News

The Government welcomed the move by Macao’s six gaming operators to form a trade association, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said today. Mr Tam said the association would help strengthen communication between the operators and between the sector, the Government and the community. He said he believed the association would benefit the development of the industry and the entire economy.
…

Infrastructure, services industry, developing Hengqin and Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone, and building a high-quality living community are the key areas for Macao to co-operate with Guangdong and Hong Kong in implementing the long-term development plan for the region. The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said this in Hong Kong today when he attended a press conference after a tripartite meeting with Guangdong and Hong Kong officials on the implementation of "The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta (2008-2020)”. The meeting was attended by official delegations from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, which were led by the Vice Governor of Guangdong, Mr Wan Qingliang, the Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong, Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen, and Mr Tam. Mr Tam said since the Outline covered a large number of areas and projects, Macao would focus on four key areas, namely 1. co-ordinating on large-scale infrastructure;
2. enhancing co-operation in services industry;
3. pushing forward the development of the new territory of Hengqin and Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone, and
4. building a high-quality living community together. The three parties concluded that they would co-operate in infrastructure planning, tourism, environmental protection, finance, education and innovative technology. They would also formulate a co-ordinating mechanism and propose to the Central Government to include their co-operative projects in the nation’s Twelfth Five Year Plan. Mr Tam said the meeting marked the beginning of a co-operation mechanism on the implementation of the Outline and it should be seen as a milestone for the co-operation between the three parties. According to the Outline, Macao should position itself as a global centre of tourism and recreation. Therefore, Macao would strengthen co-operation with Guangdong in boosting multi-destination travel, he said. Macao would work with Guangdong and Hong Kong to build the whole region into ‘a high-quality living community’ and ‘one of the world’s mega metropolitan areas with the most abundant core competitive strengths’, he said.
…

The European Union Business Information Programme (EUBIP) celebrated the launch of a series of activities and initiatives in Macao and Hong Kong on Thursday evening, at an event attended by a broad spectrum of the Macao, Hong Kong and European business community. Using the resources, expertise and networks of its consortium and external partners, and a grant from the European Commission, EUBIP aims to generate real business opportunities for Macao and Hong Kong by raising awareness of the benefits of the European Union as a business partner. It will also serve as a vehicle to promote a better understanding between the EU, Macao and Hong Kong on policies and regulations. The consortium partners for the three-year project are the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Institute of European Studies of Macau (IEEM). Speaking at the event, LEE Peng Hong, President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, said: “By providing EU trade and investment information and co-hosting a series of business events such as the Green Business Day at the 2009 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (MIECF), EUBIP can further encourage Macao enterprises to develop even more extensive business co-operations with their EU counterparts, enabling new opportunities and benefits in the time of global economic slowdown.” Johan Adler, Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce echoed the views of his fellow EUBIP partners. “EUBIP is about creating tangible benefits through practical, timely and business-relevant initiatives and activities. We believe we can build on our already strong ties to bring together even more business people from Europe, Macao and Hong Kong and, over the next three years, this is what we plan to do.” Franz Jessen, Head of Unit for China in the Directorate-General for External Relations of the European Commission, which provides funding and expertise to EUBIP, said: “The European Union is already one of Macao and Hong Kong's largest trading partner, Through EUBIP we will reinforce this growing interaction as well as strengthening economic cooperation, dialogue and communication between Hong Kong, Macao and the EU in the coming years.” At the reception, the EUBIP consortium partners - Miss Echo Chan, Executive Director of IPIM, Mr. Johan Adler, Chairman of European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Dr. José Luis de Sales Marques, President of IEEM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together on a series of events over the next six months. These included: - Co-hosting the Green Business Day and organising expert speakers at the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) - Organising an EU Delegation and Pavilion of companies and government agencies at MIECF
- Co-hosting with the European Commission a seminar on REACH, updating the industry on the latest EU regulatory developments on the use of chemicals
- Organising Macao experts to attend a 'Brand Protection' symposium to be held in Hong Kong
- Partnering with the Institute of European Studies of Macao (IEEM) to host a seminar on intellectual property rights (IPR) in Macao and Hong Kong
- Organising a seminar on 'Identifying opportunities in the EU and improving market access’
- Overseeing research into improving market access between the EU, Macao and Hong Kong Mr Adler told guests: “This is a snapshot of what EUBIP is doing over the next six months. Future events are being planned in Macao, Hong Kong and Europe and will be announced as they are confirmed.” Notes to Editors:
The annual EU-Macao Joint Committee Meeting, the highest-level delegation between the two economies, was held earlier in the day. About EUBIP:
The three-year European Union Business Information Programme (EUBIP) supports business-focused initiatives that create a platform for business exchange between European Union, Hong Kong and Macao companies. The focus of EUBIP is on practical, timely and relevant projects that generate business leads and build business efficiency. EUBIP also serves as a vehicle to promote a better understanding between the three economic regions and to provide up-to-date information on EU policies, regulations and institutions to a broad range of audiences including businesses, policy makers, regulators and service providers. Priority sectors are: trade and customs, finance, people-to-people links (including academia), transport, the environment, health and food safety. About EU/Macao business relations:
Bilateral trade between Macao and the European Union was valued at €452 million in 2008. Macao already has a strong European business community, including major investments in utility, finance and tourism sectors. The European Union comprises 27 nations with a population of 495 million. GDP is estimated to reach €12.8 trillion in 2008.
…

In face of the current financial crisis, 2009 MIECF will introduce a number of incentive measures to actively support and assist organisations around the world to participate in this year’s MIECF. Efforts have been made in seeking more valuable environmental projects to enhance the effectiveness of the event. The 1st MIECF held last year has successfully established a new platform for the environmental industry to foster active communication among operators. The 2008 MIECF was participated by 883 units from 14 countries and regions and completed over 100 sessions of business co-operation partnership. Free Admission, Preferential Hospitality Arrangements for Business visitors To strengthen enterprise’s participation in the exhibition, and further encourage local enterprises to communication with Mainland and overseas enterprises, the Organiser of MIECF will provide incentive packages to participating delegations organised by enterprises/Mainland and overseas business organisations. Delegation members may visit the exhibition free of charge and obtain admission pass for the forum, business-matching service and networking cocktail reception. The Organiser is also providing accommodation, lunch, dinner and transportation arrangement services to overseas business visitors at a preferential rate. In addition, in view of global economic recession, this year’s MIECF will also provide participation incentive measures to local SMEs to encourage communication and co-operation between local, Mainland and overseas environment industry. Exhibitors Enjoy Discounted Price For Exhibition Space Rental and Booth Construction As for participation incentives, the Organiser will provide Mainland and overseas exhibitors raw space/booth construction free of charge or at a discounted price, with extra quota for participation in MIECF activities being provided. To encourage international major renowned environmental industry to participate in the event in Macao, this year’s MIECF will add new Prime Exhibitors to provide a series of participation services for the said enterprises. Same as the previous year, IPIM will continue to provide incentive packages to local SMEs – participating environmental-related industries and qualified enterprises will be eligible obtain a 9 square metres standard exhibition booth at MOP 2,000. For further enquiries, please contact 2009 MIECF Secretariat on Tel: (853) 8798 9675, Fax: (853) 2872 8213 and Email: info@macaomiecf.com
…

Identification Services Bureau has installed two standby printing kiosks of “Declaration Form for Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region Permanent Resident Identity Card to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” (hereafter called “Declaration Form”) at Hong Kong Ferry Terminal and China Ferry Terminal respectively. Having been tested for 10 days since 9 February 2009, the abovementioned kiosks are well functioned. According to the present statistics, over 100 persons have used the abovementioned kiosks to print their Declaration Form to avoid being repatriated to the Macao SAR. Identification Services Bureau urges the Macao residents to use the kiosks at Hong Kong ferry terminals only under necessary circumstances, as the kiosks are installed for standby purpose only. In case of malfunctioned chips, the Hong Kong officers at Hong Kong Ferry Terminal have to verify the identity with the Identification Services Bureau for printing the Declaration Form, and this process will take time. Furthermore, in case of kiosk malfunctioning and other special situations, residents may not be able to print the Declaration Form in Hong Kong. Hence, in considerations of security, convenience and time saving, residents are recommended to print their Declaration Form in Macao before going to Hong Kong.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that Macao’s waning property transaction continued. Based on Stamp Duty records, 2,003 building units were sold and purchased in the fourth quarter of 2008, the lowest level since 2002, down by 56.9% quarter-to-quarter; the respective value dropped significantly by 64.6% to MOP2.67 billion. Among these transactions, 600 units that were worth MOP1.23 billion were purchased and sold under Intermediate Transfer of Title, down notably by 69.7% and 73.7% respectively. For the whole year of 2008, a total of 21,516 units valued at MOP35.02 billion were purchased and sold, down by 33.3% and 28.6% respectively over 2007. The majority (1,286 units) of the transactions, based on Stamp Duty records, were residential units and the respective value amounted to MOP2.15 billion, down by 53.3% and 66.1% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Among the residential units, 944 were situated in the Macao Peninsula and 338 in Taipa. In terms of transaction price, 53.7% (690 units) were sold for MOP1,000,000 or less and 18.6% (239 units) for over MOP1,000,000 to MOP2,000,000. Downward prices of residential units carried on to the fourth quarter of 2008, with the average transaction price dropping by 21.5% quarter-to-quarter to MOP18,064 per square meter of usable area. The average transaction price of those in the Macao Peninsula decreased by 32.5% to MOP15,517 per square meter; however, the average price of those in Taipa increased by 12.8% to MOP24,863 per square meter, upon higher percentage of the transactions was new building units. Meanwhile, the average price of residential units purchased and sold under Intermediate Transfer of Title was MOP29,502 per square meter, down by 9.0% over the previous quarter. The average price of office units amounted to MOP19,024 per square meter, down slightly by 0.8% over the preceding quarter; the average price of industrial units declined by 14.4% to MOP5,285 per square meter. For the whole year of 2008, the average price of residential units rose by 12.5% year-on-year to MOP23,316 and those under Intermediate Transfer of Title increased by 7.2% to MOP36,783. There were 1,395 cases of real estate sale and purchase contracts made in the fourth quarter of 2008, involving 1,719 units valued at MOP2.13 billion, down by 38.3% and 45.0% respectively over the preceding quarter. For 2008 as a whole, a total of 9,712 real estate sale and purchase contracts were made, with 12,890 units amounting to MOP14.36 billion, down by 33.3%, 32.5% and 24.0% respectively over 2007. The construction of 9 new buildings with a gross floor area of 27,293 square meters has been started in the fourth quarter of 2008. Upon completion, these buildings will provide 21 units, 30 parking spaces for cars and 35 parking spaces for motorcycles. Meanwhile, a total of 16 buildings with a gross floor area of 227,411 square meters were completed, providing altogether 946 units, 713 parking spaces for cars and 104 parking spaces for motorcycles. In 2008, 53 buildings with a gross floor area of 584,147 square meters were completed, providing a total of 1,177 units. In 2008, sale and purchase of building units based on Stamp Duty records included transaction of those residential units valued at MOP3,000,000 or less that, according to Article 14 of Law no. 7/2007, were exempt to pay Stamp Duty.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, met the Secretary of the CPC Henan Committee, Mr Xu Guangchun, at Government Headquarters today. During the meeting, they exchanged views on co-operations in areas of trade, tourism and culture. Mr Ho then hosted a luncheon for him members the visiting delegation. The Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao, Ms Gao Yan; the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen; the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Veng On; Member and Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the CPC Henan Committee, Mr Cao Weixin, and Vice Governor of Henan, Mr Shi Jichun were among those who attended the ceremony. Mr Xu arrived at Government Headquarters after attending a trade symposium to promote investment between Macao and Henan. He is to attend another trade promotion session in the afternoon and is scheduled to leave Macao tomorrow.
…

The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao S.A.R. Government will organize an Academic Research Lecture in the Cultural Affairs Bureau Auditorium (Edifício do Instituto Cultural, Tap Seac Square, Macao) at 6:30pm on Thursday February 19. Dr. George Bryan Souza, adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Texas, will give a lecture on “Agency, Monopoly and Commerce, 1674 – 1774: The Administrators of the Junta do Tabaco”. This talk is about the agency of Crown-appointed merchants in the administration and the commercial activities of the Portuguese Crown’s monopoly of Brazilian tobacco, its trade and exchange for Afro-Asian commodities in local, regional, and global economies over the long eighteenth century. It traces and analyzes their actions and operations from the inception of the monopoly until 1774, when the Crown eliminated their positions. It relies upon archival research in materials on the Crown’s tobacco monopoly. The envisaged broader treatment of this topic will ask and answer questions like: for whom and how and why did Portugal and the Portuguese derive benefit from empire in the eighteenth century? How were the Crown’s commercial interests re-organized and what was their longer term impact upon the development of private Portuguese merchant activities? What was the importance of this commerce toward and within the rest of the Portuguese Empire and, in a broader context, in the Atlantic and global economies? To what degree did this re-dimensioning of Empire aid the Crown and local Portuguese society in recuperating, maintaining and defending its imperial presence from external indigenous threats in India and Africa in the long eighteenth century? George Bryan Souza is an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Educated at Stanford University (B.A. with Departmental Honors in History), the School of Oriental and African Studies, at the University of London (M.A. in Southeast Asian Area Studies), and Trinity College, Cambridge University (D. Phil. in History), he is the author of The Survival of Empire: Portuguese Trade and Society in China and the South China Sea, 1630-1754, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1986 and numerous articles. Over the past few years, he has received support for his research interests in global maritime economic history, the history of European expansion, and cross-cultural contact and exchanges in the early modern period from the following institutions: affiliated fellow, IIAS, Leiden University, the Netherlands; IANTT/FLAD research grants, Lisbon, Portugal; Bernardo Mendel fellowships, at the Lilly Library, Indiana University; research grant from the American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies; Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore; Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University and is in Macao on a Fulbright grant. Upon completion in April 2009, Souza will take up his invited appointment as a Mercator Guest Professor at Tubingen University in Germany. The lecture will be given in English with Mandarin, Cantonese and Portuguese simultaneous interpretation. Entrance is free. For further details, please contact Ms. Chu of the Macao Historical Archives of the Cultural Affairs Bureau at 85986537.
…

The Macao SAR Government (Macao SAR) was informed by the Hong Kong SAR Government (HKSAR) that the staying period of Macao SAR Residents in the HKSAR has been extended since16 February 2009. 1. Macao SAR Residents, possessing a valid Electronic Macao SAR Permanent Resident Identity Card together with a “Declaration Form for Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region Permanent Resident Identity Card to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to the HKSAR”, can enter the HKSAR as visitors and stay for a maximum period of 180 days if the immigration requirements are duly fulfilled 2. Macao SAR Non-Permanent Residents possessing a “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to the HKSAR” can enter the HKSAR as visitors and stay for a maximum period of 30 days if the immigration requirements are duly fulfilled.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that Macao registered 501,535 visitor arrivals in package tours in December 2008, up by 16.2% from a year earlier. Visitors from Mainland China (346,570) and Taiwan, China (37,106) increased by 18.4% and 32.8% year-on-year respectively, while those from Hong Kong (32,534) decreased by 10.8%. For the whole year of 2008, visitor arrivals in package tours rose by 15.8% over 2007 to 4,902,029. The number of Macao residents travelling outbound in package tours decreased by 11.3% year-on-year to 22,668 in December 2008. Mainland China (77.2%); Taiwan, China (6.2%); and Japan (5.4%) were the three most popular tour itineraries. In 2008, Macao residents travelling in package tours rose by 8.1% over 2007 to 229,188. Meanwhile, 33,074 residents travelled outbound under individual arrangements using services provided by travel agencies, up by 11.7% over December 2007. Hong Kong (47.3%), Mainland China (22.9%) and Taiwan, China (10.6%) were the major destinations. In 2008, outbound residents travelling under such arrangements dropped by 2.5% year-on-year to 377,229. At the end of December 2008, the number of guest rooms available in the hotel sector increased by 1,342 (+8.3%) from a year earlier to 17,490 rooms. In December 2008, a total of 617,501 guests checked into hotels and similar establishments, up by 16.8% year-on-year; the majority of the guests came from Mainland China (48.3%) and Hong Kong (23.0%). The average hotel occupancy rate for December 2008 dropped by 4.1 percentage points year-on-year to 79.0%, with 4-star hotels leading at 87.6%; in addition, the average length of stay of hotel guests dropped by 0.02 night to 1.4 nights. Total number of hotel guests reached 6,537,661 in 2008, up by 13.9% over 2007; the average hotel occupancy rate for 2008 decreased by 2.7 percentage points from 2007 to 74.5%. For 2008 as a whole, visitor-guests staying in hotels accounted for 43.5% of the total number of tourists, up from 42.0% in 2007.
…