News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for August 2012 amounted to MOP816 million, up by 49.6% year-on-year, attributable to a 83.5% surge in re-exports (MOP632 million), but domestic exports (MOP184 million) decreased by 8.6%. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP6.05 billion, up by 7.1% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.24 billion for August 2012. In the first eight months of 2012, total value of merchandise export increased by 19.4% year-on-year to MOP5.40 billion, of which value of re-exports (MOP3.82 billion) and domestic exports (MOP1.58 billion) increased by 29.7% and 0.1% respectively; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 19.6% to MOP46.50 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first eight months of 2012 amounted to MOP41.10 billion. From January to August 2012, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP2.74 billion) and Mainland China (MOP875 million) increased by 41.9% and 18.5% year-on-year respectively, while export to the USA (MOP344 million) and the EU (MOP226 million) decreased by 12.5% and 17.0% respectively. Exports of Non-textiles (MOP4.66 billion) in the first eight months of 2012 expanded by 30.7% year-on-year, of which exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP989 million) and Tobacco & wine (MOP519 million) surged by 163.4% and 23.7% respectively, yet exports of Textiles & garments (MOP739 million) decreased by 22.7%. Domestic exports of Tobacco & wine (MOP361 million) rose by 28.7%, while that of Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP239 million) declined by 25.1%. Re-exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP984 million) increased by 166.7%. In the first eight months of 2012, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP14.99 billion) and the EU (MOP10.89 billion) increased by 25.1% and 12.4% respectively. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 21.0% to MOP28.40 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP4.92 billion), Watches (MOP3.47 billion) and Motor cars & motorcycles (MOP2.14 billion) increasing by 33.7%, 46.7% and 49.2% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP8.53 billion) registered a year-on-year increase of 20.6%. External merchandise trade reached MOP51.90 billion in the first eight months of 2012, up by 19.6% compared with MOP43.39 billion a year earlier.
…

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) received the lucky tourist and held the traditional tray race and dinner banquet to celebrate World Tourism Day together with the world today (September 27). During his speech at the dinner, Director of MGTO, João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed, "On its development path Macau tourism industry faced several adversities and challenges, but thanks to the unity and effort of tourism stakeholders difficulties were overcome. When MGTO decided to open the India market faced some skepticism but today India market performance proves that we have made the right choice, and next year we have plans to open a representative office in Russia. 2013 is an important year for Macau tourism industry as we will celebrate the 60th Macau Grand Prix and 25 years of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest. Despite the unstable international environment, I am optimistic about the prospects of the tourism industry and may we all continue to give our best so that united we can achieve better results." MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes and Deputy Director Manuel Pires arrived at Macau Ferry Terminal this morning to present welcome souvenirs to the lucky tourist today. Souvenirs were also distributed to visitors at MGTO Information Counters throughout the day. The lucky tourist of World Tourism Day this year is named Linda from Switzerland, who came with her friends to Macau the first time. Knowing about Macau through Internet, Linda stated that she planned to have a sightseeing day trip around Macau. The traditional tray race was held in the afternoon with participants setting off from the Ruins of St Paul's to Senado Square. The race was divided into men's and women's categories and attracted over 210 participants representing more than 20 hotels and restaurants in Macau. Winner of the men's category was Ken Zhang Jun Ru from Galaxy Hotel, while winner of the women's category was Fatzzy Tan from Venetian Macau Resort Hotel. Best Costume Awards went to Liang Hua An of Macau Fisherman's Wharf and Li Qiying of Holiday Inn Macau. During the 3rd session of its General Assembly in Spain in 1979, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) decided to designate September 27 as the annual "World Tourism Day". This is the 33rd year since the celebrations commenced in 1980. The main purpose of founding "World Tourism Day" is to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and especially its social, cultural, political and economic values among the international community. World Tourism Organization selects a specific theme message to commemorate "World Tourism Day" each year. In the past 32 years, a different theme was selected for the annual World Tourism Day. This year is the 33rd anniversary of World Tourism Day and the theme is "Tourism & Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development". The official celebrations of World Tourism Day 2012 are launched on September 27 in Maspalomas, Spain, with over 100 countries carrying out celebrations around the world on the day as well. For more details, please visit: http://wtd.unwto.org/en On the other hand, constructed and operated by Macau Hoteliers and Innkeepers Association, an online booking platform for budget accommodation will soon be launched under MGTO's support and encouragement. The related website will provide a platform for direct deals between operators and consumers and is expected to increase the overall capacity and competitiveness for budget accommodation. This press release is available at: http://www.macautourism.gov.mo
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the First Beijing Macao Economic and Trade Exchange Symposium would serve as a platform for the Beijing and Macao governments to strengthen and open up more room for co-operation.
He said this in a keynote speech as he officiated the opening of the symposium in Beijing, together with the Secretary of CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, Mr Guo Jinlong and the Acting Mayor of Beijing, Mr Wang Anshun.
Mr Chui said Beijing and Macao have close exchanges and contacts and the symposium was the fruit of the dedication of two governments. It could help to further expand co-operation on trade, tourism, convention, cultural and creative and city management, which would meet the needs in the economic and social development of the two places, he said.
In his speech, Mr Wang Anshun said the symposium was seen as a new chapter for co-operation between Beijing and Macao and it was one the major initiative of the Central Government on strengthening economic and trade co-operation between the Mainland and Macao.
The Beijing Government looked forward to using this platform to foster co-operation with the Macao Government, Mr Wang added.
During the opening ceremony, three strategic co-operation agreements on tourism, investment and trading, and convention and exhibition were signed.
According to the agreements, the tourism authorities of the two governments would jointly establish a tourism co-operation and co-ordination mechanism for tourism promotion, communication, and stipulate regulations and to develop multi-destination travel.
On trade co-operation, both areas would enhance the exchange of information on business and exhibitions, jointly host conventions and exhibitions, introduce business partners and provide commercial opportunities.
Mr Chui told reporters after the ceremony that more that 100 local business units were participating in the symposium to promote their products and described it as a good foundation of co-operation between the Beijing and Macao. He also revealed that he met with Mr Guo and Mr Wang earlier and that they have agreed to deepen co-operation on business, trade and culture, and had particularly discussed strengthening business promotion to the Portuguese-speaking countries and the Romance-speaking. Leaders of the two governments toured and inspected the exhibition hall before the opening of the symposium.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for June-August 2012 held stable at 2.0% in comparison with the previous period (May-July 2012); the underemployment rate was 0.8%, down by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force increased to 351,000; the labour force participation rate stood at 72.3%, up by 0.1 percentage point over the previous period. Total employment reached 344,000, up by 2,400 from May-July 2012. Analysed by industry, employment of Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities and the Manufacturing Sector saw increase. Number of the unemployed was similar to the previous period, at 7,000 in June-August 2012; besides, fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job accounted for 21.9% of the unemployed, an increase of 7.0 percentage points caused by school graduates entering the labour market. In comparison with June-August 2011, both the labour force participation rate and the unemployment rate decreased by 0.7 percentage point; the underemployment rate also went down by 0.1 percentage point.
…

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launches the iPhone App named "Experience Macau" which comes with the latest and popular travel information. It is also equipped with the augmented reality (AR) and trip planner functions which enable users to experience Macau freely and easily at anytime. The "Experience Macau" App comprises six 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. 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, they can share their travel fun and footprints in Macau with friends around the world through the social network Facebook. The MGTO's App provides user platform and information in English, traditional and simplified Chinese. Citizens and visitors are welcome to download the App for use. Users can search "Experience Macau" on App Store or download the App for free from MGTO's web link:http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/ezone/apps.php In near future, MGTO will also launch the App in Android version for more visitors to use.
…

In response to nine Dengue fever cases recorded, the Inter-departmental Taskforce on Prevention of Dengue Fever decided to start the third level of response measure against local diffusion.
The Co-ordinator of the taskforce, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, today presided over the working meeting, listened to the latest epidemic development and discussed with members who are heads of government departments, on preventive measures to be taken.
According to information from the Health Bureau, nine infected cases were confirmed and pathogenic point was in northern istrict. The taskforce decided to mobilise the public to implement mosquito control and personal protection measures. More detail will be announced soon.
…

Under the provisions of Administrative Regulation nº 30-2011 and amended by Administrative Regulation nº5-2012, the Macau Branch of Bank of China Limited and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino S.A. are authorized to issue additional Dragon Lunar Year Banknotes and new Lunar New Year Snake Banknotes. Macao residents (Macao permanent and non-permanent identity card holders) can proceed to conduct the online registration process for the subsequent exchange of these banknotes. Arrangements for the Lunar Year Dragon Banknotes
From 9.00 am of 4 October to 6.00 pm of 31 October 2012, Macao residents can register for the Dragon banknotes on the websites of Bank of China Limited and Banco Nacional Ultramarino S.A. via the webpage of the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) (www.amcm.gov.mo). Each Macao resident is permitted to log-onto the website of the two Issuing Banks once to perform the on-line registration for 15 Dragon banknotes from each Issuing Bank, or 30 Dragon banknotes from the two Issuing Banks in total. The quantity has been predetermined and cannot be altered. Registered residents can proceed to exchange their Dragon banknotes at the chosen bank between 3 December 2012 and 31 January 2013. Apart from the Macau Branch of Bank of China Limited and Banco Nacional Ultramarino S.A, other exchange locations available for selection include the selected branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, Tai Fung Bank Limited, Wing Hang Bank Limited, Luso International Banking Limited and Banco Comercial de Macau. Arrangements for the Lunar New Year Snake Banknotes
The online registration for the Lunar New Year Snake Banknotes will commence in January next year. Starting 9.00 am of 2 January to 6.00 pm of 31 January 2013, Macao residents can register for the Lunar New Year Snake Banknotes by following the aforementioned method. Each Macao resident is entitled to register for the exchange of 30 Snake banknotes from each Issuing Bank, or 60 Snake Lunar Year banknotes from the two Issuing Banks in total. The quantity has been predetermined and cannot be altered. Registered residents can go to exchange for their Snake banknotes at the chosen bank between 1 March 2013 and 30 August 2013. Appointment of Representative to Conduct the Note Exchange
If the registered residents cannot conduct the exchange of the lunar year banknotes on the selected date, then they can 1.) appoint representatives to conduct the note exchange on their behalf, who should present the original and signed copy of his / her ID card and those of the registered resident that he / she represents for verification purpose. 2.) fill in the representation authorization form that can be downloaded from the website of AMCM and have his / her signature verified by a private or public notary. In this case, the appointed representative will only need to present the duly filled and verified representation authorization form along with his / her own ID card when conducting the note exchange. AMCM reiterated that to ensure that the normal business operations of the banks involved will not be disrupted and the logical sequence of the process, different time periods have been assigned for the online registration and exchange of the two types of lunar year banknotes. This arrangement is also intended to cope with the printing and delivery schedule of the banknotes and to facilitate the handling procedure of the banks. Above all, such arrangement will also streamline the exchange in an orderly fashion. In the exchange of both types of the lunar year banknotes, serial number of the notes cannot be selected.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, led an official delegation to Beijing today to attend the First Beijing Macao Economic and Trade Exchange Symposium, which opens tomorrow. On his departure, Mr Chui told reporters at Macau International Airport that the Symposium was the fruit of the dedication of Beijing and Macao. More than 100 business units from Macao would actively participate in the event, and agreements on some 16 co-operative projects would be signed, said Mr Chui. He said that the Beijing authorities would come to Macao to jointly host the event next year, and that this would further strengthen the co-operation between Beijing and Macao in the future. The first ever symposium, to be held from 27-30 September, is jointly hosted by the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, the Macao SAR Government, and undertaken by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Council for Promotion of Trade of Beijing, and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. During the four-day event, a string of activities will be held including a forum on Beijing and Macao's development, special presentations, trade negotiations, signing protocols and the sale of Macao's feature products.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today instructed the health and related departments to step up their internal preparations and keep close contact with the World Health Organization (WHO), Mainland and Hong Kong authorities to monitor any new cases of the novel coronavirus.
After the warning issued by the WHO, Mr Chui convened a meeting with high-ranking officials from the health sector on the preparedness and response for the novel coronavirus infection cases found abroad.
He said Macao could fully make use of the communication mechanisms, such as the Meeting of Senior Health Officials and the Response Mechanism for Public Health Emergencies between Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, to keep each other informed and work jointly to prevent the spread of the new disease.
The departments should view the precautionary health facilities and personal protection equipment, and depending on the development of the virus, consider to launch the health report at checkpoints for better monitoring, said the Chief Executive.
Meanwhile, the Health Bureau and relevant departments should enhance the dissemination of health and prevention messages to the people, stressing on attention to personal hygiene.
…

Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Mainland China are subject to delay during the Mainland's National Day holidays from 30th September to 7th October 2012.
…