News

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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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for December 2012 amounted to MOP683 million, down by 7.0% year-on-year, the first decline after ten consecutive months of increase; value of re-exports (MOP492 million) and domestic exports (MOP190 million) decreased by 3.3% and 15.4% respectively. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP6.62 billion, up by 2.9% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit widened to MOP5.94 billion for December 2012. In the fourth quarter of 2012, total value of merchandise export (MOP2.01 billion) and merchandise import (MOP18.82 billion) increased by 4.8% and 5.3% respectively year-on-year, resulting in a trade deficit of MOP16.81 billion. For the whole year of 2012, total value of merchandise export increased by 17.1% year-on-year to MOP8.16 billion, attributable to a 28.2% increase in re-exports (MOP5.87 billion), but domestic exports (MOP2.28 billion) decreased by 4.4%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 13.9% to MOP70.93 billion. Merchandise trade deficit reached MOP62.77 billion in 2012. In 2012, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP4.10 billion) and Mainland China (MOP1.37 billion) increased by 31.7% and 24.7% respectively year-on-year, while export to the USA (MOP507 million) and the EU (MOP316 million) decreased by 8.7% and 17.7% respectively. Exports of Non-textiles (MOP7.11 billion) in 2012 expanded by 26.2% year-on-year, of which exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP1.43 billion) and Travel goods & handbags (MOP211 million) surged by 127.1% and 110.1% respectively; yet, exports of Textiles & garments (MOP1.05 billion) decreased by 21.3%. Domestic exports of Tobacco & wine (MOP528 million) rose by 12.7%, while exports of Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP335 million) declined by 25.3%. Re-exports of Machines & apparatus, parts & accessories thereof (MOP1.42 billion) soared by 129.0%. In 2012, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP23.20 billion) and the EU (MOP16.65 billion) increased by 21.3% and 7.4% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 12.3% to MOP43.36 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP7.37 billion), Watches (MOP5.15 billion) and Motor cars & motorcycles (MOP3.31 billion) increasing by 10.7%, 30.6% and 33.9% respectively; however, imports of Tobacco (MOP508 million) dropped by 39.7%. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP13.16 billion) registered a year-on-year increase of 21.5%. External merchandise trade reached MOP79.09 billion in 2012, up by 14.2% compared with MOP69.26 billion in 2011.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) will hold the grand outdoor Chinese New Year celebrations namely "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 3rd and 7th day of Lunar New Year, with programs including float parade, 1,000-artists performance, fireworks display and float exhibition, etc. to celebrate the joy of Lunar New Year together with citizens and visitors. MGTO held a press conference today (January 31) introducing the event preparation details. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Administration Committee member of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), Ma Kam Keong and Head of Cultural Events Department in Cultural Affairs Bureau (ICM), Ieong Chi Kin were present today. During the conference, Director Fernandes expressed that the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will take place at Macau Central District and Northern District on the 3rd and 7th night of Lunar New Year respectively. Close to 1,000 artists will participate in the performance highlighted by fireworks display on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year. The parade floats will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square. It is anticipated that the event will boost the charm and festive ambience of Macau and divert visitors into different districts through a variety of activities in accord with the Development Plan for Community Tourism. MGTO, IACM and ICM are the organizers of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" while The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau Northern District is the supporting entity. The major programs will take place at night on the 3rd and 7th day of Lunar New Year. The highlights include a launch ceremony, float parade, 1,000-artists performance, stage show, fireworks display and float exhibition. The launch ceremony of the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will take place on Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van at 8 p.m. on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year, whereas another parade's launch ceremony will take place on Avenida do Conselheiro Borja at 8 p.m. on the 7th day of Lunar New Year. 10 floats will take part in the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year. Besides, 28 local associations will arrange nearly 1,000 artists to perform along the parade. The parade will commence from Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van, pass through Avenida Dr. Stanley Ho and reach the destination at Sai Van Lake Square. There will be stage performance at Sai Van Lake Square at 9 p.m. on the day. Upon the parade's arrival at the square, part of the performing teams will stage their performance as well, followed by Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Lighting devices and icicle lights will be installed along the parade route, while curtain lights and meteor lights will be set up at the starting and finishing points. In addition, MGTO will install LED screens at Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van and live broadcast the parade through the LED screens at Rua de Pedro Nolasco da Silva and Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre so that audience can enjoy the whole spectacular show of the parade. Simultaneously, Teledifusão de Macau, S.A. (TDM) and Macau Cable TV will live broadcast the parade while the latter will also record the show for subsequent broadcast. Over 340 staff and nearly 230 volunteers will participate in the event. Similarly, 10 floats will take part in the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" on the 7th day of Lunar New Year. The parade will set off from Avenida do Conselheiro Borja and finish at Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon. Stage performance will be scheduled in Iao Hon Market Garden. The 10 floats joining the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" will be showcased at Sai Van Lake Square and Tap Seac Square respectively during February 12 – 24. The floats' lighting device will be on from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. during the above period. MGTO has begun the related promotion for the parade among citizens and visitors by television/radio, internet, commercials, printed materials, press, posters, leaflets, advertising boards and light boxes. MGTO will also participate in the Lantern Festival celebrations organized by IACM at Tap Seac Square on the 15th of the first lunar month, including float exhibition and artistic performance. In addition, MGTO will join hands with IACM again to co-organize the Lunar New Year celebrations on the 1st and 2nd day of Lunar New Year. Spring Festival celebrations will be held at the Ruins of St. Paul's and Senado Square on the 1st day of Lunar New Year. A 238-meter-long golden dragon will lead a parade across major tourist spots and enrich the festive atmosphere whilst demonstrating the traditional culture of Chinese New Year. MGTO will also distribute "Lai Si" to visitors during Lunar New Year by tradition and share the delight of Spring Festival with Macau citizens and visitors.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) and the Civil Aeronautical Board of Chile held air talks on 30 January 2013 in Santiago, Chile. The two parties reached consensus on the bilateral Air Services Agreement between Macao SAR and the Republic of Chile and initialed the text. Containing no limitations, the Agreement will create a fully liberal environment for the development of the air transport market between the two places. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Although both parties do not expect that direct flights between Macao and Chile will commence in the immediate future, considering that any designated airlines will be able to enjoy the liberal operation conditions once they are interested to operate the route between the two places in the future, the two delegations have adopted an open manner in their discussions and agreed that no limitations should be imposed. After the text has been finalized, the two sides initialed the Agreement, which allows the air services between the two places to be operated with fifth freedom and seventh freedom traffic rights and with no limitation on capacity, no limitation on the number of designated airlines and no limitation on the number of points to be served. Chile is the second country in South America after Brazil that has signed a bilateral air services agreement with Macao SAR. The country is now the fourth largest air transport market in South America. Its trade and commerce tides with the Asia and Pacific Regions are developing fast, especially those with mainland China. The President of AACM, Mr. Chan Weng Hong and the Secretary General of the Civil Aeronautical Board of Chile, Mr. Jaime Binder, were signatories of the Agreement on behalf of their government.
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It is compulsory for household property owners to get fire insurance coverage for their properties, Consumer Council therefore recently conducted a survey on fire insurance services provided by banks and insurance companies for consumers' reference.
According to the 'Guideline on Residential Mortgage Loans', institutions should take out insurance (e.g. fire insurance) for the collateral properties naming themselves as the beneficiary, irrespective of whether the cost of insurance is to be borne by the borrowers. The usual practice now is that the borrowers are requested by banks to get fire insurance to cover the structure of their properties.
Household property nowadays costs at least several million dollars and the fire insurance premiums involved amount to several thousands. Consumers are therefore concerned about the calculation of these premiums.
Result of the mentioned survey shows that it is generally accepted by banks for property owners to purchase fire insurance coverage from insurance companies, and the requested insured amount should equal to, or not less than the mortgage amount; certain banks also ask for an extra percentage based on the amount of mortgage as the insured amount. For insurance companies, each company requires different insured amount and the standards involved are much complicated than those of banks.
Survey result also reveals that almost 50 percent of the surveyed banks and some insurance companies allow justifications of insurance premiums according to reduction of the mortgage amount, such application should be made by the policyholder to the bank or insurance company in written format and approval from banks is necessary for insurance companies. Details of the survey can be found in issue no. 232 of Consumer Report.
The current issue also features the result of a test on bottled water co-held by Consumer Council and Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM). 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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