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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that Gross National Income (GNI) at current prices increased by 18.9% year-on-year to MOP 347.78 billion in 2013, lower than Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices (MOP 413.47 billion) by MOP 65.69 billion, representing a net external factor income outflow of the same amount, and equivalent to 15.9% of GDP. In 2013, per-capita GNI was MOP 586,681, up by 14.2% year-on-year; per-capita GDP was MOP 697,502, up by 15.6%. Total outflow of external factor income reflects income earned by non-resident enterprises and investors from investment in Macao. In 2013, total outflow of external factor income reached MOP 87.70 billion, up by 26.2% year-on-year, mainly due to a 30.2% increase in direct investment income (MOP 78.96 billion) earned by some non-resident enterprises and investors from investment in Macao. Portfolio investment income (MOP 373 million) and other investment income (MOP 7.21 billion) also increased by 82.9% and 0.4% respectively. Total inflow of external factor income reflects income earned by resident enterprises and investors from abroad. In 2013, total inflow of external factor income rose by 18.6% year-on-year to MOP 22.01 billion, attributable to a 43.3% increase in portfolio investment income (MOP 6.56 billion) and a 22.7% rise in other investment income (MOP 13.94 billion) earned by some resident enterprises and investors from abroad. On the contrary, direct investment income tumbled by 79.4%. Besides, income on reserve assets (MOP 1.20 billion) increased by 7.5% year-on-year. After removing the effect of prices, GNI and GDP increased by 15.8% and 11.9% in real terms year-on-year; meanwhile, per-capita GNI and per-capita GDP rose by 11.1% and 7.4% respectively. GNI refers to the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities within or outside the economy, corresponding to GDP plus income earned by resident investors from abroad, minus income earned by non-resident investors from investment in Macao.
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To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Macao's handover to China and promote the local cultural and creative industries to the society, Cultural Affairs Bureau publishes 2015 calendar with St. Lazarus Quarter as the theme. From 1 Jan 2015, interested individuals can get free 2015 calendars at the Mandarin's House or the Tap Seac Gallery during office hours by showing their Macao identity card. Everyone person can only get one free calendar. This limited-number offer is only available while stock lasts.
St. Lazarus' Quarter is a classified architecture group. There used to be a leprosarium in this Quarter and so it is also known as the "Leprosy Quarter". Surrounded by a uniform group of Southern European style two-storey buildings, the Quarter is full of Southern European style and also rich in history and culture. It has also become in recent years an important incubator area of local cultural and creative industries, in addition to hosting annually the "Parade through Macao, Latin City". In this event, artists from Macao and Latin languages countries sing and dance through the neighbourhood's streets, rich in Latin style, revealing the unique cultural characteristics of Macao as well as its atmosphere of cultural fusion, creating beautiful scenery year after year. The calendar incorporates the characteristic surrounding streets and buildings located in this Quarter into its design, including St. Lazarus' Church, St. Lazarus' Church Street, 10 Fantasia – A Creative Industries Incubator, Albergue of the Macao Holy House of Mercy, just to name a few. It also features interesting characters along with descriptions on the attractions, promoting the historical background of St. Lazarus' Quarter and also the development of cultural and creative industries in the region. Starting from 1 January, interested individuals can get free 2015 calendars at the Mandarin's House or the Tap Seac Gallery during office hours by showing their Macao identity card. The Mandarin's House opens from 10:00 am to 6 pm(no admittance after 5:30 pm) and closed on Wednesday. The Tap Seac Gallery opens every day from 10 am to 7 pm. The calendar has also enclosed a public holiday table, a portable calendar card and also a quick sheet. For enquiries, please call 8399 6699 during office hours or visit the website of the Cultural Affairs Bureau www.icm.gov.mo.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today (27 December) that President Xi Jinping clearly expressed his expectation on the new term MSAR Government. As the owner of the city, the Government and its administrative team should enhance awareness of crisis, rule by law, and improve quality of administration based on the foundation established in the past. During his duty visit in Beijing, Mr Chui was received by President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, and reported to the state leaders on the situation and development of Macao in the past 12 months. Summarising his duty visit the media at a press event in Beijing, Mr Chui said he reported to the state leaders on the work of the Government and the administrative highlights of the coming year, and listened to the state leaders' opinions on the development of Macao. President Xi particularly concerned about the long-term development of Macao, including the long-term stability and governance and step up of adequate economic diversification. It is hoped that Macao will achieve such development goal through establishing itself to be a world tourism and leisure centre and a trade and business services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, enhancing regional cooperation, cultivating talented people and solving related restrictions. President Xi emphasised that patriotism, love for Macao and rule by law are the core values of Macao. He also mentioned that people with talents in various areas are in need to support the economic development model of Macao. Mr Chui said the Government will continue to attach importance to its long-term mechanisms on housing, healthcare, social security, education and transportation. He has listened to the instructions from the state leaders, and will develop in collaboration with his administration team and submit his policy address next March, which will be in line with his election platform and the people's needs, and put into practice as promised. He also said the Central People's Government has rendered full support to the development of diverse industries in Macao, including Chinese medicine, cultural and creativity, tourism training and high-end services. Thanks to the state's support and promotion of the Chinese medicine industry, the World Health Organization has confirmed to set up a Chinese medicine training centre in Macao next year. When being asked about the work on specifying Macao's jurisdiction on its customary waters, Mr Chui said the Central People's Government has already approved the commencement of related research. Macao will actively support, participate and cooperate with the aim to complete the task by December 2015 as instructed.
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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for December on 26th December for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 12 supermarkets in Sé 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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On the first working day of the fourth-term Government today, the four new principal officials outlined their policies and administration visions. Speaking to the press on their plans for the next five years were Secretary for Administration and Justice Ms Chan Hoi Fan, Secretary for Economy and Finance Mr Leong Vai Tac, Secretary for Security Mr Wong Sio Chak, and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr Tam Chon Weng. Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosário is in Europe to ensure a smooth transfer of the three positions he held prior to his appointment as the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, namely the Macao Economic and Trade Office in Lisbon, the Macao Economic and Trade Office to the European Union in Brussels and the Macao Economic and Trade Office to the World Trade Organization. Secretary for Administration and Justice Ms Chan Hoi Fan said her team have started to review the process in drafting and proposing bills to the Legislative Assembly, and would review current legislations and regulations. Re-structuring of various government departments would be highlighted in the Policy Address in March next year. Ms Chan said to follow the principle of streamlining operations and structures, the Government would make appropriate re-allocation of staff after analysing the needs of departments. Other measures included increasing upward mobility by providing more benefits, training, consolidating civil service contracts. Her team would keep in close touch with civil servants associations to get a better grasps of their needs. Ms Chan said the website of the Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice would be launched soon to enhance interaction with the public. The Secretary for the Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said he would start by explaining his policy visions to officials from departments under him and to staff of his office to ensure their policies were in line with the Chief Executive's administration principles. Asked about the recent revenue slowdown from gaming, Mr Leong said the Government would invite experts from the private sector to work with his team to establish a system to measure non-gaming elements in the industry, to help adequately diversify the economy. The Government would set up an inter-departmental co-ordinating group to enhance government services to residents and small- and medium-sized enterprises, said Mr Leong. The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, started his day overseeing the oath-taking ceremony of the Director of the Judiciary Police, Mr Chau Wai Kuong; and the Commissioner of the Public Security Police Force, Mr Leong Man Cheong, where he urged them to pro-actively tackle challenges while fulfilling their responsibilities. Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Wong said despite new crime trends brought about by computerisation, his team would make best efforts in maintaining a safe and secure society. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Mr Tam Chon Weng said he attached great importance to people's livelihood and public opinions: he urged department heads under him to respond to queries from members of the Legislative Assembly within two working days, and to enhance communication with the press. Mr Tam said he would start to hold press briefings every one or two months to respond to residents' opinions and to better explain policies. The newly launched website of the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture has received suggestions from the public that would be addressed in the Policy Address. He said to put the Chief Executive's administration principles into practice, the departments under him would be asked to enhance efficiency and pay close attention to headcounts. The Health Bureau would recruit more staff to meet the people's increasing needs for medical services, Mr Tam said.
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Qian Qiao, a second-year postgraduate of translation studies, won a second prize at the 2014 Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (FLTRP) Cup English Public Speaking Contest, which was held in Beijing. Qian gave a prepared speech on the prescribed topic, "Change the Unchangeable", as well as a touching impromptu speech on the meaning of Christmas. Qian's coach was Department of English assistant professor Dr Wang Xian. The FLTRP Cup is the most prestigious and the largest annual national English speech contest in China. A total of 123 college students from mainland China, Taiwan and Macao made it to the final this year. Earlier, Qian received a third prize at the 2014 FLTRP Cup English Writing Contest.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals increased by 15% year-on-year to 2,802,373 in November 2014. Same-day visitors accounted for 56% of the total, at 1,562,331. Analysed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China surged by 28% year-on-year to 1,975,951, coming primarily from Guangdong Province (898,373) and Fujian Province (78,196); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme soared by 35%, at 940,056. Visitors from the Republic of Korea (41,592) increased by 8%, while those from Hong Kong (508,122) and Taiwan (69,625) decreased by 3% and 19%. Long-haul visitors from the United States (17,653), Australia (8,273), Canada (7,219) and the United Kingdom (6,402) registered year-on-year decline. The average length of stay of visitors decreased by 0.1 day year-on-year to 0.9 day in November 2014; overnight and same-day visitors had an average stay of 1.9 days and 0.2 day respectively. In the first eleven months of 2014, visitor arrivals reached 28,985,562, up by 8% year-on-year; same-day visitors amounted to 15,584,268, surpassing the annual total in 2013 (15,056,359). Visitors from Mainland China (19,613,556), the Republic of Korea (507,175) and Japan (274,945) increased year-on-year, but those from Hong Kong (5,880,836) and Taiwan (875,603) decreased. Moreover, long-haul visitors from the United States recorded year-on-year increase; however, those from the Australia, Canada and United Kingdom registered decrease.
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(Macao—20 December 2014) The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will be on duty visit in Beijing from 24 to 27 December 2014. During his duty visit in Beijing, the Chief Executive will be received by state leaders. Besides reporting on the work of the Government during the year, and the development of and the changes occurred in Macao in the past 12 months, Mr Chui will also introduce to state leaders the administrative plans and initiatives of the new term Government. Delegates accompanying the Chief Executive on duty visit include Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms O Lam; Director of Government Information Bureau, Mr Victor Chan; Director of the Office of the Government of the Macao SAR in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai; Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng; and Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Kou Chin Hung. During the Chief Executive's absence from Macao, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, will be acting Chief Executive.
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President Xi Jinping on 20 December visited the University of Macau (UM). During his stay at UM, President Xi visited the University Gallery and one of the residential colleges and participated in the discussions of the students from that college. President Xi praised UM for its innovative university system and educational philosophy and encouraged the students to study diligently and strive to be better than their teachers. President Xi and his entourage arrived at UM at around 3:30pm in the company of Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On. President Xi was warmly received by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Tam Chon Weng, UM University Council Chair Lam Kam Seng, and UM Rector Wei Zhao. This is the first time President Xi has visited UM's new campus. Upon arrival, he first visited the University Gallery, where UM Rector Wei Zhao told him about the master plan for the university, its history and educational philosophy, the research achievements of the two state key labs, and the rare ancient books housed in the university library. President Xi praised UM for the beautiful surroundings of the new campus and the many innovations in university system and educational philosophy. "We will try our best to make UM even better in the future so as to bring glory to Macao and China," said Rector Wei Zhao. Later President Xi visited one of the residential colleges at UM, Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC). UM's Vice Rector (Student Affairs) Prof Haydn Chen told President Xi about the residential college system at UM, while CYTC Master Chung Ling talked about the facilities in the college.UM has established Asia's largest residential college system, which is modelled upon the successful experience of many of the world's top universities. Under this system, students from different majors live, dine and study together in the RCs. During President Xi's visit, some students of the CYTC happened to be having a discussion about traditional Chinese culture and contemporary youth. President Xi participated in the discussion and remarked on the impact of Chinese culture on Macao. He also encouraged the students to study diligently, strive to be better than their teachers, and put what they learn to good use. Finally, President Xi presented two set of books, namely Rare Local Chronicle Series Housed in Peking University Library and The Yongle Encyclopedia (reprint), to UM as presents. He also signed on two separate books introducing the two set of books he gifted to UM.
President Xi's visit to UM lasted more than an hour, and before he left the campus he shook hands with over 100 UM excited teachers and students who saw him off.
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The newly inaugurated government team must follow the administrative principles of "putting people first" and "scientific decision-making", strengthen premonitory senses and risks awareness, be prepared for danger in times of peace, and fully leverage advantages of "One country, two systems". These principles were outlined by the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On in a speech at a cocktail reception to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Earlier in the day the President Mr Xi Jinping officiated at the swearing in of Mr Chui as the fourth-term Chief Executive, followed by the officials, Public Prosecutor-General and members of the Executive Council. Mr Chui said Mr Xi's important speech at the inauguration provided a clear guidance on the future development of Macao, encouraging the Government to continue implementing the principle of "One country, two systems". Reviewing Macao's achievements in the 15 years since sovereignty reverted to China, he said Macao has proven its ability to overcome challenges to maintain overall stable growth, demonstrated advantages and strong vitality of the principles of "One country, two systems" and the full support of the Central Government. The experience clearly showed that maintaining close connection between the mainland and the Special Administrative Region would ensure Macao's sustainable development in the future. Mr Chui said he and his team acknowledged that opportunities and challenges co-exist in new development stages. Expediting adequate economic diversification, strengthening the legal system, enhancing legal consciousness and improving administrative efficiency would be a priority in the policy agenda of governance in the five years ahead, he said. The Government considered developing a long-term mechanism for fiscal surplus allocation on top of the current four long-term mechanisms for social security, healthcare, housing, education and talent cultivation, to ensure rational distribution of benefits from the fruits of economic development. The Government attached great importance to people's wellbeing, and would make greater efforts in people's livelihood construction and support the underprivileged in a timely manner, said Mr Chui. The new Government would make its best efforts to establish Macao as "one centre and one platform" – a world centre of tourism and leisure, and a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between the mainland and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and to strengthen integrated tourism and traditional industries. Mr Chui expressed his sincere respect and gratitude to the Central Government and its representative offices in Macao for the strong support; he also extended his heartfelt thanks to all residents for their efforts to build a better Macao. Before attending the cocktail reception, Mr Chui bade farewell to Mr Xi as he departed Macao with the First Lady and his entourage on completion of his two-day visit to attend a string of 15th anniversary celebrations. Guests at the cocktail reception included the Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, Mr Ho Hau Wah; Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Li Gang; Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Macao SAR, Mr. Hu Zhengyue; Commander of the People Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Wang Wen; President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai and other 1,100 dignitaries from various sectors.
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