News

(Macao – 20 December 2005) - The past six years have shown us that the people’s love for the country and Macao formed the mainstay of Macao – and this will always be the case no matter how the society changes in the years to come. The Chief Executive, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said this at the cocktail reception in celebration of the Sixth Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. “Therefore, we must unite in building Macao’s future, Mr Ho said. “We must reform our old ways of thinking to stay in step with changing times, maintain our alertness about new challenges and anticipate the future, constantly striving for self-improvement, and never become complacent about our present well-being. “We must build up the capabilities of our people to contribute to our progress, like inviting all the rivers to flow into the sea; guide the development of our younger generation so that we can put our future into their hands; and integrate good traditions with modern values. “By advancing in line with changing times, we must build a strong and sturdy political foundation that will enable us to implement effectively the central government’s policies, the Basic Law, and the principle of “One country, two systems”, ensuring Macao’s capacity to encounter future challenges. Only in this way can we guarantee the healthy development of a capitalistic market economy under the principle of “One country, two systems”, as well as the gradual development of the political aspects of Macao, in line with the principle of “Macao people governing Macao”. Mr Ho said the inroads have been made in Macao’s flagship industry since the handover and the breakthrough in its development was driving the growth of Macao’s service industries. “Investment sentiment is strong, and we have seen great achievements in the areas of education, science, technology, and cultural development. The overall development trend is encouraging. Both citizens and investors have full confidence in Macao’s future,” he said. “We received prestigious World Heritage Site status, and we successfully hosted the 4th East Asian Games, thus further enhancing Macao’s international image and consolidating cohesion among local citizens. We must continue to promote the positive effects of these achievements so that they become major resources in our society. The third-term Macao Legislative Assembly Elections was successfully held a few months ago, satisfying the concerns and expectations of citizens in the process. It must be emphasised that the policy address for the coming year is not just a mandatory administrative report by the Government; it is also a manifestation of the collective wisdom of all our citizens,” Mr Ho said. “Thanks to the combined influences of various factors, the local economy last year grew rapidly at an unusual pace. Market mechanisms have now regulated its speed and put the economy back onto a reasonable and healthy development track. The sound pace of development gives us a good opportunity to review our own deficiencies and improve ourselves, so that we can generate greater energy to meet the even bigger changes that will soon come. Without doubt, the local community of Macao is facing both quantitative and qualitative changes. Due to lack of experience, we inevitably met with challenges and difficulties during the transition between Macao’s old and new situations. “However, safeguarded by the Basic Law, and with the strong support of the motherland and the combined efforts of all our citizens, we are confident we can leverage on the opportunities presented as we enter a new era, and build a unique and sophisticated society in the course of continuous self-improvement.” Mr Ho said since the establishment of the MSAR, Macao sped up in co-operation with counterparts in the region and the building of relevant platforms that would enable Macao to play a role in its development. “We have already seen positive effects and gained benefits from this process. Even more important, the strong and all-round support of the central government has effectively promoted Macao’s development. “At around this time last year, President Hu Jintao gave us warm words of encouragement. He also expressed his expectations of us, which the local community agrees with. Looking to the future, we must repay the central government and our compatriots throughout the country by scoring even greater accomplishments. We must maintain the progress the MSAR has achieved in the past six years, and head towards an even better future that is successful in every way.” About 1,000 guests attended the reception, namely the Vice President of CPPCC, Mr Ma Man Kei, 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, 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. 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.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, has accorded honours and awards to 40 people and organisations. This year's recipients are from all walks of life. They have been honoured or awarded in recognition of their significant contribution to Macao or for their dedicated public and community service. The presentation ceremony will be held in January 2006. The Medal of Honour are awareded to outstanding individuals and organisations for their contribution to the image, reputation and development of the MSAR. Medal of Honour:
Tong Chi Kin (Golden Lotus); Cheong Chou Kei (Silver Lotus); Lo Weng (Silver Lotus); The Medal of Merit, in seven categories including Profession, Industry and Commerce, Tourism, Education, Culture, Altruism and Sport are given to the outstanding individual and organisation that have distinguished service in promoting the development of the relevant sectors in Macao. Medal of Merit:
Pedro Manuel Batalha (Profession);
Chan Hio Wan (Profession);
Ho Kuai Leng (Industry and Commerce);
Sin Chi Yiu (Industry and Commerce);
Chui Yuk Lum Antonio (Industry and Commerce);
Sio Un I (Industry and Commerce);
Andrew Walter Stow (Tourism);
Li Pik Ki (Education);
Au Tin Heong (Education);
The Chinese Educators' Association of Macau (Education);
Fr. Luis Sequeira (Culture);
Tong Mui Siu (Culture);
Association Piedosa Asilo de São José de Macau (Altuism);
The Scout Association of Macau (Altuism);
Zeng Tieming (Sport);
Huang Yanhui (Sport);
Cheang Veng Kin (Sport); Distinguish Service Medal is given to outstanding individual and organisation for their fulfillment in duty. Medal of Distinguish Service:
The Macao volunteer medical team of the China International Rescue Team for the South Asian Earthquake. (Bravery)
The Interlectual Property Department of the Macao Custom Service (Bravery);
Cheang Kuok Keong (Dedication); Commendations of Prestige and of Merit are given to the individuals who have contributed in the development of MSAR. Commendation:
Alan John Hackett (Prestige);
Saba Payman (Prestige);
Wong Wing Cheung, Victor (Merit);
Qin Zhijian (Merit);
Au Wai Hong (Merit);
Cheong Chi Un (Merit);
Chan Chi Chon (Merit);
Mak Pui In (Merit);
Vong Heong Lon (Merit);
Yang Houqin (Merit);
Jia Rui (Merit);
Paula Cristina Pereira Carion (Merit);
Chong Ka Lap (Merit);
Kuan Sok Mui (Merit);
The Macao Women’s Small Dragon Boat Team in the 4th East Asian Games (Merit); The Macao Men’s Small Dragon Boat Team in the 4th East Asian Games (Merit); The Macao Roller Hockey Team in the 11th Asian Roller Hockey Trophey (Merit).
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, is to visit Beijing on his annual duty visit on 27 - 28 December. He will be reporting to state leaders the achievements of the Macao SAR Government in the past year and inform them of the policy to be implemented next year.
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A series of activities will be held tomorrow to cerebrate the 6th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). These include the flag-hoisting ceremony to be held in Lotus Flower Square at eight am, follow by gymnastic performances. In the afternoon, there will be a reception in the Macau Tower where government officials and public figures will gather and celebrate. Meanwhile, the third Guangdong-Macao Football Match will also be played in the Macao Sport Stadium. In the evening, there will be a fireworks display to mark the closing of the much celebrated day. In addition, Macao Post will issue commemorative covers and offer a hand-back service. Also, a number of governmental departments and non-governmental associations will hold various activities to celebrate the anniverwsary.
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Statistics and Census Service released the results of Manpower Needs and Wages Survey for the third quarter of 2005. The survey coverage included Manufacturing; Electricity, gas & water supply; Hotels & restaurants; and Financial intermediation sectors, but excluded all own-account workers and intermediary not directly employed by insurance companies. Information on the number of employees, vacancies and earnings was extrapolated based on the results obtained from 627 statistical units successfully interviewed, which was given as follows: At the end of the third quarter of 2005, the Manufacturing sector had 31,554 paid employees, with 22,394 working in the manufacture of wearing apparel. Compared with the same period of 2004, number of paid employees in the Manufacturing sector decreased 12.9%. In September 2005, average monthly earnings (excluding year-end bonuses, holiday allowances, profit-sharing bonuses and other similar bonuses) for full time employees in this sector was MOP 4,388, up by 5.8% over the same month of 2004. Electricity, gas & water supply sector had 1,033 paid employees, down 1.4% over the third quarter of 2004. Average monthly earnings in this sector increased by 4.2% over September 2004 to MOP 18,660. Hotels & restaurants sector had 21,184 paid employees, with 12,311 working in the restaurant industry. Compared with the third quarter of 2004, number of paid employees in Hotels & restaurants sector surged 9.9%; average monthly earnings increased by 2.8% to MOP 5,676. Financial intermediation sector had 4,414 paid employees, with 3,767 working in banking. Compared with the third quarter of 2004, number of paid employees in the Financial intermediation sector increased 6.3%; average monthly earnings went up by 3.0% to MOP 13,159. At the end of September 2005, the Manufacturing sector had 6,272 vacancies, of which 4,626 were in the manufacture of wearing apparel. Hotels & restaurants sector had 2,724 vacancies, Financial intermediation sector and Electricity, gas & water supply sector had 102 and 50 vacant posts respectively. In terms of recruitment prerequisites, over 85% of the vacant posts in the Manufacturing sector required working experience. Nearly all the vacant posts in the Electricity, gas & water supply sector and the Financial intermediation sector required senior secondary or higher in educational attainment. Besides Cantonese, English (99.0%) and Mandarin (81.4%) were the more preferable language skills needed for the vacancies in the Financial intermediation sector, while English was required for all the vacant posts in the Electricity, gas & water supply sector.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that in October 2005, visitor arrivals in package tours totalled 215,510, up 5.8% over October 2004. Visitors from Mainland China (168,607) increased 7.7% year-on-year; visitors from Taiwan, China (21,775) decreased 11.9% and those from Hong Kong (9,418) increased 2.6%. In the first ten months of 2005, arrivals in package tours grew 6.9% over the same period of 2004 to 2,145,419. Number of Macao residents travelling in package tours totalled 23,095 in October 2005, a year-on-year increase of 43.3%. Mainland China; Taiwan, China; and Thailand were three of the more popular tour itineraries, which accounted for 85.1%, 4.1% and 3.3% of the total respectively. In the first ten months of 2005, Macao residents travelling in package tours showed a notable increase of 47.7% over the same period of 2004. Meanwhile, 27,486 Macao residents travelled under own arrangements with the assistance of travel agencies, an increase of 33.7% over October 2004; Mainland China (37.6%); Hong Kong (24.8%); and Taiwan, China (16.9%) were the major destinations. In the first ten months of 2005, Macao residents travelling under such arrangements rose 8.9% compared with the same period of 2004. At the end of October 2005, there were 10,635 rooms available in hotels and similar establishments, an increase of 1,557 rooms (+17.2%) over October 2004. In October 2005, a total of 351,692 guests checked into hotels and similar establishments in Macao, up 5.9% over October 2004. The average hotel occupancy rate fell by 1.8 percentage points to 75.3% compared with the same month of 2004; the highest average hotel occupancy rate was in 3-star hotels, at 84.3%. The average length of stay of hotel guests showed an increase of 0.08 night over October 2004 to 1.25 nights. The majority of the guests came from Mainland China (59.0%); Hong Kong (25.0%); and Taiwan, China (3.5%). In the first ten months of 2005, number of hotel guests recorded a year-on-year increase of 2.8% to 3,346,624. In the first ten months of 2005, hotel guests (excluding Macao residents) accounted for 42.8% of the total number of tourists, which was lower than the 45.6% recorded in the same period of 2004.
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Due to renovation works, the information counter located at Largo do Senado, No. 9, Edif. Ritz will be temporarily relocated to the lobby of Central Post Office on Av. Almeida Ribeiro from 9th to 31st December 2005. During the period, the tourist hotline remains unchanged at 333000.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah and the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Huahua, today officiated the opening of the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference at the Macao Government Headquarters. According to a joint statement, the two chief executives have placed high value in their various co-operation last year: they have achieved consensus on further mutual complementary co-operation. Mr Huang said trading, livelihood, large-scale infrastructure and port, Greater Pearl River Delta and pan Pearl River Delta, culture and education on science and technology: these were the five main issues Guangdong and Macao delegates should focus on in the next stage co-operation. Mr Ho said the Macao Government would take Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) as a valuable opportunity and fully promote co-operation between Guangdong and Macao in providing chances for development for the residents. Both sides agreed to implement their plans and to further perfect the co-operation mechanism. Moreover, Guangdong and Macao would actively participate in the deveopment of Henqgin economic-cooperative zone under the principle of the Central Government.
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Development of Hengqin economic co-operative zone will be carried out jointly by the members in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, chief executives of Guangdong and Macao said today. The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho and the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Huang Huahua, maintained this when they spoke to the press after officiating the Guangdong-Macao Co-operation Joint Conference. The development of Hengqin Island was one of the key issues of the meeting. Mr Ho said it was realistic to develop the Hangqin economic co-operative zone jointly by members of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, with Guangdong and Macao playing a “more active role”. He said that it would take much planning to carry out such a task. “It will take time and we should not rush it. This is the only way to ensure a successful development to the benefit of all parties.” Mr Huang said the project proposal for the Hengqin economic co-operative zone had been completed and was now being reviewed by governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region. The next step would be overall planning and preparation for bringing in investments. “A lot have to be done and it must be approved by the Central Government,” said Mr Huang. During the meeting, officials of Guangdong and Macao reviewed the co-operation in the past year and set the course for future co-operation. They also talked over topics such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, implementation of facilitated Individual Travel Scheme, trade and investment and co-operation in infrastructures, medical support and rescues, technology, environment protection and education.
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Jointly organized by the Macau Sports Development Board (MSDB), the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the China-Macau Autosports Club (ACMC), the 2005 Macau International Kart Grand Prix will be staged in Macau on December 17 and 18. This year, the organizer has given the race higher profile by inviting a number of world-class karters to join the Formula A category in addition to the fourth round of the region’s leading karting series - the 2005 Asian Karting Open Championships (AKOC). Director of MGTO João Manuel Costa Antunes, Acting Vice President of MSDB José Maria da Fonseca Tavares, President of the General Assembly of ACMC Lo Keng Chio, President of ACMC Chong Coc Veng were present at the press conference today (December 6) to brief the media about the race arrangement. Macau will host this karting event for the second consecutive year and the previous event was acclaimed as successful by both spectators and competitors alike. New elements are added to bring the race to a new level. The organizer specially invited about 30 world-class karters who had outstanding performance in the CIK-FIA World Karting Championship held in Portugal this September, including the two runners-up Jon Lancaster from the United Kingdom and Davide Fore from Italy, to compete in the Formula A category along with other world leading drivers (see entry list). In addition, the region’s most talented drivers will also battle it out for the fourth round of the 2005 Asian Karting Open Championships. A line up of over 150 competitors from 20 countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, France, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Japan, Finland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Singapore, Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong and Macau will take part in various racing categories of the Macau International Kart Grand Prix, including Formula A, Rotax Max Junior, Rotax Max Senior/Veteran, ICA, Formula Cadet 60 and Formula Cadet 85. The youngest racers, Master Pattarapol from Thailand who will compete in the Formula Cadet 60 category and Andy Chang from Hong Kong who will compete in the Formula Cadet 85 category are both only 9 years old. Two young female drivers from the Philippines, 15 years old Harriet Campbell and 16 years old Michele Marie Bumgarner will join the Rotax Max Senior/Veteran and ICA respectively. 2005 Macau International Kart Grand Prix will gather together the best drivers from the world to bring thrilling and high level races to motor fans and visitors alike. And to host this prestigious event, the Karting Track, Coloane has already been issued by the Commission Internationale de Karting – FIA an international grade B karting licence. The venue is fully equipped with a 1.25km circuit, a grandstand which can seat up to 800 spectators, control tower, briefing room, restaurant, VIP rooms – and even has a children’s go-kart circuit. While admission is free, entry will be restricted to holders of admission coupons which are available from December 8 at the main office of the Macau Sports Development Board (Macau Forum, Block 1, 4th floor, Av. Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues), the China-Macau Autosports Club (Edf. Grande Prémio de Macau, Av. da Amizade, opening hours: 9:30am to 7pm) and 4 tourism information counters of MGTO at the Macau International Airport, Macau Ferry Terminal, Border Gate Checkpoint and Shun Tak Center in Hong Kong. Limited amount of tickets will also be available on site on December 17 and 18. There will be free admission for the practice days on December 15 and 16. The event will be broadcast live on TDM Radio and Metro Radio on December 17 and 18 to bring the excitement to both local and Hong Kong residents. Macau Satellite TV will also transmit a 10-minute highlight of the races on December 17 and 18 through satellite, facilitating more instant and convenient coverage by the international media.
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