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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new SME lending approved by Macao banks rebounded in the second half of 2012. Concurrently, the utilisation of SME credit in proportion to the credit limit approved by banks continued to contract. New Lending Approved In the second half of 2012, new SME credit limit approved by Macao banks totalled MOP12.2 billion, up by 82.6% from the first half year of 2012 but down 28.1% from the same period of 2011. The collateralised ratio, which indicates the proportion of credit limit with tangible assets pledged, was 64.8%, up 1.6 percentage points when compared with the last survey period or 4.0 percentage points when compared with the same period of 2011. Credit Utilisation As at end-December 2012, the outstanding value of total SME loans increased 3.2% from end-June but down 5.3% from a year earlier to MOP31.9 billion. When compared with end-June 2012, SME loans to "education", "information technology" and "restaurants, hotels and similar activities" increased at respective rates of 29.2%, 17.2% and 11.3%, whereas those to "wholesale and retail trade" and "construction and public works" dropped 14.4% and 14.3% respectively. The utilisation rate, defined as the proportion of outstanding credit balance to the credit limit granted, dropped 1.5 percentage points from six months ago to 57.5%. Delinquent Loans At the end of December 2012, the outstanding balance of delinquent SME loans decreased by 29.7% from six months ago to MOP301.0 million. Compared to a year ago, the balance dropped 41.6%. The delinquency ratio, a ratio of delinquent loans outstanding balance to total SME loans outstanding, dropped 0.44 percentage points from end-June 2012 or 0.59 percentage points from a year earlier to 0.94%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Composite CPI (120.21) for January 2013 increased by 5.04% year-on-year, attributable to dearer charges for eating out and higher rentals for housing. In comparison with January 2012, notable increase was observed in the price index of Housing & Fuels (+10.05%); Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+7.19%); and Health (+6.99%) on account of dearer prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, higher house rentals, rising charges for domestic services and out-patient services. On the contrary, price index of Education and Recreation & Culture decreased by 3.06% and 2.03% respectively. The CPI-A (119.93) and CPI-B (120.70) increased by 5.69% and 4.93% respectively year-on-year. The Composite CPI for January 2013 increased by 0.17% month-to-month. Higher charges for eating out, dearer prices of fresh fish and fresh meat drove up the price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages by 0.54%, while decrease in vegetable prices offset part of the increase; besides, price index of Recreation & Culture decreased by 1.75% due to lower charges for outbound package tours. The CPI-A and the CPI-B increased by 0.24% and 0.16% respectively month-to-month. For the 12 months ended January 2013, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.96% from the preceding period, of which the price index of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+28.25%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+8.22%) rose significantly, while that of Communication decreased by 3.75%. The average CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 6.33% and 6.13% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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To celebrate the Year of the Snake, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) hosted a spring luncheon in Hong Kong today (22 Feb) to thank the local travel trade, business partners and media for their support to the tourism industry of Macau. Director of MGTO, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes led a delegation to join the spring luncheon. Present at the luncheon were over 200 guests, including Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Philip Yung, Director of Asia Tourism Exchange Centre, Xu Hui Fang, Deputy Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Daisy Lui and Chairman of Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Michael Wu and many others who all shared the joy of the party. The number of visitor arrivals to Macau in 2012 amounted to 28,082,000, representing a slight increase of 0.3% over 2011. Hong Kong constituted the second largest tourist generating market of Macau. Over 7 million Hong Kong visitors traveled to Macau last year. In the Year of the Snake, MGTO will spare no effort in promoting quality tourism, developing diversified tourism products and elevating service quality, in order to build Macau the World Center of Tourism and Leisure. Innovative promotions on Macau tourism will be used under the theme "Touching Moments Experience Macau". In line with the promotion strategies of MGTO, the Representative in Hong Kong will carry out promotional activities targeting different market segments and special events' promotion on 60th anniversary of Macau Grand Prix and the 25th anniversary of Macau International Fireworks Display Contest this year, to augment their interests to visit Macau. In addition, seminars, product presentations, thematic familiarization tours and joint promotions will also be organized to strengthen the communication and collaboration with trade partners and the media.
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The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, left Macao today after a three-day visit in Macao. Mr Wu and his delegation left on a special flight at 13:30. They were seen off at Macau International Airport by the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, Mr Ho Hau Wah, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian, principal officials, and heads of Central Government agencies in Macao. Earlier, Mr Wu visited the Ruins of St Paul's, the Museum of Macao and Mount Fortress, accompanied by the Chief Executive and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 totalled MOP 14.32 billion, up by 14% year-on-year. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery amounted to MOP 4.08 billion (28% of total), which was followed by retail sales of Goods in Department Stores (15%), Leather Goods (11%), Adults' Clothing (10%) and Motor Vehicles (7%). Value of retail sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 increased by 15% quarter-to-quarter, with marked increase being observed in sales of Footwear (+36%), Adults' Clothing (+33%) and Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+28%); however, retail sales of Automotive Fuels and Goods in Pharmacies decreased by 5% and 3% respectively. For the whole year of 2012, value of retail sales reached MOP 52.85 billion, up by 22% year-on-year. After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the fourth quarter increased by 11% year-on-year, with notable increase in sales of Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+30%), Adults' Clothing (+23%), Motor Vehicles (+19%) and Goods in Supermarkets (+17%). Meanwhile, volume of retail sales increased by 12% quarter-to-quarter, of which sales of Footwear (+37%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (+28%) and Adults' Clothing (+27%) saw significant increase; on the contrary, sales of Automotive Fuels and Goods in Pharmacies decreased by 5% and 4% respectively. For the whole year of 2012, volume of retail sales increased by 16% year-on-year. In respect of the comments of the retailers, about 69% stated that sales volume in the fourth quarter increased or held stable over the previous quarter, down by 1 percentage point compared with those holding the same sentiment in the third quarter, while 31% reported decrease in sales volume. In terms of the retail prices, about 63% reported stable prices, 31% stated an increase and 6% stated a decrease. In comparison with the same quarter of 2011, about 74% expressed that the stock level was normal in the fourth quarter of 2012, while 6% indicated that the stock level was low. As regards business outlook for the first quarter of 2013, about 78% anticipate that sales volume will increase or remain stable from a quarter earlier, while 22% expect a decrease. Concurrently, about 71% predict stable retail prices, 24% expect an increase, while 5% predict a decrease in retail prices.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector dropped slightly in the fourth quarter of 2012. At end-2012, the share of international assets in total banking assets fell to 83.4% from 83.7% at end-September 2012, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities decreased to 79.9% from 80.7%. Foreign currencies were the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-2012, the shares of Pataca (MOP) in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.5% and 3.2% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Other Foreign Currencies (OFCs) accounted for 41.0% and 58.5% of total international assets as well as 51.0% and 45.8% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-2012, total international assets advanced by 3.3% from a quarter ago or 19.1% from a year earlier to MOP664.1 billion (USD83.2 billion). Within this total, external assets increased by 22.4% year-on-year to MOP517.7 billion while local assets in foreign currencies also expanded by 8.5% to MOP146.4 billion. As a major component of international assets, external loans & deposits went up by 22.1% to MOP480.0 billion. In particular, cross-border non-bank loans grew by 35.0%. International Banking Liabilities
Total international liabilities increased by 2.7% from three months ago or 21.3% year-on-year to MOP636.0 billion (USD79.7 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies grew year-on-year by 11.6% to MOP312.1 billion and 32.3% to MOP323.9 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 31.5% to MOP304.2 billion at end-2012 from MOP231.2 billion at end-2011. Concurrently, overseas non-bank deposits expanded by 38.0%. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region
The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to the regions of Asia and Europe. At end-2012, claims on Hong Kong and Mainland China occupied 37.9% and 24.3% of total external assets correspondingly, while claims on Portugal and Luxembourg took up 10.4% and 2.4% respectively. On external liabilities, Hong Kong and Mainland China accounted for 50.3% and 18.1% of the total respectively while France and Portugal took up respective shares of 5.4% and 3.8%. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR's participation in the "Locational International Banking Statistics" project of the international organisation. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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The 2013 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2013 MIECF) will take place from 21 to 23 March at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. Two internationally renowned academics in the environmental protection field, from the United States and China respectively, have been invited as keynote speakers, to share with the audience their insights and experiences on sustainable development issues. The Organiser is very honoured that Professor Jeffrey Sachs has accepted the invitation to be one of the keynote speakers at the 2013 MIECF. Professor Sachs is a very active and internationally well-known speaker in the environmental field and is currently Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He is also a respected figure in promoting the co-ordination of economic development with sustainable environment. As the Director of the Earth Institute, Professor Jeffrey Sachs has led a number of large projects aiming to mitigate climate change caused by human activities. Another keynote speaker at the 2013 MIECF is Professor C. S. Kiang, Chairman of Sustainable Development Technology Foundation, Founding Dean of the College of Environmental Sciences at Peking University (2002-2006) and Chairman of Peking University Environment Fund (2006-2009). The objective of the said Fund is to assist the world´s top polluters to assume leadership in combating climate change while stimulating economic recovery. Topics of the keynote speeches by the above-mentioned speakers will be "Challenges of Sustainable Development" and "Green Building and Sustainable Community – New Urbanism in China", respectively. In addition, several green forums will also be held, to explore the relevant present and future issues, including, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green building, green transport, waste and water management, as well as finance and environmental policies. For further information, please contact the 2013 MIECF´s Secretariat on. +853 8798 9675, e-mail: miecf@koelnmesse.com.hk or visit the following official website: www.macaomiecf.com.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 7,216 building units were purchased and sold at MOP31.22 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012 as per Stamp Duty record, up by 6.7% and 15.9% respectively quarter-to-quarter. Within these units, 4,543 residential units were purchased and sold at MOP22.78 billion, up by 1.5% and 15.3% respectively quarter-to-quarter. The average price of all residential units stood at MOP64,869 per square metre of usable area in the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 11.3% quarter-to-quarter on account of higher transaction volume (1,596 cases) and price (MOP84,699 per square metre) of new pre-sale residential units. Analysed by district, the average price of residential units in the Macao Peninsula increased by 22.6% quarter-to-quarter to MOP63,336 per square metre; the average price of those in Coloane rose slightly by 0.5% to MOP82,350 per square metre, while the price of those in Taipa decreased by 0.5% to MOP67,218 per square metre. Meanwhile, the average price of industrial units rose by 35.7% quarter-to-quarter to MOP25,572 per square metre, whereas that of office units decreased by 2.7% to MOP47,925 per square metre. For the whole year of 2012, number of building units purchased and sold decreased by 8.0% year-on-year to 25,419, yet the total value increased by 32.3% to MOP100.91 billion. A total of 16,917 residential units were purchased and sold, down by 1.5% year-on-year, while the total value went up by 26.1% to MOP74.23 billion. Analysed by year of completion of the building, residential units completed in 2010 and after totalled 6,049 (including 4,527 pre-sale units), and 5,318 residential units were completed in 1990-1999. As regards floor area of the unit, 9,048 residential units (53.5% of total) had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres and 4,492 residential units (26.6% of total) were smaller than 50 square metres. Regarding the price of transaction, 4,004 residential units were sold for MOP6,000,000 or over, and 5,152 units for MOP2,000,000 to under MOP4,000,000. In 2012, the average price of residential units increased by 38.4% year-on-year to MOP57,362 per square metre, with that of pre-sale units rising by 45.1% to MOP82,897 per square metre; the average price of residential units excluding pre-sale units was MOP47,514 per square metre, up by 36.3% from MOP34,868 per square metre in 2011. In addition, the average price of industrial units rose by 73.4% year-on-year to MOP20,812 per square metre, and that of office units increased by 32.1% to MOP46,320 per square metre. For the whole year of 2012, a total of 12,339 cases of real estate sale and purchase contracts were made, up by 12.8% year-on-year, and the number of units rose by 13.1% to 15,915. Moreover, there were 8,917 cases of residential mortgage contracts signed, up by 12.4% year-on-year. In 2012, gross floor area of buildings completed increased by 34.9% year-on-year to 1,568,470 square metres, altogether providing 2,558 units (2,443 are residential units), 4,236 parking spaces for cars and 1,468 parking spaces for motorcycles.
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The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of Central Government's guidelines and policies for Macao. Mr Wu was speaking at a conference on the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of Macao, which took place at the Macao Cultural Centre this morning. He emphasised three key points in promoting the Basic Law: 1. Adhering to the principles of Central Government's guidelines and policies for Macao,
2. Profoundly understanding the systems exercised in the Macao SAR, and
3. Fully understanding the relation between the nation's socialism and Macao's capitalism. He said there were two principles in Central Government's guidelines and policies for Macao: first, protecting the sovereignty, security and interests of the nation, and second, keeping the long-term prosperity and security of Macao. To develop the nation and Macao, it would be necessary to uphold the principle of one country and respect the differences of the two systems, he said. In his speech at the conference, the Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On described the Basic Law as enormous and historic in ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. The Basic Law enshrined the fundamental principle of 'One country, two systems' and a series of national policies for Macao, and laid the foundation for a smooth handover and the establishment of the Macao SAR and the sustainable and stable development of Macao, he said. He emphasised the importance of profoundly understanding the principle of 'One country, two systems' and the necessity of understanding and handling the relation of the Central Government and the Special Administrative Region. Mr Chui also stressed the significance of protecting and propelling the administrative-led political structure, the balance and co-operation between the administration and legislature, and the independence of the judiciary. He said Macao should hone in on the advantages provided by the Basic Law to extend regional co-operation with the Mainland to turn Macao into a global tourism and leisure hub and the business and trading platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, and help the cause of diversifying Macao's industrial portfolio and increase its competitiveness in the future. We should also cultivate young talents and continue to promote the Basic Law, he said. Mr Chui said since the promulgation of the Basic Law 20 years ago, the principle of 'One country, two systems' had continued to benefit the people of Macao. He extended his gratitude to all the people who participated in the process of research, draft, counsel and formulation of the legislation and all the organisations and people who contributed in promotion of the law. On behalf of the Macao SAR, Mr Chui thanked the Chairman, Mr Wu Bangguo, and all the delegates and members of the National People's Congress. The President of the Association of Promotion of the Basic Law of Macao, Mr Liu Chak Wan, and a member of drafting committee of the Basic Law, Mr Lau Cheok Wa, who is also the President of the Legislative Assembly, also spoke at the ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhou Tienong; Vice Chairman of CPPCC, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Vice Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Qiao Xiaoyang; the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Wang Guangya; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; and the principle officials of Macao, Macao's deputies to the National People's Congress, members of the CPPCC, the Executive Council and the Legislative Assembly, heads of the courts, and hundreds of members of the communities. After attending the conference, Mr Wu Bangguo attended the opening ceremony of the Commemorative Gallery of the Basic Law of Macao and a book launching ceremony. In the afternoon, he is scheduled to visit Cunha Road in Taipa to learn more about the tourism industry and economy of Macao, and attend a briefing at the Macau Tower by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, about the urban planning of Macao. In the evening, he is scheduled to attend a banquet to celebrate the centennial of the Macao Chamber of Commerce.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on dairy products. Price differences ranged from 5 to 50 percent were recorded for the same product sold at different retail outlets. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The Council collected prices of 15 dairy products from 16 retail outlets on 18th February. Price differences ranged from 5 to 50 percent were recorded for the same product sold at different retail outlets. 'Anchor UHT Whipping Cream/1L', which was sold at $38.0 to $57.0, recorded a price difference of 50 percent; 'Anchor Pure New Zealand Butter (salted)/227g' and 'Pura UHT Milk (paper pack)/1L' also recorded price differences of 46.9 and 42.42 percent respectively. In comparison with December's survey data, 10 of the surveyed products recorded no change in price. The only obvious change was found in the selling price of 'Kraft Hi-Calcium Singles--Less Fat (12 pieces)/250g' in one retail outlet that had been decreased by 17 percent, or $5.7 less. The specific price survey on dairy products is now available on the Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps.
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