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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) additionally launches the Android version of its "Experience Macau" App, which enables more visitors to acquire the latest Macau travel information and experience Macau freely and easily at anytime. MGTO first launched the iPhone App of "Experience Macau" at the end of last September. There were over 7,000 downloads by January 31 this year. In order to give more visitors convenient access to Macau travel information, MGTO officially introduces the Android version of "Experience Macau" App today (February 7). The "Experience Macau" App in iPhone and Android version comprises 6 items and functions namely Experience Macau, What's On, Plan Your Trip, Game, Map and AR View. Certain selected attractions are even provided with audio introduction and 360o panorama photos. Among the functions, Experience Macau offers a variety of information about Macau World Heritage, Museums and Galleries, Shopping, Shows and Entertainment, Hotels and Guest Houses, etc. while What's On introduces the upcoming local events and festivals, exhibitions, performances and so on. Visitors can use the function of Plan Your Trip and self-design their own travel itineraries or follow the Suggested Routes for sightseeing in Macau. They may also gain various attractions' background information instantly through the AR technology. Users can check in at the designated attractions in the Game and immediately gain a virtual coin. On the other hand, the App enables users to share their travel fun and footprints in Macau with friends around the world on the social network Facebook. The MGTO's App provides user platform and information in English, traditional and simplified Chinese languages. Citizens and visitors are welcome to download the App for use. Users can download the "Experience Macau" App from App Store or Google Play for free. This press release is available at: www.macautourism.gov.mo
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Consumer Council recently collected selling prices of 9 festive foods. Survey result revealed that price differences of the same product sold at different retail outlets ranged from 15 percent to almost 40 percent. Survey result has been uploaded to the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' in its website.
Consumer Council collected prices of 9 festive foods from 26 retail outlets on 1st February, surveyed items included 'Planters Selection (yellow)', 'Kraft Ritz Sandwich Cracker', 'Royal Dansk Danish Butter Cookies', 'Kjeldsens Butter Cookies' , 'Ferrero Rocher', 'Brown & Haley Almond Roca', 'Sugus Assorted Fruited Flavour Chews', 'Lindt Lindor (Red)', and 'Bourbon Chocochip Cookies' in which the last two items were newly added to the survey this year. Survey result showed that price differences of the 9 festive foods ranged from 15 to 40 percent and the average price difference was about 20 percent.
The greatest price discrepancy was observed in 'Kjeldsens Butter Cookies/681g', which differed for 38.5 percent in price and was sold at $78.0 to $108.0 at different retail outlets. Survey result also showed that prices of 'Ferrero Rocher/300g (24pcs)' sold at R. Dos Mercadores branch and Taipa Flower City branch of the same supermarket group differed for 3 percent while selling prices of other products sold at different branches of this group remained the same.
In comparison with data from last year's survey, items that recorded price increases in many retail outlets this year included 'Ferrero Rocher/300g (24pcs)' and ''Brown & Haley Almond Roca/340g'. Both festive food brands recorded minimal to over 10 percent of price increase while prices of other brands had been dropped slightly. Prices of 'Kraft Ritz Sandwich Cracker/354g' had been decreased by about 5 percent at many retail spots.
The specific price survey on festive foods is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps.
Further, the latest issue of Consumer Report features an article on how to choose festive foods and reminds consumers to be aware of too much kitchen waste during Chinese New Year. The combined edition issue no. 233/234 of Consumer Report also covers a report on the number of cases received by the Council in 2012, and recent activities of the Council.
Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the office of Consumer Council (Rua Inácio Baptista, Nº 6-6A Edficio Seaview Garden R/C), and the service counter of Consumer Council at Macao SAR Government Service Centre (Rua Nova da Areia Preta, Nº52), Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza, libraries and bookstores. Consumers may also access the resources online on the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 790 new companies were incorporated in the fourth quarter of 2012, down by 86 year-on-year; total value of registered capital increased by 52.6% to MOP159 million, attributable to a 232% surge in that of Wholesale and Retail. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail (272), Business Services (144) and Real Estate (111). In the fourth quarter of 2012, companies in dissolution totalled 119 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP48 million. Analysed by place of residence of the shareholders, in the fourth quarter of 2012, capital of the new companies came mainly from Macao (MOP67 million); Mainland China (MOP66 million), including MOP13 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region, and Hong Kong (MOP9 million). Analysed by combination of the shareholders, there were 503 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, and 91 joint ventures between shareholders from Macao and other countries or regions. For the whole year of 2012, a total of 3,612 new companies were incorporated, up by 207 year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased by 38.0% to MOP609 million. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail, totalled 1,285, up by 57 year-on-year. There were 2,452 new incorporations (67.9% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000 and the total value of capital amounted to MOP64 million only; however, there were 106 new companies registered with capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the total value of capital amounted to MOP399 million (65.5% of total). In 2012, number of companies in dissolution totalled 501 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP112 million, down by 2.0% and 63.3% respectively year-on-year. The companies in dissolution were predominantly engaged in Wholesale and Retail (190). At the end of 2012, number of registered companies totalled 39,787, an increase of 3,104 from the end of 2011, 36,683.
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Owing to the heavy snow in Korea, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packets, Parcels and EMS) from Macao to Korea are subject to delay until further notice.
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The Macao Museum, under the Cultural Affairs Bureau, and its affiliated galleries, including the Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt, Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business, Mount Fortress Corridor and Guia Chapel at the Guia Fortress, will remain open to the public on the Eve of the Chinese New Year (9th February) and on the first three days of the Chinese New Year (10th to 12th February). The Cultural Affairs Bureau welcomes residents and visitors in Macao to visit these cultural facilities during the holidays. Holders of valid Macao Resident Identity Cards and Macao Student Cards may visit the Macao Museum free of charge from the first through the fourth day of the Chinese New Year.
The Macao Museum ticket lobby, decorated with festive New Year's flowers and plants to enhance the Spring Festival atmosphere, houses a display case featuring cultural relics recently donated to the Museum by enthusiastic people from all walks of life.
In addition, the special exhibition Journey to the Ends of the World: Michele Ruggieri and Jesuits in China is on view at the Macao Museum during the holidays. Visitors will gain an understanding of this early period of Sino-European cultural exchange, established upon the arrival in Macao of Catholic missionaries. The various rare exhibits come to the Museum on loan from the National Archives of Rome, the Biblioteca Alessandrina di Roma, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Archivio di Stato di Napoli, the Society of Jesus in Portugal, the Diocese of Macao, the Society of Jesus of Macao, the Museum of the Holy House of Mercy, the Macao Central Library and the Historical Archives of Macao.
The introduction of European culture and religions here, combined with the reciprocal dissemination of Chinese culture throughout Europe, represents a significant part of the contribution Macao has made to East-West cultural exchange. This special exhibition, a project enrolled in the EU-China Year of Intercultural Dialogue by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China, has already depicted the outlook and landscape of this important era to throngs of visitors, as well as the many students and members of associations who have attended on organised visits. The Cultural Affairs Bureau renews its invitation to everyone, to partake in this meaningful experience during the Chinese New Year holidays. The Macao Museum is open from 10am to 6pm (the ticket booth closes at 5:30pm), and the usual guided tour service remains available on both the Eve and the First Day of the Chinese New Year (9th and 10th February). For further information on the opening hours of each gallery and on guided tour services, please call 28357911 during office hours or visit www.macaumuseum.gov.mo or www.icm.gov.mo for more information.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on beverages. Survey result showed that prices of the surveyed 12 brands differed significantly in different retail outlets, differences ranged from the lowest 23.53 percent to the highest 210 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of 12 brands of beverages from 23 outlets on 1st February. The current survey revealed that 4 of the surveyed beverage brands, namely 'Cool Distilled Water/750ml', 'Bonaqua Mineralized Water/770ml', 'Watsons Water Pure Distilled/430ml' and 'Aquarius Isotonic Rehydration Drink/500ml', recorded significant price differences of up to 210 percent. 'Cool Distilled Water/750ml', which was sold at $2.0 to $6.2, differed for 210 percent, which was 10 percent more than data from last survey. The current survey also revealed that selling prices of beverages at convenience stores were generally higher than those at supermarkets. Consumers are advised to check with the data provided by the Council to make price comparisons. Further, in comparison with December's data, 2 of the surveyed beverage brands recorded no change in price, other brands recorded general price increases or decreases of less than 10 percent. The specific price survey on beverages is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), survey data has also been uploaded to the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price survey on cooking oil. Result showed that price differences of the 22 surveyed products sold at different retail outlets ranged from 1.6 percent to 69.84 percent. Consumer Council collected prices of 22 cooking oil products from 20 retail outlets on 31st January. The greatest price difference of 69.84 percent was observed in 'Pietro Coricelli Olive Pomace Oil/1L', which was sold at $36.8 to $62.5. Price differences of 'Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil/500ml' in various outlets had shrunk from 37 percent to 8 percent. A general price difference of 10 to 30 percent was observed in other cooking oil brands. In comparison with November's survey, 8 cooking oil brands recorded no change in price this time. A price increase of over 25 percent was recorded in 'Tripod Brand Top Quality Pure Peanut Oil/2L' at one retail outlet in the northern district, other brands recorded minimal price decrease or a general price increase of 10 percent. Consumer Council indicates that its specific price survey aims at helping consumer make price comparison for the same product, consumers are therefore advised to check with the 'Specific product price information platform' prior to making purchase. The specific price survey on over-the-counter drugs is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Macao Consumer Council and Guangdong Consumer Council co-tested 45 samples of toothpastes in markets in the two regions. Result of all samples is satisfactory and both Councils provide suggestions to consumers on the purchase and usage of toothpastes. Toothpaste is a daily essential to consumers, Guangdong Consumer Council and Macao Consumer Council conducted a test on toothpaste products during August to December of last year in order to provide scientific and reasonable data and advice to consumers. The mentioned test on toothpaste included 45 samples, in which 6 samples are for children and 15 samples (see attached table) were bought from supermarkets and drugstores in Macao by Macao Consumer Council. Testing criteria included the total amount of fluorine, diethylene glycol, hygienic condition and 10 other items, all samples were tested according to national standard in mainland China. Test result of all samples is satisfactory but the Council indicates that consumers need to pay attention to a few points when buying and using toothpastes. The most common toothpastes used by consumers are normal toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, and medical toothpaste. Consumers should choose those based on their oral condition and pay attention to the following points: 1. It is always better to consult your dentist before choosing medical toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste is the most common type of toothpaste and can help eliminate stains and prevent the growth of bacteria. Consumers of different ages should choose according to instructions of the toothpaste.
2. Use toothpaste reasonably and habitually. It is recommended to change a different brand of toothpaste or toothpaste with different effect every 2 to 3 months. It is better to choose toothpaste in medium or small size as the risk of getting exposed to bacteria increases when the toothpaste is big in size and takes time to consume.
3. It is recommended to purchase toothpaste in large-scale shops or stores with goodwill.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply maintained its growth in December. As resident deposits with banks rose and external loans decreased, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector continued to edge down. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits grew 2.4% and 11.2% respectively. M1 thus increased 9.7% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities were unchanged from the previous month. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, rose 1.1% to MOP374.4 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 31.1% and 25.7% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 24.3%, down 0.1 percentage point from a month ago or 1.7 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 55.8%, up 0.7 percentage points month-to-month or 1.3 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits rose 1.1% from the preceding month to MOP366.8 billion. Of which, MOP deposits and HKD deposits increased at respective rates of 0.3% and 2.5% while other foreign currency deposits dropped 1.7%. Non-resident deposits decreased 2.4% to MOP128.1 billion while public sector deposits with the banking sector grew 8.5% to MOP45.7 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector rose 0.8% from a month earlier to MOP540.6 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 20.8% and 46.9% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.1% from a month ago to MOP198.1 billion. Among which, MOP61.4 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP120.0 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 31.0% and 60.6% of the total respectively. Analysed by economic sector, loans to "information technology", "non-monetary financial institutions" and "wholesale and retail trade" increased at respective rates of 33.7%, 14.3% and 11.9% compared with a quarter ago, whereas those to "restaurants, hotels and similar" and "manufacturing industries" dropped 15.7% and 9.4% respectively. External loans decreased 1.7% to MOP208.9 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 1.0% (MOP2.0 billion) and 24.8% (MOP51.9 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-December edged down 0.4 percentage points month-to-month to 48.0%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors was 75.3%, down 0.9 percentage points from end-November. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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Director of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes conducts visits to ZAPE and Macau Northern District today and tomorrow respectively to examine the progress of combat against illegal accommodation and promote the related combating work. Director Fernandes reiterated that MGTO will persist in fighting illegal accommodation while enhancing their promotion among visitors and apartment owners, joining hands with the society to crack down on illegal accommodation. Director Fernandes, Deputy Director Manuel Pires and the related department supervisors visited the building management offices and living apartments of the "Yi"-titled residential blocks and Macau International Centre in ZAPE today (February 4) to consult the communities' residents and related associations about the situation and listen to their opinions. Meanwhile, they distributed new promotional leaflets to promote combat against illegal accommodation. Fernandes expressed that it is a long-term operation to combat illegal accommodation. MGTO has been holding regular work meetings with related associations and the resident representatives of the affected communities, maintaining communication and cooperation through interactive exchange. MGTO appreciates the associations and apartment owners for raising opinions which have significantly facilitated the related law enforcement. She also stated that over the past two years of combating actions, they concluded and reflected upon their work incessantly, accumulating fair experiences in implementing the law effectively; in addition, the enforcement work achieved more striking effects thanks to the interdepartmental cooperation and coordination in law enforcement, with credit especially to the police authorities' active participation in response to the social development and alteration of illegal means. Fernandes added that a new array of promotion is launched this year including production of new posters and promotional leaflets. The latter are available to citizens and visitors at major ports and MGTO information counters. MGTO has specifically printed two versions of posters and leaflets for visitors and apartment owners respectively in order to target the message at either party; furthermore, the office has produced brand-new Cantonese and Mandarin promotional videos for broadcast on MGTO's website as well as Hong Kong and Mainland media channels as a reminder for visitors to stay in legal accommodation venues. There are 44 inspectors in the Inspection Division of MGTO at present, 32 of whom are newly employed. Currently under training, the new staff will undertake frontline patrol and related administrative work soon. In addition, 12 more new inspectors will join the office in near future. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" came into force on August 13, 2010 until today (January 31, 2013), MGTO has investigated 1,533 premises in total and sealed 316 premises allegedly used for provision of illegal accommodation. On the other hand, the office has unsealed 237 premises and begun 316 sanction proceedings. MGTO has received 1,052 reports against alleged premises up to date. Citizens can report any suspected case via the 24-hour hotline 2833 3000. Complainants can also log on to MGTO's website (Chinese/English) http://www.macautourism.gov.mo and click the banner of "Online Complaint against Illegal Accommodation" to file a report.
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