News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that there were 661 real estate agencies and management establishments operating in 2004, with 5,151 persons engaged. Total receipts and total expenditure amounted to MOP 564 million and MOP 497 million respectively. Gross value added totalled MOP 306 million and gross fixed capital formation was MOP 34.86 million. In 2004, there were 512 real estate agencies, with a workforce of 1,026 persons. Total receipts were MOP 102 million, of which commission received accounted for 92.6% of the total, at MOP 94.54 million. Total expenditure amounted to MOP 73.80 million, among the expenditure items, operating expenses (MOP 43.16 million) and compensation of employees (MOP 24.84 million) shared 58.5% and 33.7% of the total respectively. Gross value added and gross fixed capital formation totalled MOP 54.98 million and MOP 19.64 million respectively. With regard to the activity of real estate management, there were 4,125 persons engaging in the 149 establishments operating in 2004. Total receipts amounted to MOP 462 million, of which provision of services contributed MOP 405 million (87.8% of the total). Total expenditure was MOP 423 million, of which operating expenses and compensation of employees amounted to MOP 210 million (49.6%) and MOP 205 million (48.3%) respectively. Gross value added and gross fixed capital formation totalled MOP 251 million and MOP 15.21 million.
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ice, unemployment rate for July - September 2005 was 4.1%, which stayed at the same level as recorded in June - August 2005, down by 0.6 percentage point compared with the same period of 2004. The underemployment rate was 1.5%, down by 0.1 and 0.2 percentage point respectively over June - August 2005 and the same period of 2004. Number of the unemployed searching for their first job was about 1,900, which represented 18.7% of the total unemployed population, up by 2.5 percentage points over June - August 2005. Compared with June - August 2005, unemployment situation continued to improve in the Construction sector and Recreational, cultural, gaming & other service activities, while the situation was less favourable in Retail trade and Hotels, restaurants & similar activities. Total labour force was estimated at 251,000 in July - September 2005; the employed and the unemployed populations were 241,000 and 10,000 respectively. Labour force participation rate was 63.4%, same as that for June - August 2005, but up by 1.1 percentage points over the same period of 2004. Administrative information from the Public Security Police indicated that number of non-resident workers with working permits totalled 34,718 at the end of September 2005, an increase of 11.6% over June 2005. Please refer to the attached table for detailed information on non-resident workers by industry.
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The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), in cooperation with the University of Macau (UM), is releasing today a new version of the popular MacauMap (掌中澳) handheld tourist guide system. This new version operates on smart mobile phones, bringing convenience to both tourists and local residents. This new version of MacauMap offers similar functions to those of its predecessor versions for personal digital assistants (PDAs): map viewing, navigation, searching for streets, display of information in Chinese and English, a bus guide, and a restaurant and hotel guide. In addition, this new version provides information on popular walking tours through Macau, including a slideshow of scenes along each of these tours. It also has a new function to add tourist spots to the map, and to take a photo of these tourist spots with the mobile phone’s built-in camera (if any), which can be later viewed on the map. MacauMap for smart mobile phones was developed from 2003 to 2004 at the Department of Computer and Information Science (電腦及資訊科學系), Faculty of Science and Technology (科技學院), University of Macau (澳門大學), under the supervision of Dr. Robert P. Biuk-Aghai (羅景山博士). During 2004 it won several awards for its innovation, its tourist-oriented functions, and its high quality, including the First Prize at the 2004 Macau Information and Communication Technology Awards (“二○○四年度澳門資訊及通信科技大獎賽”一等獎), and the Grand Prize in the Tourism & Hospitality Category of the 2004 Asia Pacific Information and Communication Technology Awards (“亞太資訊及通訊科技大獎賽二○○四”旅遊及酒店項目大獎). Since 2004, MGTO and UM have worked to prepare the release of MacauMap smart phone version to the public, which has today completed. This follows the success of the PDA versions of MacauMap, which have been downloaded about 150,000 times since their release in May 2003. MacauMap for smart mobile phones is designed for use with phones that use the Symbian Series 60 operating system. This includes currently nearly 30 models of phones from various mobile phone manufacturers. Interested users can download this new version of MacauMap for free from the MGTO website (www.macautourism.gov.mo). Detailed installation instructions are included with the downloaded software. The University of Macau is currently preparing other versions of MacauMap, for other types of smart mobile phones, as well as a new version for PDAs, which are planned to be released to the public through MGTO during 2005 and 2006. Moreover, versions in Japanese and Korean will also be released, as well as a web-based version, to bring more convenience to tourists visiting Macau.
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US Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes, Mr Stuart Levey today visited the Macao Special Administrative Region. During his Brief Visit, He met separately with the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Florinda Chan, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen and the Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Macao, Mr. Anselmo Teng Lin Seng. Mr Levey was briefed on the latest developments of Macao SAR and the progress of anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering legislations. The officials told him that the Macao Government would maintain close contact with the United States Government concerning the issue of Banco Delta Asia. Mr Stuart Levey was also met by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that in 2004, there were 1,681 establishments operating in the Transport, storage & communications sector, an increase of 103 establishments compared with 2003; total number of persons engaged rose 5.7% over the previons year to 10,702. Driven by the increase in volume of passenger flow and import/export of merchandises, business performance of the sector registered favourable growth in 2004. Total receipts (MOP 9.833 billion), Total expenditure (MOP 8.397 billion), Gross value added (MOP 3.179 billion) and Gross fixed capital formation (MOP 632 million) increased by 23.5%, 22.5%, 15.5% and 73.5% respectively compared with 2003. In the Transport and storage sector, among the 1,649 establishments operating in 2004, the majority were engaged in land transport (1,308 establishments); 318 were in supporting and auxiliary transport, of which 130 were travel agencies. Number of persons engaged increased 5.1% over 2003 to 8,922. Total receipts of the Transport and storge sector recorded an increase of 29.8% over 2003 to MOP 7.507 billion, of which receipts from passenger transport amounted to MOP 3.260 billion, up by 23.0%. Total expenditure incurred was MOP 6.675 billion, an increase of 27.1% over 2003. Operating expenses accounted for 59.6% of the total, at MOP 3.976 billion, purchase of goods and commission paid totalled MOP 1.611 billion. Gross value added (MOP 1.912 billion) and gross fixed capital formation (MOP 420 million) of the Transport and storage sector rose by 20.3% and 202.3% respectively compared with 2003. In the Communications sector, a total of 32 establishments were operating in 2004, an increment of 3 establishments over 2003, with 1,780 persons engaged (+8.7%). Total receipts of the Communications sector amounted to MOP2.327 billion, up by 7.0% compared with 2003. Receipts from communications services (MOP1.824 billion) and sale of goods (MOP341 million) accounted for 93.1% of the total.
Total expenditure went up by 7.2% over 2003 to MOP1.722 billion, of which purchase of goods and commission paid amounted to MOP726 million, and operating expenses totalled MOP328 million. Gross value added of the Communications sector was MOP1.267 billion, an increase of 8.9% over 2003. However, gross fixed capital formation decreased by 5.9% to MOP212 million.
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Macao has formulated a comprehensive plan which would be put into operation in the event of an outbreak of avian flu, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Dr Chui Sai On, said today. Dr Chui was speaking after he had signed a co-operation agreement with the Mainland and Hong Kong authorities to enhance the tripartite notification mechanism. Returning from the Fourth Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of Macao, the Mainland and Hong Kong, which was held in Kunming, Dr Chui said the SAR Government had long been following instructions of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and has prepared a series of measures, which included the setting up a task force, purchasing medicines and enhancing the hygiene knowledge of the public. He said the seven Health Bureau-run health centres in Macao have adequate flu vaccine, for frontline medical workers, the elderly, and patients suffering from long-term illnesses. In case of an outbreak, Dr Chui said, the authorities would adopt a series of emergency measures, including having the task force organise the distribution of medicines and release information to the public on a daily basis. Dr Chui urged the public to pay more attention to personal hygiene.
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Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and co-organized by Hong Kong Commercial Radio, “A World of Difference, the Difference is Macau” roadshow was held at “apm” concourse today, attracting a substantial number of satisfying audiences. Engineer João Manuel Costa Antunes, Director of MGTO and Coordinator of Macau Grand Prix Committee (MGPC), Ms. Helena Fernandes, Deputy Director of MGTO, Ms. Davina Chu, Deputy Coordinator of MGPC, and Mr. Charles Lo Keng Chio, Coordinator of Marketing and Advertising Subcommittee of MGPC, officiated the event. Representatives from MGTO, MGPC and Macau travel trade also attended the event. Autumn and winter in Macau have always been two exciting seasons with an array of amusing events – Macau 2005 4th East Asian Games, 52nd Macau Grand Prix, 17th International Fireworks Display Contest and etc. Moreover, “the Historic Centre of Macao”, which has been inscribed on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List earlier this year, will become a new focus for tourist attraction. MGTO took the opportunity to promote all these attractive tourist elements to Hong Kong people through this roadshow. In order to show to the audience “the Historic Centre of Macao”, a travel route with all the major spots displayed was set up in the venue. Besides, there was an exhibition of a touring car which has participated in the Guia Race of the 51st Macau Grand Prix, and a game booth of GT4 Prologue racing game to create a festive atmosphere of Macau Grand Prix. Information of other Macau events could also be found from other booths and panel displays. The organizer has also arranged an on-stage performance featuring pop singers Denise Ho, Stephy Tang, Niki Chow, Yan Ng and EO2. They sang songs and played games with the audience. In addition, rider, Mr Lo Ka Kit, was also invited on stage to share his on-track experience with the audience. The show entertained over 100,000 audiences during the day. Information links:
The Historic Centre of Macao: http://www.macauheritage.net/mherit/indexC.asp
Macau Grand Prix: http://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/mgpc/public_html/
East Asian Games http://www.east-asian-games2005.com/cn/
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The Macao Special Administrative Region Government and the Central People's Government today (21 October) signed a supplementary agreement to further liberalising the scope of the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, and the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Liao Xiaoqi, signed the agreement and two appendices this afternoon, after the High Level Meeting of the Joint Steering Committee under CEPA. Under the supplementary agreement, the Mainland will give all products of Macao origin tariff free treatment starting next year, upon the CEPA rules of origin (ROOs) being agreed and met. In addition, The ROOs for 91 products covered under this phase of CEPA have already been confirmed, making the total of Macao-origin products enjoying tariff free treatment to 600. The 91 products were proposed by Macao enterprises, mainly in the categories of textiles (47 products), metal wares (11 products) and plastic materials (10 products). Other products include spectacles frames, spirit, water and foodstuff. On the trade of service, new liberalisation measures would be applied to nine areas which are already open to operators in Macao, including legal, accounting, audio-visual, construction, distribution, banking, tourism, transport and individual owned stores. Meanwhile, The total number of areas opened to operators from Macao remains at 26. Mr Liao Xiaoqi said after the signing ceremony that this would further promote the economic development between Macao and the Mainland. As the agreement was open, further liberalisation would be considered in accordance to the development in the future. Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen said that CEPA provided an outlook for the diversification of Macao’s economy and an open agreement meant there was no limit to new development. He urged Macao businessmen to look for more opportunities in the Mainland prescribed by the CEPA.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total number of visitor arrivals was 1,453,325 in September 2005, up 10.7% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, China increased 8.4%, 14.4% and 2.4% respectively. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 51.0% of the total arrivals, at 740,795. The majority of visitors came from Mainland China (54.8% of the total), Hong Kong (30.8%) and Taiwan, China (8.3%). Among the Mainland visitors, 386,029 (48.4%) travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. In the first nine months of 2005, visitor arrivals totalled 13,774,455, up 13.0% over the same period of last year. Visitors from Mainland China increased 9.8% to 7,641,105 (55.5% of the total), with 3,920,926 arriving in Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. Moreover, visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China shared 30.4% (4,184,067) and 8.3% (1,142,042) of the total arrivals respectively. Same-day visitors accounted for 52.0% of the total, at 7,169,213. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea went up 5.4% year-on-year to 4,924,945 in the first nine months of 2005, with 4,795,528 arriving at the Outer Harbour (+4.8%); the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (60.2%) and Mainland China (28.9%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour rose 33.8% to 129,417, within which 68.9% were from Mainland China. In the first nine months of 2005, arrivals by land increased 16.8% to 8,067,883, with 7,458,506 arriving through the Border Gate. The majority of these visitors came from Mainland China (76.8%) and Hong Kong (16.5%). Visitor arrivals through the Checkpoint of CoTai were 609,377. In addition, arrivals by air were 781,627, up 28.6% compared with the same period of last year, with 773,389 arriving at the Macao International Airport (+29.9%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (70.0%) and Mainland China (15.8%) were the major users of this access.
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As Macau makes its mark in international motor racing circles as the standard of its “home grown” competitors continues to rise, two more drivers will join Andre Couto for the grand finale of the newest FIA World Championship in the FIA WTCC LG – Guia Race of Macau – Presented by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A on November 17-20. Asian Touring Car Championship racer, team owner and instructor, Ao Chi Hong, will be at the wheel of his Ao’s Racing Team BMW 320i, while Lei Chong Seng, who finished an impressive 8th overall in last year’s SJM Guia Race at Macau (and top South East Asian driver), will drive a Honda Civic Type-R. Said Ao: “Although Macau does not have a large population, we have several racing drivers who compete at regional level all season, and I am extremely proud to be amongst them. Of course, for any Macau driver, it would be a privilege to compete in an FIA World Championship, and the fact that the final round of the inaugural season will be held right here in Macau makes it even more special.” Ao began racing in 1992 in Macau’s ACP Trophy Race, before briefly moving to single seater racing and Formula Campus. He has been competing in touring cars for the last six years, finishing 9th overall in the 2002 SJM Guia Race, and 3rd in the Asian Touring Car Series Division 1 in 2003 and 2004. Ao also dedicates much of his time to developing the skills of both drivers and engineers in Macau and Mainland China. Lei began his career on two wheels, moving to saloon car racing in 1992, when he finished 2nd in Macau’s ACP Trophy Race. In 1996, he was 3rd in the Macau Cup event, and has also competed in endurance events in Korea and Malaysia, as well as the Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Macau Touring Car series. This year, he has been competing in the Hong Kong and Macau Touring Car Championships where he is a front runner, and is also looking forward to the challenge of going head-to-head with the world’s leading touring car experts: “Last year, several of this season’s FIA WTCC drivers came to Macau to compete, and I was very pleased to finish in 8th position against such experienced drivers. I will certainly be doing my very best for Macau next month!” The FIA WTCC LG – Guia Race of Macau – Presented by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. is scheduled to begin at 11:40am on Sunday, November 20, and will be run over two races of nine laps each. Further information can be found at www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
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