News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (125.22) for October 2013 increased by 6.18% year-on-year, attributable to rising charges for eating out, higher rentals for dwellings and dearer prices of vegetables. In comparison with October 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+12.88%); Health (+6.93%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.70%) on account of higher rentals for dwellings, dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and vegetables, as well as rising charges for eating out and out-patient services. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 2.54%. The CPI-A (125.63) and CPI-B (125.59) increased by 6.94% and 5.96% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for October 2013 increased by 0.15% month-to-month. Higher prices of Winter clothings and rising rentals for dwellings drove up the price index of Clothing & Footwear; and Housing & Fuels by 1.42% and 0.86% respectively. However, price index of Transport; and Recreation & Culture decreased by 0.68% and 0.42% upon lower airfare and gasoline prices, as well as reduced charges for package tours. Moreover, price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages dropped by 0.24%. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.11% and 0.16% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended October 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.51% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+9.58%); and Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+8.87%) registered noticeable increase, while price index of Education and Communication decreased by 2.26% and 2.20% respectively. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.08% and 5.42% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first ten months of 2013 increased by 5.45% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.04% and 5.33% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the third quarter of 2013 totalled MOP 15.55 billion, down by 2% compared with the revised figure of MOP 15.88 billion in the second quarter. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 4.49 billion (29% of total), which was followed by sales of Goods in Department Stores (16%), Leather Goods (11%) and Adults' Clothing (9%). Value of retail sales for the third quarter increased by 23% year-on-year, with marked increase being observed in sales of Communication Equipment (+50%), Leather Goods (+29%) and Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+27%). Value of retail sales for the first three quarters of 2013 reached MOP 47.30 billion, up by 21% year-on-year; sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (MOP 14.53 billion) and Goods in Department Stores (MOP 7.39 billion) accounted for 31% and 16% of the total respectively. After removing the effect of prices, volume of retail sales for the third quarter of 2013 increased by 25% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Communication Equipment (+61%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+38%) and Leather Goods (+32%). Meanwhile, volume of retail sales held stable over the second quarter, of which sales of Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories (+47%) and Motor Vehicles (+17%) saw significant quarter-to-quarter increase; on the contrary, sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery decreased by 14% quarter-to-quarter. Volume of retail sales for the first three quarters of 2013 increased by 22% year-on-year. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 68% stated that sales volume in the third quarter of 2013 increased or held stable over the previous quarter, up by 10 percentage points compared with those holding the same sentiment in the second quarter of 2013, while 32% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 63% reported stable prices, 31% stated an increase and 6% noted a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2012, about 74% expressed that the stock level was normal in the third quarter of 2013, while 6% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards business outlook for the fourth quarter of 2013, about 35% anticipate that sales volume will increase from the third quarter, 43% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 22% foresee a decrease. Concurrently, about 71% predict stable retail prices, 24% expect an increase, while 5% predict a decrease in retail prices.
…

Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on eggs on 20th November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that attributable to new opening of major hotels and gaming facilities in 2012, Receipts from Gaming & Related Services (e.g. food & beverage, currency exchange, etc.) increased by 13% year-on-year to MOP 306.49 billion; Expenditure amounted to MOP 134.53 billion, up by 11% year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy reached MOP 186.45 billion, an increase of 16%; Gross Fixed Capital Formation soared by 42% year-on-year, at MOP 3.19 billion, owing to a substantial increase in construction projects and electronic gaming equipment. In 2012, Total Receipts of the Gaming Sector increased by 14% year-on-year to MOP 306.82 billion. Receipts from Gaming & Related Services amounted to MOP 306.49 billion; besides, rising cash flows brought about an upsurge in Interest Receipts, from MOP 139 million in 2011 to MOP 335 million, an increase of 141% year-on-year. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 137.64 billion, up by 11% year-on-year. Expenses on Purchase of Goods, Commission Paid and Customer Rebate amounted to MOP 102.52 billion, up by 8%; Operating Expenses (MOP 17.54 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 14.47 billion) also increased by 24% and 17% respectively year-on-year. On the contrary, Non-operating Expenditure (e.g. depreciation, interest paid, etc.) totalled MOP 3.11 billion, down by 1% year-on-year.
…

Prof. Simon S. M. Ho, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) of the University of Macau (UM), has received two academic awards from two prestigious organizations: the KPMG Best Paper Award from the Gender Issues and Worklife Balance Section of the American Accounting Association (AAA), and the China Family Business Research Pioneer Award from the Chinese Private Enterprises Economic Research Association. Prof. Ho received the KPMG Best Paper Award from the Gender Issues and Worklife Balance Section of AAA at its 2013 annual meeting held on 6 August, in Anaheim, California, the United States, for his research paper titled "CEO Gender, Ethical Leadership and Accounting Conservatism", which is co-authored with Annie Yuansha Li from the University of Massachusetts--Lowell and Kinsun Tam from the State University of New York at Albany. The paper found empirical evidence of a positive relationship between CEO gender (female) and accounting conservatism. The study made an important contribution to the business ethics literature by demonstrating the benefits of gender diversity in upholding the integrity of financial reporting. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Chinese family businesses, Prof. Ho also received the China Family Business Research Pioneer Award from the Chinese Private Enterprises Economic Research Association on 13 November in Bejing. His recent work, Report on Macao Family Business CSR, which is co-authored with Chen Xiaoyun from UM's Faculty of Business Administration and which analyses the distinctive features and driving forces of CSR activities of Chinese family firms in Macao, was highly praised by the Family Business Committee of the Association.
…

For the past six years, the international community of government leaders, businesses, professionals, financial institutions, investors and non-government organizations have converged in Macao to actively participate in the collective effort to address environmental issues of common global concern. The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF), an initiative by the Macao SAR Government, is contributing to China's efforts to achieve specific objectives for a low carbon society, as well as to raise public awareness and improve conditions for humanity. Since its launch in 2008 through to 2013, MIECF has grown from strength to strength and is regarded as a success by delegates, exhibitors and the international community. MIECF will return for its seventh edition in 2014 from March 27 to March 29, at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. Koelnmesse Pte Ltd is the Event Manager for 2014MIECF. We are pleased to invite your members to submit a quotation & proposal for the services for the captioned project. The range of services being tendered for are:
(* please find the attached file) Interested parties are welcome to submit their quotation & proposal. Submission deadline is 3 December 2013 at 5pm. Full information on the quotation & proposal procedures and specifications can be obtained from the website at www.macaomiecf.com.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors amounted to MOP14.8 billion in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 12% in comparison with MOP13.3 billion in the third quarter of 2012. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP12.3 billion, up by 9% year-on-year, and that of same-day visitors increased by 28% to MOP2.5 billion. In the third quarter of 2013, per-capita spending of visitors was MOP1,905, up by 5% year-on-year. Mainland visitors had the highest per-capita spending of MOP2,321, and spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) was MOP2,582; besides, per-capita spending of visitors from Singapore amounted to MOP1,908. Visitors from Australia and the United Kingdom had relatively high per-capita spending among the long-haul visitors, at MOP1,240 and MOP 1,136 respectively. Analysed by consumption structure, visitors spent mostly on Shopping (48%), Accommodation (25%) and Food & Beverage (20%). Shopping items included Local Food Products (24%) and Shoes, Handbags & Wallets (18%). Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP1,285 on shopping, down by 1% year-on-year; shopping spending of IVS visitors held stable from a year earlier at MOP1,613. Moreover, long-haul visitors spent primarily on Accommodation and Food & Beverage. In the third quarter of 2013, per-capita spending of overnight visitors amounted to MOP3,179, up by 3% year-on-year, and that of same-day visitors rose by 18% to MOP650. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors amounted to MOP3,915 and MOP800 respectively, while that of overnight and same-day IVS visitors reached MOP4,276 and MOP1,236. According to the results of Visitors' Comments Survey, about 89% and 88% of the visitors were satisfied with the services rendered by hotels and travel agencies. However, 10% of the visitor-users commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate, and 8% considered that public transport services should be improved.
…

Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for November on 19th November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th 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.
…

According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector remained stable in the third quarter of 2013. At end-September 2013, the share of international assets in total banking assets edged up to 84.9% from 84.8% at end-June 2013, whereas the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities dropped slightly to 81.1% from 81.2%. Foreign currencies were the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-September 2013, the shares of Pataca (MOP) in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.6% and 1.8% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Other Foreign Currencies (OFCs) accounted for 36.0% and 63.4% of total international assets as well as 47.5% and 50.7% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-September 2013, total international assets expanded by 6.2% from a quarter ago or 26.6% from a year earlier to MOP813.7 billion (USD101.9 billion). Within this total, external assets grew by 28.8% year-on-year to MOP636.2 billion while local assets in foreign currencies increased by 19.1% to MOP177.5 billion. As a major component of international assets, external loans & deposits advanced by 29.9% to MOP595.2 billion. International Banking Liabilities
Total international liabilities increased by 5.9% from three months ago or 26.2% year-on-year to MOP777.7 billion (USD97.4 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies grew year-on-year by 25.2% to MOP396.4 billion and 27.2% to MOP381.3 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 27.5% to MOP358.0 billion at end-September 2013 from MOP280.8 billion at end-September 2012. 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-September 2013, claims on Hong Kong and Mainland China occupied 33.8% and 27.6% of total external assets correspondingly, while claims on Portugal, Luxembourg and Germany took up 9.7%, 1.7% and 1.2% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong and Mainland China accounted for 52.3% and 19.1% of the total respectively while France, Portugal and Germany took up respective shares of 4.4%, 4.2% and 2.2%. 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.
…

The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. will hold the "Parade through Macao, Latin City" in commemoration of the 14th Anniversary of Macao's Handover to China on December 20th, the day marking the establishment of the Macao S.A.R. The Parade is once again held under the slogans "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" and "An annual celebration for the entire city – VIVA!", and this year is themed "The Rhythm of Life", hoping to attract even more residents and tourists and inviting them to dig deep into the diverse cultural atmosphere of Macao. A press conference to present this year's Parade took place on November 19, at the Tourism Activities Centre. Present were the President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ung Vai Meng; the Vice-President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Dr. Leong Hio Ming; the President of the Board of the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America, Mr. Gary Ngai; the Chief of the Cultural Affairs Department, Mr. Ieong Chi Kin; and the Chief of the Special Projects Division, substitute, Ms. Chris Tang, as well as representatives of the local participating groups. Last year's parade took the Region by storm, attracting an aggregate viewership of several million including the audience present at the parade, those who watched the live televised broadcast and the simulcast on outdoor screens at various locations, plus those who tuned in to the special Parade programme on TV. The "Parade through Macao, Latin City" is organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and is co-organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Macao Government Tourist Office, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau of Macao, the Public Security Police Force, the Transport Bureau, the Fire Services Bureau, the Social Welfare Bureau and the Macao Association for the Promotion of Exchange between Asia-Pacific and Latin America. It is also supported by various organisations, including the Macao General Union of Neighbourhood Associations, the Macao Sam Pa Mun Residents Mutual Aid Association, the Macao Soi Ho Cheok Residents Mutual Aid Association, as well as VIVA Ambassadors supporters, namely the Scout Association of Macao, the Macao Community Youth Volunteers Development Association, the Association of Social Service Volunteers Macao, the General Volunteers Association of Macao and the Recreation Club of the Bank of China, Macao Branch. This edition is also fully supported by Air Macao Co, Ltd. In addition, TDM (Teledifusão de Macau, S.A.) is serving as the designated television broadcaster. Artists bring the Ruins of St. Paul's to life; "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration" at the grand finale at Tap Seac Square The opening ceremony takes place at 3.30pm in front of the Ruins of St. Paul's, where a wondrous journey of revival kicks off. Artists from around the world raise the curtain on a series of fascinating shows, spreading joy all over the city. The Parade route will be the same as last year's, beginning on Rua de S. Paulo and winding its way past St. Anthony's Church, Companhia de Jesus Square, Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro, Rua dos Artilheiros, Rua de Sanches de Miranda, Calçada da Igreja de São Lázaro, the Old Ladies' House (Albergue), Rua de São Roque, Rua Nova de São Lázaro, St. Lazarus Church, Rua do Volong, Rua do Tap Seac and Rua de Afonso de Albuquerque, culminating in a grand joint performance at Tap Seac Square, at 6pm. Residents and tourists can contribute to this day's joyous ambience by joining and following the parade at any point on the route. This year's Parade embraces performing groups from over 10 countries and regions including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Burkina Faso, among others, as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. This extravaganza includes performances by PIA – Projectos de Intervenção Artística from Portugal, French group Les Grandes Personnes, Hong Kong Youth Marching Band, the Peruvian Teatro del Milenio, Italian Flag Wavers and Be Fantasy Bubble Arts from Taiwan. Joining them in the Parade are 50 local groups, bringing the total estimate of performers to an amazing 2,000 creative participants. Cultural diversity culminates with grand joint performance at Tap Seac Square This year's parade features shows for all ages and tastes, welcoming the audience at any point on the route. The Rua de S. Paulo this year hosts humorous Mime Shows that will break the barrier between the stage and the audience. An Enchanted Dance Floor will take over St. Anthony's Square, where Latin and belly dance with join Chinese folk dances, while pure voices and bells spread Enchanting Sounds through the Companhia de Jesus Square reminding the audience of traditional nursery rhymes. Pátio do Espinho witnesses an exciting Street Dance Game while the Rua de D. Belchior Carneiro will be filled with western and eastern Lingering Melodies. Portuguese Folk Dance and Music brings Portuguese flavours to Rua de Sanches de Miranda. The peaceful Old Ladies' House comes to life amid a Wonderland of Dance and Creative Giants invade the Rua Nova de São Lázaro. Finally, artists performing Stunts on Stilts welcome the parade to Tap Seac Square, where artists and audience come together for the Grand Finale "Peace, Love and Cultural Integration", which brings the event to a close with hypnotising performances. Related Events and Enquiries To promote this extravaganza far and wide and create a joyous ambience throughout the entire city, TDM will broadcast the event live. Furthermore, the Cultural Affairs Bureau will install outdoor screens at several locations – St. Dominic's Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Iao Hon Garden, Avenida do Infante D. Henrique (near Hotel Sintra) and Travessa de S. Paulo (Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre) – displaying a live simulcast from 3 to 7pm on December 20th. The organiser is also holding a series of related events in parallel, including a photography contest and a Facebook lucky draw. Hong Kong's TVB will also cover the Parade: the event will be featured on the programme 'Scoop', on Parade day, from 7.30 to 8pm, as well as on a Parade Special Programme, to be broadcast on December 25, from 7 to 7.30pm. Streets along the parade route will be temporarily closed to traffic on the parade day, and first-aid stations and souvenir and information service centres will be available along the route. Crowd entry and exit control mechanisms will be installed at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Tap Seac Square at 2.30 and 4.30pm, respectively. For convenience and environmental health, residents are encouraged to walk to the parade venues on foot or use public transportation. For more details about the event and its contents, please visit the Bureau's website at www.icm.gov.mo/macaoparade or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/macaoparade.
…