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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for June 2011 amounted to MOP623 million, up by 3.3% year-on-year, with value of re-exports (MOP403 million) and domestic exports (MOP220 million) rising by 2.2% and 5.5% respectively; exports of Tobacco & wine soared by 142.0% year-on-year. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP5.10 billion, up by 40.0% year-on-year, of which imports of Buses (MOP125 million) registered an increase of more than 20-fold on account of the coming operation of a new bus company. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP4.48 billion in June 2011. In the second quarter of 2011, total value of merchandise export (MOP1.78 billion) dropped by 1.5% year-on-year, but that of merchandise import (MOP14.79 billion) rose by 40.6%, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP13.01 billion. In the first half year of 2011, total value of merchandise export decreased by 6.3% year-on-year to MOP3.40 billion, of which value of re-exports declined by 10.4%, but that of domestic exports rose by 2.7%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 37.3% to MOP27.94 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first half year of 2011 widened by 46.8% year-on-year to MOP24.54 billion; the exports/imports ratio dropped by 5.7 percentage points year-on-year to 12.2%. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.43 billion), Mainland China (MOP582 million) and the USA (MOP303 million) in the first half year of 2011 decreased by 12.7%, 0.4% and 21.2% respectively year-on-year; however, exports to the EU (MOP206 million) increased by 2.7%. Exports of Tobacco & wine (MOP315 million) grew by 78.0%, but that of Jewellery (MOP168 million) and Clocks & watches (MOP145 million) decreased by 68.7% and 37.7% respectively; meanwhile, exports of Textile & garment declined by 8.6% to MOP709 million. In the first half year of 2011, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP8.65 billion) and the EU (MOP6.84 billion) expanded by 37.7% and 54.4% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 39.6% to MOP16.91 billion, with imports of Food & beverages (MOP4.04 billion), Gold jewellery (MOP2.64 billion) and Handbags & wallets (MOP1.40 billion) increasing by 35.4%, 77.8% and 111.1% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP4.99 billion) registered year-on-year increase of 69.0%. In the first half year of 2011, total value of merchandise import and export amounted to MOP31.35 billion, up by 30.7% compared with MOP23.98 billion a year earlier.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of licensed motor vehicles reached 200,169 at the end of June 2011, a year-on-year increase of 4%, of which 54% (108,178) were motorcycles and 39% (78,301) were light private cars. New registration of motor vehicles went up by 11% year-on-year to 8,392 in the first half year of 2011, with motorcycles and light private cars accounting for 56% and 40% respectively. In the first half year of 2011, number of traffic accidents rose by 7% year-on-year to 6,879 cases, resulting in 2,684 victims and 4 of them were killed. Cross-border vehicle traffic by land between Macao and Mainland China increased by 9% year-on-year to 2,004,085 vehicle trips in the first half year of 2011, of which vehicle traffic through the Border Gate took up 82%. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport totalled 17,368 in the first half year of 2011, a decrease of 12 flights year-on-year. The major routes were Taiwan, China (34% of total); Mainland China (32%) and Thailand (10%). Helicopter flights between Macao and Hong Kong (8,000) and between Macao and Mainland China (1,896) increased by 11% and 19% respectively. Passenger transport by sea between Macao and Hong Kong totalled 61,364 ferry trips in the first half year of 2011, up by 6% year-on-year. Ferry trips between Macao and Mainland China totalled 12,020, down by 7% year-on-year. In the first half year of 2011, seaborne container throughput totalled 47,980 TEU or 35,721 containers handled, up by 13% and 18% respectively year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo decreased by 3% year-on-year to 84,260 tonnes, with 1,836 tonnes of transshipment goods. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land decreased by 17% to 17,602 tonnes, including 5,576 tonnes of transit goods. In the first half year of 2011, outward air cargo (11,750 tonnes) and inward air cargo (5,148 tonnes) decreased significantly by 28% and 38% respectively; meanwhile, transit air cargo dropped by 27% year-on-year to 2,323 tonnes. At the end of June 2011, number of mobile telephone users rose by 18% from a year earlier to 1,262,274 whereas fixed-line telephone users decreased by 1% to 167,529. As regards internet services, number of subscribers reached 185,605 and the cumulative duration of usage totalled 246 million hours in the first half year of 2011, up by 19% and 23% respectively.
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The Coordinated Portfolio Investment Survey (CPIS), jointly conducted by the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) and the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), is aimed at collecting information on investment by Macao residents in securities issued by unrelated non-residents, in terms of market value and geographical distribution. The results of CPIS for the reference year 2010 are summarised as follows: On 31 December 2010, investment of Macao residents (including individuals, the government and other legal entities but excluding Macao's foreign exchange reserves) in securities issued by unrelated non-residents amounted to MOP125.7 billion at current market value, up by 8.1% from a revised value of MOP116.3 billion at end-2009, a record high value since the inception of this survey in 2002. Among the total, equity securities, long-term debt securities and short-term debt securities were valued at MOP69.6 billion, MOP51.7 billion and MOP4.4 billion respectively. In comparison with the previous year, investment in equity securities, of which mutual funds and investment trust units accounted for MOP16.7 billion, soared by 13.9%. Investment in long-term debt securities rose modestly by 3.6% whereas that in short-term debt securities fell by 16.9%. In terms of geographical distribution, Macao residents' investment in securities issued by entities from Mainland China, including those securities listed on non-Mainland exchanges, surpassed the corresponding investment in Hong Kong entities for the first time, representing 20.5% of the total market value of local residents' portfolio investment outside Macao. The rest was mainly invested in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Cayman Islands, Australia, Luxembourg and Bermuda. Investment in securities issued by entities in the Mainland amounted to MOP25.7 billion, a marked increase of 26.3% or MOP5.3 billion from end-2009. It consisted of MOP22.0 billion in equity securities, MOP3.6 billion in long-term debt securities and MOP0.1 billion in short-term debt securities, constituting 31.6%, 7.0% and 2.8% of the respective total. The share of investment in securities issued by Hong Kong entities fell slightly from 20.2% at end-2009 to 19.5%. However, the corresponding market value increased by 4.1% to MOP24.5 billion, of which the investment in long-term debt securities rose by 7.0% to MOP7.8 billion, accounting for the largest share in the respective securities category, at 15.0%. The share of investment in European securities dropped by 3.6 percentage points from a year earlier to 26.0% and the corresponding market value also fell by 5.0%. Among the European countries, the United Kingdom continued to assume the largest share in the total securities investment (8.3%), with a market value of MOP10.4 billion at end-2010. Meanwhile, portfolio investment in Luxembourg registered a hefty increase of 27.6% whereas investment in French and Dutch securities witnessed notable decreases of 24.1% and 21.6% respectively. The share of US securities held by Macao residents rebounded from 7.7% at end-2009 to 8.1%, and the corresponding market value rose by 13.0% year-on-year to MOP10.2 billion at end-2010. Investment in long-term US debt securities was valued at MOP7.6 billion, representing the second largest share in the respective securities category after Hong Kong. Investment in securities issued by Australian entities grew by 13.8% from one year earlier, bringing the share of Oceanian securities in the total portfolio investment up from 5.0% to 5.5% at end-2010.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will lead an official delegation to visit Inner Mongolia on Monday to Thursday, at the invitation of the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. A statement by the Government Spokesperson Office said on his first visit to Inner Mongolia as Chief Executive, Mr Chui will meet leaders of Inner Mongolia to explore means of bilateral co-operation and visit Hohhot, Ordos, Manzhouli and Hulunbuir where he will meet officials of the local governments. The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute will sign a co-operation memorandum with the Inner Mongolia Sub-Council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and a business delegation comprising 40 Macao businesspeople will also visit Inner Mongolia together with the official delegation and sign deals on department stores, real estate and beef import with their counterparts. Members of the official delegation will include the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan; the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen; the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng; the Secretary-General of the Executive Council and Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Ms O Lam; the President of Macau Polytechnic Institute, Mr Lei Heong Iok; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; the President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Cheong Chou Weng; the President of Administrative Committee of Macao Foundation, Mr Wu Zhiliang; the Director of the Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Beijing, Ms Hong Wai, and a number of members of the Executive Council.
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Organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the "2011 Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair" will be held at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre for 4 consecutive days starting 28 July. Since the opening in the morning, 2011 GMBPF has attracted many industrial and business professionals, local residents and visitors, with a total attendance exceeding 17,000 by 5p.m. on the first day. The opening ceremony was commenced with the participation of official both from home and from the Mainland, namely Mr. Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary of Economy and Finance of Macao SAR; Mr. Song Yanbin, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in Macao SAR; Mr. Chen Xiang, Representative from Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR; Mr. Tan Juntie, Deputy Secretary General of Guangdong Provincial Government, Provincial Director of Hong Kong and Macao Office; Mr. Liang Yaowen, Director General of Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province; Mr. Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Mr. Mao Iao Lai, President of Macau Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce; Mr. Feng Yurong, Deputy Mayor of Zhongshan Municipal People's Government; Mr. Chen Jialin, Deputy Mayor of Jiangmen Municipal People's Government; Mr. Chen Jianxin, Deputy-Mayor of Chaozhou Municipal People's Government; and Mr. Cui Feongchi, Deputy Mayor of Yunfu Municipal People's Government. Deputy Secretary General Tan Juntie and President of IPIM Jackson Chang delivered their speeches at the opening ceremony. Chang mentioned that the signing of the "Guangdong-Macao Cooperation Framework Agreement" in March had noted a new stage for cross-boarder cooperation of the two regions. He hoped that the interaction between the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province and other economic and trade associations would be enhanced with a closer and tighter connection. By acquiring the new trends and opportunities, the cooperation amongst the enterprises of the two regions will be promoted, and different sectors within the convention and exhibition industry will also be joined. Macao will fully showcase its advantage as a business platform and will help to promote the branded products of Guangdong to the overseas countries, Portuguese language countries in particular. Seven Protocols and 221 Business Matching Achieved on the First Day Following the opening ceremony was the protocol signing ceremonies conducted at the business matching area. Many local companies signed agreements with enterprises from Foshan, Zhongshan, Qingdao, Jiangmen and Singapore. The protocols accomplished are as follows: Intention on purchase of printed fabric, Intention on purchase of tires, Intention on LED lighting project, Intention on Turtle breeding base, Agreement on bridges maintenance in Macao, Agreement on Culture cooperation & exhibition of branded "Love of Crystal", and Sales contract of Singapore sauce. Mr. Chen Xiang, Mr. Mao Iao Lai, Mr. Chui Sai Cheong, and Executive Directors of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute Ms. Echo Chan and Ms. Irene V. K. Lau witnessed the signing of protocols at the ceremony. Moreover, 221 sessions of business matching took place on the first day of 2011 GMBPF. Until 5p.m. of the day, the number of attendance hit 17,000. The 2011 GMBPF fills up the 6,000-square-meter venue, accommodating 267 booths (85 for Macao and 182 for Guangdong Province) and featuring 246 enterprises from Macao and from Guangdong Province. Through product sales, business matching, sourcing and purchasing, and other promotional means, the event looks forward to establishing a platform for the excellent enterprises and branded products from the two regions, to boosting the eminence of their products and to expanding both the local and the overseas markets. At the same time, it will bring more varieties of branded products to the local residents and visitors. Activities at the 2011 GMBPF Improve Cultural Exchange and Cooperation between Macao and Guangdong The first day of 2011 GMBPF features the debut of "2011 Guangdong & Macao Cultural and Creative Industries Development and Cooperation Forum" (started at 3 p.m.), organized by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province with the perspective to strengthen the cooperation between the two regions, to unfold the advantages of talents, and to boost cultural creativity. The Forum presents keynote speeches and panel discussion. Speakers invited include Dr. Liu Qiyu, Director of Propaganda Cultural Development and Institutional Reform Office, Department of Propaganda, Guangdong Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Long Jiayou, Director of Culture Market and Industry Division, Department of Culture of Guangdong Province; and Mr. Liang Taowen, Deputy Director of Hengqui (Zhuhai) New Area Administrative Committee. Also, the representative of cultural and creative enterprises in Macao shared the view on the topic "How to Build a Guangdong-Macao Cultural and Creative Industry Development and Cooperation Platform". Excellent Event Welcomes Visitors from Home and from Afar
The 2011 GMBPF conglomerates trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure and entertainment in one. Visitors enjoy free admission. "Seminar for Promoting Brands in the International Market" will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Tourism Activities Centre. The Fair is opened to public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily from July 29 – 31 (Fri – Sun). In order to step up the atmosphere and the attractiveness of the event, the organizers do not only provide special discounts and vouchers to potential buyers, but also a grand lucky draw and many cultural performances. Artists, celebrities and singers from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will stage entertaining shows throughout the four-day 2011 GMBPF. Local and overseas clients and enterprises, local residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy this exciting and thrilling annual event. Shuttle bus services are available for visitors to 2011 GMBPF at different locations. Three-hour free parking is provided in the car park of Macau Fisherman's Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. Further information is available on the 2011 GMBPF official website http://www.guangdongmacaofair.com Interested parties may also call +853-87989605 for details of the event.
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Due to weather conditions, Consumer Council's photo exhibition on 'Smart Consumption – Food Safety', scheduled on 28th July to 1st August next to Flower City Garden in Taipa, will be postponed to 4th to 8th August. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for April-June 2011 was 2.7%, up slightly by 0.1 percentage point over the previous period (March-May 2011) on account of more people looking for work during the Summer Holiday. The underemployment rate was 1.2%, down by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force was 338,000 in April-June 2011 and the labour force participation rate stood at 71.6%, with the employed population increasing by about 800 over the previous period to 329,000. Analyzed by industry, employment of Real Estate & Business Activities and Retail Trade saw increase, while that of the Construction Sector registered a decrease. Number of the unemployed increased by about 200 from the previous period to 9,000, with 7.4% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, up by 1.1 percentage points over the previous period. In comparison with April-June 2010, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate dropped by 0.1 and 0.7 percentage point respectively; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate stayed unchanged. In the second quarter of 2011, the unemployment rate and the labour force participation rate of local residents held stable quarter-to-quarter, at 3.3% and 66.8% respectively.
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Owing to the heavy snowfalls in Chile, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Chile are subject to delay until further notice. Affected Areas
Lonquimay Curarrehue Melipeuco Curacautín
Pucón Cunco Vilcún Villarrica
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, visited the site of the gas leak explosion in NAPE yesterday evening to learn more about the effect to the surrending areas, according to a statement by the Government Spokesperson Office. Speaking to the press during the inspection, Mr Chui said the Government was deeply concerned with the incident and the related bureaux would review their work to prevent a recurrence in the future. After preliminary investigations, the Fire Services Bureau had ruled out foul play and said it believed the explosion was caused by gas leakage. A 48-year-old Hong Kong man who sustained rib and foot fractures was in stable condition and remained in hospital for observation. The Government Spokesperson Office organised a press conference with 10 bureaux in the evening to update the press on the incident. The President of the Civic and Municipal Affrirs Bureau, Mr Tam Vai Man, said the government would review current legislations on the storage of gas cylinders in restaurants.
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An explosion today in a restaurant believed to be caused by a gas leakage has injured 13 people. According to the Fire Services Bureau, the explosion took place in a restaurant in NAPE at 07:02 a.m. The injured comprised five men and eight women, one of whom was trapped in the rubble and had to be freed by firemen. Eight people, four men and four women aged between 41 to 65, were sent to Conde S. Januario Hospital after the accident and seven of them who had sustained glass cuts to their hands, legs and head, were discharged after treatment. A 48-year-old Hong Kong man who sustained rib and foot fractures was in stable condition and remained in hospital for observation. The eight hospitalised people comprised three Macao women, one Korean man, one Korean woman, two Hong Kong men and a man from mainland China. Five people, one man and four women, were treated at the scene. The restaurant was located on the ground floor of 'Centro Internacional de Macau' on Rua de Malaca. The Fire Services Bureau ruled out foul play after a preliminary investigation and said it believed the explosion was caused by gas leakage. It utilised 16 emergency vehicles and more than 40 personnel in the operation. During the incident, the police blocked off a section of Rua de Malaca and Rua de Luís Gonzaga Gomes. More than 40 police officers took part in the operation. Affected by the explosion, the communications network of Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal was terminated. The Maritime Administration activated an emergency mechanism and asked ferry companies to minimise the effects towards passengers. Currently the ferry terminal and ferry companies maintained normal services.
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