News

The government will steadily push ahead with the development of Macao into international tourism and leisure hub, plus a long-term mechanism for effective governance, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said in his annual Lunar New Year address. In his remarks celebrating the Year of the Snake, Mr Chui pledged further share wealth with the people alongside economic growth. "We will continue to strengthen scientific governance and promote law-abidingness as well as public integrity," he said. The Chief Executive said he believed that building on the progress made on the economic, social and political fronts in the past year, Macao would make new headway in the coming year.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on tissue papers. Survey result showed that price differences of the same product sold at different outlets ranged from 7 percent to 44 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of 12 brands of tissue papers from 24 supermarkets on 5th February, a general price difference of about 20 percent was recorded for 7 tissue brands. The greatest price difference was observed in 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3ply)/10pcs', which was sold at $33.0 to $47.5, with a difference of 44 percent. The 5 surveyed brands of box tissue papers recorded price differences of about 10 percent and the greatest price discrepancy was recorded in 'Tempo Box Facial Tissue/5 boxes', which was sold at $30.6 to $36.6 at different retail outlets, with a difference of 20 percent. In comparison with December's data, price decreases ranged from 7 percent to 18 percent were observed in 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3ply)/10pcs' in many retail spots, though price increases of about 10 percent to 26 percent were also recorded in the same product sold at other retail outlets. The same situation was found in 'C&S Jierou Facial Tissue/240pcsx5' as well. Consumers are advised to check the survey and make practical price comparisons. The specific price survey on tissue papers is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The "Tourism Notification System for Spring Festival Golden Week" will officially come into operation between Guangdong and Macau during February 9 – 15 to ensure smooth and hospitable reception for visitors during Lunar New Year. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province have long established the "Tourism Notification System for Spring Festival Golden Week" to report number of visitors, room rates of hotels and guest houses, etc. which the provincial tourism authorities would release to their local major media. As a result, Mainland visitors who are planning a trip to Macau can obtain the related information promptly. MGTO and Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province will officially activate the "Tourism Notification System for Spring Festival Golden Week" on February 9 until February 15. MGTO has put the mechanism into trial operation in advance since February 6 by daily publishing the previous day's numbers of Mainland and overall visitor arrivals at all Macau ports as well as the room rates of hotels and guest houses on MGTO's website. MGTO maintains its regular online publication of Macau hotels and guest houses' room rates in different room categories submitted by the industry partners. For further information about hotels and guest houses including their room rates, citizens and guests can browse the MGTO's website www.macautourism.gov.mo. During Spring Festival, the Macau and Guangdong tourism authorities will join forces again to send mobile messages advising Mainland visitors to stay in legal accommodation in Macau. In addition, an internet link to the promotional content "Enjoy a pleasant trip in Macau, stay in Legal Accommodation" is available on the website of Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province. The two authorizes conducted a meeting in Mainland regarding the system activation earlier ago. Macau officials who attended the meeting included MGTO Deputy Director Manuel Pires, Head of Licensing and Inspection Department, Ines Chan and Head of Organizational Planning and Development Department, Cheng Wai Tong, etc. whereas Guangdong officials including Deputy Director of Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province, Mei Qijie and Head of Division of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan, Mao Cheng joined the meeting. During Lunar New Year, MGTO will strengthen its inspections at various tourist spots and border ports just like in the past, while MGTO information counters and tourism hotline will operate as usual. MGTO's tourism hotline 2833 3000 will maintain its 24-hour operator service to answer tourists' enquiries. MGTO has sent a letter informing Transport Bureau to pay close attention to the flow rate of visitors during the Spring Festival Golden Week and to arrange sufficient transportation service for the routes to Lotus Bridge based on practical demands in order to disperse the visitors promptly and maintain smooth traffic in related districts. MGTO has urged the hotels and restaurants to observe guidelines for staff hygiene and food storage to safeguard visitors and citizens' health. The office also advises the travel trade particularly including bars, karaoke lounges and travel agencies to abide with the regulations strictly in order to guarantee the serene life and outbound travel rights of Macau citizens. MGTO expects a surge in visitor arrivals during Spring Festival. All related governmental departments have actively prepared and planned for it. With coordination by various hospitality entities and related trade partners, it is anticipated that tourism hospitality work will be smoothly operated throughout the long holidays. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on seasonings. Survey result indicated that the difference in price of the 13 surveyed products ranged from 15 percent to 40 percent. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data in comparison of the price range of the same brand of seasonings. Consumer Council collected prices of 13 brands of seasonings from 20 retail outlets on 6th February. Survey result showed that price differences of the same brand of seasonings at different retail spots ranged from 15.38 percent to 40 percent. The greatest price difference was observed in 'Tai Yang Hua Brand Table Salt/1lb', which was sold at $2.5 to $3.5, with a price difference of 40 percent. Prices of 'Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce/500ml' also differed for 36.6 percent, which was 20 percent more than the data collected in December. In comparison with December's survey, minimal price changes were observed in the current survey for many brands of seasonings. Selling price of 'Kimlan Light Soy Sauce/590ml' at one retail outlet had been dropped by 30.3 percent, or $5 less than last time's survey. 'Amoy Gold Brand Light Soy Sauce/500ml' recorded price increases in 12 retail spots but increases were generally less than 5 percent; other brands recorded minimal price changes. Survey result also showed that selling prices of some surveyed products in branches under the same supermarket chain were different. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make price comparisons. The specific price survey on seasonings is now available on the Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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As Lunar New year, a traditional peak shopping season, is coming, Economic Services Department (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) and Health Bureau (SS) were called for a meeting to discuss on the protection of consumer rights for inbound tourists and measures against 'unscrupulous shops'. Consumer Council reminds consumers 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 11AM to 6PM each day during Chinese New Year holidays (11th to 13th February). Consumer Council hotline: 8988 9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) additionally launches the Android version of its "Experience Macau" App, which enables more visitors to acquire the latest Macau travel information and experience Macau freely and easily at anytime. MGTO first launched the iPhone App of "Experience Macau" at the end of last September. There were over 7,000 downloads by January 31 this year. In order to give more visitors convenient access to Macau travel information, MGTO officially introduces the Android version of "Experience Macau" App today (February 7). The "Experience Macau" App in iPhone and Android version comprises 6 items and functions namely Experience Macau, What's On, Plan Your Trip, Game, Map and AR View. Certain selected attractions are even provided with audio introduction and 360o panorama photos. Among the functions, Experience Macau offers a variety of information about Macau World Heritage, Museums and Galleries, Shopping, Shows and Entertainment, Hotels and Guest Houses, etc. while What's On introduces the upcoming local events and festivals, exhibitions, performances and so on. Visitors can use the function of Plan Your Trip and self-design their own travel itineraries or follow the Suggested Routes for sightseeing in Macau. They may also gain various attractions' background information instantly through the AR technology. Users can check in at the designated attractions in the Game and immediately gain a virtual coin. On the other hand, the App enables users to share their travel fun and footprints in Macau with friends around the world on the social network Facebook. The MGTO's App provides user platform and information in English, traditional and simplified Chinese languages. Citizens and visitors are welcome to download the App for use. Users can download the "Experience Macau" App from App Store or Google Play for free. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Consumer Council recently collected selling prices of 9 festive foods. Survey result revealed that price differences of the same product sold at different retail outlets ranged from 15 percent to almost 40 percent. Survey result has been uploaded to the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' in its website.
Consumer Council collected prices of 9 festive foods from 26 retail outlets on 1st February, surveyed items included 'Planters Selection (yellow)', 'Kraft Ritz Sandwich Cracker', 'Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies', 'Kjeldsens Butter Cookies' , 'Ferrero Rocher', 'Brown & Haley Almond Roca', 'Sugus Assorted Fruited Flavour Chews', 'Lindt Lindor (Red)', and 'Bourbon Chocochip Cookies' in which the last two items were newly added to the survey this year. Survey result showed that price differences of the 9 festive foods ranged from 15 to 40 percent and the average price difference was about 20 percent.
The greatest price discrepancy was observed in 'Kjeldsens Butter Cookies/681g', which differed for 38.5 percent in price and was sold at $78.0 to $108.0 at different retail outlets. Survey result also showed that prices of 'Ferrero Rocher/300g (24pcs)' sold at R. Dos Mercadores branch and Taipa Flower City branch of the same supermarket group differed for 3 percent while selling prices of other products sold at different branches of this group remained the same.
In comparison with data from last year's survey, items that recorded price increases in many retail outlets this year included 'Ferrero Rocher/300g (24pcs)' and ''Brown & Haley Almond Roca/340g'. Both festive food brands recorded minimal to over 10 percent of price increase while prices of other brands had been dropped slightly. Prices of 'Kraft Ritz Sandwich Cracker/354g' had been decreased by about 5 percent at many retail spots.
The specific price survey on festive foods is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps.
Further, the latest issue of Consumer Report features an article on how to choose festive foods and reminds consumers to be aware of too much kitchen waste during Chinese New Year. The combined edition issue no. 233/234 of Consumer Report also covers a report on the number of cases received by the Council in 2012, and recent activities of the Council.
Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the office of Consumer Council (Rua Inácio Baptista, Nº 6-6A Edficio Seaview Garden R/C), and the service counter of Consumer Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the resources online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 790 new companies were incorporated in the fourth quarter of 2012, down by 86 year-on-year; total value of registered capital increased by 52.6% to MOP159 million, attributable to a 232% surge in that of Wholesale and Retail. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail (272), Business Services (144) and Real Estate (111). In the fourth quarter of 2012, companies in dissolution totalled 119 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP48 million. Analysed by place of residence of the shareholders, in the fourth quarter of 2012, capital of the new companies came mainly from Macao (MOP67 million); Mainland China (MOP66 million), including MOP13 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, and Hong Kong (MOP9 million). Analysed by combination of the shareholders, there were 503 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, and 91 joint ventures between shareholders from Macao and other countries or regions. For the whole year of 2012, a total of 3,612 new companies were incorporated, up by 207 year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 38.0% to MOP609 million. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail, totalled 1,285, up by 57 year-on-year. There were 2,452 new incorporations (67.9% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000 and the total value of capital amounted to MOP64 million only; however, there were 106 new companies registered with capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the total value of capital amounted to MOP399 million (65.5% of total). In 2012, number of companies in dissolution totalled 501 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP112 million, down by 2.0% and 63.3% respectively year-on-year. The companies in dissolution were predominantly engaged in Wholesale and Retail (190). At the end of 2012, number of registered companies totalled 39,787, an increase of 3,104 from the end of 2011, 36,683.
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Owing to the heavy snow in Korea, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packets, Parcels and EMS) from Macao to Korea are subject to delay until further notice.
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The Macao Museum, under the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and its affiliated galleries, including the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business, Mount Fortress Corridor and Guia Chapel at the Guia Fortress, will remain open to the public on the Eve of the Chinese New Year (9th February) and on the first three days of the Chinese New Year (10th to 12th February). The Cultural Affairs Bureau welcomes residents and visitors in Macao to visit these cultural facilities during the holidays. Holders of valid Macao Resident Identity Cards and Macao Student Cards may visit the Macao Museum free of charge from the first through the fourth day of the Chinese New Year.
The Macao Museum ticket lobby, decorated with festive New Year's flowers and plants to enhance the Spring Festival atmosphere, houses a display case featuring cultural relics recently donated to the Museum by enthusiastic people from all walks of life.
In addition, the special exhibition Journey to the Ends of the World: Michele Ruggieri and Jesuits in China is on view at the Macao Museum during the holidays. Visitors will gain an understanding of this early period of Sino-European cultural exchange, established upon the arrival in Macao of Catholic missionaries. The various rare exhibits come to the Museum on loan from the National Archives of Rome, the Biblioteca Alessandrina di Roma, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Archivio di Stato di Napoli, the Society of Jesus in Portugal, the Diocese of Macao, the Society of Jesus of Macao, the Museum of the Holy House of Mercy, the Macao Central Library and the Historical Archives of Macao.
The introduction of European culture and religions here, combined with the reciprocal dissemination of Chinese culture throughout Europe, represents a significant part of the contribution Macao has made to East-West cultural exchange. This special exhibition, a project enrolled in the EU-China Year of Intercultural Dialogue by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, has already depicted the outlook and landscape of this important era to throngs of visitors, as well as the many students and members of associations who have attended on organised visits. The Cultural Affairs Bureau renews its invitation to everyone, to partake in this meaningful experience during the Chinese New Year holidays. The Macao Museum is open from 10am to 6pm (the ticket booth closes at 5:30pm), and the usual guided tour service remains available on both the Eve and the First Day of the Chinese New Year (9th and 10th February). For further information on the opening hours of each gallery and on guided tour services, please call 28357911 during office hours or visit www.macaumuseum.gov.mo or www.icm.gov.mo for more information.
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