Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that number of operating Transport, Storage & Communications establishments totalled 2,195 in 2008, up by 150 from 2007, engaging a total of 14,942 persons (+13%). Total Receipts (MOP 15.59 billion) and Total Expenditure (MOP 14.33 billion) increased by 3% and 9% respectively year-on-year. In addition, Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy dropped by 8% to MOP 4.07 billion; however, Gross Fixed Capital Formation soared by 54% year-on-year to MOP 1.25 billion. In 2008, there were 2,159 establishments operating in the Transport & Storage Sector, up by 147 over 2007; number of persons engaged totalled 12,944 (+14%). A total of 1,739 establishments operated in Land Transport (81% of total), 393 in Supporting & Auxiliary Transport Activities, of which 155 were Travel Agencies. Total Receipts of the Transport & Storage Sector rose by 2% from 2007 to MOP 11.87 billion, with receipts from Passenger and Cargo Transport decreased by 2% to MOP 7.16 billion (60% of total). Total Expenditure was MOP 11.84 billion, up by 11% year-on-year, of which Operating Expenses (MOP 6.72 billion), Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 2.96 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 1.82 billion) rose by 6%, 11% and 29% respectively from 2007. However, Gross Value Added of the Transport & Storage Sector decreased by 17% over 2007 to MOP 2.18 billion on account of the sharp increases of the costs of Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid and Operating Expenses. On the contrary, Gross Fixed Capital Formation surged by 220% year-on-year to MOP 807 million, attributable to the acquisition of new assets of the Air Transport industry. In the Communications Sector, a total of 36 establishments were operating in 2008, an increase of 3 over 2007; total number of persons engaged rose by 9% to 1,998. Total Receipts of the Communications Sector amounted to MOP 3.72 billion, up by 6% over 2007, with receipts from the provision of Communications Services and Sales of Goods totalling MOP 3.19 billion (86% of total). Total Expenditure rose marginally by 0.3% year-on-year to MOP 2.49 billion, of which Purchase of Goods & Commission Paid (MOP 1.11 billion) and Operating Expenses (MOP 678 million) accounted for 45% and 27% of the total respectively. Gross Value Added (MOP 1.89 billion) of the Communication Sector rose by 6% over 2007, while Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 443 million) dropped by 21%.
