News

In view of providing more information on inbound visitor expenditure from different places, the Statistics and Census Service releases data on visitors' spending of six additional countries, namely Malaysia; Singapore; Thailand; the United States; the United Kingdom; and Australia, starting from the first quarter of 2012. Total spending (excluding gaming expenses) of visitors, which was extrapolated from about 43,000 effective samples, reached MOP 13.1 billion in the first quarter of 2012, up notably by 35% year-on-year. Total spending of overnight visitors surged by 39% year-on-year to MOP 10.6 billion, and that of same-day visitors increased by 19% to MOP 2.5 billion. Moreover, total non-shopping spending and shopping spending of visitors amounted to MOP 6.4 billion and MOP 6.7 billion, up by 28% and 42% respectively year-on-year. In the first quarter of 2012, per-capita spending of visitors was MOP 1,891, an increase of 25% from a year earlier. Analyzed by place of residence, per-capita spending of those from Mainland China stood at MOP 2,435; Singapore at MOP 1,448; and Malaysia at MOP 1,375. Meanwhile, per-capita spending of long-haul visitors from Australia, the United States of America and the United Kingdom was MOP 1,316, MOP 1,186 and MOP 1,018 respectively. Moreover, per-capita spending of overnight visitors increased by 28% year-on-year to MOP 3,358 and that of same-day visitors rose by 11% to MOP 665. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day visitors from Mainland China topped at MOP 4,391 and MOP 842. Per-capita non-shopping spending of visitors rose by 18% year-on-year to MOP 921, of which expenses on Accommodation and Food & Beverage accounted for 48% and 36% respectively. Per-capita non-shopping spending of Japanese visitors took the lead at MOP 1,192; for long-haul visitors, those from Australia had the highest per-capita non-shopping spending of MOP 1,092. Per-capita shopping spending of visitors was MOP 971, up by 31% over the same quarter of 2011, with Local Food Products (22%), Jewellery & Watches (19%) and Clothing (17%) being the more popular shopping items. However, per-capita shopping spending of Mainland visitors reached MOP 1,464.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 reached MOP 12.88 billion, up by 28% year-on-year. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks and Jewellery Goods amounted to MOP 4.03 billion (31% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (15%), Adults' Clothing (11%), Leather Goods (10%), Goods in Supermarkets (6%) and Motor Vehicles (6%). Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 4% compared with the revised figure (MOP 12.43 billion) of the fourth quarter of 2011, with marked increase being observed in sales of Adults' Clothing (+19%), Communication Equipment (+13%) and Watches, Clocks and Jewellery Goods (+8%); however, retail sales of Motor Vehicles decreased by 17%. Value of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 surged 28% year-on-year, with notable increase being observed in sales of Adults' Clothing (+43%), Watches, Clocks and Jewellery Goods (+43%) and Communication Equipment (+41%). After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 18% year-on-year, of which sales of Communication Equipment soared by 50%, Adults' Clothing by 40% and Goods in Department Stores by 30%. Volume of retail sales increased by 3% quarter-to-quarter, with significant increase in sales of Adults' Clothing (+23%) and Communication Equipment (+10%); on the contrary, sales volume of Motor Vehicles registered a decrease of 18%. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 54% stated that sales volume in the first quarter of 2012 held stable or increased over the previous quarter, down by 26 percentage points compared with those holding the same sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2011; while 46% reported a decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 53% reported stable prices, 38% stated an increase and 9% reported a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2011, about 70% expressed that the stock level was normal in the first quarter of 2012, while 15% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards the business outlook for the second quarter of 2012, about 79% anticipate that sales volume will increase or remain stable from the first quarter of 2012, while 21% expect a decrease. Concurrently, about 19% predict an increase in retail prices, 75% expect stable prices and 6% expect a decrease.
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Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated 17th May. This month's survey revealed stability in prices of most products, including prices of most of the cooking oil products surveyed; prices of one cooking oil brand had decreased by 7%. The 'Supermarket Price Survey' of May revealed stability in prices of most categories of products. In comparison with last month's data, prices of 108 out of over 300 items surveyed had dropped while those of 92 items remained stable, which amounted to about 60 percent of the total number of items surveyed. Average prices of 113 items, mainly canned foods, shampoos and household cleansing product, had been raised since last survey. The Council added that both price increases and decreases recorded were both minimal, ranging from less than 1 percent to 5 percent. Obvious price increases were shown in cooking oil items in previous surveys, however, among the 25 cooking oil brands surveyed this time, prices of 17 items recorded price drops; 'Mazola Canola Oil (3.5L)' recorded the biggest drop of 7.5 percent. Prices of rice also remained stable, most of the items surveyed recorded no change in price, 'Wing On Thai White Fragrant Rice (5kg)' recorded a price drop of almost 8.5 percent. The current survey also showed that two branches of San Miu Supermarket, located at Rua dos Mercadores and La Baie Du Noble, were found to have different selling prices for over 100 items and those prices varied for up to 20%. Similar cases were observed in branches of Royal Supermarket and PARKnSHOP but the price differences were comparatively small. Consumers are advised to check with the data provided by the Council on its website and its 'Supermarket price platform' iPhone and Android app for easy reference. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android app. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. For inquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) rose whereas commercial real estate loans (CRELs) dropped in the first quarter of 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs rose while CRELs witnessed decrease. New Lending Approved For the first quarter of 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks rose 22.0% quarter-to-quarter to MOP5.7 billion; of which, 93.9% was extended to residents. In terms of approved value, new RMLs to residents grew 26.0% whereas those to non-residents dropped 17.9%. When compared with the same period of 2011, new approvals of RMLs dropped by 33.2%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) dropped 4.8% quarter-to-quarter to MOP118 million; of which 77.1% was extended to residents. The equitable mortgage to residents dropped 26.6%. When compared with the same period of 2011, equitable mortgage contracted by 92.4%. After registering decrease in the previous quarter, new CRELs approved further declined by 45.8% quarter-to-quarter to MOP5.7 billion; of which, 75.6% was granted to residents. In terms of approved value, new CRELs to residents contracted 56.2% whereas those to non-residents rose 103.8%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs dropped 8.6%. Outstanding Balances As at end-March 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP77.9 billion, an increase of 2.2% from three months earlier or 19.4% from a year ago. The resident component made up 92.3% of the total. Outstanding RMLs to residents grew by 2.7% when compared with three months earlier while those to non-residents dropped 3.3%. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs dropped 2.6% from end-December 2011 but rose 20.2% from end-March 2011 to MOP61.1 billion. Residents accounted for 90.6% of the loans. Compared with three months earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents dropped 3.0% whereas those to non-residents rose 1.9%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of March 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.08%, down 0.01 percentage point from three months earlier and a year ago. The ratio for CRELs went down 0.01 percentage point from end-December 2011 or 0.32 percentage points from end-March 2011, to 0.09%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, is scheduled to visit Beijing for the first China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), which opens on 28 May.
Mr Chui is to meet with the Mayor of Beijing, Mr Guo Jinlong, and attend the opening ceremony of the fair.
From there he is to proceed to Sichuan to attend the celebration of the completion of a stadium sponsored by the Macao Government.
Accompanied by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Mr Chui will leave for Beijing on 26 May. CIFTIS, approved by the State Council, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, will be jointly hosted as an annual event thereafter. The fair is defined as a national-level, internationalized and comprehensive fair for trade in services which is currently the only comprehensive trading platform in the world with a coverage of 12 fields of trade in services as defined by the WTO, i.e. the business services, communication services, construction and related engineering services, distribution services, education services, environmental services, financial services, health and social services, tourism and travel related services, recreational culture and sports services, transportation services and other services. .
Mr Chui and his official delegation will go on to Sichuan on the afternoon of 28 May where they will attend the festivities to celebrate the completion of the multi-functional stadium sponsored by the Macao Government. The stadium, with a total construction area of 25, 500 square metres, is one of the key restoration projects following the tragic earthquakes which hit Wenchuan on 12 May 2008.
Members of the official delegations would include the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam, the Director of Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping. Mr Chui will return Macao on 30 May. In his absence, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be the acting Chief Executive.
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Tourism Event Management Year 4 students of Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) hosted a successful fundraising event. "PRINCE BILLIARD SALOON PROUDLY PRESENTS: IFT SUPER-6s MASTER" was held successfully on 12 and 13 May in Prince Billiard Saloon. There were 33 teams, players included former Macao Team members and local undergraduates. The Vice President of IFT, Ms. Florence Ian, Director of Development of ORBIS, Ms. Vivian Lo and representatives from sponsors officiated the opening ceremony. The organising team aims this tournament to promote billiard to the public and at the same time to support charity institutions in Macao. This is also a great opportunity for students to put the theories they learnt in class into practice. Profit generated, MOP55,000, including the cash prizes (MOP7,000) donated from the champion and the first runner up, was donated to ORBIS, an international non-profit making charity organisation for restoring sight and eliminating avoidable blindness long-term worldwide project. Rocky Lane, the world record holder of jump shooting from New Zealand was invited to perform during the event. Rocky is the fastest player of jump shooting and potting 15 pool balls from the table, in 14.16 seconds, still unbeaten. The after party was held in the evening on 13 May in Inn Side Bar with wine tasting sponsored by Tosti. The party included the award and cheque presentation ceremony, followed with lucky draw sponsored by IGT.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (116.09) for April 2012 increased by 6.76% year-on-year, attributable to the increase in charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of fresh meat and vegetables. For the 12 months ended April 2012, the average Composite CPI increased by 6.27% from the preceding period; the average CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.09% and 6.49% respectively. In comparison with April 2011, price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+29.55%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.52%); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+7.58%) registered marked increase on account of higher charges for meals bought away from home, as well as dearer prices of fresh meat, vegetables and gold jewellery. On the contrary, price index of Communication dropped by 6.55%. The CPI-A (115.47) and CPI-B (116.72) for April 2012 both increased by 7.01% year-on-year. The Composite CPI for April 2012 increased by 0.61% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 4.42% upon new arrival of Summer clothing; however, price index of Transport decreased by 0.35%. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.56% and 0.68% month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first four months of 2012 increased by 6.40% year-on-year, with noticeable increase in the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+27.76%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+9.59%); and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.44%). On the other hand, price index of Communication registered a decrease of 6.45%. The CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 6.39% and 6.69% respectively year-on-year. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was confirmed by the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar in Beijing that holders of the Macao SAR Passport can obtain visa-on-arrival when entering the Republic of Madagascar for a maximum stay of 90 days. At present, a total of 100 countries and territories have agreed to grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the Macao SAR passport holders, while 9 countries have agreed to grant the visa-free access to the Macao SAR Travel Permit holders.
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Jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province, and co-ordinated by the Macau Fair & Trade Association, the 2012 Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair (2012 GMBPF) will be held from 2 to 5 August at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event takes up a total area of 6,000 square metres and converges trade, cultural exchange, shopping and entertainment into one economic and trade event. A major event to deepen exchange and co-operation and to explore business opportunities between Guangdong and Macao The first Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair was held in 2009 when the governments of the two territories started to make use of the event as one of the measures to strengthen economic and trade co-operation, as well as to step up Macao's moderate economic diversification. The GMBPF originated as an economic and trade event organized by the Guangdong and Macao governments, in line with the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta and the Strengthening of the Overall Strategic Co-operation Agreement signed by the two territories in March 2009. Following the signing of the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Framework Agreement last year, there are increasing collaborations between the two territories, the role and the importance of GMBPF have been further enhanced. Based on the success of the past three years, 2012 GMBPF will help to promote closer co-operation and liaisons between Guangdong and Macao, to further explore markets and enhance businesses. Branded products of the Guangdong province could make use of the Macao business and trade platform to enter the Portuguese-speaking markets for more business opportunities. On the other hand, as the upsurge of Macao's consumer product prices over the past years has created heavy economic burden to the general public, it is hoped that GMBPF will bring along more options of branded products for Macao citizens and visitors, and enable local enterprises to have more channels of introducing products from difference regions and lower the costs . Selected quality enterprises The economic and trade promotion authorities of the Guangdong province have attached great importance to this event, and has designated the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong Province to organize relevant branded products and enterprises to take part in the fair. To ensure the quality of the event, the relevant Mainland authorities and departments will be very careful in shortlisting participating enterprises and will give priorities to those enterprises which have been awarded as branded products or well-known brands at the provincial level. Generating new thematic fairs from GMBPF To extend the effect of GMBPF, the organizer will pave the way for potential products by organizing thematic fairs, in order to assist them to explore overseas markets especially those in the Portuguese-speaking countries. Therefore, the Guangdong Pavilion will abandon the old zonal arrangement which was based on province, municipality or local area. This year, the pavilion will be arranged according to the business sectors, and focus on promoting branded products in three major business categories, namely foodstuff, daily necessities and gifts, so that products could be more focused and will assist buyers to easily source their desirable products. The Macao Pavilion will continue to focus on Macao Brands and Made in Macao products. More products are also expected from the Portuguese-speaking countries; therefore, priorities for exhibition participation will be given to Macao enterprises which act as an agent of products of Portuguese-speaking countries. Voting events to introduce diversity, innovation and interaction
Among the rich array of activities and events arranged, parallel events are also organized to increase public awareness, service quality of on-site sales personnel and the publicity of branded products and participating enterprises. Business matching, product seminar and presentations as well as procurement negotiations will be held to fully utilize the role of Macao's regional service platform. This year, two new activities are introduced namely, the voting of The Best Sales Team of the Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair, and The Most Popular Guangdong-Macao Branded Product. In view of the popularity of the use of the Internet and smart phone, specially designed applications (APPs) are available for download to allow participants to vote for their favourites through the internet or their mobile phones. It is hoped that the new activities can help to enhance interactions and more young people will be involved. To enable participants to understand more about GMBPF, different cities of the Guangdong Province will set up exhibition boards to showcase their selected branded products at their 'City Galleries'. The organizer has also arranged cultural entertainments, lucky draws and consumption coupons for distribution upon entrance of GMBPF to make the event more entertaining and more carnival-like, and encourage participants to enjoy their visit and shopping in a relaxed atmosphere. The Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair has gradually become a reputable event in Macao, and has successfully attracted the participation of a large amount of businesspeople, the general public and visitors. The first GMBPF has attracted more than 100,000 visitors whereas last year's event was participated by 111,000 visitors. Three types of Macao enterprises will enjoy 60% subsidy as incentive
Similar to the previous GMBPFs, 2012 GMBPF offers an incentive measure of 60% subsidy to participating Macao enterprises which fall under the business categories of 'Made in Macao', 'Macao Brands', or Macau enterprises which act as agents for products from overseas (with those from the Portuguese-speaking countries given priorities). Eligible enterprises could opt for standard exhibition booths or basic booths. After discounting the subsidies, the former will be Mop2,800 each while the latter will be Mop2,000 per unit. Registration period runs from 21 May to 1 June, on a first-come-first-served basis. All Macao enterprises are welcome to make use of the GMBPF to explore their business opportunities. Please register early as the number of booths are limited. Note: Products 'Made in Macao' – for products Made in Macao and exported from Macao, exhibitors are required to present the Certificate of Origin issued by the Macao Economic Services. Alternatively, for products made in Macao for domestic sales, exhibitors are required present their industrial licence issued by the Macao Economic Services. "Macao Brands" Products
- Exhibitors must present the trademark registration issued by the Macao Economic Services or other valid documentary proof. - Products with Macao enterprises as the agent. Exhibitors must present the authorization letter for acting as the agent of the relevant product or other valid documentary proof. For further information about the 2012 Guangdong-Macao Branded Products Fair, please call the GMBPF Hotline on +853-87989277.
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Jeffery Lao, Pastry Chef of IFT, Wong Weng U, Senior Sous Chef from Sands Macau and Ariel Chi, Maitre d' Hotel of City of Dreams teamed and won the Gold medal of 1st Asia Team Trophy Contest 2012. The contest was held by Escoffier Asia in Shanghai on 10 May. Four teams had been selected from 5 stars hotel in Greater China (2 from the Mainland China, 1 from Hong Kong, China and 1 from Macao, China) to compete for the Best Culinary Team Award. Each team is consisted of a Maitre d' Hotel, a Pastry Chef and a Chef. During the contest, they had to prepare a French set meal with appetiser, main dish, dessert plus a show piece. Team spirit, cooking skill and food and beverage service skill were highly emphasised in this contest. Escoffier is a French non-profit culinary association founded in 1954. Escoffier has been in Asia for many years and it aims to promote French cuisine around the world. Ever since 2007, Escoffier Asia has been giving young chefs a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills, offering them a tremendous facilitator for their careers. Last year, it also organised the Youth Hope Contest in Shanghai which showcased the outstanding talents and gastronomic trends. Jeffery Lao expressed that he had learned a lot in this contest and absorbed many new ideas of cooking through this international contest. He enjoyed working with the Macao Team and was glad to have won the Gold Medal. He also thank IFT for giving him full support for joining this contest and for which IFT is always engaged in different events for the promotion of ethnic cuisine worldwide. Jeffery Lao believes that there are more and more local culinary talents emerging and participating in such activities can broaden their professional knowledge in this industry.
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