News

To prepare for the establishment of the Macao Database for Cultural and Creative Industries, the Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries (DPICC) is now calling for the submission of data from the visual arts and performing arts industries from today until 31st December, 2010. The submission date for the data from the design industry initiated earlier will also end on the abovementioned date. All relevant professional companies or institutions are welcome to submit their data. The establishment of the Macao Database for Cultural and Creative Industries is one of the key projects in the development of Macao’s cultural and creative industries. The DPICC will conduct the data collection in phases. The collection of data from the design industry has been recently initiated. Starting today, the Database will collect data from the visual arts and performing arts industries. When the Database is established, it will facilitate the holistic analysis and research of Macao’s cultural and creative industries, thereby strengthening communication and co-operation between government and the industries in order to formulate policies and development direction promoting the cultural and creative industries. In addition, the Database will help promote business networking between industries, shape a mechanism promoting cross-discipline co-operation and exchange in research & development and marketing, and expand the industrial chain, all of which are conducive to shaping an early model of cultural and creative industries rich in local characteristics in Macao, achieving the short-term development goal of Macao’s cultural and creative industries and laying the foundation for long-term development. To accelerate the implementation and establishment of the Database, the DPICC of the Cultural Affairs Bureau welcomes all locally registered professional companies or institutions in design, the visual arts and performing arts industries to submit data to the DPICC within the abovementioned period. Data collection form can be downloaded from the Cultural Affairs Bureau website at www.icm.gov.mo/dpicc. Interested parties may complete the form and submit with supporting electronic files to the Department for the Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, located at Praça do Tap Seac. For enquiries, please call 8399 6919 (Ms. Lam or Lao) during office hours or email info.dpicc@icm.gov.mo.
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Following the hosting of the “3rd Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries” in Macao, a “Financial Theme Seminar for Chinese and Portuguese Financiers” organized by the Development Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of Macao, was successfully held on 14 November 2010. More than 300 representatives from 4 continents / 8 countries conducted dialogues on the topic of deepening the financial cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Financial professionals from the Mainland of China and the 7 Portuguese speaking countries who attended as invited the “3rd Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries” participated, jointly with representatives from local financial institutions, totalling 320 representatives, in the “Financial Theme Seminar for Chinese and Portuguese Financiers” organized by the Development Bank of China and the Monetary Authority of Macao. Mr. Lu Shumin, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wang Xindong, Director of Economic Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, Mr. Hou Shaoze, Director-General of the Development Bank of China, Mr. Anselmo Teng, Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Macao together with the representatives of the central banks of the 7 Portuguese speaking countries and Mr. Ye Yixin, Chairman of the Macao Association of Banks, officiated the inauguration ceremony. Mr. António Félix Pontes, Executive Director of the Monetary Authority of Macao acted as the facilitator of the Seminar. The theme surrounded the methodology of how to better the implementation of the conclusions arrived at in the Forum relating to the promotion of cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries in the financial realm. Simultaneously, the Seminar enabled the Chinese and Portuguese financiers who came afar for the Forum to have sufficient time to discuss and communicate with a view to promoting the cooperation and development in the financial field as well trade and commerce. In the Seminar Mr. Vitor Pessoa, Member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Portugal, who had been the Secretary for Economic Co-ordination before Macao’s return to China, had an indepth understanding of the Macao economy and its financial sector. He deemed that, through the platform of the Forum, the economic and trade activities of China and Portuguese speaking countries would increase. The participation in trade finance by the financial sector would certainly enlarge the trade volume between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Mr. J. Fadia, President of the Central Bank of Guiné-Bissau, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Monetary Authority of Macao. This is the 6th memorandum of such nature between the Monetary Authority of Macao and an overseas central bank. Mr. Fadia deemed that the execution of such a document had fulfilled the purpose of his visit in formulating a closer working relationship with the financial regulator of Macao. Mr. Abraão Vasconselos, Chairman of Banking & Payments Authority of Timor-Leste, said in the Seminar that he was glad to see so many new achievements, specifically the setting up of a special purpose fund and a training centre, which would facilitate the nurturing of professionals of the participating countries. This was a long term development arrangement. Mr. Lo Bochuan, President of People’s Bank of China Guangzhou Regional Branch, said that by making use of Macao as the bridge, institutions of the Mainland could expand and develop more financial business in view of the fact that Macao has long term friendly relationship with these countries. In addition, he saw potential of diversified development in the financial cooperation between the territories. The two representatives of Macao Association of Banks, Mr. Ye Yixin, General Manager of Bank of China Macao Branch and Mr. Artur Santos, President of the Executive Committee of Banco Nacional Ultramarino, made speeches respectively. As the accountable persons of Chinese and Portuguese capital banks in Macao, they endorsed in an affirmative manner the cooperation of China and Portuguese speaking countries in the financial realm. They were willing to make use of their banking networks to serve as channel of cooperation with banks of Portuguese speaking countries. In this way, the liaison between the financial institutions of the Mainland and Portuguese speaking countries could be enhanced which would certainly embody the principles laid down in the Action Plan outlined in the Forum. Mr. Hou Shaoze, Director-general of the Development Bank of China, made the final conclusion. He raised a number of proposals which would help to realize the financial cooperation mechanism under the framework of the Forum.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 5,838 building units were purchased and sold at MOP10.57 billion in the third quarter of 2010 according to Stamp Duty records, down by 31.9% and 37.1% respectively quarter-to-quarter. There were 3,649 residential units amounting to MOP8.22 billion, down by 32.1% and 40.4% respectively over the previous quarter, of which 980 residential units were purchased and sold under Intermediate Transfer of Title, down by 44.7% quarter-to-quarter, and the total value decreased by 52.1% to MOP4.04 billion. Regarding the price of transaction, 1,146 residential units were sold for over MOP1,000,000 to MOP2,000,000, and 1,144 units for MOP1,000,000 or less. Analyzed by year of completion of building, 1,303 residential units were completed in 2000 and after, 1,426 units in 1990-1999 and 920 units in 1989 and before. As regards floor area of unit, 1,744 units (47.8% of total) had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres. In the third quarter of 2010, the average price of all residential units amounted to MOP30,347 per square metre, down by 5.2% quarter-to-quarter, attributable to a substantial decrease of 93.4% in the number of units purchased and sold in Coloane that posted an above-average price in the previous quarter. The average transaction price of residential units in the Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane increased by 6.9%, 4.3% and 7.7% quarter-to-quarter to MOP29,517, MOP29,583 and MOP64,087 per square metre of usable area respectively. With regard to transaction of residential units under Intermediate Transfer of Title, the average price stood at MOP45,363 per square metre, down by 5.7% from the preceding quarter. The average price of office units increased by 5.4% quarter-to-quarter to MOP23,374 per square metre, and that of industrial units rose by 4.3% to MOP6,998 per square metre. There were 2,717 cases of real estate sale and purchase contracts made in the third quarter of 2010, down by 19.0% quarter-to-quarter; the number of units transacted dropped by 28.1% quarter-to-quarter to 3,287. Moreover, there were 2,238 cases of mortgage contracts signed, of which 1,844 were residential mortgages. In the third quarter of 2010, gross floor area of construction of new buildings totalled 22,260 square metres has been started, which will provide 132 units, 64 parking spaces for cars and 23 parking spaces for motorcycles upon completion. In addition, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 241,248 square metres, altogether providing 466 units (of which 142 are residential units), down sharply by 60.4% and 75.1% respectively quarter-to-quarter; number of parking spaces for cars decreased by 65.1% to 804, while those for motorcycles rose by 76.0% to 667. Average transaction price of building units covers building units with Stamp Duty paid in the reference quarter, excluding gift of property, inheritance, transfer of partial ownership of property, etc. cases bearing peculiar transaction prices.
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Owing to the heightened aviation security measures taken by the United States of America (USA) regarding mail transportation to the country, Macao Post announced that all air mail services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and Speedpost) from Macao to the USA are subject to delay until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Government would introduce a host of measures to share the economic gains among the residents. Speaking at a press conference after delivering the Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2011, Mr Chui said the Government would inject 6,000 patacas into each eligible Central Provident Fund account, and give cash handout of 4,000 patacas to every permanent resident and 2,400 patacas to every non-permanent resident. He said other tax cuts, waivers, subsidies, Healthcare Voucher Scheme and the new Continuing Education Programme were also means to help allocate economic benefits to the people. Macao would not establish a Community Care Fund as Hong Kong did since a wide range of community organisations in Macao had long been assisting the disadvantaged groups in diversified means and the Government would continue to support these organisations, Mr Chui said. He assured disadvantaged groups that the Government would continue to support them and would introduce more measures to help if there is an increase in inflation rate. He re-iterated that with the support of the Central Government, Macao would discuss with the relevant Mainland authorities for a more diversified source of daily essentials and food. Speaking on rising housing prices, Mr Chui said the Government would not only ensure the construction of 19,000 public housing units by 2012, but also relax the income restrictions for future first time house buyer who could not afford to buy a housing unit in the private market. He said he believed that it is necessary to separate the private and public housing market and the Government placed great importance to guarantee that Macao people could live in peace and contentment. The Government would also revise housing related laws and restrictions, such as releasing market data, enhancing real estate agent systems and control inflation on actual floor space in flats, he said. He also reiterated that about 72 per cent of Macao people own a home and some of them had to repay the mortgage for a long time, and these people were very concerned about the healthy development of the housing market. On gaming industry, the Government would ensure its healthy and adequate development, he re-iterated.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, delivered his Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2011 at the Legislative Assembly today where he outlined a string of policies and measures to promote a quality urban life, achieve adequate diversification of the economy and to promote a ‘Sunshine Government’. Entitled ‘Adopting a scientific approach to public administration; Drawing a blueprint for future development’, this was Mr Chui’s second Policy Address. On promoting a quality urban life, Mr Chui said the Government would introduce tax exemption for environmental friendly light vehicles with up to 60,000 patacas of tax waivers per vehicle, and set up an environmental protection and energy conservation fund with a start-up fund of 100 million patacas, to sponsor efforts by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and community groups to improve air quality and save energy and water. The Government would also establish a food safety centre to enhance information exchanges and dissemination as well as collaboration among industry communities, local residents and the Government. It would officially initiate discussions between employers and employees on the issue of minimum wages and said he expected that relevant work would commence next year. It would also formulate a long-term housing policy with a view to seeking equilibrium between public housing supply and the private property market, and press forward with the plan to build 19,000 public housing units in phases before the end of 2012. It would formulate long-term welfare policies for the elderly, support the “Aging in place” policy and make necessary plans to meet their demands in housing and healthcare, he announced. The Government would continue to improve the healthcare system and provide residents with better healthcare protection and services, in accordance with the Plan for Perfecting the Medical and Healthcare System. On tax cuts, waivers, financial allowances and subsidies, the Chief Executive said the Government proposed a 25 per cent reduction in personal income tax for all employed citizens, coupled with an increase in the basic allowance for personal income tax from 95,000 patacas to 144,000 patacas. It would waive all business taxes, hawker licence fees, wet market stall rents, and stamp duties on life insurance, non-life insurance and bank service charges. In addition, the Government proposed to waive signboard taxes (excluding tobacco and cigarette signboards) for businesses, tourism tax for restaurants, the first 3,500 patacas of real estate tax, and increase the profit tax allowance from 32,000 patacas to 200,000 patacas. Others waivers which would continue include stamp duty on entrance passes and tickets for cultural and arts performances, exhibitions and entertainment programmes, and real estate stamp duty on the first three million patacas of a home’s value for Macao permanent residents buying residential properties for the first time. The Government would also extend financial allowances to low income, full time employees, textbook allowances of 1,500 patacas per school year to all eligible Macao school students and 150 patacas a month electricity fee subsidy for residential households for 12 months. Other allowances include financial assistance to families with difficulties, special subsidies and special living allowances to three categories of disadvantaged families and Old Age Allowance of 5,000 patacas for elderly Macao permanent residents. It would also continue the Healthcare Voucher Scheme to improve community medical service networks and the quality of medical services, Mr Chui said. The Government would initiate the Continuing Education Programme to encourage residents to pursue continuing education and training courses. Under the programme, which is estimated to cost 500 million patacas, Macao residents aged 15 or above would receive a subsidy for a period of three years, subject to a maximum ceiling of 5,000 patacas per applicant. To gradually turn the temporary cash subsidy into a systematic and long-term welfare policy - the two-tier social security system, the Government proposed to inject 6,000 patacas into each eligible Central Provident Fund account, and a cash handout of 4,000 patacas to every permanent resident and 2,400 patacas to every non-permanent resident. To support small and medium-sized enterprises, the Government would refine the SME Assistance Programme and the Loan Credit Assurance Scheme and launch financial incentive plans to facilitate business for small and medium-sized enterprises. On co-operation with Guangdong, the Government would strive to press forward with the construction of the Chinese medicine industrial park on Hengqin Island and foster the progressive transformation of the Zhuhai-Macao Crossborder Industrial Zone into a cross-border co-operation zone. To realise a ‘Sunshine Government’, the Government would promote implementation of central co-ordination and management systems for civil servants and implementing central recruitment and promotion mechanisms and strengthen the Commission Against Corruption’s supervision of public authorities and private organisations. The Government would also introduce new regulations and measures to reinforce the accountability system for officials and demonstrate the accountability of governance, and officials of every rank should strictly abide by and enforce the Basic Law and related international conventions and laws. It would improve communications with the Legislative Assembly, enhance the central co-ordination mechanism of law drafting and revision and draw up plans for legislative work. The Government would proceed on revising the System of Seniority Premiums, Housing Allowances and Family Allowances, and would raise each point on the civil service salary scale to 62 patacas. To enhance communication with the public, the Government would further improve the spokesperson system, which should more proactively deliver to the public the latest information concerning policies or unexpected events, he said.
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Adopting a scientific approach to public administration;
Drawing a blueprint for future development Over the past year, the new MSAR Government has stood united with the Macao people in upholding the Basic Law, and the fundamental principles of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and a high degree of autonomy, with the full support of the central government.
Looking ahead to the coming year, we will continue to focus on the immediate needs and long-term interests of the whole community, pay heed to public opinion, improve the people’s well-being, and maintain social stability. The Government will promote the adequate diversification of industries, draw up the blueprint for developing Macao into a world travel and leisure hub, and remain committed to realising the goal of social and economic sustainability for Macao. Improving the people’s well-being
Allocating public resources rationally; vigorously conducting relevant studies; gradually realising our policy objectives; and improving the urban living environment. Realising a quality urban life
- The Government will study the housing needs of the elderly, build more elderly care homes and expand the services of daycare centres. Plans are being developed to establish an inter-departmental task force on geriatric medicine, which will help to develop inpatient geriatric psychiatry services and set up geriatric departments in hospitals.
- The work on expanding the Emergency Service Building of Conde S. Januario Hospital has commenced, and it is designed to meet our social development needs for the coming decade. We will plan construction of an island medical complex, and collaborate with the University Hospital to launch emergency and rehabilitation services on the islands.
- We will lay down a plan to ensure adequate land supply, monitor market uncertainties, and formulate the work and supply schedule of public housing, with the objective of “Homes for All in a Contented Society”; press forward with the plan to build 19,000 public housing units in phases before the end of 2012. - We will formulate long-term housing policy with a view to seeking equilibrium between public housing supply and the private property market; and enhance building management and maintenance.
- We will foster the continued improvement of transportation facilities, and press ahead with construction of the Light Rapid Transit system, in line with the policy of “putting public transport first”.
- We will improve facilities at border checkpoints and ferry terminals, increase the number of self-service immigration clearance systems, enhance peripheral road transport facilities, and carry out work to link up neighbouring regions by cross-border road connections. We will further fine-tune the market positioning of the Macau International Airport, and study feasible investment plans.
- We will set up an environmental protection and energy conservation fund, with a start-up fund of 100 million patacas, to sponsor efforts by small and medium-sized enterprises and community groups to improve air quality and save energy and water. - We will strive harder to improve the drainage system in order to relieve regions at risk of flooding; expedite efforts to renovate some wet markets and community facilities; construct a larger and better equipped permanent driving training and examination centre.
- A food safety centre will be established to enhance information exchanges and dissemination as well as collaboration among industry communities, local residents and the Government. We will also enhance supervision of imported fresh live food, and improve our ability to conduct animal inspections and quarantine.
- We will enhance human resources in the police force, introduce new police technologies and increase abilities to respond to emergencies, in order to fully protect the life and property of local residents and tourists. Human Development
- We will constantly improve various recreational facilities and increase space for cultural and artistic performances; promote popular sports, and create more opportunities for physical training that caters to the needs of shift workers.
- We will organise various festive, cultural, artistic or exhibition events, in order to enliven the leisure life of local citizens. We will also organise a series of activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911.
- We will launch civic education at the community level, to build a harmonious community together with citizens.
- We will roll out an online reading programme for the whole population; kick-start the development of a public library system; and cultivate a love for reading in communities and schools.
- Support for academic research and publication will be increased, to strengthen local academic research teams; incentives will be given to promote local literary talent, to raise Macao’s cultural profile. - We will launch studies on technology strategies; promote popular science education; enhance regional technological cooperation; and cultivate local technological talent.
- We will increase resources earmarked for the development of education, to improve both teaching quality and facilities; draw up a ten-year plan for non-tertiary education; conduct studies on establishing a tertiary education fund; and push forward with the construction of the new campus of the University of Macau on Hengqin Island.
- The professional status of teachers will be enhanced and the all-round development of students will be boosted. We will give full play to the various roles of schools, families and society in building a healthy environment for the growth of young people, and continue to invite relevant government officials to conduct exchanges with young people and listen to their thoughts. Services and support for special education students will be increased, and support for their parents will be strengthened. Adequate diversification of the economy
- In keeping with the Outline Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta and the Hengqin Island Overall Development Plan, we will develop Macao into a world travel and leisure hub; promote cooperation with the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, especially with Guangdong and Hong Kong; and foster economic exchanges between Guangdong and Macao. We will also strengthen mutual coordination with Guangdong of major planning, interconnections between major infrastructure and promotion of mutual benefits in the social sphere.
- We will strive to press forward with the construction of the Chinese medicine industrial park on Hengqin Island that is a joint project of Guangdong and Macao, to develop a base for the development of the Chinese medicine and pharmaceutical industry that meets international standards. - We will actively participate in international and regional conventions and promotion events, to bolster win-win tourism cooperation with multi-destination tours.
- We will foster the progressive transformation of the Zhuhai-Macao Crossborder Industrial Zone into a cross-border cooperation zone. Ø We will encourage exchanges and mutual visits between Macao and Taiwan enterprises, community groups and individuals, strengthening the initiative of the private sector.
Ø Regulation of the gaming industry will be enhanced, to foster its optimal, gradual and healthy development.
Ø While maintaining the existing sources of tourists, we will develop potential markets and high-end tourism as well as products catering to sightseeing visits by families. We will also seek to extend the length of stay of tourists in Macao and boost their consumption. Ø With the underground mall at Sai Van Lake Square as a trial location, we will develop a night market that showcases Macao cuisine and delicacies, as an integrated tourism project, after upgrading the relevant facilities through an open bidding process.
- We will fully support the development of the convention and exhibition industry, with the efforts of the Convention Industry Development Committee and the Convention Business Department of the Economic Services Bureau.
- We will look into the feasibility of establishing a cultural and creative industry fund, to practically boost the development of Macao’s cultural and creative industries. Human resources
- We will fully enforce the Law on Employment of Non-Resident Workers and the relevant bylaws, to combat the employment of illegal workers and safeguard the rights and interests of local workers.
- Vocational training for workers of each age group will be strengthened and occupational skills assessments will be standardised, to increase employment opportunities for local citizens and overall competitiveness.
- The Labour Relations Law, which has been enacted for two years, will be reviewed. We will strive to reconcile conflicts between employers and employees, and ultimately enhance social harmony.
- As the Employment Framework Law clearly mandates the stipulation of minimum wages and their regular review, the Government will officially initiate discussions between employers and employees on the issue of minimum wages. It is hoped that relevant work will commence next year.
- Non-resident workers and professional skilled workers will be imported in numbers sufficient to overcome any shortfalls in local human resources. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises
- The SME Assistance Programme and the Loan Credit Assurance Scheme will be refined, and financial incentive plans will be launched to facilitate business for small and medium-sized enterprises. We will help small and medium-sized eateries to improve their smoke exhaust systems through the Environmental Protection and Energy Conservation Fund.
- We will accelerate the processing of applications for the importing of non-resident workers by small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensure adequate human resource training for these enterprises.
- The second-phase scheme for assisting long-established and unique small or medium-sized restaurants will be launched, to help them overcome business difficulties.
- We will increase support for the activities of the Dynamic Macao Week, and fully utilise the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), to help local enterprises to expand their businesses into mainland China.
Proposed tax cuts and waivers, financial allowances and subsidies:
- 25 percent reduction in personal income tax for all employed citizens, coupled with an increase in the basic allowance for personal income tax to 144,000 patacas;
- Waivers of all business taxes; hawker licence fees; wet market stall rents; and stamp duties on life insurance, non life insurance and bank service charges; - Waivers of signboard taxes (excluding tobacco and cigarette signboards) for businesses; exemption from tourism tax for restaurants;
- Waiver of the first 3,500 patacas of real estate tax;
- Increase of the profit tax allowance from 32,000 patacas to 200,000 patacas;
- Waiver of stamp duties on entrance passes and tickets for cultural and arts performances, exhibitions and entertainment programmes;
- Waiver of the real estate stamp duty on the first three million patacas of a home’s value for Macao permanent residents purchasing residential properties for the first time;
- Temporary housing subsidies to eligible families on the waiting list for public housing;
- Financial allowances to low-income, full-time employees
- Electricity fee subsidies to residential households;
- Textbook allowances of 1,500 patacas per school year to all eligible Macao school students;
- Financial assistance to families with difficulties, as well as special subsidies and special living allowances to three categories of disadvantaged families;
- Old-age Allowance of 5,000 patacas to elderly Macao permanent residents;
- Continuation of the Healthcare Voucher Scheme to improve community medical service networks and the quality of medical services;
- Tax exemption for environment-friendly light vehicles, with up to 60,000 patacas of tax waivers per vehicle;
- Launch of the Continuing Education Programme to encourage residents to pursue continuing education and training courses. Under the programme, which is estimated to cost 500 million patacas, Macao residents aged 15 or above will receive a subsidy for a period of three years, subject to a maximum ceiling of 5,000 patacas per applicant;
- Injection of 6,000 patacas into each eligible Central Provident Fund account, to enhance the two-tier social security system; and a cash handout of 4,000 patacas to every permanent resident and 2,400 patacas to every non-permanent resident; and
- Amendments to the Regulations on Urban Property Tax, to reduce the rate of property tax. This will relieve the tax burden on residents, and promote development of the residential leasing market. Looking Ahead
Promoting all aspects of human development, and fostering the building of a harmonious, inclusive and caring society with forward-looking aspirations and vision. Raising the Quality of Life
- Initiate urban planning and preparation work for the five new reclaimed areas, and reserve land for public housing; lay down a draft of the Master Plan for Macao’s New Districts;
- Establish triple safeguards comprising the Social Security Fund, the Central Provident Fund and individual savings, so residents can prepare for a better retirement;
- Study the feasibility of a gradual transition from the interim Wealth Partaking Scheme that is presently in effect, to a long-term social welfare system under the Central Provident Fund, so that Macao residents can further share in the fruits of Macao’s economic development;
- Formulate long-term welfare policies for the elderly, and support the “Aging in place” policy; promote respect for the elderly in families, society and schools; and
- Further improve the healthcare system, to provide residents with better healthcare protection and services, in accordance with the Plan for Perfecting the Medical and Healthcare System. Sustainable Development
- Strengthen positioning of Macao’s development in tandem with the national “12th Five-Year Plan”, to promote regional collaboration and cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao;
- Reinforce Macao’s role as the service platform of China and Portuguese-speaking countries; promote economic and trade cooperation amongst mainland China, Portuguese-speaking countries and Macao; facilitate economic and trade cooperation with European Union nations; and leverage the platform of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Cooperation and Development Forum to strengthen economic, trade and tourism cooperation with ASEAN countries;
- Take the initiative to support the state’s policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and undertake the responsibilities agreed in the Kyoto Protocol. Initiatives include gradual addition of emission reduction facilities, research and development of applications of renewable energy, promotion of eco-friendly consumption, and improvement in our environmental protection infrastructure;
- Expand the human resources database of the tertiary education sector to include other industries, in order to establish a comprehensive database of human resources in Macao;
- Support Macao’s young generations with three pillars: knowledge, opportunities and government support; encourage young students to develop a correct outlook on life and strengthen their patriotism; and
- Conduct the decennial population census, to further the research on population policies we have already rolled out. Scientific Administration
The Government will adopt more scientific, open and democratic policy-making processes, to realise “Sunshine Government”.
- Promote implementation of central coordination and management systems for civil servants, and implementing central recruitment and promotion mechanisms;
- Strengthen the Commission Against Corruption’s supervision of public authorities and private organisations, to combat illegal activities; - Monitor public resources, to improve the quality and efficiency of all auditing projects;
- Implement the Standard Guidelines on Public Policy Consultations, to improve communications between the authorities and residents, giving residents more opportunities to participate in policy-making processes;
- Further improve the Government spokesperson system, which should more proactively deliver to the public the latest information concerning policies or unexpected events;
- Establish the Policy Research Office, to provide the Chief Executive with analytical references concerning structural problems and development trends in society; and
- Introduce amendments to the System of Seniority Premiums, Housing Allowances and Family Allowances, and raise each point on the civil service salary scale to 62 patacas. Establishing Effective Systems
Strengthening all existing systems and enabling society to keep abreast of the times.
- Introduce new regulations and measures to reinforce the accountability system for officials and demonstrate the accountability of governance; the Government requires officials of every rank to strictly abide by and enforce the Basic Law and related international conventions and laws;
- Improve communications with the Legislative Assembly, enhance the central coordination mechanism of law drafting and revision, and draw up plans for legislative work;
- Expedite the revision of the Land Law, with the aim of effectively supervising land use and land resources in the Macao SAR;
- Expedite the legislative process of the Cultural Heritage Protection Law, in order to strengthen resident’s awareness of cultural heritage protection;
- Introduce amendments to the environmental protection laws and regulations in line with the legislation of the Prevention and Control of Smoking Bill, to more effectively control sources of air pollution;
- Conduct a study on introducing an assessment system that will invite overseas rating organisations to assess local tertiary educational institutions, and assist them with enhancing teaching quality;
- Look into the feasibility of establishing a certification / accreditation system for professionals that recognises the status of professionals, and regulates the related mechanisms for accreditation training and examination;
- Establish a fiscal reserve system appropriate to Macao’s actual situation;
- Put the Social Security Fund under the policy portfolio of social affairs and culture and the Pension Fund Authority under the policy portfolio of administration and justice; and merge the Legal Reform Office with the International Law Office to better coordinate work on legislation;
- Revise the Press Law and the Broadcasting Law; and
- Take a proactive but prudent approach to the future development of the MSAR’s political system, on the basis of broad social consensus. Conclusions We believe that if we join hands and work hard with all Macao residents with a common goal and purpose, we can build on the existing foundation to drive adequate diversification and continuous self-perfection for Macao. We can then transform Macao into a city that is culturally diverse, thriving and peaceful, with a quality living and business environment that can develop sustainably.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that per-capita spending of visitors increased by 2% year-on-year to MOP 1,648 in the third quarter of 2010. Analyzed by place of residence, per-capita spending of Mainland visitors topped at MOP 2,530, while spending of those from Southeast Asia; Hong Kong; and Taiwan, China amounted to MOP 1,663, MOP 1,032 and MOP 1,027 respectively. Per-capita spending of tourists (MOP 2,821) and same-day visitors (MOP 729) went up by 21% and 34% year-on-year. In the third quarter of 2010, per-capita non-shopping spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors decreased by 16% year-on-year to MOP 782, of which expenses on Accommodation and Food & Beverage accounted for 45% and 35% respectively. Meanwhile, per-capita shopping spending grew by 26% to MOP 866, mainly on Local Food Products (23%), Jewellery/Watches (22%) and Clothing (16%). Per-diem spending of visitors amounted to MOP 1,648 in the third quarter of 2010, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Mainland visitors had the highest per-diem spending of MOP 2,530 and the respective spending of visitors from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, China was MOP 1,451, MOP 1,032 and MOP 1,027. The average length of stay of visitors stood at 0.9 day, down by 0.2 day over the third quarter of 2009, with Mainland visitors staying an average of 0.9 day. Average length of stay of tourists and same-day visitors held stable at 1.7 days and 0.3 day respectively.
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From November 9 until 5p.m. today (15) the Cross-departmental Working Team sealed one more premise suspected to provide accommodation illegally and a suspected operator was investigated on site.
Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has waged a total of 86 sanctions, among which one sanction proceeding has been completed and an operator who provided accommodation illegally was fined 200 000 patacas. Other cases are in different stages of sanction proceedings. Since the Cross-departmental Working Team started operations, to date, 1072 premise-checks were conducted, involving 747 premises, of which 86 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 114 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 18 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases. To date, the operations involved more than 880 occupants, among whom 384 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 17 overstayers and 14 illegal immigrants. 13 operators, 12 touts, 12 persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (managing staff) and six 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 operator who provided accommodation illegally, who was fined 200 000 patacas, does not pay within the statutory period, the Financial Services Bureau will enforce the collection of fine. Meanwhile, the six 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 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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 3.0% year-on-year to 372,196 in September 2010. In comparison with September 2009, visitors from Mainland China (224,460) and Japan (27,958) decreased by 7.0% and 11.1% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (29,174), Hong Kong (22,253), Rupublic of Korea (14,661) and Indonesia (13,003) rose by 27.2%, 27.8%, 246.9% and 30.4% respectively. In the first three quarters of 2010, visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 33.2% year-on-year to 4,373,906. In September 2010, Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours rose significantly by 70.1% year-on-year to 20,102, with Mainland China (80.0% of total); Taiwan, China (4.6%); Japan (3.3%) and Thailand (3.2%) being the most popular tour itineraries. In the first nine months of 2010, residents travelling in package tours totalled 186,831, up by 29.0% year-on-year. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies rose by 2.2% year-on-year to 44,862 and the main destinations were Mainland China (33.7% of total), Hong Kong (28.9%) and Taiwan, China (16.8%). In the first three quarters of 2010, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 10.0% year-on-year to 362,571. At the end of September 2010, total number of available guest rooms of the hotel sector increased by 1,657 (+9.1%) year-on-year to 19,846 rooms. A total of 588,962 guests checked into hotels and guest-houses in September 2010, up by 8.4% year-on-year, with the majority coming from Mainland China (46.8% of total) and Hong Kong (21.8%). The average occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 74.1%, up by 2.0 percentage points year-on-year; average occupancy rate of hotels was 74.7%, with 3-star hotels leading at 78.1%. The average length of stay of guests went up by 0.02 night to 1.5 nights. Number of guests reached 5,739,936 in the first nine months of 2010, up by 19.5% over the same period of 2009. In the first three quarters of 2010, visitor-guests of hotels and guest-houses accounted for 60.5% of the total number of tourists, down from 61.1% in the same period of 2009.
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