News

The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, will visit Macao at the invitation of the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, to attend a string of activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region Macao.
The law, adopted at the First Session of the Eighth National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and promulgated by Decree of the President of the People's Republic of China No. 3 on 31 March 1993, came into effect at the establishment of the Macao SAR on 20 December 1999.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific product price survey on oral care products. A general price difference of about 40 percent was observed for the same product sold at different retail outlets and the highest price difference recorded was over 80 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of 10 toothpastes and mouthwashes from 30 retail outlets, including supermarkets and drugstores, on 7th February. Price differences ranged from 26.76 percent to 83.49 percent were observed this time. The greatest price difference was found in 'Oral-B Tooth and Gum Care/100g', which was sold at $10.9 to $20.0, which differed for 83.49 percent and was 40 percent more than the data from last time's survey. The highest and lowest price of 'Crest Cavity Prevention Toothpaste - Icy Mint/200g' also differed for 60 percent. Survey result also showed that among the various supermarket chain stores surveyed by the Council, selling prices of some products were found to vary in different branches. Consumers are advised to check with the survey result to make price comparisons. The specific product price survey on oral care products has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP137.0 billion (USD17.15 billion) at the end of January 2013. The reserves increased by 3.4% or MOP4.5 billion from the revised value of MOP132.5 billion (USD16.60 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-January 2013 represented 18 times the currency in circulation or 150.7% of Pataca M2 at end-December 2012. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency's exchange rates against the currencies of Macao's major trading partners, rose slightly by 0.07 points month-to-month but fell 0.48 points year-on-year to 96.92 in January 2013. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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The Monetary Authority of Macao released today the credit card statistics for the fourth quarter of 2012. The total number of personal credit cards in circulation was 648,881 at the end of December 2012, equivalent to an increase of 4.4% over a quarter earlier. The numbers of Pataca (MOP) cards, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) cards and Renminbi (RMB) cards were 470,751, 70,953 and 107,177 respectively. MOP cards, HKD cards and RMB cards witnessed respective growth of 3.6%, 1.3% and 10.2% quarter-to-quarter. Compared with a year ago, MOP cards and HKD cards rose 13.8% and 6.3% respectively, while the RMB cards registered an upsurge of 39.0% mainly driven by a marked 41.2% growth of MOP/RMB dual-currency cards.
As at end-December 2012, credit card credit limit granted by banks in Macao reached MOP10.8 billion, up 5.7% from end-September 2012. Credit card receivables amounted to MOP1.7 billion while the rollover amount totalled MOP502.8 million, accounting for 29.2% of credit card receivables. The delinquency ratio, i.e. the ratio of delinquent amount overdue for more than three months to credit card receivables, edged down to 0.61%.
For the fourth quarter of 2012, the credit card turnover surged 17.9% quarter-to-quarter to MOP3.4 billion. The cash advance turnover was MOP158.4 million, accounting for 4.7% of total credit card turnover. Credit card repayments, in which payments for interest and fees are included, went up 7.4% from the previous quarter to MOP3.2 billion.
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First organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the grand evening outdoor Lunar New Year celebrations namely "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" unveiled tonight (February 12). MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, President of Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM), Ung Vai Meng and Administration Committee member of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Isabel Celeste Jorge officiated the launch ceremony at 8 p.m. The 10 floats were radiant with diverse characteristics. Among them, MGTO's float was decorated under the theme "Touching Moments･Experience Macau" whereas IACM's float was themed around the Zodiac statues of the Snake at Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge and Iao Hon Market Garden. The rest 8 floats were designed to set off the image of their representative enterprises. The 10 show themes of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" are "Prosperity Dragon Leaping into the Blooming Year", "Affluent Harvest on the Imperial Land", "Exuberant Celebration of Year of Golden Snake", "Bright Lights, Blooming City", "City of Lusophonic Charm", "Celebration of Longevity", "The Rhythm of Dancing Drums", "The Sparkling Future of Macau", "Joyous Festivity of Opulence" and "The Brilliant Calls of Vitality". The 10 floats and close to 1,000 performers organized by 28 local associations jointly started off from Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, presenting fantastic performance for citizens and visitors on the way as well as audience who watched the live broadcast on the grand LED screens and two TV channels, together celebrating the bliss of Lunar New Year. MGTO installed LED screens at Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van and live broadcasted the parade through the LED screens at Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva and Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre so that audience could enjoy the whole fascinating show of the parade. Simultaneously, Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. (TDM) and Macau Cable TV live broadcasted the parade while the latter also recorded the show for subsequent broadcast. Over 340 staff and nearly 230 volunteers participated in the event. The parade and performing teams commenced from Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, passed through Avenida Dr. Stanley Ho and reached the destination at Sai Van Lake Square. Numerous local and foreign spectators crowded along the way. Lighting devices and icicle lights were installed along the parade route, while curtain lights and meteor lights were set up at the starting and finishing points. The illuminations glistened in harmony with the floats' light devices and the performing teams' unique costumes. Resplendent with the artists' passionate and interactive performance, the parade together constituted a dazzling picture and infused a bustling and jubilant atmosphere, showing the harmonious festivity of Spring Festival. During the parade, stage performance went on at Sai Van Lake Square as well. Upon the parade's arrival at the square, part of the performing teams instantly joined the stage performance. A myriad of fireworks then climaxed the celebrations at 10 p.m. Afterwards, the guests along with the parade and performing teams joined the celebration evening banquet, where Director Fernandes expressed deep gratitude to the participating entities, sponsors, social organizations and all the staff for their great support as well as to citizens and visitors for their participation such that the unprecedented mega parade came to a successful accomplishment. MGTO expects the event to boost the charm and festive ambience of Macau. It also serves to divert visitors towards different districts through various activities in coordination with the Development Plan for Community Tourism. MGTO, IACM and ICM are the organizers of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" while The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District is the supporting entity. The major programs take place at night on the 3rd and 7th day of Lunar New Year with highlights including launch ceremony, float parade, 1,000-artists performance, stage show, fireworks display and float exhibition. The launch ceremony of the parade on the 7th night of Lunar New Year will take place on Avenida do Conselheiro Borja at 8 p.m. Similarly, 10 floats will join the parade which will set off from Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and finish at Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon. Colorful stage performance will be scheduled in Iao Hon Market Garden. The 10 floats joining the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square respectively during February 12 – 24 (3rd - 15th day of the first lunar month). The float illuminations will lighten from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. during the above period. MGTO will also participate in the Lantern Festival celebrations organized by IACM at Tap Seac Square on the 15th of the first lunar month, including float exhibition and artistic performance. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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The city is vibrant with festive joy as the Year of the Snake arrives. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) sincerely wishes Macau citizens and visitors a new year flowing with vitality and bliss. MGTO also hopes that Macau tourism industry will thrive with its diversified and sound development, sparing no efforts in building a "World Centre of Tourism and Leisure". MGTO and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) jointly presented Spring Festival celebrations at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square on the 1st day of Lunar New Year (February 10), sharing the new year delight with Macau citizens and visitors. Last year over 25 million visitors visited Macau from Greater China region. During Chinese New Year holidays, a remarkable number of visitors are expected to travel from Mainland and neighboring regions to Macau for vacation. Likewise, international visitors come to Macau during this season to experience the festive ambience of Chinese New Year. MGTO and IACM thus took the opportunity to express New Year greetings to citizens and visitors, showing the warm hospitality of Macau. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Chairman of Administration Committee of IACM, Tam Vai Man, MGTO Deputy Directors Manuel Pires and Cecilia Tse along with the travel trade representatives hosted the eye-dotting ceremony for the lions and golden dragons at the Ruins of St. Paul's and lit firecrackers at Senado Square to mark the celebrations in the morning of the 1st day of Lunar New Year. Afterwards, the guests joined with the God of Fortune to distribute "Lai Si" and souvenirs at Senado Square, a place thus permeated with jubilant atmosphere. "Lai Si" given by the God of Fortune bestowed good wishes for the prosperity of Macau. Performance by the dance troupe from Sichuan also added color to the celebrations. A 238-meter-long golden dragon led a parade across major tourist spots. The golden dragon demonstrated vigorous move accompanied by lively young lions. Together they symbolize the flourishing development of Macau. On the other hand, snake signifies nimbleness, a characteristic that inspires Macau citizens to pursue creativity and ingeniousness whilst striving for the welfare of Macau in unity. MGTO continues the tradition and distributes "Lai Si" to visitors during Lunar New Year. Starting on the 1st day of Lunar New Year, MGTO 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 1st and 2nd day of Lunar New Year. The programs are available on the MGTO's website http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
In addition, MGTO will host the grand evening outdoor Lunar New Year celebrations "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 3rd and 7th day of Lunar New year, with highlights including float parade, 1,000-artists performance, fireworks display and float exhibition, etc. The worship ceremony of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" was held at Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van at 1 p.m. today. MGTO Director Fernandes and Chairman of IACM Administration Committee Tam Vai Man, etc. hosted the ceremony. During Lunar New Year, MGTO's "Tourism Hotline 2833 3000" maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer tourists' enquiries. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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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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