News

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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Macao Post announced that the mail delivery services of the postal administrations of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao, during Lunar New Year holidays are as follows:
(* please find the attached file)
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The 2013 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2013MIECF) will take place from 21 to 23 March at the Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel. This year's MIECF has the theme "Sustainable Cities – The Way Towards a Green Future" and aims to promote the concept of Thinking Green, Going Clean and Living Cool through a series of activities, including Green Forums, Green Exhibition, Green Business Matching , Green Public Day and technical visits. It aims to strengthen MIECF´s role of attracting investment and business promotion, as well as enhancing Macao´s international status in the environmental field. During the sixth MIECF, the quality of the activities has been enhanced, as the event has gradually developed into an important exchange platform for the green industry in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region and the international market. Last year's MIECF attracted 398 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions, so this year the total area of the venue has been increased to over 16,000 square metres. Also this year, MIECF will encompass six important areas, namely ,Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Green Building, Green Transport, Waste and Sewage Management, and Environmental Services, in a bid to attract the participation of more exhibitors and also the presence of more countries and regions. The Green Forum is an important component of MIECF and this year, keynote speakers include Professor Jeffrey Sachs from the United States and Professor C.S.Kiang from Mainland China. Both will share their insights on challenges for the sustainability development of green cities. In addition, other renowned international environmental industry leaders will discuss other hot issues, such as energy efficiency, green transportation, green buildings, waste and sewage treatment, energy financing mechanisms, and sustainable development of tourism. Thematic workshops will be held under the Green Forum to cover specific topics targeted to deepen exchanges and further enhance the actual effectiveness of the different activities under MIECF. On the Green Public Day which will take place on the last day of MIECF, a "Green Bazzar" will be introduced for the first time, where exhibitors will showcase their environmentally-friendly products, as a means to raise public awareness regarding the purchase of green products. It will also provide a platform for local enterprises to showcase their ecological products, to generate business opportunities and enhance public awareness of these products, and therefore inject green ideas into their lifestyles. 2013MIEC is hosted by the Government of Macao Special Administrative Region and co-organised by the provincial and regional governments in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Macao Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) are the co-ordinators of this event.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the average daily wage of construction workers increased by 5.6% quarter-to-quarter to MOP587 in the fourth quarter of 2012, and that of local construction workers increased by 2.5% to MOP688. The average daily wage of skilled & semi-skilled workers (MOP595) and unskilled workers (MOP376) rose by 5.9% and 3.3% quarter-to-quarter respectively. Analysed by occupation, that of bricklayers & plasterers (MOP571) and carpenters (MOP585) surged by 12.2% and 10.8% respectively, but that of concrete formwork carpenters (MOP595) fell slightly by 0.2%. The annual average daily wages of construction workers in 2012 dropped by 2.1% year-on-year to MOP565, but that of local construction workers (MOP670) increased by 9.7%. After discounting the effect of inflation, wage index of construction workers was 90.2 in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 4.0% quarter-to-quarter. Meanwhile, wage index of local construction workers increased by 1.1% to 101.2 in real terms, on account of rising wage indices of electricians & electrical workers and bricklayers & plasterers. For the whole year of 2012, the average wage index of construction workers (88.4) decreased by 6.9% year-on-year in real terms, but that of local construction workers (99.9) increased by 2.4%. As regards construction materials, in the fourth quarter of 2012, the average price of concrete (MOP472 per cubic metre) increased by 8.0% quarter-to-quarter, but that of spiral & round reinforcing steel bars (MOP5,389 per tonne) decreased by 3.2%. For the whole year of 2012, the average price of concrete (MOP444 per cubic metre) rose by 20.0% year-on-year, but that of spiral & round reinforcing steel bars (MOP5,738 per tonne) was down by 3.5%. The price index of construction materials for residential buildings was 120.1 in the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 1.0% quarter-to-quarter. For the whole year of 2012, the price index rose by 3.5% year-on-year to 120.1.
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