News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for December 2011 amounted to MOP734 million, up by 35.9% year-on-year; value of re-exports (MOP509 million) and domestic exports (MOP225 million) increased by 50.7% and 11.1% respectively. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP6.44 billion, up by 41.6% year-on-year, of which imports of Mobile phones and Gold jewellery soared by 109.1% and 106.0% respectively. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP5.70 billion in December 2011. In the fourth quarter of 2011, total value of merchandise export (MOP1.92 billion) increased by 14.6% year-on-year, and that of merchandise import (MOP17.88 billion) rose by 44.7%, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP15.97 billion. For the whole year of 2011, total value of merchandise export increased slightly by 0.2% year-on-year to MOP6.97 billion, the first rebound since 2006; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import grew by 41.2% to MOP62.29 billion. Merchandise trade deficit widened by 48.9% year-on-year to MOP55.32 billion in 2011; the exports/imports ratio dropped by 4.6 percentage points year-on-year to 11.2%. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP3.11 billion) in 2011 increased by 3.5%, but that to Mainland China (MOP1.10 billion) and the USA (MOP556 million) decreased by 0.4% and 28.9% respectively year-on-year. Exports of Textile & garment declined by 17.7% to MOP1.34 billion; exports of Non-textile (MOP5.63 billion) increased by 5.6%, of which exports of Tobacco & wine (MOP670 million) and Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP628 million) grew by 42.4% and 39.8% respectively. In 2011, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP19.12 billion) and the EU (MOP15.51 billion) expanded by 39.4% and 55.7% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 46.6% to MOP38.48 billion, with imports of Food & beverages (MOP8.58 billion), Gold jewellery (MOP6.66 billion) and Handbags & wallets (MOP3.50 billion) increasing by 33.7%, 99.7% and 114.8% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP10.92 billion) registered year-on-year increase of 57.1%. For the whole year of 2011, total value of external merchandise trade amounted to MOP69.26 billion, up by 35.6% compared with MOP51.08 billion in 2010.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of licensed motor vehicles reached 206,349 at the end of 2011, a year-on-year increase of 5%, of which motorcycles (111,198) and light private cars (81,014) accounted for 54% and 39% of the total respectively. New registration of motor vehicles went up by 11% year-on-year to 17,702 in 2011, with motorcycles and light private cars sharing 53% and 40% respectively. For the whole year of 2011, number of traffic accidents rose by 7% year-on-year to 14,102 cases, resulting in 5,517 victims and 12 of them were killed. Cross-border vehicle traffic by land between Macao and Mainland China increased by 8% year-on-year to 4,135,910 vehicle trips in 2011, of which vehicle traffic through the Border Gate accounted for 82%. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport increased by 2% year-on-year to 35,404 in 2011, with Mainland China (34% of total); Taiwan, China (32%) and Thailand (9%) being the major routes. Helicopter flights between Macao and Hong Kong (16,299) and between Macao and Mainland China (3,671) recorded increases of 7% and 6% respectively. Passenger transport by sea between Macao and Hong Kong totalled 120,854 ferry trips in 2011, down by 445 year-on-year. Concurrently, ferry trips between Macao and Mainland China decreased by 3% year-on-year to 25,206. For the whole year of 2011, seaborne container throughput totalled 101,989 TEU or 75,129 containers handled, up by 12% and 14% respectively year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo increased by 3% year-on-year to 182,959 tonnes, with 4,667 tonnes of transshipment goods. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land decreased by 23% to 35,093 tonnes, including 10,534 tonnes of transit goods. In 2011, outward air cargo (24,950 tonnes) and inward air cargo (9,826 tonnes) fell by 23% and 28% respectively, with that to and from Taiwan, China sharing 78% each. Meanwhile, transit air cargo decreased by 24% year-on-year to 4,748 tonnes. At the end of 2011, number of mobile telephone users increased by 21% from a year earlier to 1,353,194, whereas fixed-line telephone users decreased by 1% to 166,310. As regards internet services, number of subscribers reached 209,223 and the cumulative duration of usage totalled 528 million hours in 2011, up by 23% and 25% respectively.
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Owing to the strike action taken by the air transport workers in Italy, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet and Parcel) from Macao to Italy are subject to delay until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for October-December 2011 was 2.1%, down by 0.2 percentage point over the previous period (September-November 2011); the underemployment rate also decreased by 0.2 percentage point to 0.9%. Total labour force was 347,000 in October-December 2011 and the labour force participation rate stood at 72.9%, up by 0.4 percentage point from the previous period. Total employment was 340,000, up notably by 3,300 over the previous period. Analyzed by industry, employment of the Gaming Sector and the Hotel Sector saw increase, while that of Restaurants & Similar Activities and Retail Trade registered decrease. Number of the unemployed decreased by 600 from the previous period to 7,400, with 12.4% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, down by 2.9 percentage points over the previous period. In the fourth quarter of 2011, total labour force increased by 2,900 quarter-to-quarter, with total employment registering an increase of 4,400; meanwhile, number of the underemployed and the unemployed decreased by 600 and 1,500 respectively quarter-to-quarter. The unemployment rate for the fourth quarter of 2011 dropped by 0.5 percentage point from 2.6% in the third quarter, and the unemployment rate of local residents decreased by 0.6 percentage point to 2.7%. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed held stable as the third quarter, at MOP10,000; median earnings of local residents amounted to MOP12,000 in the fourth quarter, up by MOP1,000 quarter-to-quarter. For the whole year of 2011, the unemployment rate was 2.5% and the unemployment rate of local residents was 3.2%, both down by 0.3 percentage point over 2010.
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Consumer Council published its issue no. 220 of Consumer Report. A survey on the deductible of private vehicle legal liabilities insurance, and test result of the test on quality of bottled water are both included in this issue. Consumer Council endeavours to provide comprehensive information to consumers for making daily consumption. There are currently over 200,000 motor vehicles in Macao and information about car insurance is important to more than hundreds of thousands of consumers. A survey was conducted by the Council on the policies taken by insurance companies and their amount of deductible for private vehicle legal liabilities insurance, and the survey is divided into two parts: private car and motorbike. According to responses from various insurance companies, deductible is determined by insurance companies based on the following criteria: background information of the insured party, such as age and record of car accidents, brand, model, and age of the insured vehicle. The survey revealed that the deductible under general circumstances is about MOP1,000, however, there is a wide difference between the minimum and maximum deductible. Insurance companies were also asked if they refuse to offer coverage for certain consumers. According to the responses, some insurance companies do not accept those cars which are considered as sports cars, other criteria such as age, profession, driving experiences, record of car accidents, record of accidental claims, age of the insured vehicle, and car model are all factors affecting the approval of coverage of the insured person. Consumers may refer to the latest issue no. 220 Consumer Report for the mentioned third party legal liability insurance survey and related information about choosing car insurance. Consumer Council and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) have agreed to spot-check the quality of bottled water as an annual collaboration project. The two departments recently spot-checked 12 samples of mineral water and distilled water for their hygienic condition, all samples tested were satisfactory and complied with the Health Bureau's regulations. Test result is published in the new Consumer Report.
Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the office of Consumer Council (Rua Inácio Baptista, Nº 6-6A Edficio Seaview Garden R/C), and the service counter of Consumer Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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As a new year comes around and everything looks fresh and cheerful, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) wishes all residents and visitors good health and prosperity in the Year of the Dragon, and that the tourism industry of Macau would continue to develop and diversify, building the city into a world center of tourism and leisure. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) jointly organize celebratory activities on the first day of Lunar New Year (Jan 23) at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square to mark the spring festival. Visitor arrivals to Macau surpassed 28 million last year, registering an increase of 12.2% over 2010. Close to 25 million visitors were from the Greater China region, with a growth of 13.5% while the number of international visitors rose by 2.2%. As Lunar New Year is a peak season for visitors from the Mainland and nearby region to celebrate this important festival in Macau and many international visitors also choose to experience traditional celebrations here, MGTO and IACM take this opportunity to express New Year greetings to residents and hospitality to visitors. On the first morning of Lunar New Year, joined by representatives of the travel trade, Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes, President of IACM, Raymond Tam, Deputy Directors of MGTO Helena Fernandes and Manuel Pires hosted the eye-dotting ceremony of the golden dragon and lions at the Ruins of St. Paul's and lit firecrackers at Senado Square to mark the celebrations. Guests then teamed up with the God of Fortune to greet the public and distribute "Lai Si" and souvenirs to residents and visitors. "Lai Si" distributed by the God of Fortune bestowed good luck and fortune for the Year of the Dragon. Performance by dance troupe from the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region also added colors to the joy. A 238-meter long golden dragon lead a parade through major tourist spots. The vibrant dragon and lion dances signal Macau to be as energetic and spirited as these noble creatures in the Year of the Dragon. Dragon symbolizes dignity and success and these characteristics encourage Macau's residents to strive for accomplishment and work hand in hand for the betterment of Macau. In keeping with tradition, lucky "Lai Si" containing phrase of blessing will be distributed at MGTO counters during Lunar New Year while stock lasts. A splendid fireworks display organized by MGTO will light up the sky of Macau to usher in the Year of the Dragon. From 9pm on the first day of the Lunar New Year, about 20,000 pyrotechnic shells will be fired from 4 barges at the sea area in front of the Macau Tower and the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre for around 30 minutes. The display, with the theme "Blessing", will comprise eight different scenes: Prosperity, Happiness, Harmony, Hope, Bright Future, Solidarity and Happy Reunion. Crowds of residents and visitors are expected to gather along the waterfront to enjoy the dazzling fireworks display which marks a good beginning for the Year of the Dragon. The Lunar New Year celebrations are held on the first and second day of the Lunar New Year. Details of the activities are available on the website of MGTO http://www.macautourism.gov.mo During Lunar New Year, MGTO's "Tourism Hotline 2833 3000" maintains its 24-hour operator service to answer tourists' enquiries.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today the Year of the Dragon would be another prosperous year for Macao – and he looked forward to sharing the benefits with the people. In his Lunar New Year Message, he said with the joint efforts of the administration and the people, Macao has seen another year of steady economic growth, a stable society and a higher living standard. In the coming year, Macao would continue to build on its positioning as an international tourism and leisure centre, he said. Mr Chui said that with the wisdom, unity and determination of the society, the Government is confident in working towards another fruitful year, and that the people would again share in the benefits. The Government would step up efforts to ensure scientific governance, strengthen the integrity of officials and move forward with constitutional development to continue building a brighter future for Macao. In this festive season, we should treasure our traditional virtues, such as in looking after the elderly and the less-privileged, he said. Mr Chui took the opportunity to thank civil servants and those from other professions who had to work during the festive holidays. On behalf of the Macao SAR Government, he wished the people better health, more luck and prosperity in the Year of the Dragon.
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Mr. Tao Guangshao, Vice-Mayor of Shanghai and Mr. Fan Yungjin, Deputy Director of Shanghai Financial Services Office, paid a visit to Macao. The purpose was to discuss with the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) regarding financial cooperation between Shanghai and Macao with a view to arriving at an excellent consensus. Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance, and Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government, met with the delegation. They expected an early implementation of the cooperation mechanism. Of late, as invited by the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the MSAR, a delegation of 10 including Mr. Tao Guangshao, Vice-Mayor of Shanghai, Mr. Fan Yungjin, Deputy Director of Shanghai Financial Services Office, Ms. Zhang Yixing, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong Macao Affairs Office of Shanghai, Mr. Zhang Yujun, General Manager of Shanghai Stock Exchange, paid a study tour to Macao. The issue of establishing a financial liaison and communication mechanism between the two cities was explored. In October last year, a Macao financial sector delegation visited Shanghai and met with Vice-Mayor Tao. The intention to establish a financial liaison and communication mechanism between Shanghai and Macao was raised. It would better promote the cooperation between the institutions and regulatory authorities of the two cities. At the same time, it would support the MSAR to enhance its platform function in servicing the trade and financial activities between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Vice-Mayor Tao and the delegates met with Mr. Tam Pak Yuen, Secretary for Economy and Finance and Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government, on 17 January. Opinions relating to enhancing the financial service business communication between Shanghai and Macao, and establishing financial cooperation mechanism between the two cities were exchanged. The discussion was a candid and in-depth one. Consensus relating to the establishment of the mechanism was arrived at in the meeting. It is expected that the relevant memorandum will be executed in the first half of this year. It certainly lays down a solid foundation in promoting closer cooperation between the financial sectors of the two cities. Mr. Teng Lin Seng, Chairman of the AMCM Board of Directors, who was present in the meeting, expressed optimism for signing the cooperation memorandum. He opined that a regular meeting mechanism for Shanghai and Macao would be of help to promote the construction of Macao to become a cooperation platform for trade and financial cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Moreover, it would have positive motivation function at all levels relating to exchanging of financial information, market surveillance and institutional cooperation.
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Many of Macao's cultural attractions will maintain opening hours during the Chinese New Year, from January 22nd to January 25th, holding a series of activities in celebration of the Spring Festival. These sites include the Macao Museum, the Mandarin's House, Lou Kao Mansion, Tap Seac Gallery, Mount Fortress Corridor, Ye Ting's House, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Tak Seng On Traditional Pawnshop Museum and Guia Fortress Chapel. The arrival of the Year of the Dragon brings with it a special exhibition titled The Soaring Dance – Drunken Dragon Festival in Macao, to be held at the Macao Museum. The traditional Drunken Dragon Festival, organised each year by the Macao Fresh Fish Commercial Association to unite and benefit the community, is now an item of Macao's Intangible Cultural Heritage, having been successfully inscribed on the List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in the 3rd Batch of Submissions (May 2011). The exhibition at the Macao Museum features ceremonial objects, clothing, photographs, videos, cultural relics and documents that introduce this ancient folk custom to tourists and Macao residents, allowing them to deepen their knowledge of this historic festival's history in Macao. From January 22nd to 25th the Museum is offering free admission to residents. Open daily, except Mondays, between 10am and 6pm, the Museum also offers free admission to residents and students every Sunday. In celebration of both the Chinese New Year and its own 2nd Anniversary, the Mandarin's House holds a series of activities including exhibitions of drums and lion dance costume heads, calligraphy, Chinese music, lion dances, Cantonese Opera and a Wishing Tree. Guided tours are available in Cantonese. To minimise delays, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (CAB) advises visitors to book the date and time of their visit at least two days in advance, via the Mandarin's House website. Meanwhile, the Lou Kao Mansion, bedecked with festive Chinese New Year decorations, continues to showcase the Folk Arts of Shandong Province from now until February 5th, offering displays and demonstrations of Micro-carving and Laixi Gourd Carving. The Infection, Industria and Upsych – Contemporary Photography Exhibition by Václav Jirásek gathers profoundly creative works by one of the most acclaimed contemporary photographers of the Czech Republic, offered for public contemplation at the Tap Seac Gallery. The Gallery remains open as usual during Chinese New Year, from 10am to 7pm with free admission for the general public. The Mount Fortress Corridor is currently displaying the European Splendour: Photo Exhibition of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in European Union Member States. This beautiful collection of photographs allows visitors to enjoy the charm of Europe's World Heritage-listed natural sites, historic city centres and architectural treasures. The exhibition runs until January 29th, open daily from 7am to 7pm with free admission for the general public. The recently inaugurated Ye Ting's House, located at 76 Rua Almirante Costa Cabral, was the Macao home of army commander Ye Ting, where he lived with his family for seven happy years. This site remains open throughout the holiday period, ushering in the Year of the Dragon. The CAB, with the co-operation of Ye Ting's descendants and using photographs from the era, managed to restore the building's original façade. Ye Ting's House displays photographs from Ye Ting's military career and family life, unveiling the revolutionary hero's feats and contributions to Chinese modern history. In the garden, visitors will find the "Statue of Ye Ting and Family", crafted by local sculptor Ka-Long Wong. Ye Ting's House is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The Macao Central Library, along with the Sir Robert Ho Tung, Ilha Verde and Mong Há branches, will close two hours early on January 22nd and will remain closed from January 23rd to 25th, resuming normal hours beginning January 26th. The Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre is temporarily closed for maintenance. With the exception of a few sites, admission is free for the above-mentioned activities. During the Chinese New Year, the Mandarin's House and Tap Seac Gallery will offer visitors the Cultural Affairs Bureau's 2012 Commemorative Calendar, while supplies last. For more information on current activities and opening hours, please call 8399 6699 during working hours or access the CAB's website at www.icm.gov.mo. Opening hours and cultural activities during Chinese New Year:
(* please find the attached file)
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In order to cater for the air transport demand during the Chinese New Year holidays which are approaching, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) has approved a total of 66 extra and charter flights upon requests by airlines. In addition, AACM appeals to passengers who make their travels via Macau International Airport to pay attention to and not to violate Macao's air transport and security requirements. The Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese community. It is also the peak time where Chinese people enjoy family reunion, pay visits to relatives and friends, and travel for leisure. The trend for Macao residents to arrange outbound travels during this period is going up. Meantime, the number of tourists coming to Macao to spend their holidays is also increasing continuously. During this period every year, airlines always need to increase their capacity to meet the market demand. In order to cater for this need, AACM has approved a total of 66 extra and charter flights upon requests by airlines. These extra and charter flights include 20 flights to and from Shanghai, 14 to and from Shenzhen, 8 to and from Hangzhou, 4 each to and from Shenyang and Qingdao, 6 to and from Sapporo, 2 to and from Taichung, 4 to and from Kaohsiung and 4 to and from Seoul. There are occasional incidents of passengers carrying prohibited items and violating discipline inside aircraft at Macau International Airport. Take the past three years for instance, there were about 13 passengers per year who had violated the Administrative Regulation No. 31/2003 which stipulates the prohibited items and the illegal offences inside a civil aircraft, namely smoking, use of cellular phones, and other acts of disobedience to captain's orders, and who were then fined by AACM. Although the number of unruly passengers was not significant, the Authority wishes to stress that such acts would always lead to flight delays and therefore affect the other passengers. Therefore, AACM appeals to passengers who travel via Macau International Airport to pay attention to the requirements relating to air transport and security, in order that passengers will not violate the provisions and cause impact to the normal operation of the flight and decline their own travel mood. Passengers can read the relevant information in the "Passenger Guide" and "Security Notice to Passengers" as well as the provisions of the above mentioned administrative regulation at AACM's website: www.aacm.gov.mo According to world weather reports, certain destinations covered by Macao's aviation network might expect unfavourable weather conditions during this Chinese New Year. In consideration of this situation, AACM has requested the airport operators and the local airlines to ensure the timely and smooth release of flight information to the outside in case of flight delays resulting from the Act of God.
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