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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, left for Beijing this morning for a duty visit during which he would report to state leaders on the Macao SAR's affairs in the past 12 months and the government's policy blueprint for 2013. Speaking to the press at the Macau International Airport, Mr Chui said he would learn more about regional co-operation and the implementation of the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement, as well as collaboration in the development of Hengqin and Nansha. Government officials travelling with Mr Chui on the visit includes the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Alexis Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms Wallis O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Victor Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Office of the Macao SAR in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai; the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Daniel Fung Sio Weng; and Adviser of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Kou Chin Hung. While Mr Chui is away, the Secretary for Economic and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, would be acting Chief Executive.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today that the government would reinforce the establishment and improvement of the long-term mechanism of effective administration in social security, medical services and healthcare, education and housing. Mr Chui pledged that this would be the focus of the government in the new year. He disclosed this when he delivered a speech at a reception at the Macau Tower to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. 'Over the past year, with the full support of the central government and the combined efforts of the Macao people, we faced the challenge of the weakening peripheral economic environment with a positive approach. 'Thanks to the powerful vitality of the "One country, two systems" principle, the Macao Special Administrative Region has achieved sustainable economic growth, providing sufficient employment opportunities to local residents. 'Under the strong leadership of the Central Government, we, as people of China, are now making our best efforts to build a beautiful China and realise the sustainable development of the Chinese." Speaking on the long-term mechanism, Mr Chui said the Government would expand its budget allocation in social security, medical services and healthcare, education and housing to ensure the long-term mechanism of effective administration could be smoothly structured and launched. 'We will make progress in the infrastructural development in the aforementioned areas and provide hardware support, promote inter-departmental co-operation, and integrate multifaceted support to give full play to the function of the long-term mechanism of effective administration. 'We will also reinforce talent cultivation and reserves, to ensure that the mechanism effectively and continuously enhances the living standards of Macao people." Mr Chui said. 'Alongside the development of its long-term mechanism of effective administration, the SAR government is also highly concerned about the hardship of local residents under persistent inflation, and will make greater efforts to support the underprivileged. 'Besides allocating the 19,000 public housing units in proper order to those in need, the government will continue to build more public housing units next year, and recommence accepting applications for public housing and Home-Ownership Scheme Housing. 'We will speed up the study of the "Macao Land for Macao People" policy and measures, with the determination and intention to assist those with housing problems. 'For the middle-income class, the government will also implement a series of targeted measures, including tax refunds, to relieve their financial stress and encourage them to make further progress. 'To promote the betterment of people's livelihoods, we will strive to ensure steady growth in the economy. In consideration of the economic situation in the year ahead, we must firstly ensure a stable financial system in order to boost secure employment for local residents. 'At the same time, we will continue with our core economic development approach to establish Macao as a world tourism and leisure centre and a business service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, by supporting the growth of convention and exhibition sector and cultural and creative industries to facilitate adequate diversification of the economy. 'While intensifying supervision and control, we also promote the healthy development of the gaming industry by implementing development projects to strengthen its non-gaming components. We also join hands with the industry to enrich the content of integrated tourism. 'Furthermore, we will grasp the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries to further support local enterprises to provide intermediary services to the Mainland and the Portuguese-speaking countries. 'We are dedicated to the continued implementation of a series of important agreements on regional cooperation, and to the establishment of closer partnerships with the Mainland, especially Guangdong Province,' Mr Chui said. Guests who attended the reception included the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah, the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Li Gang, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue, the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng, the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning, more than 300 guests attended the flag raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square. Government entities and civil organisations would also organise events to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the MSAR.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (119.00) for November 2012 increased by 5.72% year-on-year, attributable to rising charges for meals bought away from home and higher prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas; nevertheless, a raise in Government subsidy on electricity tapered off part of the increase. For the 12 months ended November 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.19% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B also rose by 6.44% and 6.39% respectively. In comparison with November 2011, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+34.35%); Housing & Fuels (+8.53%); and Household Goods & Furnishings (+8.26%) marked notable increase on account of dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and higher charges for domestic services. On the contrary, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.06% and 1.05% respectively year-on-year. The CPI-A (118.64) and CPI-B (119.55) increased by 6.21% and 5.86% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI increased by 0.90% month-to-month, of which dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, new arrival of Winter clothing, and rising charges for out-patient medical services pushed up the price index of Clothing & Footwear; Housing & Fuels; and Health by 2.85%, 2.79% and 2.54%. However, price index of Transport; Communication; and Recreation & Culture decreased by 0.82%, 0.71% and 0.41% on account of lower gasoline prices, as well as reduced charges for package tours and internet services. The CPI-A and the CPI-B increased by 1.00% and 0.86% respectively month-on-month. The average Composite CPI for the first eleven months of 2012 increased by 6.13% year-on-year, of which price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+31.17%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+8.65%) saw remarkable increase, while that of Communication decreased by 4.43%. The CPI-A and CPI-B for the first eleven months of 2012 rose by 6.40% and 6.35% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) dropped whereas commercial real estate loans (CRELs) grew in October 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, both RMLs and CRELs continued to grow. New Lending Approved In October 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks dropped 9.1% month-to-month to MOP4.2 billion; of which, 91.6% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents and non-residents decreased 6.4% and 30.7% respectively. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose 15.0% month-to-month to MOP81.2 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 95.8% of the total, rose 22.7% whereas the amount to non-residents went down by 53.0%. New CRELs expanded 63.0% month-to-month to MOP5.1 billion; of which, 99.1% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents advanced 67.3% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped 59.1% compared with the previous month. Outstanding Balances As at end-October 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP94.0 billion, an increase of 2.6% from one month earlier. The resident component made up 92.4% of the total. Outstanding RMLs to residents and non-residents grew by 2.6% and 2.4% respectively. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs edged up 0.1% from end-September to MOP65.6 billion. Residents accounted for 91.2% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew by 0.2% whereas those to non-residents slid 0.8%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of October 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.05%, down 0.01 percentage point from one month earlier. The ratio for CRELs went up 0.05 percentage points from end-September to 0.14%.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on instant noodles. Prices of 10 brands of instant noodle were stable although price differences of the same brand of noodles sold at different retail spots were significant. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The Council collected 10 brands of instant noodle products from 23 retail outlets on 13th December. Survey result revealed price differences ranged from the lowest 6.67 percent to the highest 92.31 percent for the same product sold at different retail outlets. The biggest price difference of 92.31 percent was observed in 'Doll Instant Mifun/70g', which was sold at $2.6 to $5.0. 'Doll Instant Noodle - Sesame Oil Flavour/100g x 5', which was sold at $12.0 to $20.0, observed a price difference of 66.67 percent. A general price difference of about 20 to 30 percent was also recorded for 5 other products in the current survey. In comparison with October's record, prices of the surveyed instant noodles were stable as 6 of the surveyed brands recorded no change in price. The specific price survey on instant noodles is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps.
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Macao is to organise a wide range of activities and events on Thursday to mark the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Highlights will include a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am, which will be broadcast live by Macao TV station (TDM), and a reception hosted by the SAR Government at Macau Tower at 9:30 am. To bring fun and entertainment to the people, the Macao Sport Development Board will organise a concert by Hong Kong Canto-pop star Eason Chan Yik-shun at Macao Stadium on Taipa island at 2 pm. In addition, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, for the second consecutive year, will organise the "Parade through Macau, Latin City" at 4pm. Artistes and groups from Macao, the Mainland, Portugal, Italy and France will be joined by performers from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador, among other Latin American countries, to highlight the harmonious fusion of the territory's unique cultural characteristics. Beginning at the city's iconic Ruins of St. Paul's Church, the procession will continue through the picturesque St. Lazarus Neighbourhood, passing by the Church, to Tap Seac Square where it is to culminate in a grand finale with a variety of performances by all the artistes. Meanwhile, the Macao Post will issue commemorative covers and offer hand-back services to the public. The Macau Government Tourist Office will present a fireworks display, off Macau Tower, at 9:30 pm.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on dairy products. Price differences ranged from 5 to 50 percent were recorded for the same product sold at different retail outlets. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The Council collected prices of 15 dairy products from 17 retail outlets on 12th December. Price differences ranged from 5 to 50 percent were recorded for the same product sold at different retail outlets. 'Anchor UHT Whipping Cream/1L', which was sold at $38.0 to $57.0, recorded a price difference of 50 percent; 'Anchor Pure New Zealand Butter (salted)/227g' and 'Pura UHT Milk (paper pack)/1L' also recorded price differences of 46.9 and 42.42 percent respectively. 'Cowhead Pure Milk (paper pack)/1L', which was on sale at one retail spot, recorded the highest selling price of $15.0, resulting in a drop in its price discrepancy from 80.95 percent in last time's survey to only 25 percent in the current survey. In comparison with October's survey data, 8 of the surveyed products recorded no change in price. The only obvious change was found in the selling price of 'Pura UHT Milk (paper pack)/1L' in one retail outlet that had been increased by 32 percent. The specific price survey on dairy products 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.
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Macao and the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office will continue mutual support and deepen co-operation on disease control and prevention, according to a press release by the Office of the Chief Executive on Friday (14 December). The two sides reached consensus during a meeting between Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On and WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Shin Young-soo, at Government Headquarters in Macao. Dr Shin and the Director of Programme Management of WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Dr Han Tieru, were in Macao following their visit to the Mainland. During the meeting, Mr Chui once again expressed his gratitude to WHO's long-term support to Macao in public health and other medical areas, especially the strong support and assistance given by the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office during the outbreak of SARS in neighbouring areas in 2003, adding that under the suggestions and guidelines from its regional office, Macao had overcome difficulties and smoothly coped with the epidemic. He pointed out that Macao had accumulated its experience in fighting against SARS, which was advantageous to improve its work in public health. He noted that the Government was obliged to prevent and cure communicable diseases, adding that a 10-year healthcare and medical services plan would allocate resources in the infrastructure of medical services and training to strengthen Macao's response capability in public health. Mr Chui said Macao's health authority would maintain close and effective communication with the WHO, adding that apart from communicable diseases, Macao would also support WHO's projects in the prevention and control of non-communicable and chronic diseases. He also said Macau would spare no efforts to support WHO in helping developing countries and other countries in the region in disease control and prevention. Dr Shin praised the Macao SAR Government's great efforts in tobacco control, re-affirming the close and quick response communication in reporting communicable diseases in consideration of Macao is a tourism-oriented territory.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific product price survey on oral care products. Survey result showed that prices of the surveyed products remained stable and a general price difference of 35 to 45 percent was observed for the same product sold at different retail outlets. 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. Consumer Council collected prices of 10 toothpastes and mouthwashes from 30 retail outlets, including supermarkets and drugstores, on 11th December. Minimal changes were observed in prices of the surveyed products but overall prices were stable. In comparison with October's data, price discrepancies of the same product sold at different retail outlets have shrunk from the highest 80 percent down to 60 percent. In the current survey, the greatest price difference was recorded in 'Crest Cavity Prevention Toothpaste - Icy Mint/200g', which was sold at $8.8 to $14.0, with a difference of $5. Other surveyed products were found to have a general price difference of about 35 to 45 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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Consumer Council reminds consumers that no additional fees should be charged when making consumption by credit card. Consumers can lodge their complaints with the Council if they encounter any businesses that charge additional fees.
As credit card has become a common way of payment and credit card companies offer various discount offers, a lot of consumes choose to pay by credit cards when purchasing products or services. However, consumers reflect that certain companies charge an additional amount of money for those who pay with credit card, thus resulting in an extra burden in their purchases. According to Decree-Law no. 16/95/M, it is stated that all products and services transacted within the region of Macao, using payment methods such as credit or debit cards, or electronic machines installed at the business premises or similar kinds of electronic money, should be paid in MOP and no excuses is allowed to attach any extra fee on the agreed price or transaction amount.
In 2010, the Council conducted a survey on credit card additional fees charged by travel agencies and survey result showed that some agencies charged consumers an additional amount when paying by credit card. The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) was informed by the Council and the travel agencies being complained against were then advised to amend the practice of charging credit card surcharge. The same survey was carried out again this November by the Council to check the current practice of local travel agencies. Survey result shows that some travel agencies have cancelled their policies on credit card surcharge after AMCM's advice but certain travel agencies have not. The Council will cooperate with AMCM to improve the current practices of these agencies and promote the terms of Decree-Law no. 16/95/M about the rights and obligations of both consumers and travel agencies. Consumers are also reminded that they have the right to reject any additional fees charged on them by the companies if they pay by credit card. Complaints can be lodged with both the Council and AMCM. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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