News

Head of the delegation of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission, Mr Niu Hongguang, today extended his gratitude to the people of Macao for their support for the nation's astronauts and space exploration project.
Mr Niu said this when the delegation met the press at Macau International Airport before they returned to Beijing after a three-day visit.
He said though their time in Macao was short, he noticed that there was a big change after Macao had returned to the motherland 13 years ago, and that he deeply felt Macao people's enthusiasm towards the nation's aerospace industry.
The nation's manned space project has been ongoing for 20 years and they would dedicate to develop and to build the manned space station in the next stage, said Mr Niu, who is also the Deputy Commander of China Manned Space Engineering.
The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Xu Ze, the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Zhang Jinfeng, and some 300 students were there to see the delegation to depart.
On the last day of their visit, members of the delegation visited the Ruins of St.Paul, the Fortress Hill, the Macau Grand Prix Museum, the Macau Wine Museum, the Macao Science Centre and the Macau Tower.
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China's gold medal winners at the 2012 London Olympics' are to visit Macao from 26 August to 28 August, to share their pride and joy with the people of Macao. Coming at the invitation of the Macao Government, the gold medalists are scheduled to meet with the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, on their arrival on the afternoon of 26 August. They will also attend a welcome banquet the same evening. More interactive activities between the Olympics' winners and the public will be held on 27 August. Students from universities, secondary and primary schools could personally ask the medalists questions at an experience-sharing session. In the evening, members of the public would meet them at a grand party to be held at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion. During the visit, the gold medalists will visit some famous World Heritage attractions in Macao before returning to Beijing. China won 38 gold medals at the Olympics, 27 silver medals and 23 bronze medals Information on tickets for the grand party will be announced by the Macao Sports Development Board shortly.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 7,845 building units were purchased and sold at MOP31.05 billion in the second quarter of 2012 as per Stamp Duty record, up by 1.2 times and 1.7 times respectively quarter-to-quarter, with 5,555 being residential units amounting to MOP23.39 billion, up by 1.4 times and 1.8 times respectively. There were 11,437 building units purchased and sold at MOP42.76 billion in the first half year of 2012, down by 43.8% and 24.4% respectively year-on-year. Analysed by year of completion of the building, residential units completed in 2010 and after totalled 1,953 (including 1,424 pre-sale units), and 1,818 residential units were completed in 1990-1999. As regards floor area of the unit, 2,984 residential units (53.7% of total) had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres. The average transaction price of all residential units amounted to MOP55,427 per square metre of usable area, up by 21.9% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of those in the Macao Peninsula (MOP47,461) and Taipa (MOP66,804) increased by 15.0% and 38.9% respectively quarter-to-quarter, while the average price of those in Coloane (MOP78,197) decreased by 6.0%. Analysed by floor area, the average price of residential units with an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres increased by 25.3% quarter-to-quarter to MOP55,774 per square metre; the average price of those having 100 to 149.9 square metres rose by 23.6% to MOP59,181 per square metre. In addition, the average price of office units increased by 18.3% quarter-to-quarter to MOP47,767 per square metre, and that of industrial units rose by 16.7% to MOP18,758 per square metre. In the second quarter of 2012, a total of 3,531 cases of real estate sale and purchase contracts were made, up by 77.4% quarter-to-quarter, and the number of units rose by 34.2% to 4,358. Moreover, there were 2,631 cases of residential mortgage contracts signed, an increase of 89.6% quarter-to-quarter. In the second quarter of 2012, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 937,945 square metres, altogether providing 890 units (878 are residential units), 2,893 parking spaces for cars and 1,274 parking spaces for motorcycles. Gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 947,110 square metres in the first half year of 2012, providing 926 units (902 are residential units).
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP132.9 billion (USD16.64 billion) at the end of July 2012. The reserves fell by 1.2% or MOP1.6 billion from the revised value of MOP134.5 billion (USD16.84 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR's foreign exchange reserves at end-July 2012 represented 19 times the currency in circulation or 158.0% of Pataca M2 at end-June 2012. In response to the significant changes of Macao's trade pattern in recent years, the Monetary Authority of Macao revised the trade weights of the effective exchange rate index for the pataca and re-set January 2010 as the new base period (Jan 2010=100). In July 2012, the revised index stood at 99.19, up by 0.48 points month-to-month and 4.56 points year-on-year. Note: For methodology of revision, please refer to the feature article in Macao Monetary Research Bulletin, Issue No. 24.
For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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The three visiting astronauts today attended a series of activities to share with the people of Macao the successful accomplishment of the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft space mission. In the morning, the astronauts and their delegation went to the "Shenzhou-9 Manned Spaceflight Report Meeting" held at Macau Tower attended by some 1,000 people from governmental departments, scientific and technological circles, educational circles, civic associations and universities. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, said the presentation on spaceflight report was a rare opportunity to promote science and technology. "It helps deepen our understanding of the aerospace industry development in China; their scientific spirits to search for the truth and to make innovations as well as their love for the motherland, are worth our respect and imitation," he said. Then the chief engineer of China's manned space programme and deputy head of delegation of the manned space mission, Mr Zhou Jianping, presented a report on the Shenzhou-9 manned space mission. This was followed by astronauts Jiang Haipeng, who shared valuable experience of two space journeys with the audience, Liu Wang shared the first manual docking operation on Shenzhou-9, and Liu Yang shared her pride and joy of being the nation's first woman in space, and encouraged the audience that perseverance was required for every success. The delegation then attended a welcome luncheon hosted by the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison. In the afternoon, the astronauts shared their experience with some 2,000 students from 30 schools and 35 associations. The space heroes encouraged students to study hard and to believe in themselves that they may personally explore the wonders of space in the future. Students then presented their own creation - a robot named Chang'e – to the three astronauts at the end of the experience sharing session. In the evening, the delegation attended a welcome variety show presented by local art organisations, with some 3000 people. Tomorrow, the astronauts are scheduled to see Macao's famous attractions before departing in the afternoon, completing their three-day visit.
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The working group on food prices released its latest specific price survey on seasonings. Survey result showed that prices of the 13 surveyed products were similar to the data recorded in June. The working group on food prices collected 13 brands of seasonings from 20 retail outlets on 13th August. A general price difference of 20 to 30 percent was recorded in most surveyed items. 'Tai Yang Hua Brand Table Salt (1lb)', which was sold at $2.50 to $4.0, recorded a price difference of 60 percent; 'Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce (500ml)', which was sold at $29.5 to $40.0, recorded a price difference of around 36 percent. Survey result also revealed that prices of some the surveyed products were sold at difference prices in branches under the same supermarket chain. Selling price of 'Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce (500ml)' at San Miu Supermarket Taipa branch was $3.0 higher than that sold at Pou Seng branch. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The specific price survey on seasonings 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 8.4% year-on-year to 662,109 in June 2012. Visitors from Mainland China (465,860) went up by 3.8%, with 167,266 coming from Guangdong Province; besides, those from Taiwan, China (58,971); Hong Kong (28,649); the Republic of Korea (23,808); and Japan (22,225) increased by 66.2%, 23.4%, 22.1% and 25.8% respectively. In the first half year of 2012, visitors in package tours totalled 4,082,895, up by 25.9% year-on-year to account for 30.1% of the total visitor arrivals. Outbound residents in package tours surged by 74.4% year-on-year to 39,867 in June 2012. The most popular tour itineraries were Mainland China (67.3% of total) and the Republic of Korea (10.2%), with 16,892 travelling to Guangdong Province. In the first half year of 2012, residents travelling in package tours totalled 179,031, up by 52.4% year-on-year. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies increased by 30.5% year-on-year to 69,326 in June 2012; the main destinations were Mainland China (48.7% of total); Hong Kong (22.4%); and Taiwan, China (15.7%). In the first half year of 2012, residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 44.7% year-on-year to 401,145. There were 66 hotels and 33 guest-houses operating at the end of June 2012, providing a total of 24,268 guest rooms, an increase of 2,592 rooms (+12.0%) year-on-year; guest rooms of the 5-star hotels accounted for 61.1% of the total. In June 2012, the hotels and guest-houses received 773,570 guests, up by 9.8% year-on-year; the average length of stay decreased by 0.16 night to 1.3 nights. Occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 80.2%, down by 2.3 percentage points; occupancy rate of the hotels was 80.8%, with 4-star hotels leading at 86.7%. Number of guests increased by 12.2% year-on-year to 4,476,310 in the first half year of 2012; occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 81.6%, down by 0.4 percentage point. From January to June 2012, visitor-guests accounted for 64.9% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 61.7% in the same period of 2011.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao released today the credit card statistics for the second quarter of 2012. The total number of personal credit cards in circulation was 598,494 at the end of June 2012, equivalent to an increase of 4.0% over a quarter ago. The numbers of Pataca (MOP) cards, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) cards and Renminbi (RMB) cards were 439,824, 68,303 and 90,367 respectively. MOP cards, HKD cards and RMB cards witnessed respective growth of 3.5%, 1.4% and 8.4% quarter-to-quarter. Compared with a year ago, RMB cards soared 81.7% while MOP cards and HKD cards grew 17.8% and 7.3% respectively. As at end-June 2012, credit card credit limit granted by banks in Macao reached MOP9.9 billion, up 5.0% from end-March 2012. Credit card receivables amounted to MOP1.5 billion while the rollover amount totalled MOP483.8 million, accounting for 33.1% of credit card receivables. The delinquency ratio, i.e. the ratio of delinquent amount overdue for more than three months to credit card receivables, dropped to 0.72%. For the second quarter of 2012, the credit card turnover increased slightly by 0.9% quarter-to-quarter to MOP2.8 billion. The cash advance turnover was MOP151.2 million, accounting for 5.5% of total credit card turnover. Credit card repayments, in which payments for interest and fees are included, went down 8.9% from the previous quarter to MOP2.7 billion.
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At the invitation of the Macao SAR Government, the delegation of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission arrived in Macao for a three-day visit.
The 42-member delegation, comprising the Head of the delegation, the Deputy Commander of China Manned Space Engineering, Mr Niu Hongguang, the three astronauts—Mr Jiang Haipeng, Mr Liu Wang and Ms Liu Yang -- and commanders and designers of the manned space programme, arrived in Macao at 4.30pm. They were received by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Xu Jinlin and the members of the Science and Technology Council.
More than 500 local students and members of the public welcomed the delegation with applauses: four students presented flowers to the astronauts. The three astronauts waved back and presented gifts to the crowd.
The delegation then headed to Government Headquarters to meet with the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. They have exchanged views on joint co-operation on space science education for Macao adolescents.
Mr Chui said that the Government has been supporting and encouraging Macao students to cultivate interest on aerospace technology, and that he hoped this visit would enable more people to meet with the astronauts and share the successful experience of the mission.
Head of the delegation, Mr Liu Hongguang, said he would co-ordinate with the Macao Government, by strengthening co-operation, to bring up more students' interests on aerospace industry, which might help them raise their sense of national identity.
Mr Chui then posed for a group photo with the delegation, after which the delegation presented the model of Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission to the Chief Executive.
After the meeting, the delegation attended the welcome banquet hosted by the Macao Government where some 120 guests attended, including the vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Edumund Ho Hau Wah, Macao Government officials, and representatives of Central Government organizations.
Mr Chui said in the welcome speech that the success of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendevous mission remarked a new milestone of the country's aerospace industry, it is also an important symbol of comprehensive national strength.
The Macao people will take the astronuant heroes as model and dedicate all efforts to implement the principle of "One country, two systems" for the prosperity of the motherland and Macao, he said.
Head of the delegation, Mr Niu Hongguang, delievered a speech and said that this year is the 20th anniversary of China's manned space industry, and that the manned space station was in developing stage. He said they were willing to support Macao's research institutions and scientists to participate the development of manned space station.
The delegation will attend the Shenzhou 9 Manned Spaceflight Report Meeting, an experience sharing session with local sudents and a welcome variety show tomorrow.
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Consumer Council released its specific price survey on tissue papers. Survey result has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and is also available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. Consumer Council conducted a price check on 12 brands of tissue papers from 24 supermarkets and drugstores on 9th August. Survey result showed that price differences of the same product sold in different retail outlets were similar to the figures recorded in June's survey, though 'VIRJOY Premium (12pcs)' had a significant price difference of 44.31 percent, which was almost doubled when compared with the 22.39 percent recorded in June. Consumer Council indicated that selling prices of the same product are found to vary quite a lot in various outlets and consumers are advised to check with the 'Specific Product Price Platform'. In comparison with June's survey, prices of the surveyed products this time were generally stable and minimal price changes were recorded in most products. Significant changes were recorded in "Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3ply) (10pcs)', which recorded price increases of about 20 percent in two branches of Royal Supermarket, though price drops of about 15 percent were recorded for the same product in six other retail outlets. Consumers are reminded to check the survey and make practical price comparisons. The specific price survey on tissue papers is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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