News

As prices of cooking oil continued to rise in the past few months, Consumer Council started its specific price survey on cooking oil in October to monitor price trend and price discrepancies of cooking oil. In the current survey, a price difference of almost 130 per cent was observed in 'Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil (500ml)'. According to data recorded in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Survey', prices of cooking oil continued to rise since August, certain brands even recorded accumulated price rises of over 15 per cent. The Council conducted the latest survey on 26th October, surveying 23 samples of cooking oil from 24 local retail outlets to provide consumers a comprehensive selection for price comparison. In the current survey, a general price difference of 20 to 30 per cent was observed for the same product sold in different outlets. The highest difference recorded this time was found in 'Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil (500ml)' in which the lowest and highest selling price differed for almost 130 per cent; 'Tripod Brand Top Quality Pure Peanut Oil (2L)', however, recorded only a price gap of 1.35 per cent. The specific price survey on cooking oil is now available online on the Council's official website (www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of licensed motor vehicles reached 203,443 at the end of September 2011, a year-on-year increase of 5%, of which 54% (109,936) were motorcycles and 39% (79,495) were light private cars. New registration of motor vehicles went up by 10% year-on-year to 13,260 in the first three quarters of 2011, with motorcycles and light private cars accounting for 55% and 38% respectively. In the first nine months of 2011, number of traffic accidents rose by 6% year-on-year to 10,393 cases, resulting in 4,056 victims and 8 of them were killed. Cross-border vehicle traffic by land between Macao and Mainland China increased by 9% year-on-year to 3,057,501 vehicle trips in the first three quarters of 2011, of which vehicle traffic through the Border Gate accounted for 82%. Commercial flight movements at the Macao International Airport increased marginally by 1% year-on-year to 26,397 in the first nine months of 2011, with Mainland China and Taiwan, China (each of 33%) as well as Thailand (10%) being the major routes. Helicopter flights between Macao and Hong Kong (11,887) and between Macao and Mainland China (2,700) recorded increases of 7% and 9% respectively. Passenger transport by sea between Macao and Hong Kong totalled 91,805 ferry trips in the first nine months of 2011, up by 2% year-on-year. Concurrently, ferry trips between Macao and Mainland China decreased by 5% year-on-year to 18,591. In the first three quarters of 2011, seaborne container throughput totalled 73,879 TEU or 54,711 containers handled, up by 11% and 14% respectively year-on-year. Gross weight of seaborne containerized cargo decreased by 4% year-on-year to 128,802 tonnes, with 3,126 tonnes of transshipment goods. Gross weight of containerized cargo by land decreased by 25% to 26,044 tonnes, including 8,016 tonnes of transit goods. In the first nine months of 2011, outward air cargo (18,144 tonnes) and inward air cargo (7,280 tonnes) fell by 23% and 31% respectively; meanwhile, transit air cargo decreased by 23% year-on-year to 3,659 tonnes. At the end of September 2011, number of mobile telephone users increased by 17% from a year earlier to 1,291,617, whereas fixed-line telephone users decreased slightly by 1% to 166,725. As regards internet services, number of subscribers reached 204,548 and the cumulative duration of usage totalled 382 million hours in the first nine months of 2011, up by 25% and 24% respectively.
…

The 5th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook, organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), was held in Guilin, China from October 26-28, 2011. Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) João Maunel Costa Antunes spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the Forum and delivered closing remarks as the Vice Chairman of PATA. Also present at the opening ceremony were Mayor of Guilin Municipal People's Government Li Zhigang, Vice Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration Du Yili, Executive Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Frederic Pierret, Director General of the Guangxi Tourism Administration Chen Jianjun and Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Kaye Chon. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony as the Vice Chairman of PATA, Antunes expressed that innovation and diversification have been central to recent tourism success in destinations such as Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore, Guilin and Chengdu. Tourism requires constant renewal and the Forum gave participants the inspiration and the technical knowledge to make that renewal process happen. Together with other panelists from Korea, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia, Antunes, as the Director of MGTO, shared with the participants examples of how Macau has embraced innovation and diversification to completely reposition the destination over the last few years at the session of "Innovation and Diversification in Tourism". With the theme of "Innovation and Diversification of Tourism in Demanding Times, the Forum comprised two sessions, the technical session and plenary session. It aimed to provide a platform for policy makers, senior officials, researchers and industry representatives to share information, analyze the current global & regional trends affecting tourism and map out the next course of action for the future.
…

With an effort to ensure members of the public can share the benefits of economic growth, Macao SAR government launched for the first time in 2008 the Wealth Partaking Scheme, distributing a prescribed sum of money by posting cheque or bank transfer to residents of Macao SAR who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. By virtue of the respective law, cheques of the Scheme 2008 that have not been encashed remain to be valid until 31 January 2012. For persons aged under five on 1 July 2008 who became holder of Macao SAR identity card prescribed by Law No. 8/2002, in case of the payment concerning the Scheme 2008 has not yet been received, the latest date for application will be on 30 December 2011.
…

For four consecutive years, the international community of government leaders, businesses, professionals, financial institutions, investors and a host of non-government organizations has converged in Macao to actively participate in the collective effort to address environmental issues of common global concern. The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF), an initiative by the Macao government, is contributing to China's efforts to achieve specific objectives for a low carbon society, as well as to raise public awareness and improve conditions for humanity. From its launch in 2008 through to 2011, MIECF has grown from strength to strength and regarded as a success by delegates, exhibitors and the international community. Now, MIECF returns for its fifth edition in 2012 from March 29 to March 31, at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. As the 2012MIECF Event Manager, Koelnmesse Pte Ltd is inviting interested service providers to participate in this Call for Tender, for appointment of service contracts. The range of services being tendered for are:  Stand Contractor
 Freight Forwarder
 Travel Services
 Accounting Service
 Document Printing
 Registration Services
 Shuttle Bus & Limousine Services
 Translation and Interpretation Interested parties are welcome to submit their tenders. Submission deadline is 14 November 2011. Full information on the tender procedures and specifications can be obtained form the website at www.macaomiecf.com.
…

The Institute for Tourism Studies' Bachelor Degree Programme emphasises on the balance between theory and practice. Students are required to complete certain hours of practical tasks related to their majors every year. One of the tasks given to the Tourism Business Management students is to provide free guided tour to tourists and local residents. The activity, with the theme of "Tour around Macao with IFT students", is organised by year two students of Tourism Business Management Degree Programme. With the assistance from the instructors, five different itineraries have been designed and each lasts about one hour and thirty minutes. This free guided tour service will be provided to all tourists and local residents on Saturday and Sunday, from 29 October – 12 November. The main objectives of the activity: I. It allows the students to put what they have learnt about tourism into practice. The whole project, from itinerary design to time control to the actual tour guiding, is planned by the students themselves with assistance from instructors. By coordinating the activity, their communication skills can also be enhanced. II. To promote Macao to the visitors by offering the free guiding service at the city centre and tourist attractions. Residents will also be made aware of the importance of tourism to Macao. The Institute for Tourism Studies is the only public higher education institution in Macao that provides training for tourism and service industry. It endeavours to promote Macao through various activities and to leave a good image to everyone who visits the place.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that a total of 2,150 establishments were operating in the Transport, Storage & Communications Sector in 2010, down by 60 year-on-year, which was caused by the decrease in the number of trucks registered under sole proprietorship; concurrently, number of persons engaged decreased by 1% to 14,621. Total Receipts and Expenditure amounted to MOP 17.25 billion and MOP 14.72 billion, up by 21% and 14% respectively over 2009. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy surged by 30% year-on-year to MOP 5.60 billion; however, Gross Fixed Capital Formation MOP 333 million, down by 72%. In 2010, establishments operating in the Transport & Storage Sector totalled 2,119, down by 56 from 2009 and number of persons engaged decreased by 1% to 12,714. There were 1,674 establishments operating in Land Transport (79% of the Transport & Storage Sector); besides, 417 were engaging in Supporting & Auxiliary Transport Activities, of which 177 were travel agencies. Transport and Storage Sector registered favourable growth, attributable to rising demand for transport services brought about by the increase in visitor arrivals and the 2010 Shanghai Expo. Total Receipts of the Sector surged by 23% over 2009 to MOP 13.06 billion, with those from Passenger Transport (MOP 5.37 billion) and Cargo Transport (MOP 1.53 billion) rising by 18% and 36% respectively. Total Expenditure increased by 13% year-on-year to MOP 11.97 billion. Analyzed by expenditure items, Operating Expenses (MOP 5.67 billion) and Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 4.10 billion) rose by 6% and 38% respectively, whereas Compensation of Employees (MOP 1.88 billion) decreased by 2% year-on-year. Gross Value Added (MOP 3.23 billion) soared by 44%, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 115 million) tumbled by 86% year-on-year. A total of 31 establishments were operating in the Communications Sector in 2010, a decrease of 4 over 2009; number of persons engaged increased slightly by 1% to 1,907. Total Receipts of the Communications Sector rose by 15% year-on-year to MOP 4.20 billion, of which Receipts from the Provision of Services totalled MOP 2.94 billion, up by 8%; Receipts from Sales of Goods (MOP 692 million) recorded a 56% year-on-year increase. Total Expenditure amounted to MOP 2.76 billion, up by 15% year-on-year, with Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 1.22 billion), Operating Expenses (MOP 676 million) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 450 million) rising by 21%, 22% and 9% respectively. Gross Value Added (MOP 2.37 billion) increased by 15%; however, Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 218 million) decreased significantly by 38%.
…

The new General Committee members of Consumer Council held their first meeting on 12th October and Mr Vong Kok Seng was elected president. Pursuant to Dispatch No.72/2011 of Secretariat for Economy and Finance published in Official Gazette #31, Mr Vong Kok Seng, Mr Henrique M. R. de Senna Fernandes, Mr Iu Iu Cheong, Mr Lei Loi Tak, Mr Wong Chung Tak António, Mr Kok Lam, Mr Fong Koc Hon, Ms Lam Soc Iun, Mr Elias Lam, Mr Mok Chi Wai, and Ms Sio Un I were appointed members of the new General Committee of Consumer Council for 2 years. The new General Committee members held their first meeting on 12th this month and Mr Vong Kok Seng was elected president again of the Committee for year 2011-2013. Committee members reviewed recent works of the Council and discussed plans for the coming year. According to Law No. 4/95/M and No. 1/98/M, responsibilities of the General Committee include: to provide comments on regulations established for the protection of consumers, to approve activity plans, budgets, reports and to control the accounts of Consumer Council, as well as to monitor the actions of the Executive Committee.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for July-September 2011 held stable at 2.6%, same as the previous period (June-August 2011); the underemployment rate was 1.0%, up slightly by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force was 344,000 in July-September 2011 and the labour force participation rate stood at 72.5%, with the employed population increasing by about 300 over the previous period to 335,000. Analyzed by industry, employment of the Transport, Storage & Communications Sector saw increase, while that of Retail Trade and the Gaming Sector registered decrease. Number of the unemployed decreased slightly by 100 from the previous period to 8,900, with 16.6% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, up by 1.3 percentage points over the previous period. In comparison with July-September 2010, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate dropped by 0.3 and 0.6 percentage point respectively; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate rose by 0.7 percentage point. In the third quarter of 2011, the unemployment rate of local residents held stable as the previous quarter, at 3.3%; the labour force participation rate of local residents rose by 1.0 percentage point to 67.8%.
…

A test on 12 different brands of quick boil kettle by the Consumer Council showed that all samples passed the tests on 19 criteria for safety but 2 samples lacked Chinese or Portuguese instructions in their product labels. Consumer Council has already requested the retailers to follow up on this. Quick boil kettle is quick, energy-saving, and has become popular in modern households. Since the power of this kind of kettle ranges from 1000W to 2000W, it is crucial to guarantee this kind of electrical appliance functions safely as it is prone to causing accidents. The Consumer Council recently spot checked 12 different brands and tested 19 safety criteria of them including electric current, burning resistance, humidity resistance, and structure, etc. Results of all tested samples were satisfactory. However, 2 samples were found to include only instruction manuals in English and the concerned retailers have been informed to provide instruction manuals either in Chinese or Portuguese, as it is stated in Article 5 'Obligations of the Producer' of Administrative Regulation No. 17/2008 "General Regulations for Product Safety" that one of the official languages of Macao SAR Government must be used in giving essential instructions to consumers so that they can evaluate and prevent any kind of danger. Results of the test on quick boil kettle can be found in the new issue no. 217 of Consumer Report. Online group-buying has become a crucial topic in the work of consumer protection nowadays. Consumptions are made by consumers grouped together online through both local and overseas websites. As the trend of group-buying is increasing, suggestions are addressed to consumers by China Consumers' Association and extracted in the new Consumer Report. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the two offices of Consumer Council, 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.
…