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The distribution work of 2015 Wealth Partaking Scheme had basically finished on 30 September this year. In the course of implementation, 182,532 beneficiaries had received the cash premium by means of bank transfer, accounting for MOP$ 1,608,883,200, while 482,856 crossed cheques had been mailed, which summed up to MOP$ 4,160,613,600. Until the present time, 395,223 cheques were withdrawn, representing 81.9% of the total number of cheques written out. In line with the scheme, a Support Centre for Wealth Partaking Disbursement entered into service on 6 July to cater for enquiries and deal with procedures related to the cash disbursement. As of 30 September, some 25,620 enquiries had been handled, with the majority of which being personal visit, summing up to 16,352 enquiries, around 63.8% of the total. The second most popular channel was telephone enquiry, which stands for 9,065 or 35.4% enquiries. Personal visits to the Centre were mainly for re-issuance of cheques, which totalled 4,053 cases. The Support Centre operated until 30 September. Residents can still go to the Service Centre of Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau located in Avenida da Praia Grande, China Plaza, 2/F for assistance regarding procedures associated with the Wealth Partaking Scheme of present and previous years. The opening hours of this Service Centre are from 9am to 6pm straight, Monday to Friday, except public holidays. Telephone enquiries are available at 8795 2675 and 8795 2676. The service hotline 2822 5000, fax 2822 3000 as well as the official website of Wealth Partaking Scheme http://www.planocp.gov.mo will be retained to provide relevant information. Support Centre for Wealth Partaking Disbursement Number of cases received (From 6 July to 30 September 2015) *Annex Table
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The 29th Macao International Music Festival (MIMF), organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, will be officially inaugurated on Sunday, 4 October, at the Macao Cultural Centre lobby, at 7:40pm. Ticket holders for the opening concert are invited to attend. The opening concert, Gustav Mahler － Symphony No. 3, lead by Macao Orchestra’s Principal Conductor, Lü Jia, features world-renowned mezzo-soprano Charlotte Hellekant, the Macao Orchestra, the China NCPA Orchestra and Choir and the Macao Youth Choir. This MIMF edition includes several highlights, such as the highly sought after opening concert Gustav Mahler － Symphony No. 3 and the closing performance Faust – Opera in 5 Acts by Charles Gounod, among other already sold out performances. Other remarkable performances also take to the stage of the MIMF, such as Gidon Kremer with Kremerata Baltica in the concerts Masks and Faces and New Seasons, which include the works Fratres by Arvo Pärt, the video project Russia: Masks and Faces and the Asian première of the Violin Concerto No. 2 “The American Four Seasons” by Phillip Glass. Pedro Moutinho, one of today’s most renowned fado voices, cooperates with Portuguese accordion quartet Danças Ocultas in the concert Danças Ocultas and Pedro Moutinho which takes Portuguese sounds to Mount Fortress, allowing the audience to experience fado under the autumn breeze. Several discounts are available in the purchase of MIMF tickets. Ticketing hotline: 2855 5555. For more information, please access the Festival’s webpage at www.icm.gov.mo/fimm, or call IC through number 8399 6699, during office hours.
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Consumer Council conducted its eighth ‘Supermarket price survey’ in September on 29 September for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Taipa and Coloane area. 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.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Zhejiang-Macao co-operation had promising prospects in maritime economy and talent cultivation to foster development of economy, culture, and education for both places. Mr Chui told the Secretary of the Zhejiang CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Xia Baolong, in a meeting held today in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province. During the meeting, both parties agreed to set up a communication mechanism for processing substantive co-operation. Mr Chui said the two-day visit was fruitful, especially having known there were ties between Zhejiang and East Timor in deep-sea fishing. Macao, as a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Chinese-speaking countries (“platform”), would take advantage of the China-Portugal development fund to further foster the deep-sea fishing industry between Zhejiang and the Portuguese-speaking countries, he said. The Government would make more efforts to diversify local economy structure, boost regional co-operation, accommodate development opportunities brought by the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiative, especially when Macao’s management role over its customary waters would be defined by the Central Government before this year, he said. Mr Xia briefed Mr Chui on Zhejiang’s latest development on maritime economy. He said the Central Government paid close attention to maritime economy in Zhejiang, especially its fishing industry and ship building industry; Zhejiang government would bolster co-operation with Macao in expediting development of Zhoushan new area. Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, who was also in the meeting, said the successful experience of Zhoushan might serve as a reference to Macao. Specifying Macao’s jurisdictional role in its customary waters, the development as a world centre of tourism and leisure (“centre”) and the platform, the establishment of cruise terminal and promotion of cruise travel might bring new opportunities to sustain the development of Macao’s coastal economy. Macao could play a role of introducing and referring technology between Zhejiang, European Union and Portugal, under the framework of “centre” and “platform”, Mr Leong added. Before the meeting, Mr Chui visited a petroleum storage facility and a deep-sea, offshore fish farm in the morning. Officials accompanying Mr Chui in the meeting included the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Ms Lai Man Wa; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Marine and Water Bureau, Ms Wong Soi Man; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the President of Administrative Committee of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Cheong Chou Weng; and the Director of Policy Research Office, Mr Lau Pun Lap, together with the Deputy Governor of Zhejiang, Mr Sun Jingmiao; and the Secretary of the Zhoushan CPC Municipal Committee, Mr Zhou Jiangyong.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that with a continuous increase in inbound visitors and eating out becoming more popular, a total of 2,112 restaurants, eating and drinking places, as well as cooked-food stalls in municipal markets were operating in 2014, up by 194 year-on-year. Receipts went up by 14.6% year-on-year to MOP 9.63 billion, while expenditure amounted to MOP 9.12 billion, an increase of 17.6% year-on-year. Number of persons engaged went up by 16.6% to 30,401, with employees accounting for 94.6% of total. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy increased by 12.4% to MOP 3.62 billion, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation rose by 12.8% to MOP 393 million. In 2014, there were 2,043 restaurants, eating and drinking places, up by 200 year-on-year. Receipts (MOP 9.59 billion) and expenditure (MOP 9.10 billion) rose by 14.5% and 17.5% respectively year-on-year, while number of persons engaged went up by 16.8% to 30,269. As regards expenditure, Purchase of Goods (MOP 3.53 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 3.10 billion) increased by 9.6% and 21.4% respectively year-on-year. Operating Expenses (MOP 2.47 billion) were mainly incurred on Rent of Establishments (41.6% of total), up by 33.4% to MOP 1.03 billion, and Electricity amounted to MOP 319 million. Analysed by types of restaurants, eating and drinking places, number of Local-style Teahouses and Congee & Noodle Shops topped the list, at 815; followed by Chinese Restaurants at 504. Moreover, Chinese Restaurants were larger in size, number of persons engaged (40.5%), receipts (41.8%) and expenditure (42.6%) of these restaurants were higher than that of the other types. On the other hand, receipts of Japanese and Korean Restaurants recorded a notable growth of 32.4%, while receipts and expenditure for 39 Bars & Lounges went up by 18.2% and 30.8% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added of restaurants, eating and drinking places amounted to MOP 3.60 billion, up by 12.4%. Since the growth in receipts was lower than that in expenditure, Gross Surplus (receipts plus change in inventories minus expenditure) dropped by 23.0% to MOP 500 million. Gross Fixed Capital Formation increased by 12.8% year-on-year to MOP 393 million. In 2014, a total of 69 cooked-food stalls were operating in municipal markets, down by 6 year-on-year. Number of persons engaged also decreased by 21 to 132. Receipts (MOP 34.73 million) and expenditure (MOP 18.97 million) went up by 22.3% and 44.2% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added amounted to MOP 17.79 million, up by 14.7%, while Gross Surplus rose by 3.5% year-on-year to MOP 15.75 million. Coverage of the Restaurants and Similar Establishments Survey includes licensed restaurants, eating, drinking places, and cooked-food stalls in municipal markets in 2014, excluding those similar restaurants and facilities directly operated by hotels and casinos, as well as street hawkers.
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In the process of boosting moderate economic diversification, the Macao SAR Government has focused on nurturing the development of the convention and exhibition industry (MICE). In recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of the SAR Government and the industry operators, the MICE industry has maintained a stable development momentum, and becomes one of the local emerging industries that has great potential and the ability to promote the comprehensive development of many other industries. Commencing November this year, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will be fully in-charge of co-ordinating and following-up all convention and exhibition-related work which was previously handled by the Macao Economic Services. By integrating the resources of the convention and exhibition industry as well as enhancing the quality and efficiency of its service, the aim is to more effectively improve supporting measures and IPIM’s operations, while optimising, at the same time, the “One-Stop Service” for Mice Bidding and Support in Macao, by actively providing support to local entities bidding for and introducing to Macao well-known exhibitions from abroad, as a means to promote the development of the local MICE industry. Effective from November, IPIM´s Promotional Activities Department will be in charge of all work in relation to promoting the development of the convention and exhibition industry, previously the responsibility of the Conventions and Exhibitions and Economic Activities Development Department of the Macao Economic Services. The scope of work covered include: participation in the research and formulation of policy, strategies and measures related to the convention and exhibition industry; implementation of the “Support Programme for Professional Training and Education in the Convention and Exhibition Sector”, to provide more professionals for the MICE industry and enhance the professional level of the existing human resources; continue to strengthen co-operation and exchange with regional and international convention and exhibition organisations, and make use of the networking resources to promote Macao´s advantages as an ideal convention and exhibition destination; assist in the collection of statistical data related to conventions and exhibitions held in the city, so as to comprehensively analyse the effectiveness of the MICE industry, in order to reflect its role in driving the economy, to help formulate the future direction of Macao´s convention and exhibition sector; continue to work with the China International Contractors Association in co-organising the “International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum”; provide support to local organisations in the holding of local convention and exhibition activities and provide assistance in building branded exhibitions in Macao; support the local convention and exhibition sector in the organising of exhibitions in Mainland China, such as the “Dynamic Macao Week”, as well as providing financial support to local associations/non-profit organisations to participate in trade fairs as exhibitors, fact-finding visits to trade fairs and respective facilities overseas; strengthen promotion of Macao’s convention and exhibition industry around the world, step-up advertising campaigns; and co-ordinate with the relevant government agencies and entities to promote the implementation of supporting measures to support the convention and exhibition industry, among others. Furthermore, starting from 1 January 2016, IPIM will also take over the duties for the implementation of a series of support programmes dedicated to the convention and exhibition industry, such as the “MICE and Business Travel Stimulation Programme” previously managed by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), to organise professionals from local convention, exhibition and tourism industry to travel overseas to participate in trade fairs and business travel shows, as a means to promote communication and networking between operators of Macao´s MICE industry and their counterparts in other parts of the world. Additionally, IPIM will also take over the duties of Macao Economic Services in the implementation of the “Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme” and the “International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme”. IPIM maintains close contact with the operators of the MICE industry and, in order to meet market demand, has revised the terms and conditions of the two programmes, including improvement in the flow of subsidies granted to eligible buyers, relaxation of restrictions on the service providers used to support the projects, adjustment to the number of hours of eligible meetings, as well as the subsidy amount for food and beverages, set meals and expenses for opening ceremonies. At the same time, greater support will be given to local entities bidding for MICE activities overseas, providing the relevant membership fees for local associations and chambers of commerce to join regional or international organisations, as so as gradually carry out the respective procedures for bidding. All these revisions aim to promote the development of Macao´s convention and exhibition industry, through the introduction of improvements to the above-mentioned support programmes.
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The Government will host a series of activities, including a flag-raising ceremony, a reception, a variety show, and firework display, to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on Thursday. On National Day (1 October), the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, the Macao Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army, heads of the legislature and judiciary, principal officials and people from all walks of life will attend the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am. The ceremony will be broadcast live on television channels of Teledifusão de Macau (TDM). Later the day, the Chief Executive will preside over the launching ceremony of the commemorative running contest and will attend the National Day reception at Macau Tower at 9.30 am. A number of government departments will also hold celebratory events on Thursday, such as a variety show organised by the Macao Sport Development Board, at Macao East Asian Games Dome at 2 pm; and a Chinese acrobatic show “Nutcracker”, to be staged at the Macao Forum on 8 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, which is organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao. Pyrotechnics displays of the 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, by teams from Australia and China, will take place on the waterfront near Macau Tower at 9 pm and 9.40 pm on Thursday. The Macao Post will offer commemorative covers for sale and stamping service at its headquarters building from 9 am to 5.30 pm on the National Day.
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As 1 October is approaching, consumption by citizens are expected to increase, so are the number of inbound tourists. The Consumer Council held a meeting earlier with Economic Services Bureau (DSE), Macao Government Tourist Office (DST), Transport Bureau (DSAT), Judiciary Police (PJ), Public Security Police Force (PSP), Macao Custom Service, Civic and Municipal Affairs Council (IACM), Health Bureau (SS), and Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation (DSRT) to discuss on the protection of consumer rights for local citizens as well as inbound tourists. Consumer Council reminds consumers and tourists that if anyone finds his or her consumer rights being infringed, he or she should file a complaint at the Council or other departments and provide all necessary detailed information. The Council will also assign its staff to provide services to consumers through its hotline during 1100 to 1800 during public holidays (1 to 4 October). Consumer Council hotline: 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for August 2015 amounted to MOP894 million, up by 19.4% year-on-year; value of re-exports grew by 30.9% to MOP783 million, of which value of Clocks & watches and Diamond & diamond jewellery soared by 148.2% and 218.5% respectively, while that of Motor cars & motorcycles surged by 1,659.9%; however, value of domestic exports dropped by 26.5% to MOP111 million, of which domestic exports of Tobacco decreased by 53.9% to MOP22 million. Total merchandise import fell by 3.8% year-on-year to MOP6.87 billion. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.98 billion. In the first eight months of 2015, total value of merchandise export grew by 11.8% year-on-year to MOP7.29 billion, of which value of re-exports (MOP6.09 billion) increased by 17.1%, but that of domestic exports (MOP1.20 billion) declined by 8.9%. Total value of merchandise import fell by 0.6% to MOP56.65 billion. Merchandise trade deficit widened to MOP49.36 billion for the first eight months of 2015. Analysed by destination, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP4.47 billion) and Mainland China (MOP1.17 billion) in the first eight months of 2015 increased by 15.5% and 21.2% year-on-year, while export to the EU (MOP160 million) and the USA (MOP136 million) decreased by 22.5% and 35.6% respectively. Exports of Non-textiles increased by 12.4% year-on-year to MOP6.75 billion, of which value of Clocks & watches (MOP955 million) and Electronic components (MOP580 million) rose by 47.2% and 32.4% respectively, but that of Machines, apparatus & parts (MOP813 million) dropped by 30.2%. Exports of Textiles & garments totalled MOP545 million, up by 5.6%. By country of origin, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP20.98 billion) in the first eight months of 2015 increased by 13.2% year-on-year, while import from the EU (MOP12.68 billion) fell by 12.4%. Imports of Consumer goods dropped by 7.4% to MOP33.75 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP4.78 billion) decreasing by 25.4%, but that of Food & beverages (MOP7.76 billion) increasing by 2.7%. Moreover, imports of Mobile phones (MOP5.16 billion) expanded by 37.6%, while imports of Fuels & lubricants (MOP4.72 billion) declined by 10.9%. External merchandise trade reached MOP63.94 billion in the first eight months of 2015, up by 0.6% compared with MOP63.54 billion a year earlier.
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The Government has officially applied the management of Macao’s jurisdiction over its customary waters to the Central Government, and hoped the approval would be made within this year, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today. Mr Chui told this to reporters at the airport before leaving for a two-day visit in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province. The visit is to study the experience in maritime economy of the city. The Government was grateful to the Central Government for the support on the work of jurisdiction over customary waters. In the past year, the Government has formed a task group to actively engage in discussions with related departments from the mainland. The work of defining Macao’s jurisdictional roles over local waters is directed by the Central Government. It was announced by President Xi Jinping when he was here last December for a series of activities celebrating the 15th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. The Chief Executive was also asked about the financial situation of the Government. Mr Chui said he was optimistic about this year’s fiscal surplus despite Macao was undergoing a period of consolidation. He stressed the Government would devote its best efforts in managing budget proposal for the coming year, and ensuring the financial surplus were used in projects outlined in the Policy Address. The Government hoped to share surplus with the people, such as by offering the Wealth Partaking Scheme and other one-off subsiding measures. On the Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome, Mr Chui said it has commissioned the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming of the University of Macau to study the concession issue in-depth. The Chief Executive said the Government would heed the people’s opinion on the issue, adding there were several factors to consider, such as the component of diversified gaming, continuity of dog racing in Macao, suitability for the development in its neighbouring area, the location, and the possibility of combining the racing of dog and horse. On the strike held by a few of local recyclers, Mr Chui said the Government would spare no effort in maintaining Macao’s environment, while remained close touch with the recycling sector to learn more on the challenges and difficulties it faced. Supportive measures from the neighbouring areas would be considered and the Government would support the sector with all its strength, he said. When asked, Mr Chui said the old campus of the University of Macau was the Government’s efforts to support the development of public and private tertiary institutes, stressing it was not for profit and other commercial purposes. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, would give more details on the issue in the near future. For salary adjustment of civil servants, Mr Chui said the consultative council for pay offer of civil servants would propose a referencing scale after regarding the inflation, financial ability of the Government, adjustment level of the private sector, and the overall purchasing power. The Government would decide the scale based on the situation, he said.
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