News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours soared by 60.6% year-on-year to 597,903 in September 2011. Visitors from Mainland China (422,292); Taiwan, China (45,138); Hong Kong (32,106) and the Republic of Korea (26,206) surged by 88.9%, 54.7%, 38.7% and 78.7% respectively. On the contrary, visitors from Japan (19,085) decreased by 31.7%. In the first three quarters of 2011, visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 16.8% year-on-year to 5,107,265. In September 2011, Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours decreased by 25.2% year-on-year to 15,031. The most popular tour itineraries were Mainland China (76.3% of total), Thailand (5.4%) and the Republic of Korea (5.1%). In the first three quarters of 2011, outbound residents in package tours decreased by 5.4% year-on-year to 176,666. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies surged by 35.9% year-on-year to 60,979; the main destinations were Mainland China (54.3% of total); Hong Kong (16.3%); and Taiwan, China (13.7%). In the first three quarters of 2011, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 27.8% year-on-year to 463,205. At the end of September 2011, number of available guest rooms of hotels and guest-houses totalled 22,407, up by 2,561 rooms (+12.9%) year-on-year, with that of 5-star hotels accounting for 63.8% of the total. Hotels and guest-houses received 701,708 guests in September 2011, up by 19.1% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (54.1% of total) and Hong Kong (19.0%). The average length of stay decreased by 0.04 night to 1.5 nights. The average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses was 79.7%, up by 5.6 percentage points year-on-year. Average occupancy rate of hotels was 80.2%, with 4-star hotels leading at 85.3%. Number of guests increased by 9.7% year-on-year to 6,297,229 in the first three quarters of 2011; average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 83.2%, up by 4.5 percentage points from a year earlier. In the first three quarters of 2011, visitor-guests accounted for 61.5% of the total number of tourists (overnight visitors), higher than 60.5% in the same period of 2010.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP253.4 billion (USD31.69 billion) at the end of October 2011. The reserves rose by 2.7% from the revised value of MOP246.8 billion (USD30.75 billion) for the previous month. When compared with a year earlier, the reserves increased by MOP78.3 billion or 44.7%. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-October 2011 represented 44 times the currency in circulation or 356.8% of Pataca M2 at end-September 2011. 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 by 0.51 points month-to-month but fell by 1.06 points year-on-year to 87.83 in October 2011. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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The Human Trafficking Deterrent Measures Concern Committee, in association with the Academy of Public Security Forces (ESFSM), organized the "Research on Some Legal Issues on Human Trafficking Crimes" Workshop yesterday (November 14) at the ESFSM. Mr. Zhao Guoqiang, Professor of Law, was invited to lecture at the workshop attended by trainees from the Security Forces, frontline officers from the Macao Customs, Public Security Police and the Judiciary Police. Frontline officers often encounter potential victims of human trafficking, or even traffickers. Thorough understanding of how to define, investigate and prosecute cases can enhance the effort in combating human trafficking crimes. Through this workshop, participants are given opportunities to learn how to define human trafficking cases, as well as distinguish characteristics between crimes. The speaker also emphasized on the constituent elements of trafficking in minors. Whether or not by any means (even without fraud or coercion, and moreover, with the consent of the victim), trafficking of minors under the age of 18 for the purpose of sexual exploitation constitute human trafficking.
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For the first time ever, Macau resident and visitors of all ages will have the chance to enjoy all the glamour and excitement of the Macau Grand Prix for free at a 'mini-paddock' in Tap Seac Square this weekend. Complete with examples of the stunning super cars which will take to the Guia Circuit during the actual Grand Prix, racing simulators for aspiring pilots, and glamorous racing models, the November 12-13 event will bring all the high-octane thrills to families and fans. A competition will be held for the best photograph of the event. A giant screen, which will remain in place for the duration of the Grand Prix, will show exciting clips to add to the authenticity of the 'paddock'. Fans will be able to watch all the Grand Prix action live from November 17 to 20, one of a number of screens around the city which will show the 58th Macau Grand Prix Official Sponsor "SJM". Visitors will be able to meet the drivers and racing girls, take photos and get right up close to some of the state-of-the-art racing cars. The 34 cars on show will represent the world's greatest automobile names, including Aston Martin, Audi, Ferrari, Ford, Ginetta, Lamborghini, Lotus and Porsche, with the extraordinary new McLaren road car, which will make its Asian racing debut at Macau next week, sure to attract attention. An opening ceremony will be held at 3pm on Saturday, November 12. Entry to the show, which will be open from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday, is free of charge and the event forms part of the week-long Grand Prix carnival. For more information, please visit the Official Macau Grand Prix website at www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
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Owing to flooding in France, Macao Post announced that all mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to areas bearing the following postal codes prefixes are subject to delay until further notice. Postal Code Prefixes
07, 11, 13, 30, 34, 48, 66, 83 Thank you for your kind attention.
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As part of the 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre is going to hold a workshop on "Legislative Drafting Experiences in Bilingual and Multilingual Legal Systems and Management of the Legislation" with the aim to enhance the knowledge of our legal professionals in the legislative drafting experiences of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada as well as an accent on the management of the legislation experiences. This event begins on Monday, November 14th, at 4:00 p.m. in the Multi-function Room of the Law Reform and International Law Bureau located on Alameda Dr. Carlos D' Assumpção, n. ° 398, CNAC building, 6th floor. This workshop will be conducted in English / Portuguese, with simultaneous translation into Cantonese and Portuguese and will feature the following keynote speakers: 1. Professor Luzius Anton Mader, Associate Professor at the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration in Lausanne and Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Justice (Swiss Ministry of Justice); 2. Ms. Marta Tavares de Almeida, Director of the External Relations Service and Extension of Law Faculty, University of New Lisboa and Vice-President of the International Association of Legislation. During the five daily sessions, taking place from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, until November 18th, the following topics will be discussed: 1. Introductory session (legislative methodology and drafting, legal systems, cultures and styles); 2. The rule of law and the quality of laws; 3. Multilingual legislative drafting in Switzerland; 4. Multilingual legislative drafting in Canada; 5. Multilingual legislative drafting in the European Union; 6. Management of the legislation and management of the legislative corpus. The 2nd EU-Macao Co-operation Programme in the Legal Field, which incorporates this workshop, has as its main objective the "Consolidation of the Macao Legal System" and will take place until December 2012. The execution of this Programme is organised by the Law Reform and International Law Bureau (DSRJDI), with the participation of several other MSAR's entities and public departments, namely, the Legal and Judicial Training Centre (CFJJ), the Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ), the Economic Services (DSE), the Financial Services Bureau (DSF) and the Institute of European Studies of Macao (IEEM).
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will deliver his Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2012 on 15 November (Tuesday). The session will be held at the Legislative Assembly at 3 pm, to be followed by a press conference at Government Headquarters at 5 pm The Address will be broadcast live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo), the website of the Office of the Chief Executive (http://www.gce.gov.mo), the website of the Government Information Bureau (http://www.gcs.gov.mo) and the website of the Legislative Assembly (http://www.al.gov.mo). Chinese and Portuguese versions of the Policy Address will be available on these websites. The following day, Mr Chui will attend the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly to answer questions from the legislators, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Teledifusão de Macau (TV and radio) will broadcast live the Policy Address, the press conference and the plenary session. From 22 November (Tuesday) to 6 December (Tuesday), the five policy secretaries will attend plenary meetings of the Legislative Assembly to introduce their policies and answer legislators' questions. These sessions will also be broadcast live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR, the website of the Legislative Assembly and by Teledifusão de Macao. Hard copies of the Police Address will be made available to members of the public on 15 November from various government facilities such as the Central Library, the Macao Post, the Government Printing Bureau, the Government Information Bureau, the Social Welfare Bureau, and the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Gaming Sector saw favourable growth in 2010, with substantial increase in visitor arrivals. Total Receipts of the Gaming Sector reached MOP 190.67 billion, and Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 91.27 billion, up notably by 57% and 44% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy soared by 58% to MOP 113.34 billion. However, Gross Fixed Capital Formation shrank significantly by 63% from 2009 to MOP 1.10 billion, following the conclusion of the tourism and gaming facilities in 2009. In 2010, Total Receipts of the Gaming Sector amounted to MOP 190.67 billion, of which Receipts from Gaming & Related Services (e.g. food & beverage, currency exchange, etc.) reached MOP 190.62 billion; Interest Receipts decreased notably by 71% year-on-year to MOP 50.55 million. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 91.27 billion, with Purchase of Goods, Commission Paid and Customer Rebate rising by 66% from 2009 to MOP 65.44 billion (72% of the total); besides, Operating Expenses (MOP 11.89 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 10.71 billion) also increased by 15% and 4% respectively.
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No dia 30 de Setembro de 2011, estimou-se que a população de Macau era composta por 560.100 pessoas, o que representa um acréscimo de 2.000 pessoas face ao fim do segundo trimestre deste ano, informam os Serviços de Estatística e Censos. Durante o terceiro trimestre do corrente ano, nasceram 1.473 nados-vivos e observou-se uma subida de 8,9% comparativamente ao segundo trimestre de 2011. Destes 762 eram do sexo masculino, o que corresponde a uma taxa de masculinidade à nascença de 107,2. Por seu turno, registaram-se 471 óbitos, mais 15,7% em termos trimestrais, cujas causas antecedentes de morte foram, principalmente, tumores e doenças do aparelho circulatório. Relativamente às doenças de declaração obrigatória, ocorridas no terceiro trimestre de 2011, foram comunicados 1.011 casos, sendo os predominantes a enterovírus infecção, a Influenza e a T.B pulmonar, com 369, 236 e 86 casos, respectivamente. O número de casamentos atingiu os 847, subiu 8,7% em relação ao segundo trimestre de 2011. No trimestre em análise, verificou-se que 1.719 cidadãos chineses eram titulares de "Salvo conduto singular da China Continental para Macau/Hong Kong", mais 185 indivíduos, em termos trimestrais. No que toca aos imigrantes ilegais, 382 foram repatriados no terceiro trimestre de 2011. Havia 851 indivíduos autorizados a residir em Macau, mais 230 pessoas relativamente ao segundo trimestre de 2011. Até ao fim do terceiro trimestre deste ano, existiam em Macau 89.896 trabalhadores não residentes que aumentaram 4.623 em comparação com o fim do segundo trimestre de 2011.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, on a monthly basis, broad money witnessed a slight decline in September. As loans to non-residents exhibited a significant decrease, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio continued to fall. Money supply
Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 2.3% and 7.1% respectively. M1 thus increased 6.3% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities dropped 1.1%, driving M2 to edge down by 0.2% to MOP278.6 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 6.2% and 17.6% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 25.5%, down 0.2 percentage points over a month ago and 3.0 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 53.0%, down 0.4 percentage points month-to-month and 1.6 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits
Resident deposits dropped 0.2% from the previous month to MOP272.4 billion. Of which, MOP deposits and HKD deposits decreased at respective rates of 1.1% and 0.9% while other foreign currency deposits grew 2.6%. In the meantime, non-resident deposits rose 1.5% to MOP94.7 billion and public sector deposits with the banking sector also increased 4.6% to MOP24.2 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 0.5% from a month earlier to MOP391.3 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 21.2% and 43.9% respectively. Loans
Domestic loans to the private sector increased 2.4% on a monthly basis to MOP164.9 billion. Among which, MOP41.3 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP108.2 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 25.1% and 65.6% of the total respectively. Compared with a quarter ago, loans to "construction and public works", "wholesale and retail trade" and "transport, warehouse and communications" increased at respective rates of 19.2%, 17.3% and 6.7% whereas those to "restaurants, hotels and similar" and "manufacturing industries" dropped 9.4% and 8.0% respectively. External loans decreased 3.8% to MOP147.8 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.3% (MOP0.4 billion) and 34.0% (MOP50.2 billion) respectively.
Loan-to-deposit ratios
As domestic loans to the private sector increased while resident deposits dropped, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-September 2011 rose 1.2 percentage points month-to-month to 55.6%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors was 79.9%, down slightly by 0.9 percentage points from the previous month.
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