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Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government Cheong U hosted today (December 26) the Inaugural Ceremony of Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. The inaugural ceremony took place at Tourism Activities Centre. Secretary Cheong administered the oath of office while it was witnessed by Acting Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Maria Madalena Leong. The new Director of MGTO Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes possesses a bachelor degree in business administration. She joined the public service in 1988 and served as the promotion department head of the former MGTO from 1994 to 1998 and Deputy Director of MGTO from 1998 till today. Currently, Fernandes acts as a member of Committee of Nomination of Medals and Honorary Titles, Macau Grand Prix Committee, Tourism Development Committee, Tourism Crisis Management Office and Committee for the Development of Conventions and Exhibitions. She was also a member of the Strategic Intelligence Advisory Committee of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) from 2007 to 2009.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate (1.9%) and the underemployment rate (0.8%) for September-November 2012 held stable as the previous period (August-October). Total labour force was 356,200 and the labour force participation rate stood at 72.5%. Total employment reached 349,600, an increase of 2,900 over the previous period. Analysed by industry, notable increase was observed in the employment in Education and Real Estate & Business Activities. Number of the unemployed decreased by 100 from the previous period to 6,600, with 16.7% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, down by 2.6 percentage points. In comparison with September-November 2011, the labour force participation rate, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate decreased by 0.3, 0.6 and 0.2 percentage point respectively.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on instant drinks. Survey result showed that prices of the 10 surveyed products recorded various price differences. The highest price difference recorded was 43.24 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of 10 brands of instant drinks from 20 retail outlets on 18th December. Surveyed items included instant sports drink, malt beverage, chocolate, coffee and milk tea. Survey result showed that 'Nestle Milo Nutritious Malt Drink/400g', which was sold at $37.0 to $53.0, recorded the greatest price difference of 43.24 percent. In comparison with October's survey, 3 surveyed products in the current survey recorded no change in price, 3 products recorded changes of over 10 percent in a few retail outlets, and other products observed a general price increase or decrease of around 5 percent. Survey result also showed that branches under the same supermarket chain had different selling prices for the same product. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The specific price survey on instant drinks is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The Central Government fully recognised the work of the Macao SAR Government and would give full support to Macao's policy blueprint for the coming year, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today. Mr Chui disclosed this when he spoke to reporters at the end of his three-day duty visit to Beijing where he met with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr Xi Jinping; the Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao; and the President, Mr Hu Jintao; in succession in the past two days. Mr Chui also met with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya. Mr Chui said the state leaders stressed the importance of complying with the Basic Law, adhering to 'One Country' and respecting the differences of the 'Two Systems', and the necessity of seeing the whole situation and fulfilling the SAR's own work. The leaders also paid attention to Macao's economy and co-operation with neighbouring regions, as well as Macao's drive for adequate economic diversification. Mr Chui said the Central Government would fully support Macao to develop into a global tourism and leisure hub, as well as a trade and services platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. The Central Government would capitalise on the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries next year and make use of Macao's role as a platform. The Central Government was also taking note of the livelihood of the people of Macao and would support the short-term measures and long-term mechanisms introduced by the Macao authorities. He said the Central Government also urged Macao to pay attention to the global financial situation, make preparations and keep its financial system safe and stable. In reply to reporters, Mr Chui said the Government had already established a financial reserve system and would adopt a prudent approach in increasing public expenditure. He said Premier Wen had told him that he was impressed with Macao's mixed culture of east and west and the education system in his previous visit to Macao, and he urged Macao to value their development. Mr Chui said that during the meeting with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya, they also discussed a proposed new passageway between Guangdong and Macao. Macao would work with Guangdong and hoped to get approval from the Central Government on the project soon, he said.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, left for Beijing this morning for a duty visit during which he would report to state leaders on the Macao SAR's affairs in the past 12 months and the government's policy blueprint for 2013. Speaking to the press at the Macau International Airport, Mr Chui said he would learn more about regional co-operation and the implementation of the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement, as well as collaboration in the development of Hengqin and Nansha. Government officials travelling with Mr Chui on the visit includes the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Alexis Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms Wallis O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Victor Chan Chi Ping; the Director of the Office of the Macao SAR in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai; the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Daniel Fung Sio Weng; and Adviser of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Kou Chin Hung. While Mr Chui is away, the Secretary for Economic and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, would be acting Chief Executive.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today that the government would reinforce the establishment and improvement of the long-term mechanism of effective administration in social security, medical services and healthcare, education and housing. Mr Chui pledged that this would be the focus of the government in the new year. He disclosed this when he delivered a speech at a reception at the Macau Tower to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. 'Over the past year, with the full support of the central government and the combined efforts of the Macao people, we faced the challenge of the weakening peripheral economic environment with a positive approach. 'Thanks to the powerful vitality of the "One country, two systems" principle, the Macao Special Administrative Region has achieved sustainable economic growth, providing sufficient employment opportunities to local residents. 'Under the strong leadership of the Central Government, we, as people of China, are now making our best efforts to build a beautiful China and realise the sustainable development of the Chinese." Speaking on the long-term mechanism, Mr Chui said the Government would expand its budget allocation in social security, medical services and healthcare, education and housing to ensure the long-term mechanism of effective administration could be smoothly structured and launched. 'We will make progress in the infrastructural development in the aforementioned areas and provide hardware support, promote inter-departmental co-operation, and integrate multifaceted support to give full play to the function of the long-term mechanism of effective administration. 'We will also reinforce talent cultivation and reserves, to ensure that the mechanism effectively and continuously enhances the living standards of Macao people." Mr Chui said. 'Alongside the development of its long-term mechanism of effective administration, the SAR government is also highly concerned about the hardship of local residents under persistent inflation, and will make greater efforts to support the underprivileged. 'Besides allocating the 19,000 public housing units in proper order to those in need, the government will continue to build more public housing units next year, and recommence accepting applications for public housing and Home-Ownership Scheme Housing. 'We will speed up the study of the "Macao Land for Macao People" policy and measures, with the determination and intention to assist those with housing problems. 'For the middle-income class, the government will also implement a series of targeted measures, including tax refunds, to relieve their financial stress and encourage them to make further progress. 'To promote the betterment of people's livelihoods, we will strive to ensure steady growth in the economy. In consideration of the economic situation in the year ahead, we must firstly ensure a stable financial system in order to boost secure employment for local residents. 'At the same time, we will continue with our core economic development approach to establish Macao as a world tourism and leisure centre and a business service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, by supporting the growth of convention and exhibition sector and cultural and creative industries to facilitate adequate diversification of the economy. 'While intensifying supervision and control, we also promote the healthy development of the gaming industry by implementing development projects to strengthen its non-gaming components. We also join hands with the industry to enrich the content of integrated tourism. 'Furthermore, we will grasp the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries to further support local enterprises to provide intermediary services to the Mainland and the Portuguese-speaking countries. 'We are dedicated to the continued implementation of a series of important agreements on regional cooperation, and to the establishment of closer partnerships with the Mainland, especially Guangdong Province,' Mr Chui said. Guests who attended the reception included the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah, the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR, Mr Li Gang, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in MSAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue, the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng, the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning, more than 300 guests attended the flag raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square. Government entities and civil organisations would also organise events to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the MSAR.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (119.00) for November 2012 increased by 5.72% year-on-year, attributable to rising charges for meals bought away from home and higher prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas; nevertheless, a raise in Government subsidy on electricity tapered off part of the increase. For the 12 months ended November 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.19% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B also rose by 6.44% and 6.39% respectively. In comparison with November 2011, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+34.35%); Housing & Fuels (+8.53%); and Household Goods & Furnishings (+8.26%) marked notable increase on account of dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas and higher charges for domestic services. On the contrary, price index of Education and Communication decreased by 3.06% and 1.05% respectively year-on-year. The CPI-A (118.64) and CPI-B (119.55) increased by 6.21% and 5.86% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI increased by 0.90% month-to-month, of which dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, new arrival of Winter clothing, and rising charges for out-patient medical services pushed up the price index of Clothing & Footwear; Housing & Fuels; and Health by 2.85%, 2.79% and 2.54%. However, price index of Transport; Communication; and Recreation & Culture decreased by 0.82%, 0.71% and 0.41% on account of lower gasoline prices, as well as reduced charges for package tours and internet services. The CPI-A and the CPI-B increased by 1.00% and 0.86% respectively month-on-month. The average Composite CPI for the first eleven months of 2012 increased by 6.13% year-on-year, of which price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+31.17%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+8.65%) saw remarkable increase, while that of Communication decreased by 4.43%. The CPI-A and CPI-B for the first eleven months of 2012 rose by 6.40% and 6.35% respectively. 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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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) dropped whereas commercial real estate loans (CRELs) grew in October 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, both RMLs and CRELs continued to grow. New Lending Approved In October 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks dropped 9.1% month-to-month to MOP4.2 billion; of which, 91.6% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents and non-residents decreased 6.4% and 30.7% respectively. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose 15.0% month-to-month to MOP81.2 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 95.8% of the total, rose 22.7% whereas the amount to non-residents went down by 53.0%. New CRELs expanded 63.0% month-to-month to MOP5.1 billion; of which, 99.1% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents advanced 67.3% whereas the amount to non-residents dropped 59.1% compared with the previous month. Outstanding Balances As at end-October 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP94.0 billion, an increase of 2.6% from one month earlier. The resident component made up 92.4% of the total. Outstanding RMLs to residents and non-residents grew by 2.6% and 2.4% respectively. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs edged up 0.1% from end-September to MOP65.6 billion. Residents accounted for 91.2% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew by 0.2% whereas those to non-residents slid 0.8%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of October 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.05%, down 0.01 percentage point from one month earlier. The ratio for CRELs went up 0.05 percentage points from end-September to 0.14%.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on instant noodles. Prices of 10 brands of instant noodle were stable although price differences of the same brand of noodles sold at different retail spots were significant. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The Council collected 10 brands of instant noodle products from 23 retail outlets on 13th December. Survey result revealed price differences ranged from the lowest 6.67 percent to the highest 92.31 percent for the same product sold at different retail outlets. The biggest price difference of 92.31 percent was observed in 'Doll Instant Mifun/70g', which was sold at $2.6 to $5.0. 'Doll Instant Noodle - Sesame Oil Flavour/100g x 5', which was sold at $12.0 to $20.0, observed a price difference of 66.67 percent. A general price difference of about 20 to 30 percent was also recorded for 5 other products in the current survey. In comparison with October's record, prices of the surveyed instant noodles were stable as 6 of the surveyed brands recorded no change in price. The specific price survey on instant noodles is now available on 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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Macao is to organise a wide range of activities and events on Thursday to mark the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Highlights will include a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square at 8 am, which will be broadcast live by Macao TV station (TDM), and a reception hosted by the SAR Government at Macau Tower at 9:30 am. To bring fun and entertainment to the people, the Macao Sport Development Board will organise a concert by Hong Kong Canto-pop star Eason Chan Yik-shun at Macao Stadium on Taipa island at 2 pm. In addition, the Cultural Affairs Bureau, for the second consecutive year, will organise the "Parade through Macau, Latin City" at 4pm. Artistes and groups from Macao, the Mainland, Portugal, Italy and France will be joined by performers from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador, among other Latin American countries, to highlight the harmonious fusion of the territory's unique cultural characteristics. Beginning at the city's iconic Ruins of St. Paul's Church, the procession will continue through the picturesque St. Lazarus Neighbourhood, passing by the Church, to Tap Seac Square where it is to culminate in a grand finale with a variety of performances by all the artistes. Meanwhile, the Macao Post will issue commemorative covers and offer hand-back services to the public. The Macau Government Tourist Office will present a fireworks display, off Macau Tower, at 9:30 pm.
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