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The grand outdoor Lunar New Year festivities — "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" was held tonight (21 February). Celebrating the festive joy with locals and visitors, the event featured parade floats and local display, performances by over 1,000 performers, fireworks show as well as performances presented by famous Hong Kong and Macau singers. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government, Alexis, Tam Chon Weng; Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Administration Committee member of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Ma Kam Keong; President of Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Ung Vai Meng; President of Macao Sport Development Board (MSDB), José Tavares and Deputy Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Center Ltd. of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Ma Jie officiated the opening ceremony along with other guests at the front square of Macau Science Center at 8 p.m. Well-known Hong Kong singer Miriam Yeung gave a performance while Hong Kong artist Johnson Lee was the host of the night, adding much joy and festive vibe to the event. The theme of the parade this year is "Adorn the City with Opulence and Joy". There were a total of 14 floats joining the parade along with 25 local groups and 9 performing groups from the Mainland; Korea; Hong Kong; Italy; Japan; Malaysia; Portugal; Thailand and Taiwan, China respectively. The number of performers totaled 1,288. There were three performance themes namely "Rejoice into the New Year", "Blessings of Prosperity" and "Blooming into Brilliance". The floats and performing groups marched along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen in Macau until the destination at Sai Van Lake Square before Macau Tower. A giant blooming golden lotus adorns the main part of MGTO's float, with a turning pinwheel at the middle and many small floral decorations on both sides of the float. The design symbolizes Macau's flourishing development in every area and prosperous business for all industries. It also conveys the best wishes that visitors and Macau citizens can enjoy prosperity, happiness and reunion with families. IACM's float, on the other hand, brings out the theme of colorful carnival. Its main design features the Chinese Zodiac character Ram holding firecrackers in hand. The design of IC's float is about celebrating the 10th anniversary since the Historic Centre of Macau was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, whereas MSDB's float is designed to boost the joyful ambience with its bright red hue, traditional Chinese carving patterns and pictures of Ram. As for CNTA's float, the theme is "Beautiful China 2015 – Year of Silk Road Tourism". Other float sponsors include Galaxy Entertainment Group, Suncity Group, Sands Resorts Cotai Strip Macao, Zhuhai Chimelong International Ocean Resort, City of Dreams, MGM Macau, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., Wynn Macau and Exmoo News. Cotai Water Jet, Tung Cheng Yuen Buddhist Association and Shun Tak – China Travel Ship Management Limited: TurboJET sponsored the artistic performances. Other sponsoring entities include Coca-Cola. Stage performances began at Sai Van Lake Square at 8:15 p.m. tonight, starring local singers Rico Long, Priscilla Chao, Viviana Lo, Ken Sou, Vivian Chan, Sean Pang and Terence Chui. Part of the performing teams joined the stage performance as well after the parade arrived at Sai Van Lake Square, followed by the finale performance presented by famous Hong Kong singer Andy Hui. At 11 p.m. a myriad of fireworks dazzled the sky and culminated the night with joyful vibe. MGTO operated eight free shuttle bus routes between the event venues and different points on Macau Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane. To liven up the spectators' spirit, MGTO gave out small souvenirs along the parade route. In addition, the parade was live broadcasted on TV channels and LED screens installed at nine locations around town so that people can enjoy the festive celebrations in different local districts and Macau's neighboring regions. To encourage local citizens to participate in the event, MGTO hosts a mobile text message game once again for locals to choose "My Favorite Local Performing Team" on the third night of Lunar New Year. Those who have voted for the winning team are eligible for a lucky draw with a chance to win prizes. Moreover, the new "Interactive Wechat Game – Lucky Puzzle Draw" and "Wechat Message Wall" are launched this year to widen the coverage of the activity. On the tenth day of Lunar New Year, the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" will again feature 14 floats. A kick-off ceremony will be held at Rua Norte do Patane at 8 p.m. The Parade will pass through Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and adjourn at Iao Hon Market Garden. Acclaimed Hong Kong singer Stephy Tang and local singers will liven up the evening with a series of wonderful performances for visitors and local residents. The 14 floats in the Parade are showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square during 21 – 28 February and 28 February – 8 March respectively. The floats will be brightened up with illuminations to allow photo opportunities for locals and visitors from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. from 22 February until 7 March.
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Festive joy livens up the city as the Year of Ram arrives. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) sincerely wishes Macau citizens and visitors a New Year overflowing with vitality and bliss. MGTO also wishes Macau tourism industry will march toward sound and diversified development. In the New Year, the Office will spare no efforts in helping the city to become a "World Centre of Tourism and Leisure". MGTO joined hands with Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau and Macao Sport Development Board to present Spring Festival celebrations together at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square on the first day of Lunar New Year (19 February), sharing the festive delight with local citizens and visitors. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Tam Chon Weng, attended the event to officiate the eye-dotting ceremony for the dancing lions and golden dragon. Last year Macau welcomed over 28 million visitors from the Greater China market, a year-on-year increase of 8.5%. During Chinese New Year holidays, a great number of visitors from the Mainland and neighboring regions are expected to spend their vacation in Macau. Macau has also become a destination choice for international visitors who wish to experience the Chinese festive season. MGTO thus took the opportunity to express New Year greetings to local citizens and visitors, showing the destination's warm hospitality. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Tam Chon Weng; MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; President of Cultural Affairs Bureau, Ung Vai Meng; Vice President of Administration Committee of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Lo Veng Tak; MGTO Deputy Directors Cecilia Tse and Cheng Wai Tong officiated the eye-dotting ceremony for the dancing lions and golden dragon along with local trade representatives at the Ruins of St. Paul's, and lit firecrackers together at Senado Square to kick off the celebrations on the first morning of Lunar New Year. The guests then joined the God of Fortune to distribute "Lai Si" and souvenirs to locals and visitors at Senado Square, filling the area with joyful blessings. "Lai Si" given by the God of Fortune conveys the best wishes of prosperity for Macau. A 238-meter-long golden dragon led a parade across major tourist spots and demonstrated vigorous moves accompanied by lively young lions. Their lively performance symbolizes that Macau will brim with vitality and flourish in the New Year. The Chinese Zodiac sign "Ram" represents auspiciousness, kindness and harmony. Wishing Macau citizens an auspicious beginning in the New Year, it also inspires locals to live in harmony and strive together for the welfare of Macau. MGTO keeps the tradition to distribute "Lai Si" to visitors during Lunar New Year. Starting on the first day of Lunar New Year, MGTO's Tourist Information counters distribute "Lai Si" containing phrases of New Year blessings while stock lasts. Each "Lai Si" also contains 10 cents for auspicious wishes. The Lunar New Year celebrations are held on the first and second day of Lunar New Year. Citizens and visitors are welcome to browse MGTO's website for the program: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo. MGTO is also presenting the mega outdoor celebrations – "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Ram" on the third (21 February) and tenth night (28 February) of Lunar New Year. Well-known Hong Kong singers Miriam Yeung, Andy Hui and Stephy Tang are invited for the first time to perform on the two aforementioned days respectively while Hong Kong artist Johnson Lee will host the parade evening on the third day of Lunar New Year. The Office has also scheduled a fireworks show on the third night of Lunar New Year to wish citizens and visitors a fantastic beginning in the New Year. MGTO has launched eight walking tour routes under the theme "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities". During their visit in Macau in Lunar New Year, visitors can stroll along the routes in different local districts, enjoying both the scenery and festive ambience in town. On the other hand, the Office has arranged staff to answer visitor enquiries and provide guiding service at ten major tourist attractions between the first and tenth day of Lunar New Year (19 – 28 February). During Lunar New Year, MGTO's Tourism Hotline 2833 3000 maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer visitor enquiries: http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/useful/hotline.php
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In his Lunar New Year Message delivered today, Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On said the Government would put more efforts into collecting the wisdom of the people and work closely with them, and to make more human-oriented policies to ensure a more prosperous future. The Government would continue to strive for steady economic expansion, livelihood betterment and maintain social harmony. In the coming Year of the Sheep, the Government will be more vigilant to the changes in the external and internal environments and make further enhancement in the quality of governance to keep up with the people's rising expectation. We should share the joy and warmth in this festive season with the people in need, he said. Mr Chui took the opportunity to thank the people and civil servants for their efforts in keeping the essential services operating over the holidays. On behalf of the Government, he wished everyone a happy, healthy and fulfilling new year.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will deliver the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2015 on 23 March at the Legislative Assembly. The session will be held at 3 pm, to be followed by a press conference at the Government Headquarters at 5 pm, where Mr Chui will answer questions from the press. The following day, from 3 pm to 6 pm, Mr Chui will attend the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to explain his policy blueprint to legislators and to answer their questions. Television channels and radio of the Teledifusão de Macau (TDM) will also air the sessions live. Members of the public are welcome to watch the live broadcast online through the Portal Website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo), the website of the Office of the Chief Executive (http://www.gce.gov.mo), the website of the Legislative Assembly (http://www.al.gov.mo), the website of the Government Information Bureau (http://www.gcs.gov.mo), and government news channel in YouTube (www.youtube.com/macaogcs). Chinese and Portuguese versions of the Policy Address for download will be available on these websites. Mr Chui has met with representatives of associations and people from different sectors to hear their views in preparation for the Policy Address for the fiscal year 2015.
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Consumer Council conducted its sixth 'Supermarket price survey' in February on 17 February 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 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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More festive photo collections in this colourful Lunar New Year are now available at the Government Information Bureau's mobile application "MSAR News". The two new collections "Flower Market" and "Orchids", both with 10 each, were taken by the Bureau's photographer Mr Ho Kuok Wai. The first collection captures the people buying necessities for the festival, and appreciating a variety show in the flower fair at Tap Seac Square. "Orchids" shows the famous flowers exhibited in the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden. Through the camera lens, the flowers appear to be more graceful and elegant. The app "MSAR News", which can be downloaded in App Store and Google Play, offers government information and special photo collections in its "News", "News Features" and "Hot News" sections.
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The Government had worked ahead on contingency plans to prevent influenza and avian influenza outbreaks, especially over the Lunar New Year holidays, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. The flu situation was stable, but the Health Bureau and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau had to step up efforts on supervision and stipulate measures to prevent infection, he said. In the event of a public health crisis, the Government would surely provide proper treatment to ensure the health of the people; and provide needed information such as on fatalities, in a timely manner. Mr Chui was speaking on 16 February to officials in an inter-departmental meeting on public health issues, in the wake of the latest developments on the two diseases in neighbouring areas. Over the holidays, the Government would have to strengthen work on spreading information informing the people of the government's measures and prevention methods. The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau will increase the sampling and quarantine of imported poultry birds over the holidays. In addition, a string of measures would be implemented, including keeping in close contact with the mainland authorities on inspection and quarantine, strengthening both H5 and H7 tests on imported birds, and maintain regular cleaning of wholesale markets and stalls. The Government had adequate vaccines and medicines enough for 180,000 people. Related departments had held exercises on what to do in a flu outbreak, and made several ambulances available to server flu patients only. Officials who also attended the meeting were the Secretary for Administration and Justice Ms Chan Hoi Fan, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office Ms O Lam, the Commissioner of the Fire Services Bureau Mr Ma Io Weng, the President of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau Mr Vong Iao Lek, the Director of the Health Bureau Mr Lei Chin Ion and the consultant of the Chief Executive's Office Mr Wu Kan.
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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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