News

According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, on a monthly basis, money supply M2 resumed its growth in December. As loans grew at a faster pace than deposits, the loan-to-deposit ratio continued to increase. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits increased 3.1% and 4.3% respectively. M1 thus grew 4.1% when compared with the previous month. Meanwhile, quasi-monetary liabilities also rose by 0.7%. M2 therefore increased by 1.2% to MOP243.2 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 13.4% and 14.6% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 28.0%, down 0.2 percentage points over a month ago and a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 54.7%, down 0.1 percentage point month-to-month but up 1.1 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits grew 1.1% from the previous month to MOP237.6 billion. Of which, MOP deposits, HKD deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 0.2%, 1.0% and 3.0%. Concurrently, non-resident deposits grew 2.1% to MOP79.4 billion and public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 12.2% to MOP22.9 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector grew 2.0% from a month earlier to MOP340.0 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 23.7% and 45.9% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector grew at a significantly faster pace. Their value increased 4.9% on a monthly basis to MOP130.5 billion. Among which, MOP37.5 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP83.8 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 28.8% and 64.2% of the total respectively. Loans to “restaurants, hotels and similar”, “personal housing loans” and loans to “gaming” increased quarter-to-quarter at respective rates of 20.9%, 11.3% and 7.5% whereas those to “manufacturing industries” dropped 7.8%. Meanwhile, external loans increased 1.0% to MOP115.3 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.4% (MOP0.4 billion) and 41.3% (MOP47.6 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios As domestic loans to the private sector grew faster than resident deposits, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-December 2010 rose 1.4 percentage points month-to-month to 50.1%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors stood at 72.3%, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous month.
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Owing to the domestic situation in Egypt, Macao Post announced that all postal services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Egypt are suspended until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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From February 2 until 5p.m. of February 7, the Cross-departmental Working Team sealed three more premise suspected to provide accommodation illegally. During the operation, two overstayers, two forged travel document holders and two illegal immigrants were found while one occupant failed to fulfill his duty of cooperation. In addition, with the assistance of police, 5 people were taken away for further investigation. Since the Cross-departmental Working Team started operations, to date, 1,245 premise-checks were conducted, involving 820 premises, of which 104 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 121 were normal residences. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) will continue investigation on unanswered doors, which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. Meanwhile, during investigations to other cases, PSP has found 23 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has waged a total of 104 sanctions, among which two sanction proceedings have been completed and two operators who provided accommodation illegally were fined 200 000 patacas. Other cases are in different stages of sanction proceedings. To date, the operations involved 1,057 occupants, among whom 481 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 23 overstayers and 18 illegal immigrants. 18 operators, 14 touts, 16 persons who managed the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and eight occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were seized on site. MGTO has begun sanction proceedings on offenders according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation". If the two operators who provided accommodation illegally, who were fined 200 000 patacas, do not pay within the statutory period, the Financial Services Bureau will enforce the collection of fine. Meanwhile, the eight occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were fined 3 000 patacas each, among which three have paid the fine. For those who fail to pay the fine within the statutory period, MGTO has notified the Financial Services Bureau to enforce the collection of fine and informed PSP that the involved persons should pay the fine or their reentry into Macau will be denied. According to the law, operators and persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty of up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas, persons who fail to cooperate can be fined up to 20 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises.
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As a new year comes around and everything looks fresh and cheerful, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) wishes all residents and visitors good health and prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit, and that the tourism industry of Macau would continue to develop and diversify, building the city into a global center of tourism and leisure. MGTO and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) join hands to organize celebratory activities on the first day of Lunar New Year (Feb 3) at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square to mark the spring festival and add a festive atmosphere to the city. Visitor arrivals came close to 25 million last year, registering an increase of 14.8% compared with 2009.The number of visitor arrivals to Macau surged from 7.5 million in 1999 to almost 25 million in 2010, a growth of more than 330%.
The "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta" consolidates Macau's position as a global center of tourism and leisure, and Macau is leveraging this strategic position and development direction. MGTO has also dedicated efforts to showcase Macau’s unique multi-cultural characteristics through various activities and products. Lunar New Year is an important festival in Chinese society and also a peak season for visitors to experience the traditional celebrations in Macau. MGTO and IACM take this opportunity to express New Year greetings to residents and hospitality to visitors. On the first morning of Lunar New Year, Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes, Vice President of IACM, Lei Wai Nong and Deputy Director of MGTO Helena Fernandes, joined by other guests, hosted the eye-dotting ceremony of the golden dragon and lions at the Ruins of St. Paul's and lit firecrackers at Senado Square to mark the celebrations. Guests and officials from MGTO, teamed up with the God of Fortune, greeted the public and distributed "Lai Si" (red packets with lucky money) and souvenirs to residents and visitors. "Lai Si" distributed by the God of Fortune bestow good luck and fortune for the Year of the Rabbit. The crowd also enjoyed lively performance by the folkloric art troupe from Anhui province. During Lunar New Year, MGTO's "Tourism Hotline 2833 3000" maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer tourists' enquiries. MGTO advises visitors to stay at licensed hotels and guesthouses for a pleasant journey. Visitors and residents can enjoy the parade of the 238-meter long golden dragon at major tourist spots. The vibrant dragon and lion dances signal Macau to be as energetic and spirited as these noble creatures in the Year of the Rabbit. The vivacity and gentle characteristics of the rabbit encourage Macau’s residents to live in harmony and work hand in hand for the betterment of Macau. The Lunar New Year celebrations are held on the first and second day of the Lunar New Year. Details of the activities are available on the website of MGTO http://www.macautourism.gov.mo. In keeping with tradition, lucky "Lai Si" will be distributed at MGTO counters during Lunar New Year while stock lasts. Each packet contains a 10-cent coin as a symbol of MGTO's wishes for good luck and prosperity throughout the year. On Lunar New Year's Eve, MGTO staged a splendid fireworks extravaganza set off from barges anchored in waters just off the Macau Tower to usher in the Year of the Rabbit. Thousands of residents and visitors gathered at the waterfront for the magnificent spectacle.
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In his Lunar New Year Message today, Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On said the Government would continue to promote economic expansion, enhance the livelihood of the people and build Macao an even better place together with the people of Macao. In reminiscence of the Year of the Tiger, Mr Chui said Macao had made achievements in propelling a swift recovery in economy and in ensuring social stability. The Government would continue to bring and share the gains among the people. In these joyful days, we have to care and help socially vulnerable groups and share our happiness with them, he said. Mr Chui also thanked civil servants and people who had to work over the holidays, and he wished everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.
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A survey on the evaluation of Consumer Council’s ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ conducted earlier shows that most consumers and ‘Certified Shops’ and ‘Adherents’ interviewed agreed to increase the number of days of the current monthly ‘No Plastic Bag Day’. Survey details have been published in the latest issue of Consumer Report. In order to better the current ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ scheme, the Council interviewed over 800 consumers and 52 retail stores participating in the scheme for their opinion and statistics, etc. Survey result shows that most interviewees were aware of ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ on 28th of each month, quite a number of consumers said they had reduced the number of plastic bags used since the scheme launched and now had their own shopping bag; however, such data was not reflected from surveys collected from ‘Certified Shops’ and ‘Adherents’. Consumer Council will improve its strategies in promoting ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ base on the result of the said survey. When asked about their opinion on the number of ‘No Plastic Bag Day’, both consumers and ‘Certified Shops’ and ‘Adherents’ participating in the scheme agreed to increase the number of days of the current scheme; most interviewees voted for a weekly scheme, others chose biweekly or three times a month; the suggestion of making every day a ‘No Plastic Bag Day’ gained the 3rd largest number of votes. The Council is now planning to increase the number of days of the said scheme. Consumers International (CI) announced its yearly theme for 2011 to be ‘Consumers for Fair Financial Services’. CI states that ‘consumer financial services are complex and exist in a dynamic and fast changing market which can be challenging for consumers. The issue is made all the more pressing by the addition of 150 million new consumers of financial services to the global economy each year - many in countries with low levels of financial literacy and traditionally weak consumer protection.’ CI therefore announced ‘Consumers for Fair Financial Services’ to be its 2011 theme, and provided suggestions to world leaders to make sure consumers around the world are able to receive fair financial services. CI’s key information is listed in the latest Consumer Report. The latest Consumer Report issue no. 210 also introduces the use of electronic money and electric blanket. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the two offices of the Consumer Council, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For inquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the value of total merchandise export for December 2010 decreased by 20.6% year-on-year to MOP540 million, with value of domestic exports rising by 1.2% to MOP202 million, but that of re-exports falling by 29.7% to MOP338 million. The value of total merchandise import amounted to MOP4.55 billion, up notably by 25.8% year-on-year. A trade deficit of MOP4.01 billion was recorded for December 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2010, total value of merchandise export (MOP1.67 billion) dropped by 11.9% year-on-year, but that of merchandise import (MOP12.36 billion) rose by 20.4%, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP10.68 billion. Merchandise export of Macao remained sluggish in 2010; value of total merchandise export fell by 9.3% year-on-year to MOP6.96 billion, of which value of domestic exports and re-exports declined by 19.6% and 2.8% respectively. Value of total merchandise import rebounded to 2007-level, up by 19.6% from 2009 to MOP44.12 billion. Merchandise trade deficit widened by 27.1% year-on-year to MOP37.16 billion in 2010; the exports/imports ratio went down by 5.0 percentage points year-on-year to 15.8%. For the whole year of 2010, analyzed by destination of exported goods, value of merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP3.00 billion) and Mainland China (MOP1.10 billion) decreased by 0.4% and 1.4% respectively year-on-year, and that to the USA (MOP782 million) and the EU (MOP409 million) dropped substantially by 40.2% and 35.2% respectively. Exports of Textile & garment amounted to MOP1.63 billion, posting a decrease of 34.1% year-on-year to account for merely 23.4% of total merchandise export; however, value of Non-textile exports (MOP5.33 billion) grew by 2.5%, with that of Tobacco & wine and Copper & articles thereof rising notably by 47.6% and 40.5% respectively. Regarding the country of origin of imported goods, in 2010, value of merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP13.72 billion) and the EU (MOP9.96 billion) expanded by 18.6% and 27.5% respectively year-on-year. Value of imports of Consumer goods rose by 32.6% year-on-year, with that of Motor cars & motorcycles soaring by 69.1%; nevertheless, the value of imports of Raw materials & semi-manufactures fell by 1.5%. For the whole year of 2010, total value of merchandise import and export stood at MOP51.08 billion, up by 14.6% compared with MOP44.57 billion in 2009.
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Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has waged a total of 101 sanctions and five operators who provided accommodation illegally were fined 200 000 patacas. Other cases are in different stages of sanction proceedings. Till 5pm of February 1, 2011, the Cross-departmental Working Team conducted 1,239 premise-checks, involving 815 premises, of which 101 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 120 were normal residences. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) will continue investigation on unanswered doors, which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. Meanwhile, during investigations to other cases, PSP has found 23 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases. To date, the operations involved 1,046 occupants, among whom 466 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 22 overstayers and 16 illegal immigrants. 18 operators, 14 touts, 16 persons who managed the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and seven occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were seized on site.
MGTO has begun sanction proceedings on offenders according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation". If the five operators who provided accommodation illegally, who were fined 200 000 patacas, do not pay within the statutory period, the Financial Services Bureau will enforce the collection of fine. Meanwhile, the seven occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were fined 3 000 patacas each, among which three have paid the fine. For those who fail to pay the fine within the statutory period, MGTO has notified the Financial Services Bureau to enforce the collection of fine and informed PSP that the involved persons should pay the fine or their reentry into Macau will be denied. According to the law, operators and persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty of up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas, persons who fail to cooperate can be fined up to 20 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas.
Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises.
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The Macau Museum, the Tap Seac Gallery, the Mandarin's House, the Lou Kau Mansion, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, the Pawnshop Museum as well as the Guia Fortress Chapel will be opened as usual during Chinese Lunar New Year. A series of cultural activities will also be provided. Citizens and tourists are welcomed to enjoy local cultural activities during the Festival. The Museum of Sacred Art, the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, the Pawnshop Museum and the Guia Fortress Chapel will be opened from February 2nd to February 6th. 'Heavenly Harmonies – Taoist Ritual Music in Macao' exhibition is now presenting by the Macau Museum, publics are welcome to pay a visit. In 2009, the Taoist Ritual Music has become an element of Macao's local intangible cultural heritage. Macau Museum would like to increase citizens' awareness to the importance of cultural heritage protection. At the same time, visitors could review the moment when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Macao last year through the videos shown at the Macau Museum. Local residents and students are welcomed to visit for free every Sudnay. The Tap Seac Gallery will be opened everyday as usual during Chinese Lunar New Year. A solo exhibition by Taiwanese artist Wu Dar-Kuen will remain on display through February 13th. The exhibition, titled Mi-Lou (a-Maze) - interactive new media, includes an interactive installation, along with a series of photographs taken during Wu's visits to other countries, such as the US and Japan. The 'Floriculture for the Chinese Lunar New Year' and the 'Flour sculpture and wood block craftworks' workshops are now presented at the Lou Kau Mansion. 'Flour sculpture and wood block craftworks' is hosted by a technologist from Shandong province and will remain on display through February 6th, follow with the 'Porcelain and paper-cut in high density' workshop from February 8th . Further, The Macau Central library will be closed from February 3rd to February 5th. From February 6th will be opened again as usual. Except certain museums and sites, the public is invited to attend the activities above for free of charge. Interested parties are welcomed to make inquires by calling 83996636 during office hours or through the website of Cultural Affairs Bureau www.icm.gov.mo. Timetable: Museums open with a series of cultural activities during Chinese Lunar New Year Please read attachment!
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) today appealed to Macao residents to be on the alert to the situation in Egypt and halt plans to visit the country. If necessary, they could call the Tourism Hotline (853-28333000) for information. According to available information from the tourism sector, there are currently no tours from Macao and Macao residents integrated in outbound tour groups in the country. The Hong Kong Travel Industry Council decided at the end of their meeting today (January 31) to continue to have all excursions to Egypt halted until 12h00 on 8 February. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has already ordered the dispatch of a chartered flight to the capital Cairo to bring stranded Chinese citizens home. GGCT continues to carefully monitor the developments in Egypt, reminding Macao residents that if necessary, they may always contact the Tourism Hotline: 853-28333000. From January 29 until 15h00 of today (January 31), GGCT has received one request for information regarding the current situation in the country. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has already issued a statement to the citizens, whose full text is as follows: "Despite the recent deterioration of safety conditions in certain parts of Egypt, with several deaths and injuries already confirmed, there is no data which include Chinese citizens. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China pays close attention to the safety of China's citizens in Egypt, having been activated contingency mechanisms and contacts, including telephone hotlines operating 24 hours a day in order to give all necessary support to its citizens in case of emergency. “The Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese Embassy in Egypt warns citizens to halt possible both individual and group travel plans to Egypt. For those who already are in Egypt, citizens should strengthen prevention awareness and safety, reduce unnecessary activities, avoid traveling to places where incidents occur or places with gathering of large groups of people. “However, in any case of emergency, citizens should provide timely notice to local law enforcement authorities or seek support from their respective embassies and Chinese consulates in Egypt, through the following 24 hours telephone numbers: “Chinese Embassy in Egypt: 002-02-27361219; 002-02-27363219; 002-02-27363556 “Chinese Consulate General in Alexandria, Egypt: 0020-3-3916953; 0020-3-3924324 “Centre for Consular Protection and Assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 010-65963747.”
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