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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today that building a new University of Macau campus on Hengqin Island in Zhuhai would boost the long-term development of the institution. Answering legislators’ questions at a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho said the plan would carry historic significance as it would provide more space for the university to expand and would benefit its future development. Since the new campus would be the first construction project jointly steered by Zhuhai and Macao, certainly the two sides would gain much experience from it, he said. He said that the university had conducted a wide range of internal consultation over the proposal of the new campus and gathered opinions among the community. He said worries and doubts over the proposal were comprehensible. The proposal had been submitted to the Central Government, and the academic freedom enjoyed by the university will continue to be endeared. Speaking on the bills regarding the rank and grade systems of civil servants and regulation of department heads and supervisors, which had been submitted to the Legislative Assembly for examination, Mr Ho said that the bills were aimed at solving some long-standing issues and should not be deemed as a plan to raise remuneration of civil servants. He said that the Government would not amend the rank and grade bill significantly and its promises made to the civil servants would remain unchanged. As for the bill of regulating department heads and supervisors, Mr Ho said the Government would pay heed to the legislators and make necessary amendments.
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The Government would continue to cut the number of imported workers and crack down on illegal workers, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today. Speaking at a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho said the number of imported workers shrunk from about 104,000 last September to some 87,000 in March, with most of the cuts in the construction sector. He said that the Government would continue to ensure the job priority of local workers, yet the contribution of imported labour should not be unacknowledged. He said that the Government had enforced a host of measures in cutting the number of imported labour. For example, companies in catering, hotel and gaming industries were asked to gradually cut the number of imported labour by half when renewing their work permits. Moreover, the Government and gaming companies had reached consensus in completely cutting the imported labour working as table games supervisors and provide more than 1,000 managerial positions to local workers. The Government would continue to cut imported labour in the next few months. However, it was unrealistic to stop all imported labour at once, as Macao, an all-round tourism and entertainment hub, should maintain its service standard at a competitive level, not to mention smaller companies’ difficulties in finding suitable replacements in a short space of time. The Government and trade associations would launch more training courses for local workers to enable them to fill the vacancy left by imported workers. The Government would also step up its efforts in combating illegal workers. He said he hoped that the Legislative Assembly could put the article regulating illegal workers on its top agenda when the Assembly discuss the imported labour bill. To prevent overstayers from working illegally, the Government would also liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and some countries to revise the visa-on-arrival policies for visitors from some countries.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, is scheduled to leave for Hainan tomorrow to attend the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2009. Under the theme "Asia: Managing beyond Crisis", the three-day event will be highlighted by the presence of Premier Wen Jiabao, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Togo, Mr Faure Gnassingbe, as well as prominent officials from about 20 countries and renowned business leaders and scholars. Participants of the event will discuss the challenges stemming from the global financial crisis, the balance between opening and monitoring, the economic outlook in 2009, financial innovation, and the development of emerging economies. The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, will be Acting Chief Executive while Mr Ho is away.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office has been maintaining close contact with tourism associations and the travel industry to follow up on Macao travelers in Thailand.
According to the information provided by the travel industry, 56 Macao travelers in three tour groups are scheduled to return tomorrow (April 17). No tour group from Macao will depart for Thailand today and tomorrow.
Despite the improving situation, the Office would continue to monitor the situation and its effects on tourists. When necessary, the Office will inform Macao mobile phone users in Thailand on the latest news and notice by text messaging services provided by the four local telecommunication service providers. For assistance or enquiry, please call the tourism hotline at (853) 28333000. The Office has received 32 related enquiries and handled one request for assistance since 10 April.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the first quarter of 2009 rose by 1.45% year-on-year to 147.91. The price indices of Clothing & Footwear; Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; and Restaurant Service surged significantly by 12.11%, 9.71% and 7.55% respectively, which was attributable to increasing prices of men’s and ladies’ clothing, and alcoholic beverages, as well as rising charges for restaurant service. On the contrary, the price index of Accommodation registered a year-on-year decrease of 5.95%. Compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, TPI went up by 1.88% in this quarter. The price index of Miscellaneous Goods increased by 7.20% due to dear prices of jewellery led by rising gold prices; besides, the price indices of Clothing & Footwear and Accommodation rose by 3.37% and 2.65% respectively. However, the price index of Transport & Communications fell by 3.72%. The average TPI for the last 4 quarters ended the first quarter of 2009 increased by 7.58% over the previous period, with marked increase in the indices of Miscellaneous Goods (+12.92%), Clothing & Footwear (+11.84%), Restaurant Service (+11.76%) and Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+10.48%). TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors, which is compiled based on the consumption pattern of visitors derived from the Visitor Expenditure Survey. TPI covers 8 sections of goods and services, namely Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; Clothing & Footwear; Accommodation; Restaurant Service; Transport & Communications; Medicine & Personal Goods; Entertainment & Cultural Activity; and Miscellaneous Goods. The base year of TPI is from July 1999 to June 2000.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office is closely watching the situation of Macao tourists in Thailand. 74 Macao tourists will return from Thailand this evening (April 14) and early tomorrow morning (April 15). The Office has been maintaining close contact with the tourism associations and travel industry to keep track of Macao tour groups traveling in Thailand. According to the figures of the travel industry, following the return of 74 people from 3 tour groups to Macao this evening and tomorrow, about 60 people traveling in tour groups will continue their itinerary in Thailand and return to Macao in the next few days. All tour groups scheduled to depart for Thailand this week have been cancelled. The Office has also sent out notices to over 600 Macao mobile phone users currently traveling in Thailand through the four local telecommunications service providers. Due to the political upheaval in Thailand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Chinese citizens not to go to Bangkok. The Office advises Macao residents also to avoid making unnecessary trips to Thailand and Macao residents in Thailand who need assistance can call the tourism hotline 2833 3000. The Office has received 27 enquiries so far and has handled one request for assistance.
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In response to the travel notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Chinese citizens, Macao residents who are currently travelling in Thailand are kindly reminded to stay alert for their personal safety and avoid hot spots there. Macao travellers are also advised to closely follow the situation in Thailand and may call the hotline of the Tourism Crisis Management Office (853-2833 3000) for help if necessary. People in Macao are strongly advised not to make any non-urgent travel to Thailand at the moment. The notice issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is as follows: “Bangkok and other Thai areas have been under a state of emergency, Chinese citizens are advised to postpone travels to Thailand According to the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, the Thai government has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and the four provinces of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi and Phetchaburi. The Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand would like to remind Chinese citizens travelling in Thailand to stay informed about the security situation there and avoid hot spots. Chinese citizens are also advised to remain cautious and take the earliest opportunity to leave Thailand. In case of emergency, the contact numbers of the Chinese Embassy (0066-818214771/0066-818270696) and the hotline of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (0086-10-65964088) are available for help.”
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) hosted the “Conference of Central Banks and Regulatory Authorities of Portuguese Speaking Territories” on 6 April 2009. The Conference carried the main theme “Establishing a Platform for Financial Cooperation and Promotion of Economic and Commercial Interaction”. 180 delegates from central banks of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste and local and overseas financial institutions attended the Conference. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive, received the representatives of the Central Banks of the Portuguese Speaking Countries and exchanged views on the current financial environment after the Conference. Mr. Francis Tam, Secretary for Economy and Finance, Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, Mr. Lu Sumin, Special Envoy, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consul of Angola in Macao, Ms. Xie Xiaolin, Commercial Attaché of Chinese Embassy in Portugal and Mr. Anselmo Teng, Chairman of AMCM officiated the opening ceremony. In the Conference, AMCM concluded memoranda of understanding with central banks of Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe, which was witnessed by Mr. Francis Tam, and representatives of central banks of 8 Portuguese speaking countries. The Conference was conducted in the form of a seminar. Delegates from the invited countries made their speeches, which carried valuable, practicable innovations and suggestions. Upon the completion of the conference, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Mr. Ho Hau Wah, received the representatives from the Central Banks of the eight Portuguese Speaking Countries and had fruitful discussions in regard to the latest international financial environment. The Chief Executive also praised the participation of the representatives in the consultation with each other about the establishment of co-operation mechanism in the financial sector within the framework of business and trade between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries. Mr. Manuel Piedade dos Santos Júnior, Director of Central Bank of Angola, first expressed their willingness to conclude a memorandum of understanding with AMCM, which will be materialized shortly with a view to setting up a cooperation mechanism. At the same time, they would enhance exchange of technical aspects via a cooperative relationship in order to strengthen professional function of a central bank. Mr. António Gustavo Matos do Vale, Director of Bank Settlements and Privatization, Central Bank of Brazil confirmed that they had concluded various cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding with many central banks of Portuguese speaking countries. In addition, they helped training and provided various experiences to its counterparts. Through multi-lateral cooperation networks with central banks of Portuguese speaking countries, China or the MSAR can have access to the comprehensive network through the existing channels with Portuguese speaking countries. Mr. Carlos Augusto de Burgo, Governor of Bank of Cape Verde, said that they were endeavouring to enhance the competitiveness of the banking system of Cape Verde, which included improving supervisory legislations establishing a clearing system and regulating the markets. In addition, they were promoting internationalization of the banking system, amending legislations relating to financial intermediaries, revising foreign exchange regulations and developing its capital market in order to enhance the competitiveness and standard of the financial system of Cape Verde. The move laid down the foundation to converge its financial system with international markets. Mr. João Alage Mamadu Fadia, Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Guinea-Bissau, indicated that in the face of the contagious effect of the financial tsunami, there was a need to restructure global financial system and to stave off the resurgence of protectionism. They advocated strengthening and expanding international economic and commercial cooperation. More attention should be paid to development of under privileged countries. At the same time, there should be more frequent contacts with emerging economic powers, especially China. They fully supported an early establishment of a financial cooperation mechanism under the framework of the Economic and Commercial Cooperation Forum of China and Portuguese Speaking Countries. It would serve as a working platform to facilitate economic and commercial development of all parties. Mr. Victor Pedro Gomes, Board Member of Bank of Mozambique, raised a pragmatic method to attract capital, pinpointing textiles, sugar refining and other resources oriented industries. He also mentioned the infusion of capital in their banking sector by Macao investors. In regard to cooperation in the financial realm, the Bank of China concluded recently cooperation agreements with two commercial banks in Mozambique, which was an important step forward in cooperation. Mr. Vitor Manuel Rodrigues Pessoa was once the Secretary of Economic Co-ordination. He had an indepth understanding of the economic and financial picture of Macao. This time, he attended this conference in the capacity as Board Member of the Bank of Portugal. He gave a detailed account of the causes of the recent financial tsunami and proposed remedies. He also opined that China would play a pivotal role in this respect. Moreover, he envisaged that the MSAR, being a bridge and a service platform, would be fully functional in the enhancement of economic, commercial and financial cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Mr. Luis Fernando Moreira de Souza, Governor of Central Bank of S. Tomé and Príncipe, introduced the experience acquired by the Central Bank in six areas recently, which included stabilization of macro-economic structure, giving priority in developing an open economy before attempting to establish a regional or international economic linkage, creating attractive conditions to lure outside capital to invest in infrastructural items, stabilizing and balancing supply and demand in the market by applying appropriate taxation, fiscal and monetary policies, improving safety net, seeking policy for sustainable growth. Ms. Nur Aini Djafar Alkatiri, Vice-President of Bank of East Timor and Bank Settlements Authority, called upon commercial banks and insurance companies operating locally and in Portuguese speaking countries to start business and invest in East Timor with a view to developing and expanding the financial system there. It was an emerging nation with great growth potential. Moreover, the nation adopted an proactive attitude in strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries. Ms. Xie Xiaolin, Commercial Attaché of China Embassy in Portugal, pointed out that, apart from the consensus promoted by nations in the Conference, more efforts from the private sector would be indispensable. She indicated that China was very willing to expand economic, commercial and financial cooperation with Portuguese speaking countries via multi-level channels. As a genuine friend of developing countries, China was willing to reinforce cooperation to tide all of us over the difficulties arising from the risks of international financial markets. Promoting financial cooperation would enable further ramification of growth in the mutual economic and commercial relationship. She considered that Macao would be able to provide efficient and quality services when acting as a liaison platform for China and Portuguese speaking countries. Mr. Anselmo Teng, Chairman of Monetary Authority of Macao, elucidated that, to cope with the requirements arising from the development of financial internationalization, particularly cooperation with Portuguese speaking countries, AMCM had concluded various agreements of cooperation with the central banks and insurance supervisory authorities of a number of Portuguese speaking countries. It had concluded memoranda of understanding with 5 out of the 8 Portuguese speaking countries. Similar insurance related documents were signed with insurance supervisory authorities of 5 Portuguese speaking countries. For the rest, negotiation was proceeding smoothly. It was expected that an overall cooperation network can be materialized in the near future. AMCM had called upon a closer tie and cooperation between local financial institutions and their counterparts in Portuguese speaking countries and greater help in promoting the consensus arrived at in this Conference to establish a financial cooperation platform at an earlier date. The local financial sector could adopt a fresh mentality in their operation and actively expand their overseas cooperation and liaison with a view to further enhancing the competitiveness and level of internationalization of local financial industry, which would be conducive to the objective of industrial diversification as envisaged by the MSAR.
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The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, is scheduled to visit Macao on April 21, to strengthen bilateral business link. During his official visit, Mr Nguyen will attend an inauguration ceremony of a business forum and meet representatives of Macao’s business sector. He will also attend a welcome banquet to be hosted by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah. The Vietnamese delegation to be led by Mr Nguyen will consist of some 20 members, including the Minister, Head of the Government Office, Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Vu Huy Hoang, and the Ambassador of Vietnam to China, Mr Nguyen Van Tho. They will depart the same evening.
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The Tourism Crisis Management Office is closely watching the situation in Thailand and will activate its contingency procedures once the need arises, according to the Office. Due to the state of emergency in Thailand, the Office has been maintaining close contact with the travel industry to keep track of Macao tourists travelling in Thailand. There are six tour groups from Macao comprising about 200 people that are now travelling in Thailand. Among them, one tour group with 21 people has left Bangkok for Macao this afternoon and is expected to arrive in Macao this evening. The remaining five groups are expected to fly back to Macao in the following two days according to their original itinerary. The Office is unable to get the exact number of Macao tourists travelling independently in Thailand at the moment. However, it has requested the four mobile network operators in Macao to relay the relevant information to local residents travelling outside the territory if needed. For enquiries or requests for assistance, people may call the Office’s 24-hour hotline at (853) 2833 3000. According to the Office, since airports in Thailand are functioning normally and local tour groups have not been greatly affected, the current situation in Thailand does not constitute a tourism emergency. Nonetheless, the Office will continue to maintain a close watch on the events unfolding so as to respond correspondingly. The Office has received 8 enquiries so far and has handled a request for help in contacting a relative travelling in Thailand.
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