nation. Mr Xi re-iterated that the principle of "one country, two systems" is a fundamental state policy that cannot be compromised under any circumstances, which means that the "one China" principle must be upheld while respecting the differences of the two systems. According to the President, the "one country, two systems" principle is an important part of the endeavour to realise the Chinese dream of national renewal and it also conforms to the long-term interests of Hong Kong and Macao.
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The inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region took place at 9:30 this morning at the East Asian Games Dome. The visiting President, Mr Xi Jinping administered the oath of office to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, in the presence of more than 1,200 guests. The principal officials, the Public Prosecutor-General and the Executive Councillors of the fourth-term MSAR Government were also sworn in following Mr Chui's oath. In his inauguration speech, the Chief Executive pointed out that the address given by President Xi in today's ceremony had provided new guidance and momentum for Macao's further development. He pledged that he would press ahead with the great cause of "One country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy. "We will steadfastly support our national sovereignty, security and interests, and spare no effort to safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of the Macao SAR," said Mr Chui. He also noted that as a family member of China, the Macao SAR had secured a strong foothold with the support of the motherland and made a historic leap in strengthening Macao's economy, significantly improving people's quality of life, and maintaining social harmony and stability. His new administration would stick to the principle of "putting people first" and scientific decision-making while enhancing the government accountability system, the legal system and the anti-corruption mechanism, he said. Toward the end of his speech, Mr Chui thanked the Central People's Government for its decision to give another pair of giant pandas to Macao and to initiate the relevant procedures in granting Macao jurisdiction over its customary waters. Earlier this morning, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Golden Lotus Square to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief Executive and about 300 guests.
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President Xi Jinping today joined the performers on stage and sang in the variety show to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. The President, who is here on a two-day, together with the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai, took the stage and led some 950 people in the audience to sing "Ode to the Motherland" at Macao East Asian Games Dome. Mr Xi, who arrived earlier today, is to attend tomorrow's 15th Anniversary Celebration of Macao's Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Fourth-term Macao Special Administrative Region Government. Tonight's show, themed "Dream of Macao Heart of China", comprises five different acts, namely, Take-off of the Dream of Macao, Leap of the Dream of Youth, Flight of the Romantic Dream, Dream of a Prosperous Golden Age, and Dream of Macao Dream of China. Organised by the MSAR Government, the show consists of music and dance performances to reflect the enthusiastic feeling of the 15th anniversary of the SAR. Before the show, Mr Xi attended the welcome banquet hosted by the Macao Government and spoke to Macao's incumbent leading officials from the administration, legislation, Judiciary, the Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, Mr Ho Hau Wah; and representatives from various circles, at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.
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The progress and success of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) are attributable to the full implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law. This is according to the President, Mr Xi Jinping, in a speech at a dinner reception to welcome him on his two-day official visit to Macao. Mr Xi said he was deeply touched by the joy and harmony he saw in two ordinary local families he visited earlier this afternoon. "The parents are hard-working and the kids are diligent. Everybody is keen to see greater progress in their own community and in Macao. They all aspire for a better tomorrow," he said. The President noted that the most important issue for Macao at present and for some time in the future is how to make greater progress on the basis of the achievements made in the past 15 years and to maintain Macao's long-term prosperity and stability. He urged the Macao people to stay alert to the changes taking place both within and outside Macao, work together to build on what has been achieved, and support the MSAR Government's work to break new ground in the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. For his part, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the successful implementation of the principle of "One country, two systems" had provided Macao with important institutional protection for a better future. Mr Chui said the SAR Government would continue to improve people's quality of life, and pragmatically turn Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre as well as a service platform for commercial and trade cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. He said he would bear in mind President Xi's advice upon receiving the appointment as the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR in Beijing when the President recognised the achievements of the MSAR Government and urged him to do an even better job in governing and developing Macao. Concluding his remarks, the Chief Executive thanked the President and the Central People's Government for their trust and support, pledging to join hands with the Macao people to strive for the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao. This evening's reception, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, was attended by about 500 dignitaries. After the reception, President Xi attended the variety show celebrating the 15th anniversary of the MSAR, which was also held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.
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The visiting President, Mr Xi Jinping, inspected the Seac Pai Van Public Housing Estate in Coloane this afternoon and paid a visit to two local families living there. Accompanied by the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On, Mr Xi toured the large public housing complex, where he was briefed on the overall planning of public housing in Macao. After examining a scale model of the Seac Pai Van Public Housing Estate, the President suggested that more green areas and eco-friendly facilities should be added to the complex. Mr Xi then paid a cordial visit to two families living in the estate to learn more about the daily life of ordinary Macao people. The first household, the Wongs, is a family of five. Mr Wong is a construction worker and Mrs Wong a clerk; they have three school-age daughters. The second household, the Leungs, is a family of three. Mr Leung is a causal worker in the logistics industry and Mrs Leung a homemaker; they have a teenage son. The two families each received a vase and a tableware set from the President as souvenirs. After the visit, Mr Xi proceeded to the Macao East Asian Games Dome to meet with principal officials and representatives from different sectors of the Macao Special Administrative Region.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in December on 18 December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets in São Lázaro and São Lourenço Parishes. 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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The President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao today to attend tomorrow's 15th Anniversary Celebration of Macao's Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Fourth-term Macao Special Administrative Region Government. A cheering crowd waving the Chinese national flags and the MSAR flags greeted Mr Xi as he descended the ramp stairs from his special flight at Macao International Airport, accompanied by his wife Madam Peng Liyuan. Mr Xi, who is also General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in a short speech on his arrival that he was very happy to be back in Macao after he last visited five years ago. "I believe that Macao will make steadier and greater strides in the future under the guidance of the principle of 'one country, two sytems' and the Basic Law." Mr Xi was welcomed on the tarmac by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, and his wife Ms Fok Wai Fun; Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Li Gang; the President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai; Secretary for Public Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen; Secretary for Public Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va; Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U; Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io; Public Prosecutor-General, Mr Ho Chio Meng; Commissioner Against Corruption, Mr Fong Man Chong; Commissioner of Audit, Mr Ho Veng On; Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, Mr Jose Proenca Branco; Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Chen Sixi; Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue; Commander of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Wang Wen; Political Committee Member of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Ma Biqiang; Member of the Ministerial Board of the CPC Publicity Department and Deputy Director of the State Council Information Office, Ms Cui Yuying; Vice Minister of Public Security, Mr Liu Yanping; and Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xu Ze. The President's entourage included Member of the CPC Politburo and Director of the Central Policy Research Office, Mr Wang Huning; Member of the CPC Politburo and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Mr Fan Changlong; Member of the CPC Politburo, Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and Director of the General Office of the CPC, Mr Li Zhanshu; Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the NPC Standing Committee, Mr Wang Chen; State Councillor, Mr Yang Jiechi; Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Zhang Qingli; Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; and Deputy Director of the General Office of the CPC and Director of the Office of President Xi Jinping, Mr Ding Xuexiang. From the airport, the President and his entourage were driven to San Chok Un guesthouse, where he is staying for his two-day visit; he will meet the Chief Executive at the guesthouse. In the evening, the President will attend a welcome reception in his honour hosted by the MSAR Governemnt.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (103.15) for November 2014 increased by 6.12% year-on-year, attributable to higher rentals for dwellings and dearer charges for eating out. In comparison with November 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.75%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.30%) and Health (+5.42%) on account of rising rentals for dwellings, as well as higher charges for eating out and out-patient services. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased slightly by 0.02%. The CPI-A (103.26) and CPI-B (102.22) increased by 6.71% and 5.80% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for November 2014 increased by 0.46% month-to-month. Higher prices of women's clothing and rising charges for out-patient services drove up the price index of Clothing & Footwear and Health by 2.20% and 1.84% respectively. On the other hand, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco and Miscellaneous Goods & Services decreased by 1.30% and 0.57% respectively due to lower prices of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and gold jewellery. Meanwhile, receding prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and gasoline tapered off the increase of the Composite CPI. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.48% and 0.30% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended November 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.06% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.86%) and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.16%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 0.45%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.58% and 5.94% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first eleven months of 2014 increased by 6.09% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.61% and 5.96% respectively. The 2013/2014-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general households. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP10,000 to MOP29,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP30,000 to MOP54,999.
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' in December on 17 December 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 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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