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A designated website providing economic information about China and the Portuguese speaking world, Macauhub officially launched today (27 February). The website is considered as a move of the Macao SAR Government, which aims to promote business ties and facilitate mutual understanding between China and the Portuguese-countries. Through World Wide Web with the domain of www.macauhub.com.mo, Macauhub disseminates, in Simplified Chinese, Portuguese and English, free of charge economic information, investment opportunities, statistical data, events in the mainland (especially the Pan-Pearl River Delta region), Macao and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Target visitors of the website are business people, enterprises, government departments, chambers of commerce in China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, or academic institutions and entities who are interested in studying trade and economic relations between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. One of the MSAR Government’s policy objectives is to transform Macao into an economic and trading service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. With the support of the central government, the first Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries was held in Macao on 12-14 October 2003. Following the forum, Supporting Office to the Secretariat of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Economic Cooperation Forum (Macao) was established in March 2004. The Macauhub website is coordinated by the Macao SAR Government Information Bureau (GCS) and its contents are produced by Macaulink News and Information Services, Limited.
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The Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mr Lubomir Zaoralek, arrived in Macao today on an official visit. He was leading a 14-member delegation, including the Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Ms Jitka Kupcova and Ms Miroslava Nemcova. The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, met with Mr Zaoralek at the Government Guesthouse, accompanied by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan. Mr Zaoralek also met with the President of the Legislative Assembly, Ms Susana Chou, earlier in the afternoon. The delegation is scheduled to depart Macao tonight after attending a banquet hosted by the Chief Executive.
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A new by-law to regulate the import of labour is being drafted and should be introduced in the first half of this year, after consultation and revision. This was disclosed today by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen. Speaking after a meeting of the Human Resources Development Council, Mr Tam said the new legislation would replace regulations introduced in 1988. He stressed that the new by-law would be drafted along the principle of safeguarding the interests of the local workforce, he said.
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(Macao – 22 February 2006) The Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuok Va today said public order in Macao had remained stable, as he released figures that showed violent had dropped 8.1% in 2005 as compared to the previous year. Murder cases also dropped by 37.5% to five cases: they have all been solved. Extortion cases also dropped by 24.7% over that in 2004. Also down was the number of drug trafficking cases, 23.9% less than that of 2004. However, robbery and rape had increased by 11.2% and 12.5% respectively, and more theft and fraud cases had been reported, Mr Cheong said. He said the police would step up patrols and on intelligence gathering, as well as introducing an anti pickpocket unit. Crime statistics in 2005 showed an increase in reported crimes, by 7.7% (+752 cases) over 2004 to a total of 10,538 cases, said Mr Cheong. A total of 2,376 cases of offences against the person were recorded in the year, with an increase of 1.8% (+42 cases), among which physical assault had increased slightly by 0.5%, while criminal intimidation cases decreased by 5.5% (-20 cases). However, unlawful detention cases had increased from 12 cases in 2004 to 24 in 2005, he said. In the category of offence against property, a total of 5,715 cases were reported in 2005, an increase of 14.6%. Increases in theft, robbery, usury and fraud were significant -- especially fraud, which had increased by 79.2%. A total of 935 cases in the category of offences against social life were logged in 2005, an increase of 14.6%, mainly due to the 47% increase in passing of counterfeits banknotes. 129 cases of Offences Against the Territory were logged in 2005, a drop of 15.5%. On the other hand, juvenile delinquency increased by 18.5% to 160 cases (+6 cases); and the number of underage people involved also increases by 79 people, to 304. Meanwhile Mr Cheong said more then five million mainlanders visited Macao under the Facilitated Individual Visit Scheme in 2005. Despite this figures, 344 of them were found to have been involved in criminal activities. Mr Cheong said 2,338 mainlanders were repatriated having overstayed. In the Same Period, police also repatriated 6,341 overstayers and 516 illegal Immigrants From the Mainland in 2005 (an increased of 19% and 28% respectively). In addition, 770 foreigners were repatriated in 2005, 78 more then the previous year.
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Statistics and Census Service announced that starting from January 2006, information on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) series rebased to July 2004 - June 2005. The 2004/2005-based Composite CPI for January 2006 was 106.37, up by 0.58% over the previous month. The increment was attributable to the rising charges in hairdressing services before the Chinese New Year, price increases in outbound package tours; fish and seafood; meals bought away from home; and fruit during the Chinese New Year holidays, as well as the further increase in gasoline prices. As a result, the indices of Recreation & culture, Miscellaneous goods & services went up by 1.70% and 1.38%; Food & non-alcoholic beverages and Transport rose by 0.83% each. However, price reductions in winter clothing led to a 2.58% decrease in the indice of Clothing & footwear. As a consequence of the Chinese New Year that took place in January this year, Composite CPI for January 2006 registered a notable year-on-year increase of 5.88%. For the 12 months ended January 2006, the average Composite CPI rose by 4.67% over the previous period. Compared with December 2005, CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.53% and 0.60% respectively. Similar to the previous CPI series, apart from the compilation of the Composite CPI that reflects the impacts of price changes for the general population, two indices are compiled to show the influences of price changes for households in different expenditure ranges. The CPI-A relates to about 49% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP 3,000 to MOP 9,999; the CPI-B relates to about 31% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP 10,000 to MOP 19,999.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that attributed to the Chinese New Year holidays, total visitor arrivals reached 1,661,393 in January 2006, up 18.5% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong increased 12.4% and 40.3% respectively, whereas those from Taiwan, China decreased 10.8%. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 52.0% of the total arrivals, at 863,719. The majority of visitors came from Mainland China (55.8% of the total), Hong Kong (31.8%) and Taiwan, China (5.6%). Among the Mainland visitors, 502,423 (54.2%) travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea went up 28.7% year-on-year to 611,640 in January 2006, with 576,738 arriving at the Outer Harbour (+25.1%); the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (62.1%) and Mainland China (26.3%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour jumped 146.7% to 34,902 and 61.8% were from Mainland China. In January 2006, visitor arrivals by land increased 14.0% to 971,957. The majority of these visitors came from Mainland China (75.8%) and Hong Kong (17.2%). Visitor arrivals through the Border Gate increased 23.3%. In addition, arrivals by air were 77,796, up 5.7% compared with the same period of last year, with 76,877 arriving at the Macao International Airport (+5.8%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (49.0%) and Mainland China (23.2%) were the major users of this access.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service shows that value of total retail sales was estimated at MOP2.34 billion. The highest value was in the sales of motor vehicles (15% of the total); followed by sales of goods in department stores (12%); watches, clocks and jewellery (11%); goods in supermarkets (11%); adults' clothing (9%); automotive fuels (6%); fuels for household use (5%); cosmetic and sanitary articles (4%); goods in pharmacies (4%); and household electric appliances (4%). In this quarter, value of retail sales rose by 7% compared with MOP2.19 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2005. In comparison with the fourth quarter of 2004 (MOP2.16 billion), value of retail sales registered an 8% growth. Attributed to the continuous prosperity of the tourism sector and stable economic growth of Macao, the annual retail sales for 2005 registered an all-time record of MOP8.78 billion, up by 17% over 2004, with notable increases in the retail sales of cosmetic and sanitary articles (+40%); adults' clothing (+38%); automotive fuels (+36%); fuels for household use (+30%); and household electric appliances (+30%), etc. A comparison of the retailers’ opinions indicated that about 22% reported decrease in the sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2005, down by 19 percentage points over the third quarter; 78% reported constant or increase in sales volume. In terms of retail prices, 60% and 24% reported constant and increase in retail prices whereas 16% reported decrease. Compared with the same quarter of 2004, about 69% said that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2005, while 14% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the prospect for the first quarter of 2006, about 72% of the retailers predicted increase or constant in sales volume, 28% predicted decrease. Meanwhile, about 79% forecasted constant or increase in retail prices, while 21% forecasted decrease.
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Statistics and Census Service released the results of Employment Survey for the fourth quarter of 2005. Principal indicators such as the labour force participation rate (64.3%), unemployment rate (4.0%) and underemployment rate (1.4%) were published in January 2006. The annual unemployment rate for 2005 was 4.1%, down by 0.7 percentage point compared with 4.8% in 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2005, total labour force was estimated at 259,000, within which 249,000 were employed and 10,000 were unemployed. Compared with the previous quarter, the employed population increased 8,000 persons, while the unemployed population dropped 100 persons. Within the employed population, 52.3% were male. Analyzed by industry, the majority of the employed population were in Recreational, cultural, gaming & other service activities (17.5%), Wholesale & retail trade (15.0%), Manufacturing (14.8%), as well as Construction (10.6%). In terms of occupation, 21.6% of the employed population were Clerks (including casino dealers, floorpersons, betting service operators, etc.), 20.1% were Service & sales workers and 17.6% were Unskilled workers. The median actual hours worked per week was 47.5 hours and the median monthly employment earnings was MOP5,840. Within the unemployed, 89.4% were searching for a new job, while 10.6% had never worked and were searching for their first job. With regard to the educational attainment of the unemployed, 10.2% had lower than primary education; 29.3% had primary education; 32.0% had junior secondary education; 18.2% had senior secondary education and 10.3% had tertiary education. Within the unemployed that were searching for a new job: Analyzed by previous industry, the majority had worked in Manufacturing (22.5%); Wholesale & retail trade (21.0%); Recreational, cultural, gaming & other service activities (15.2%); as well as Construction (12.0%). In terms of their previous occupation, 24.7% had been Service & sales workers, followed by Clerks (21.5%) and Unskilled workers (20.7%).
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Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Dr Chui Sai On officiated the launch ceremony of “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” in front of the Ruins of St Paul’s to mark the commencement of a series of promotions and activities by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) to reinforce Macau’s tourism brand, “The Historic Centre of Macau”. Joining Secretary Chui are Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes and Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs Bureau Wong Sai Hong. Chui Sai On hit the “gong” to herald the commencement of the “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” launch ceremony. 25 golden lions, accompanied by Portuguese folk dancers, presented the photos of the 25 historic monuments and squares of “The Historic Centre of Macau” in a parade. A huge banner of “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” unfolded on the staircase in front of the Ruins of St Paul’s to usher in the “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” campaign which aims to reinforce the cultural image of Macau After the launch ceremony, guests visited the "2006 Macau World Heritage Year Photo Exhibition” and "Macau 24 Hours Photo Exhibition” at the Macau Tourism and Cultural Activities Centre. Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes delivered a speech in the briefing today, followed by a presentation by Head of Promotion and Marketing Department of MGTO, Cecilia Tse, who outlined the promotional plan of “2006 Macau World Heritage Year” to the media and travel trade. She pointed out that the campaign will encompass 6 core elements, namely global image projection, overseas promotions, consumer promotion, media campaign, heritage tours and cultural performances, which will be rolled out in various markets including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan China, Japan, Korea, Europe, North America and Australia. MGTO will also, in addition to promoting this campaign to visitors through channels such as MGTO’s website, MGTO’s information counters and ports of entry, distribute promotional materials of Macau World Heritage Year to travelers to arouse their interest. Cecilia Tse added that, promotions and activities overseas will be designed around the theme of Macau World Heritage Year and Macau’s cultural legacy will be feature at major travel fairs around the world. Media, travel trade representatives will also be invited to join familiarization visits to Macau. She also unveiled that on the consumer front, MGTO will launch 2 campaigns, “Heritage Passport” and in conjunction with VISA International “Macau Treasure Hunt II” which offer discounts and lucky draws to boost visitor spending. In terms of advertising, MGTO plans to produce special features and TV broadcasts on Macau World Heritage with major international and regional media channels. In addition, MGTO will continue to enrich the itineraries of “Cultural Heritage Tour” and cooperate with Cultural Affairs Bureau to host various cultural performances for promotion purpose. The 29th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Durban, South Africa last July has decided to inscribe China’s bid,“The Historic Centre of Macau”, on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List, raising the number of World Heritage Sites in China to 31. This international recognition will further raise community and visitor awareness, fostering a greater appreciation of heritage in Macau. Information of today’s activity will be available on the website of Macau Government Tourist Office. Please visit http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/en/promotion/mwhy2006.php
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Representatives from the aeronautical authorities of the Macao SAR and the Hellenic Republic of Greece met in Macao for a two-day meeting from 16 to 17 February 2006 to discuss bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two places. The discussions were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and generated satisfactory results with liberal conditions. On 17 February, the two parties initialed the Air Services Agreement and signed the respective Memorandum of Understanding. According to the provisions of the Agreement and the Memorandum, the two parties exchange various traffic rights including fifth freedom rights. The signatories were the Acting President of the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR, Mr. Chan Weng Hong and the Director General, the Directorate General of Air Transport, Civil Aviation Authority of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, Mrs. Fotini Mitakou. In addition to civil aviation officials, the Consul General of Greece in Hong Kong also participated in the meeting. Representatives of CAM-Macau International Airport Company Limited and Air Macau attended the meeting as observers. The Agreement established the framework for the scheduled air services between the two places and enhanced the mutual relationship. Up till this present moment, Macao has initialed 44 Air Services Agreements with other foreign countries. Out of these Agreements, 36 have been officially signed.
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