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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2014 totalled MOP 18.31 billion, down by MOP 29 million compared with the revised figure of MOP 18.33 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 5.38 billion (29% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (17%), Leather Goods (10%), Adults' Clothing (10%), Goods in Supermarkets (6%) and Motor Vehicles (6%). Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2014 increased by 15% year-on-year, with marked increase being observed in sales of Electrical Goods (+47%), Goods in Supermarkets (+25%), Goods in Department Stores (+22%) and Adults' Clothing (+19%). After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the first quarter of 2014 increased by 18% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Electrical Goods (+53%), Dried Seafood (+34%), Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (+32%) and Motorcycles, Parts & Accessories (+26%). Meanwhile, volume of retail sales held stable compared with the previous quarter, of which sales of Electrical Goods (+30%), Goods in Supermarkets (+12%) and Dried Seafood (+11%) saw significant increase; on the contrary, sales of Motor Vehicles and Communication Equipment decreased by 15% and 10% respectively. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 59% stated that sales volume in the first quarter of 2014 increased or held stable over the previous quarter, down by 9 percentage points compared with those holding the same sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2013, while 41% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 64% reported stable prices, 24% stated an increase and 12% noted a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2013, about 74% expressed that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2014, while 14% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards business outlook for the second quarter of 2014, about 30% anticipate that sales volume will increase from the first quarter, 42% expect sales volume to remain stable, while 28% foresee a decrease. Concurrently, about 71% predict stable retail prices, 19% expect an increase, while 10% predict a decrease in retail prices.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (129.94) for April 2014 increased by 6.36% year-on-year, attributable to higher rentals for dwellings, dearer charges for eating out and package tours during Easter Holidays. In comparison with April 2013, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+11.93%); Recreation & Culture (+8.57%); and Household Goods & Furnishings (+7.06%) on account of higher rentals and rising charges for package tours and domestic services. The CPI-A (130.53) and CPI-B (130.36) increased by 6.66% and 6.33% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for April 2014 increased by 0.88% month-to-month. Higher charges for package tours and dearer prices of tobacco pushed up the price index of Recreation & Culture and Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco by 4.18% and 1.57% respectively; besides, price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.68% owing to higher charges for eating out, and dearer prices of vegetables and fruits, while lower prices of fresh seafood and fresh pork tapered off the increase. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased slightly by 0.01% month-to-month. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.80% and 0.90% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended April 2014, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.78% from the previous period. Price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.92%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.48%) registered remarkable increase, while price index of Communication decreased by 1.87%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.36% and 5.67% respectively. The average Composite CPI for the first four months of 2014 increased by 6.18% year-on-year; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.74% and 6.09% respectively year-on-year. 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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In view of the recent safety situation in Thailand, the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand reminds Chinese citizens in Bangkok to remain vigilant. Following is the translated version of the full text: "May 20, The Thai army have declared martial law across the country in efforts to take control and prevent public clashes and demonstrations from different factions. Currently, the army are stationed on the main roads of downtown Bangkok, parts of the Highway, have seized major television stations, despite the situation people can still live their lives as normal. The Chinese Embassy in Thailand reminds Chinese nationals who are or intend to travel to Thailand to remain vigilant, be aware of local security advice, carefully plan travel itineraries carefully, avoid getting close to the vicinities of demonstration areas and redcucing unnecessary outings. In case of emergency, please call the following consular protection hotlines: Embassy 085-483-3327, Consulate General in Khon Kaen: 080-936-6070, Consulate General in Songkhla: 081-766-5560, Consulate Genera in Chiang Mai: 081-882-3283." The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) will keep monitoring the latest development of situation in Thailand and also remind Macao residents who are currently in Bangkok or intend to travel to Thailand in the near future to pay close attention to the situation development, avoid gatherings and demonstrations, be aware of security precautions and ensure personal safety. As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, there are 4 Macao tour groups totaling around 70 pax currently traveling in Thailand. 5 Macao tour groups with an approximate total of 70 pax will depart to Thailand in the coming week. Until the present moment, GGCT received 2 requests for information. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24 hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000 or contact the Chinese Embassy and consulates for assistance.
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Three bachelor's degree programmes offered by the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), namely Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Electromechanical Engineering, have been recognised by the signatories to the Washington Accord. Students starting these three programmes in the 2011/2012 academic year or later are eligible to obtain professional qualifications in numerous signatories to the Washington Accord. This is the first programmes in Macao to be recognised under the Washington Accord. It is also the first out-of-jurisdiction accreditation meeting the Washington Accord standards. The three programmes were accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) in 2012. Today (20 May), UM held a press conference for the three programmes. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Cheong U, UM Rector Wei Zhao, FST Dean Prof. Philip Chen, HKIE President Raymond Chan Kin Sek, Macau Institution of Engineers Chairman Prof. Tam Lap Mou, and other guests attended the press conference. Secretary Cheong U said the fact that the three bachelor's degree programmes offered by the UM's FST have been recognised by the Washington Accord shows international recognition of the university's effort to optimise the quality of its teaching and to meet international standards. It also shows the university's determination to become a world-class university. Rector Wei Zhao noted that the three programmes' being recognised by the signatories to the Washington Award is highly significant, because it is testament to the fact that UM's academic programmes and teaching have met international standards; and the recognition will help UM to achieve the goal of becoming a world-class university with distinctive characteristics. Wei Zhao added that the new campus will become fully operational in the next academic year, and UM will continue to nurture outstanding graduates with lofty goals and a global mindset to serve Macao and China. FST Dean Prof. Philip Chen added that FST has constantly reformed and improved itself over the last 25 years in order to meet international standards and to be in alignment with the development goals of the university. The changes at FST have also increased the students' competitiveness and helped to turn FST into a technology and engineering education centre in Macao. It is also a breakthrough in international agreement that the three degree programmes have been accredited by the HKIE and met the standards of the Washington Accord. Graduates from the three programmes will be eligible to become Corporate Member by participating in the engineering graduate training scheme "A" as a HKIE Graduate Member. The Corporate Member can enjoy recognition under two international engineering agreements (the International Professional Engineers Agreement, and the APEC Engineer Agreement) and 22 qualification accreditation agreements. Currently two organisations provide HKIE's graduates scheme "A" training. With recognition by signatories of the Washington Accord, FST and HKIE and AEM (Macau Institution of Engineers) will continue to work closely, and it is expected that 20 organisations will participate in the scheme "A" training to help train more engineering elite in Macao. Signed in 1989, the Washington Accord is an international agreement among bodies responsible for accrediting engineering degree programmes. Through more than 20 years of development, it has become the most influential international agreement on mutual recognition of degree programmes. Signatories include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong China, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Taipei, South Korea, Malaysia, Turkey and Russia. Countries that have provisional signatory status include Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Sir Lanka, and Philippines.
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Consumer Council conducted its fifth 'Supermarket price survey' in May on 19 May for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets at Lam Mau, Patane and San Kio areas in Santo António Parish. 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. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors in the first quarter of 2014 amounted to MOP15.9 billion, up by 10% from MOP14.5 billion in the first quarter of 2013. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP13.2 billion and that of same-day visitors was MOP2.8 billion, up by 8% and 19% respectively year-on-year. Per-capita spending of visitors in the first quarter was MOP2,074, up slightly by 1% year-on-year. Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP2,534, down by 4% year-on-year, and spending of those travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) decreased notably by 11%, at MOP2,660. Per-capita spending of visitors from Singapore (MOP1,836), Malaysia (MOP1,745) and Japan (MOP1,701) registered year-on-year increase. Visitors from Australia had relatively high per-capita spending among the long-haul visitors, at MOP1,441. Per-capita spending of overnight visitors was MOP3,691, and that of same-day visitors was MOP673, up by 3% and 6% respectively year-on-year. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors topped at MOP4,537 and MOP818 respectively, and that of overnight and same-day IVS visitors reached MOP4,671 and MOP1,304. Analysed by consumption structure, visitors spent mainly on Shopping (51%), Accommodation (25%) and Food & Beverage (18%) in the first quarter of 2014. Shopping items included Jewellery & Watches (27%) and Local Food Products (21%). Mainland visitors spent an average of MOP1,471 on shopping, while shopping spending of IVS visitors reached MOP1,705. Meanwhile, long-haul visitors spent primarily on Accommodation and Food & Beverage. According to the results of Visitors' Comments Survey in the first quarter of 2014, about 88% and 82% of the visitor-users were satisfied with the services and facilities of hotels and gaming establishments respectively. However, 12% of the visitors considered that public transport services should be improved and 11% commented that points of tourist attractions were inadequate.
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The 'International Organization of Lusophone Consumer Associations' (CONSUMARE) was established in Lisbon on 7 May this year. According to the regulations of CONSUMARE, Macao SAR Government Consumer Council joins the organization as an observation member. CONSUMARE is initiated by DECO, the largest non-governmental consumer organization in Portugal, and include public institutions which focus on protecting consumer rights in countries or regions where Portuguese is an official language, or the language is preserved to be used by the region due to historical or cultural heritage reasons. Members include those from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Macao SAR, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The CONSUMARE is established aiming at promoting, developing, encouraging, and supporting consumer rights protection work, as well as supporting its members to provide information to consumers, protect and promote consumer rights. Representatives of Macao Consumer Council who participated in the establishment of CONSUMARE and the related seminar included the President of the General Committee, Mr. Vong Kok Seng, and the President of the Executive Committee, Mr. Wong Hon Neng.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector increased in the first quarter of 2014. At end-March 2014, the share of international assets in total banking assets advanced to 86.8% from 85.3% at end-2013, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities expanded to 82.1% from 80.8%. Foreign currencies were the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-March 2014, the shares of Pataca (MOP) in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.8% and 2.0% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Other Foreign Currencies (OFCs) accounted for 36.0% and 63.2% of total international assets as well as 43.1% and 54.9% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-March 2014, total international assets grew by 10.3% from a quarter ago or 28.9% from a year earlier to MOP930.7 billion (USD116.5 billion). Within this total, external assets increased by 25.3% year-on-year to MOP713.3 billion while local assets in foreign currencies jumped by 42.5% to MOP217.5 billion. As a major component of international assets, external loans & deposits advanced by 24.9% to MOP662.2 billion. International Banking Liabilities
Total international liabilities increased by 10.0% from three months ago or 27.1% year-on-year to MOP879.7 billion (USD110.1 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies grew year-on-year by 28.9% to MOP450.1 billion and 25.3% to MOP429.6 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 23.6% to MOP399.5 billion at end-March 2014 from MOP323.2 billion at end-March 2013. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region
The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to the regions of Asia and Europe. At end-March 2014, claims on Mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore occupied 35.8%, 29.9% and 2.2% of total external assets correspondingly, while claims on Portugal, Luxembourg and Germany took up 8.7%, 1.5% and 1.0% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Thailand accounted for 43.9%, 20.2% and 7.8% of the total respectively while Germany, France and Portugal took up respective shares of 5.4%, 4.0% and 3.8%. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR's participation in the "Locational International Banking Statistics" project of the international organisation.
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In view of the recent safety situation in Vietnam, the Consular Protection Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C advises Chinese nationals to defer travelling to Vietnam, while nationals in Vietnam should remain vigilant of their own safety. Following is the translated version of the full text: "Outbreaks of violence have been targeting foreign enterprises in southern Vietnam in recent days, causing injury to Chinese nationals and property damage. Investment and tourism environments are deteriorating. The Consular Protection Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.C advises Chinese nationals to defer their plans to travel to Vietnam. Nationals and Corporations already in Vietnam should raise their awareness on local security, remain cautious and avoid going out. The Chinese Embassy and consulate in Vietnam will approach the Vietnamese government to take more measures in order to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and Corporations. In case of emergency, please contact the Consulate and Embassy in Vietnam.
Chinese Embassy in Vietnam (Consular Protection Hotline): 0084 903474865/903441338. Chinese Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City (Consular Protection Hotline: 0084 938882098/908002226." The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) advises Macau residents to defer traveling plans to Vietnam, and reminds Macau residents in Vietnam to remain vigilant, be aware of local security developments, elevate personal safety precautions and avoid getting close to the vicinities of demonstration areas. As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, as of this month, a total of four tour groups with around 100 participants have cancelled their plans to travel to Vietnam. Until the present moment, GGCT received 14 requests for information and 1 request for assistance. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24 hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000 or contact the Chinese Embassy and consulate for assistance.
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The Panel Discussion on the Economic Environment of Portuguese Speaking Countries under the 10th Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation & Development Forum and Economic & Trade Fair (PPRD Forum) will be held at 3 pm on 26 May, in the Lotus Room located on the 5th floor of the World Trade Centre Macau. The meeting will explore topics covering the prospects of trade and economic collaboration between the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region and Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) and jointly promote further development of the PPRD and PSCs trade and economic partnership. The Panel Discussion is hosted by the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province and IPIM, co-ordinated by the Department of Commerce of Fujian Province, Jiangxi Province, Hunan Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hainan Province, Sichuan Province, Guizhou Province, Yunnan Province and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with supporting organisations including Macao Economic Services of the Macao SAR Government and the Permanent Secretariat to the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao). The Panel Discussion will invite the participation of leading officials from provincial trade and economic departments from Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan provinces and Hong Kong, as well as representatives from the Secretariat of the PPRD Forum. Other guests include leaders of the Trade Office of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR, representatives from Macao Economic Services, Permanent Secretariat to the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), as well as the participants of the Portuguese-speaking Countries Special Economic Zone Construction and Development Seminar. The Memorandum on the Framework of Enhancing Comprehensive Strategic Co-operation and Promoting PPRD and PSCs Trade and Economic Co-operation will be signed by representatives from PPRD 9+2 regions during the Panel Discussion, with the objective of further promoting partnership between the PPRD and PSCs. The PPRD provincial delegation will visit Macao Ideas, Hengqin Campus of the University of Macau as well as convention and exhibition facilities in the city.
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