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Consumer Council released its first 'Supermarket Price Survey' of this year dated 17th January. In comparison with last time's survey, prices of around 60 percent of the surveyed products, mainly beverages, cleansing and hygienic products, had been decreased and recorded no change in price. Around 40 percent of the surveyed products recorded minimal increases in price. In the current survey, prices of 108 products, or 31 percent of the total number, had dropped, they included beverages, cleansing and hygienic products. Prices of around 27 percent of products remained unchanged. Shampoos and shower gels recorded minimal to about 4 percent of decreases in price while rice, canned foods and cereal products recorded no change in price. About 40 percent of products, mainly cooking oil, seasonings and dairy products, recorded minimal changes of less than 1 percent increase in price. Meanwhile, price increases recorded in seasonings ranged from 2 to 6 percent. Price increases were also observed in frozen food in which average prices of 7 of the 9 surveyed products had been raised slightly to up to over 16 percent. Among the 11 fixed choices of supermarkets surveyed by the Council, Tai Fung supermarket in Taipa recorded the highest percentage of on-shelf lowest price items, which meant that around 60 percent of over 250 items sold at Taipa Tai Fung recorded the lowest price among all surveyed supermarkets in the current survey. Park'n Shop at R. Areia Preta came next, with 24 percent of its over 180 on-shelf items having the lowest price. 20 percent of the over 260 items sold at Lee Fong supermarket at Almirante Costa Cabral also recorded the lowest price. Consumer Council reminds consumers that among the various supermarket chain stores surveyed, selling prices were found to vary in different branches in different regions. In this month's survey, price discrepancies were observed mainly in branches of San Miu supermarket in which about one third of the surveyed products sold at its R. dos Mercadores branch and Millennium Court branch were found to have different selling prices, price differences ranged from 5 to 10 percent were observed and found mainly in cereal products and canned foods. Prices of 10 products were also found to differ up to 60 percent in different branches of both Royal Supermarket and Park'n Shop. Consumers are advised to check with the information available on the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform', especially the function of 'Top Ten Price Differences' for the surveyed products. Consumers can also download the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps to make price comparisons. 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. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Owing to the snow and icy conditions of the whole country in United Kingdom, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to United Kingdom are subject to delay until further notice.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals decreased by 2.0% year-on-year to 2,495,851 in December 2012, and same-day visitors (1,243,291) accounted for 49.8% of the total. The average length of stay of visitors stood at 1.0 day, up by 0.1 day year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China increased slightly by 0.9% from December 2011 to 1,495,316, coming mostly from Guangdong Province (613,392) and Fujian Province (67,444); Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) increased by 5.4% to 603,904. Visitor arrivals from Taiwan, China (88,814) and the Republic of Korea (44,150) increased by 3.6% and 14.7% respectively; however, those coming from Hong Kong (611,826) and Malaysia (37,778) both decreased by 7.0%. Long-haul visitors from Europe (22,828) increased by 5.9%, while those from the Americas (26,070) and Oceania (12,436) decreased by 6.8% and 4.5% respectively. For the whole year of 2012, visitor arrivals increased by 0.3% year-on-year to 28,082,292; same-day visitors (14,504,994) accounted for 51.7% of the total. The average length of stay of visitors stood at 1.0 day, similar to that of 2011. Analysed by place of residents, visitors from Mainland China increased by 4.6% year-on-year to 16,902,499 in 2012, of which 7,131,904 travelled to Macao under the IVS, up by 8.2%; those from the Republic of Korea (444,773) and Thailand (231,295) increased by 11.5% and 17.8% respectively. However, visitor arrivals from Hong Kong (7,081,153) and Taiwan, China (1,072,052) decreased by 6.6% and 11.8% respectively. Long-haul visitors from Europe (262,692) and Oceania (129,165) increased by 4.3% and 0.9% respectively, while those from the Americas (306,521) decreased by 1.3%.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) and commercial real estate loans (CRELs) dropped in November 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, both RMLs and CRELs continued to grow. New Lending Approved In November 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks dropped 15.7% month-to-month to MOP3.6 billion; of which, 95.7% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents and non-residents decreased 11.9% and 57.5% respectively. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose markedly by 171.8% month-to-month to MOP0.2 billion. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 96.3% of the total, rose 173.1% while the amount to non-residents also went up by 142.7%. New CRELs contracted 7.0% month-to-month to MOP4.7 billion; of which, 96.7% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents dropped 9.3% whereas the amount to non-residents witnessed significant growth of 253.1% compared with the previous month. Outstanding Balances As at end-November 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP95.9 billion, an increase of 2.1% from one month earlier. The resident component, which made up 93.0% of the total, grew 2.7% whereas outstanding RMLs to non-residents shrank 5.9%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs edged up 1.4% from end-October to MOP67.6 billion. Residents accounted for 90.6% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew by 2.4% whereas those to non-residents slid 6.7%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of November 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.06%, up 0.01 percentage point from one month earlier. The ratio for CRELs saw little change at 0.13%.
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Owing to the flooding in Indonesia, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Indonesia are subject to delay until further notice.
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Four Central Government ministries and commissions have responded positively to the proposed new Macao-Zhuhai pedestrian crossing and water works to prevent floods in the inner harbour zone. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, in Beijing today as he concluded his visit to the capital with his official delegation, which included the Secretary for Transportation and Public Works, Mr Lao Si Io, and the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang. Mr Chui said Macao had been studying and co-ordinating with Guangdong and ministries and commissions of the Central Government on building a new passageway between Macao and Zhuhai to ease the pressure on the Bordergate terminal. He said that during the meetings with the Ministry of Land and Resources and the State Oceanic Administration, they discussed the usage of water, and the damages and sufferings in the inner harbour zone brought about by floods. He said the Macao SAR Government wanted to submit plans to the Central Government to tackle this issue, which involved the usage of water. Mr Chui said he had also spoken with representatives of the four ministries and commissions about the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the development of Hengqin and round-the-clock operation of checkpoints, as well as the management of one-off entry of small vehicles between Guangdong and Macao, which he described as an issue with no urgency and priority. Mr Chu and his delegation visited the General Administration of Customs, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Oceanic Administration, and the Ministry of Land and Resources. Other delegation members also included the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping, and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fong Sio Weng
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Hosted by the Macao SAR Government, coordinated by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), the 2013 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2013MIECF) will be held at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel from 21st March to 23rd March 2013. The upcoming 2013MIECF has adopted the theme "Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards A Green Future", advocating "Thinking Green, Going Clean, Living Cool". The event will feature green solutions in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Green Building, Green Mobility, Waste and Water Management Solutions and Environmental Services. In 2012, the event received the strong support of 51 government departments from different countries and regions, regional and international associations, institutions and trade associations, with over 8,500 professional visitors from 53 countries and regions. 398 entities and enterprises exhibited on a floor area exceeding 16,900 sqm. Meanwhile, 702 business matching sessions were arranged and 35 projects were signed on-site during the 3-day event. As the annual green economic and trade platform for the environmental industry and to encourage more Macao SMEs to take part in the event, the Organizers will provide 60% financial subsidies to eligible Macao SMEs. It is hoped that by getting the active involvement of SMEs in various activities, the technology exchange and co-operation among local environmental industry, the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and international markets will be enhanced through Macao, acting as a green business platform. This year's MIECF will also see a new section at the exhibition called "Green Bazaar", which will be held on the "Green Public Day", the last day of MIECF, when exhibition and retail sale of environmental products will take place. Qualified Macao companies are welcome to apply as exhibitors in the Green Bazaar, to showcase and sell environmentally friendly and water conservation products such as electrical appliances, office supplies, cleaning products, household articles or other consumer products made of recycled or natural materials. The Green Bazaar differs from the ordinary exhibition in that it is a tabletop display. The exhibition fee is only MOP1,000. The Organizers hope that this activity will enhance citizens' awareness in the purchasing of eco-friendly products and provide an avenue for local companies to showcase their eco-friendly products to the general public. Companies intending to apply for the SME exhibition subsidy or to showcase and sell their products at the "Green Bazaar" should meet the following criteria: At least 50% of the company shareholders are Macao residents or wholly-owned Macao enterprises, the relevant companies should be registered with the Macao Finance Services Bureau (DSF) for at least 2 years and have fulfilled tax obligations. Booths will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and the Organizers reserve the right to select eligible exhibitors. All applicants for the Green Bazaar must provide a description on all products to be displayed and sold during the exhibition. They must also provide relevant details to prove that such products meet the environmental criteria set by the Organizers. Due to the limited number of booths, the Organizers will review all applications, shortlist them and allocate booths to the successful candidates. Relevant application forms are available as from today and until January 28 (the closing day) at IPIM's Macao Business Support Center (Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, 263, China Civil Plaza Building, 19th Floor, Macao), during office hours. Registration and enquiry hotline: 8798 9605, website: www.macaomiecf.com.
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Details of building a new passenger passage between Macao and Zhuhai and alleviating floods in the old district will be discussed with the related Central government ministries, according to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. Speaking to reporters as he led an official delegation to Beijing, Mr Chui said they would meet with representatives from the Ministry of Public Security, the State Oceanic Administration, the Ministry of Land and Resources, and the General Administration of Customs. The governments of Guangdong, Zhuhai and Macao have held several rounds of talks to discuss the building of a new passenger passage after it had been proposed and the importance of the new project to the substantial development of these places, was recognised by the Central Government. The governments were working closely to get approval from the Central Government and this was one of the aims of this visit, said the Chief Executive. He said that the new model for port management, enhancing the efficiency of customs clearance and remedying flooding on the Canal dos Patos, a river between Zhuhai and Macao, would be discussed. On this trip, the Chief Executive will also visit the State Oceanic Administration, the Ministry of Land and Resources for talks on how to reduce flooding in the old district of Macao. In response to media's question on the one-off temporary application for cars passing Macao and Guangdong province, Mr Chui said that this topic was not the key element in this visit, but he would exchange ideas with the related authorities. He also said that the Macao Government would have a thorough consideration, taking into account Macao's traffic condition, carrying capacity and environment evaluation. Mr Chui was accompanied by the Secretary for Transportation and Public Works, Mr Lao Si Io, and the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang. During Mr Chiu's absence, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be the acting Chief Executive.
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Communications Museum is dressed up with beautiful New Year decorations. New Year stamps from different countries are displayed on the Large Stamp Projector. New background images of the festive celebrations can be found on the Personal Picture Postcard and Greenscreen Studio. Each visitor will have two red packets to stamp beautiful chops located at different areas inside the Museum. All are welcomed to join the Lucky Packet．2013! In this joyful festive season, the Museum Shop has launched new souvenir products including the bookmark magnifier, photo frame and transparent pillar-box postcard. Enjoy shopping your favorite gifts for your loved ones! From now till 14th February 2013, don't forget to vote for My Favorite Stamps of Macau, 2012 on the Museum website (http://macao.communications.museum). Each participant will automatically enter the lucky draw. For details of activities, please refer to the Museum website or promotion leaflet. Communications Museum will be closed from February 10th to February 13th, 2013. Wishing you a Happy New Year!
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The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was informed by the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius in Beijing that holders of the Macao SAR Passport are entitled to enter the Republic of Mauritius without a visa for a stay of 90 days. The above mutual visa exemption arrangement is accomplished after several negotiations between the Governments of the Macao SAR and the Republic of Mauritius. The Chief Executive of the Macao SAR has launched a Decision that, on the basis of reciprocity, nationals of the Republic of Mauritius can enter the Macao SAR without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days. This arrangement will be effective from 1 February 2013. Up to date, there are 104 countries or territories that have granted the Macao SAR Passport holders visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to their region. Moreover, there are 9 countries that have granted Macao SAR Travel Permit holders visa-free access to their region.
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