News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the total number of visitor arrivals reached 1,949,583 in November 2006, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.4%. Visitors from Mainland China; Hong Kong; and Taiwan, China grew 14.5%, 33.9% and 9.1% respectively. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 51.5% of the total arrivals, at 1,003,355. Visitors came mainly from Mainland China (54.8% of the total), Hong Kong (30.6%) and Taiwan, China (6.1%). Among those from Mainland China, 513,119 (48.0%) travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. In the first eleven months of 2006, visitor arrivals totalled 19,835,205, which have surpassed the annual total of 2005 (18,711,187), up 16.4% over the same period of last year. Visitors from Mainland China rose 13.7% to 10,843,042, which accounted for 54.7% of the total arrivals; those from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China shared 31.4% and 6.7% respectively. Furthermore, same-day visitors made up 51.6% of the total, at 10,237,410. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea increased 13.2% year-on-year to 6,900,231 in the first eleven months of 2006, with 6,562,275 arriving at the Outer Harbour; the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (59.9%) and Mainland China (27.6%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour jumped 78.7% to 337,956. At the same time, the cumulative number of visitors arriving through the Border Gate soared 25.9% to 11,816,570. The majority of the visitors came from Mainland China (73.0%) and Hong Kong (19.1%). In addition, visitor arrivals by air were 1,118,404, up 17.2% compared with the same period of last year, with 1,109,147 arriving at the Macao International Airport (+17.4%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (54.7%) and Mainland China (20.2%) were the major users of this access.
…

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen said today that this year’s economic growth could reach the projected 12%, with gaming revenue likely to MOP50 billion. Mr Tam, speaking to the press at the reception to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR, said the Governement was confident that these could be reached in this year. He said as the Facilitated Individual Traveling Scheme would be implemented in five more cities in China, with more tourism facilities due to open in 2007, the general economy was expected to get a boost from the booming tourism and service industry. Asked about the issue of a minimum wage, Mr Tam said that as the Chief Executive had clearly stated in his Policy Address, the Government would implement a trial of minimun wages in tenders for cleaning and security services provided to Government institutions. And next year, a bill that would include minimum wage and maximum working hours clauses would be submitted for public consultation, hopefully would be introduced later in the same year.
…

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said today Macao owed much of its success to its being able to maintain harmony in the midst of rapid changes, drawing on the full support of the Central Government and the dedication of the community as a whole. Speaking at the reception to celebrate to the 7th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR, he said Macao has experienced a historic period of progress. And in the course of its rapid development, the people of Macao have encountered unexpected challenges and trials, through which our responsiveness to change has been greatly enhanced. In the past seven years, the most important development for the SAR has been its gradual integration into the regional and international communities. Stepping into a brand new era, the Macao SAR has overcome all these tests and challenges in a relatively short time, he said. “In the new era of rapid social development, the SAR has experienced a series of unprecedented issues, which may evolve and proliferate before they are fully absorbed and understood. Through the growth of the SAR, the entire community has learned how to face the certainty that events follow their own path, regardless. “In other words, though inexperienced and unprepared, we have to deal with new issues pragmatically, avoiding both hubris and timidity, leveraging our strengths while minimising our shortcomings, and making good use of favourable conditions to best secure our future in the best interests of the SAR. “Looking ahead, such valuable experiences remain an inspiring and useful benchmark for the SAR’s future development.” Mr Ho stressed that harmony was a key to the SAR’s success in the midst of rapid changes, and that in a harmonious environment; we should mitigate conflicts and prevent more serious or debilitating conflicts through a timely positive tension, and thereby promote the self-improvement of the MSAR. “From various experience of building a harmonious society, we have realised that, in a modern society, in addition to the importance of systems, the rule of law, technology and talent, good interpersonal relationships are necessary to secure harmony. He said to realise harmony, we must respect the interests of others while we fight for our own: we must be open to other people’s opinions when we proposed our own. “We must not blame others when we are at fault; we must recognise other people’s contributions at times of success; we must also be the first to take up our responsibilities, as we require others to take their own. “A harmonious society requires that people show personal harmony, as well as tolerance, communal effort, and mutual help and encouragement. As society transforms, we must grasp every opportunity, share responsibilities, and strive for reform and breakthroughs. At a time when society is facing challenges, we must share the same vision and join together. With unity as strength, cohesion as support and harmony as foundation, we are determined to safeguard the MSAR’s hard-won achievements. With steadfast values and a pragmatic attitude, we are determined to ensure the harmony and sustainable development of MSAR society.” Mr Ho said. “After seven years’ development, the MSAR has fully demonstrated the superiority and success of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao”, and a “High degree of autonomy.” The successful coexistence of the two different political systems, learning from each other in one sovereign country, is an impressive demonstration of harmony and inclusion, which provides the city with vitality and creativity. This power drives the MSAR to overcome challenges and refashion itself. “Today, founded on seven years’ struggle, the MSAR has reached a new beginning. The Government will continue to improve public services to meet society’s needs in the coming years. The Government will studiously take the pulse of society, listen to public opinion, help people overcome their difficulties and resolve conflicts in the evolving community. “We strongly believe that when the Government and the public are of one heart to value and maintain the stability of the community and work together to build a harmonious, impartial, prosperous and strengthening community, the MSAR has a beautiful future that will meet or even exceed our dreams,” he said. About 1,300 guests attended the reception, including the Director of the Central Government Liaison Office in Macao, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commissioner of the Macao SAR Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Mr Wan Yongxiang, commander of the Chinese PLA Garrison Troops in the Macao SAR, Liu Lianhua, the President of the Legislative Assembly, Susana Chou, the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou Fai, as well as principal officials and community leaders. Earlier more than 200 guests attended the flag-raising ceremony, which was followed by a variety show. There will be a firework display in the evening to mark the end of events of the much-celebrated day.
…

(Macao - 19 December 2006) A series of activities will be held tomorrow to cerebrate the 7th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). These include the flag-hoisting ceremony to be held at Lotus Flower Square at 8 a.m., to be followed by gymnastic performances presented by the Macao Sports Development Board. Afterwards, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, will attend a blessing ceremony, organised by the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, the Buddhist Association of Macau and other organisations, to pray for blessings for the SAR. The Macao SAR Government will host a reception at Macau Tower at 4 p.m., to be attended by officials and representatives from different sectors. Earlier, at 2.30 p.m. the Fourth Guangdong-Macao Football Match will be staged at the grounds of Macau University of Science and Technology. In the evening, the Macau Government Tourist Office will present a fireworks display to mark the closing of celebrations for the day. Macao Post will open tomorrow and issue commemorative covers and offer hand-back services to the public. A number of civic organisations will also hold events to celebrate the anniversary.
…

The Macau Government Tourist Office will present a huge fireworks display with synchronized music on Wednesday to celebrate the seventh anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region. The skies of Macau will be painted with a show of color and light after 9:30 p.m., for around fifteen minutes. The Macau Tower and surrounding areas are the best spots to watch the display while listening to the music, which will be traditionally Chinese. The show is expected to be spectacular, judging by the amount of fireworks to be used. Two barges will serve as the platform to launch the fireworks. Liuyang City Hongji Fireworks is the company to provide the Wednesday show. The team is from Liuyang, in Hunan province, the place where fireworks are originated and which remains today as the main pyro-production center on the Mainland, the world’s top fireworks manufacturing country. This will be the company’s third visit to Macau, after participating in the last Macau International Fireworks Display Contest and organizing the fireworks display for the sixth anniversary of the Macau SAR.
…

The Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Ms Liu Yandong, speaking in Macao today, urged luminaries from different sectors to take the initiative to resolutely support the governance of the Chief Executive and the Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. Ms Liu, who is also the Head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, was speaking to more than 200 representatives from different sectors this morning. In her speech, titled 'Building Macao into a prosperous and harmonious society', she called for the promotion of three ideas -- to love the motherland and Macao, to be tolerant in search of harmony, and to be innovative and creative. She said that after Macao's return to China, the Central Government had been comprehensively adhering to the principles of 'One country, two systems', 'Macao people governing Macao', a high degree of autonomy and the Basic Law, as well as fully supporting the governance of the Chief Executive and the SAR Government. The motherland had all along been a strong backing for Macao's prosperity and stability, she said. People from all sectors should defend the nation's fundamental interests and dignity, as well as the overall and long-term benefits of Macao. They should also continue to unite people from all walks of life and strengthen their sense of loving the motherland and Macao. Moreover, luminaries from different sectors should set examples to others in supporting the administration of the Chief Executive and the SAR Government, she said. The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, who participated in the same event, said the address by Ms Liu showed the Central Government's concern for Macao, and the advice within was Central Government’s general policy towards the SAR. He said representatives from different sectors should enhance their abilities to facilitate the development of the Macao.
…

The Statistics and Census Service released the results of Manpower Needs and Wages Survey for the third quarter of 2006. The survey covered the Manufacturing; Electricity, gas & water supply; Hotels & restaurants; and Financial intermediation sectors, but excluded own-account workers and insurance intermediaries not directly employed by insurance companies. The survey results, which were extrapolated based on the data of 613 statistical units successfully interviewed, was given as follows: At the end of the third quarter of 2006, the Manufacturing sector had 31,250 paid employees, down by 1.0% over the same period of 2005. Among them, 21,760 were working in the manufacture of wearing apparel. In September 2006, the average monthly earnings (excluding bonuses and allowances) for full time employees in this sector amounted to MOP 4,644, up by 5.8% over the same month of 2005. “Sewing machine operators” in the manufacture of wearing apparel received an average earnings of MOP 3,395. The Electricity, gas & water supply sector had 1,033 paid employees, similar to that in the third quarter of 2005. The average earnings in this sector increased by 4.4% over September 2005 to MOP 19,483. The Hotels & restaurants sector logged 26,962 employees, an increase of 27.3% over the third quarter of 2005, with 13,961 working in the restaurant industry. The average earnings for September 2006 rose by 17.6% to MOP 6,673. The average earnings for “Housekeeping” employees in hotels was MOP 4,455, while that of the “Waiters/waitresses” in the restaurant industry earned an average of MOP 4,850 for September 2006. The Financial intermediation sector had 4,749 paid employees, up by 7.6% compared with the third quarter of 2005, with 4,033 working in the banks. The average earnings for September 2006 went up by 5.0% to MOP 13,823. In this sector, “Bank tellers” had an average earnings of MOP 8,000. At the end of September 2006, the Manufacturing sector recorded 5,580 vacancies, of which 4,358 were in the manufacture of wearing apparel. The Hotels & restaurants sector had 5,787 vacancies, while the Financial intermediation and the Electricity, gas & water supply sectors logged 188 and 13 vacant posts respectively. In terms of recruitment prerequisites, approximately 70.0% of the vacant posts in the Manufacturing sector required working experience. The majority of the vacancies in the Electricity, gas & water supply and the Financial intermediation sectors required senior secondary or higher education. Besides Cantonese, English (87.0%) and Mandarin (70.8%) were the more preferable language skills for the vacancies in the Financial intermediation sector, while in the Electricity, gas & water supply sector, approximately 70.0% of the vacant posts required English.
…

Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Ms Liu Yandong, today urged the people of Macao to unite in harmony and make the SAR more prosperous and beautiful. Ms Liu, who is also the Head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, was speaking to reporters at Macao International Airport at the end of her five-day visit to the SAR. Departing for Beijing at noon, she said she had observed the changes in Macao under the guidance of the SAR Government headed by Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah, which had proven that the correctness of the “One Country Two Systems” policy and that the “Basic Law” was the legal protection for the prosperity and stability of Macao. Earlier in the morning, Ms Liu visited the A-Ma Temple, the Grand Prix Museum, the Wine Museum, the handover Gift Museum of Macao and the Guia Fortress. The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian saw Ms Liu off at the airport.
…

Danish Michael Christensen won today the Formula A race of the Macau International Kart Grand Prix, the main category of the event, that took place in a sunny day at the Kartódromo de Coloane. “It was not easy to pass so many strong rivals and end up dominating the race. The victory had a very good taste and it’s a highlight on my career”, pointed out the 16-year old, in Macau for the second time. Macau Kart International Grand Prix gathered close to 30 Formula A karters, from 13 countries and regions, coming from Europe and Asia’s more competitive kart championships joined the Macau Formula A race. The Formula A race second position was conquered by the British James Calado and Japanese Kazuya Ishii was third. While favorite Marco Ardigo, European Formula A champion in 2005 and 2006 and last year Macau winner, was only fifth, but got the best lap award. Macau Kart International Grand Prix program included other nine races, part of the forth and last round of the Asian Karting Open Championship 2006 following Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Jakarta rounds. Considered one of the best kart circuits in the world, the Kartódromo de Coloane hosted this weekend the third and biggest edition ever of the Macau International Kart Grand Prix, with a record participation of more than 200 karters from twenty plus countries and regions. The event also attracted around one hundred reporters, coming from eight countries and regions. Macau International Kart Grand Prix is a co-organization of the Macau Sports Development Board, the Macau Government Tourist Office and the China-Macau Autosports Club.
…

The Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Ms Liu Yandong, today met with leaderships of more than 30 societies, associations and organisations from different sectors. She told them that they were strong support to the long-term stability and prosperity of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR). These groups, training considerable talents for the society, helped connect the SAR Government with its residents. She encouraged members of these organisations to place the interests of the nation and Macao as their priority, and contribute to the development of the motherland and the SAR. Moreover, they could make good use of their advantages to promote the connections between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, she said. Ms Liu, who is also the Head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, encouraged them to unite people from different sectors and contribute to the development of Macao. The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, who was at the same function, echoed Ms Liu's remarks and said civic associations that adhered to the principle of 'loving the motherland, loving Macao' were the cradles of the future administrators of the SAR. He stressed that civic associations should strive to nurture more local talents in order to continue and support the principles of 'One country, two systems' and 'Macao people governing Macao', and 'the high degree of autonomy in Macao'. These talents should not speak nor do things that threaten solidarity and social harmony, Mr Ho said. He urged civic associations to adhere to working for the national interest and the interest of the people of Macao, and be in line with the goal of reunification of the motherland. Some 100 representatives from different associations attended the meeting and the following banquet. Earlier in the afternoon, Ms Liu met with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Macao, José Lai Hung-seng, and visited the Ruins of St Paul's and the Museum of Macau on Fortress Hill.
…