News

The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On today wrote to the Philippines Consul General in Macao to send his condolences to the victims of the super Typhoon Haiyan which swept the central part of the country last week, causing hundreds of deaths and displacing tens of thousands. Mr Chui also conveyed his sympathy to the Filipino community in Macao. He said the Government would closely monitor the rescue operations and pledged to provide support for the relief work.
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Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on rice, cooking oil, canned foods and biscuits on 8th November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Results of the mentioned surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) releases the results of the Industrial Survey 2012. Coverage of the Survey comprised all establishments engaging in industrial production in 2012, namely Manufacturing; Electricity, Gas & Water Supply and Mining & Quarrying. There were 917 establishments operating in industrial production in 2012, up by 18 year-on-year. Total number of persons engaged decreased by 5.8% year-on-year to 13,007. Value of Production & Other Receipts amounted to MOP9.39 billion, up by 4.3% year-on-year. Intermediate Consumption that represents operating costs rose slightly by 0.2% to MOP5.87 billion. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy totalled MOP3.52 billion, up by 11.8%. Analysed by industry, there were 912 Manufacturing establishments; Value of Production & Other Receipts of the Manufacturing industry amounted to MOP6.66 billion, up by 10.0% year-on-year; Intermediate Consumption (MOP4.98 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP1.68 billion) increased by 9.4% and 11.8% respectively. Attributed to the development of tourism and gaming industries, number of persons engaged of Manufacture of Food Products & Beverages went up by 9.9% to 3,934; Value of Production & Other Receipts (MOP1.32 billion) rose significantly by 21.1%; Intermediate Consumption (MOP802 million) and Gross Value Added (MOP518 million) increased by 20.4% and 22.0% respectively. Rising demand for locally produced cement and concrete in the construction of public housing drove the Value of Production & Other Receipts of Manufacture of Other Non-metallic Mineral Products (MOP1.26 billion) up notably by 61.3%; Intermediate Consumption (MOP1.08 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP178 million) soared by 59.0% and 76.6% respectively. Shrinkage of the traditional garment industries, number of persons engaged of Manufacture of Wearing Apparel dropped significantly by 1,007 to 3,213; Value of Production & Other Receipts (MOP1.26 billion) declined for six consecutive years, down by 11.1%; Intermediate Consumption (MOP1.04 billion) and Gross Value Added (MOP223 million) decreased by 9.5% and 17.6% respectively. In the Electricity, Gas & Water Supply industry, reduced local electricity generation drove down the Value of Production & Other Receipts (MOP2.69 billion) by 7.7%; nevertheless, Gross Value Added (MOP1.82 billion) increased by 11.7% year-on-year due to a significant decline of 32.3% in Intermediate Consumption (MOP873 million). Gross Fixed Capital Formation surged by 277.7% to MOP1.19 billion on account of an increase in acquisition of machinery and equipment. Pushed by increasing demand for locally produced aggregates by the construction projects, Value of Production & Other Receipts of Mining & Quarrying (MOP35 million) grew by 26.3% year-on-year; Intermediate Consumption (MOP18 million) and Gross Value Added (MOP17 million) went up by 23.7% and 29.0% respectively.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will deliver his Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2014 on Tuesday (12 November) at 3 pm in the Legislative Assembly. Following his address, Mr Chui will be holding a press conference at the Government Headquarters at 5 pm, where Mr Chui will take questions from the press. Mr Chui will attend the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly on the following day (13 November), between 3 pm and 6 pm, to further explain his policy blueprint and to answer questions from legislators. The Address will be broadcast live on the Portal Website of the Macao SAR (http://www.gov.mo), the website of the Office of the Chief Executive (http://www.gce.gov.mo), the website of the Government Information Bureau (http://www.gcs.gov.mo) and the website of the Legislative Assembly (http://www.al.gov.mo). Chinese and Portuguese versions of the Policy Address will be available for downloads on these websites. After the Chief Executive's address on Tuesday, members of the public can pick up the text and pamphlets of the 2014 Policy Address from Auxiliary Department of the Government Headquarters, Government Information Bureau, Government Printing Bureau, Public Information Centre, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Central Library and Macao Post. To ensure the public have a better understanding of the policies, Macao Post will deliver pamphlets of the 2014 Policy Address with highlights to all households in Macao. In addition, Chinese and Portuguese versions of pamphlets of the 2014 Policy Address with highlights and pamphlets of policy guidelines of different areas will be available in some 200 locations such as libraries of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, citizen service centres, centres of the Social Welfare Bureau, centres of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, and various associations and schools. The five Secretaries and their subordinates will present their 2014 policy guidelines to the legislature from 3 pm to 8 pm, on the following dates: Secretary for Administration and Justice: 21-22 November, Secretary for Economy and Finance: 25-26 November, Secretary for Security: 28-29 November, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture: 2-3 December, Secretary for Transport and Public Works: 5-6 December. These presentations will also be broadcast live on the abovenamed websites, with Teledifusão de Macau (TV and radio) broadcasting the presentations live.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total population was estimated at 598,200 as at end-September 2013, an increase of 6,300 quarter-to-quarter; female population totalled 307,700, accounting for 51.4% of the total. There were 1,682 live births delivered in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 158 quarter-to-quarter (+10.4%). Male babies totalled 853 and the gender ratio of the newborn stood at 102.9, corresponding to 102.9 male babies per 100 female. In the first three quarters of 2013, a total of 4,815 live births were recorded, down by 391 year-on-year. Meanwhile, there were 453 mortality cases, an increase of 10 quarter-to-quarter; the top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (170 cases), Diseases of the Circulatory System (100 cases) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (73 cases). In the first three quarters of 2013, mortality cases went down by 8 year-on-year to 1,389. In the third quarter of 2013, Chinese immigrants reached 911 and the individuals granted right of abode registered a net inflow of 388, up by 111 and 28 quarter-to-quarter. Non-resident workers totalled 130,822 at the end of the third quarter, an increase of 9,628 quarter-to-quarter. In the first three quarters of 2013, immigrants from the Mainland totalled 2,391, a decrease of 894 year-on-year. A total of 941 cases of marriage registration were recorded in the third quarter, down by 109 quarter-to-quarter. In the first three quarters of 2013, there were 3,159 cases of marriage registration, up by 358 year-on-year.
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The Chinese, Portuguese and English editions of Macao Yearbook 2013, an annual publication compiled by the Government Information Bureau (GCS) of the Macao SAR, will hit the shelves tomorrow (11 November). The Macao Yearbook is a comprehensive chronicle. It outlines major events, details of progress achieved, and changes made in the course of Macao's political, economic, social and cultural development, with the aim of promoting Macao and providing detailed information and data for all who wish to study and understand Macao. Published annually since 2002, the Macao Yearbook is available in Chinese, Portuguese and English. It is divided into foursections: Administrative Priorities of the MSAR Government; Calendar of Events; Review of the MSARin 2012 and Appendices. This year's Chinese edition comprises 466 pages with over 200,000 words, Portuguese edition 577 pages, and English edition 533 pages; the yearbook is enriched by 148 photographs. Consisting of 16 chapters, the Review of the MSAR presents information on the political and administrative system; legal and judicial system; external relations; economy; gaming industry; tourism; public order; education; culture and sport; health and social welfare; media, communications and information technology; land, infrastructure, housing and public utilities; transport; geography, environment and population; religion and customs; and history. To illustrate various aspects of the latest developments in the MSAR in a visual way, the Government Information Bureau jointly organised with eight local photography organisations and four news media organisations a photographic competition entitled "Precious Moments in Macao" in early 2013. The yearbook has been enhanced by 8 of the winning entries. The Macao Yearbook 2013, together with a complimentary CD-ROM containing the PDF version of the yearbook, can be purchased at the following places at 120 patacas per copy: major local bookstores; the Government Public Information Centre at Rua do Campo; and the Macao Post Office (Macao Post)'s Philatelic Division, Rua do Campo Branch, Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal Branch, Macau International Airport Branch, and Nova Taipa Branch. During the promotional period lasting until 31 March 2014, a 20 percent discount will be offered to any purchase of Macao Yearbook 2013.
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Consumer Council conducted its second 'Supermarket price survey' for November on 7th November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Iao Hon Market and the Border Gate area (Portas do Cerco ) in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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For four consecutive Saturdays in November, the Consumer Council will be hosting 4 community carnivals to promote the Regulations and services of the Consumer Arbitration Centre. The first one will be held on 9th November from 3PM to 5PM at Espaço Lateral do Jardim Cidade das Flores in Taipa. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of 'Consumer Arbitration Centre', and a series of activities, such as seminar, carnivals, exhibitions and online quiz games were held earlier this year. Through holding various events and collecting opinions from the public, the Council can better its service of the Centre and introduce to the local citizens the advantages of using the Centre's service: legal, fair, professional, efficient and free of charge. The carnivals gained popularity among the citizens, especially the Q and A session which enhanced the public's awareness of the Arbitration Centre. The Council states that adopting the mechanism of Mediation-Arbitration for dispute resolution is a recent trend and the Council encourages both parties involving in a consumer dispute to have it settled through this mechanism, thus saving time and social costs. The number of consumer disputes settled through the Arbitration Centre has been increased in recent years and around 500 cases have been handled by the Centre since its establishment. The Council will continue to enhance its service to meet public needs. The first outdoor event will be held on 9th November from 3PM to 5PM at Espaço Lateral do Jardim Cidade das Flores in Taipa, booth games, on-site quiz games and consultation service will be available for the public. Information on the services and regulations of the Consumer Arbitration Centre will also be exhibited. Residents are welcome to participate. The other 3 community carnivals will be held at Parque Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, Zona de Lazer da Rotunda de Carlos da Maia and Jardim do Mercado de Iao Hon on 16th, 23rd and 30th November respectively. For inquiry, please call 8988-9315.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) took part in "Ningxia, Hong Kong and Macau Travel Mart and Tourism Promotion Event" in Ningxia along with travel trade delegates from Macau. The tourism offices and trade of the three destinations signed and announced a declaration together during the event. Travel industry partners from Macau and Ningxia also signed a cooperative agreement not only to enhance mutual cooperation and communication in tourism but also to facilitate their market development and tourism business mutually. "Ningxia, Hong Kong and Macau Travel Mart and Tourism Promotion Event" was held in Yinchuan today (7 November). Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), Wu Wenxue; Vice Chairman of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Wang Heshan; MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes; Commissioner for Tourism, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Philip Yung, participated in the event among other guests. The tourism authorities and trade partners of Ningxia, Hong Kong and Macau signed and announced a declaration together. Hong Kong and Macau trade also signed a cooperative agreement separately with their counterparts from Ningxia. The tourism official delegates of the three regions each presented their destination's tourism development, products and events during the function. Director Senna Fernandes remarked that almost 14 years have passed since the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region. Driven by the Central Government's strong support and CNTA's guidance, the Macau SAR Government is actively building Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure while steering the city's tourism development toward diversification. The destination also keeps expanding and consolidating those tourism markets with great potential. Furthermore, Macau embraces an open and friendly attitude throughout her collaboration with various Mainland cities, provinces and autonomous regions. Senna Fernandes believed that Ningxia and Macau will enjoy much room for future tourism development by maintaining close ties and communication with each other in both official and private sectors. "Ningxia, Hong Kong and Macau Travel Mart and Tourism Promotion Event" is jointly organized by Department of Affairs on Tourism of Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan of CNTA, Tourism Bureau of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Macau Government Tourist Office and Tourism Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR. During their stay for the event, Hong Kong and Macau delegates also conducted a familiarization visit in Ningxia to know more about the current situation and trends of local tourism industry, which is expected to facilitate their collaboration and promotion in the future.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 1,147 new companies were incorporated in the third quarter of 2013, up by 155 year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 20.4% to MOP129 million. Analysed by industry, the majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale & Retail (423) and Business Services (293), and the total value of capital amounted to MOP44 million and MOP27 million respectively. In the third quarter of 2013, companies in dissolution totalled 121, and the value of registered capital of companies in dissolution amounted to MOP22 million. Analysed by size of registered capital, there were 794 new incorporations (69.2% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000 and the total value of capital amounted to MOP21 million; there were 26 new companies registered with capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the total value of capital reached MOP66 million (51.3% of total), indicating the predominance of new incorporations with small capital. In the third quarter of 2013, capital of the new companies came mainly from Macao (MOP89 million) and Mainland China (MOP28 million), including MOP13 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, with that from Guangdong province sharing MOP11 million. Analysed by combination of the shareholders, there were 734 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, and 130 joint ventures between shareholders from Macao and other countries or regions. In the first three quarters of 2013, a total of 3,281 new companies were incorporated, and total value of registered capital amounted to MOP457 million, up by 16.3% and 1.4% respectively year-on-year. Number of companies in dissolution totalled 394, and the value of registered capital of companies in dissolution amounted to MOP228 million. At the end of the third quarter of 2013, number of registered companies totalled 42,674, an increase of 3,558 from a year earlier.
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