News

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.
…

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.
…

According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) and commercial real estate loans (CRELs) continued to drop in December 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, both RMLs and CRELs witnessed increases. New Lending Approved In December 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks dropped 26.5% month-to-month to MOP2.6 billion; of which, 90.7% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents decreased 30.4% whereas the amount to non-residents expanded 59.6% compared with a month earlier. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) declined 59.3% month-to-month to MOP89.8 million. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 90.7% of the total, dropped 61.6% whereas the amount to non-residents edged up by 0.8%. New CRELs contracted 50.8% month-to-month to MOP2.3 billion; of which, 95.7% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents and non-residents dropped 51.3% and 35.9% respectively. Outstanding Balances As at end-December 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP96.7 billion, an increase of 0.8% from one month earlier. The resident component, which made up 93.0% of the total, grew 0.8% while outstanding RMLs to non-residents also edged up 0.5% compared with the previous month. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs went up by 2.0% from end-November to MOP68.9 billion. Residents accounted for 90.9% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents grew 2.3% whereas those to non-residents slid 1.0%. Delinquency Ratios At the end of December 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs saw slight decrease at 0.05%. The ratio for CRELs went up 0.04 percentage points from end-November to 0.18%. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total spending of visitors (excluding gaming expenses) amounted to MOP14.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 9% in comparison with MOP13.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011. Spending of overnight visitors totalled MOP12.6 billion and that of same-day visitors was MOP2.0 billion. For the whole year of 2012, total spending of visitors reached MOP52.3 billion, up by 15% from MOP45.3 billion in 2011. In the fourth quarter of 2012, per-capita spending of visitors was MOP2,019, an increase of 11% year-on-year. Per-capita spending of visitors from Mainland China was MOP2,574 and that of Mainland visitors travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) amounted to MOP2,610; besides, spending of visitors from Japan and Singapore stood at MOP1,788 and MOP1,641 respectively. As regards per-capita spending of long-haul visitors, those from Australia, the UK and the US spent MOP1,360, MOP1,230 and MOP1,155 respectively. For the whole year of 2012, per-capita spending of visitors was MOP1,864, up by 15% compared with MOP1,619 in 2011. Non-shopping spending of visitors rose by 19% year-on-year to MOP1,044 in the fourth quarter of 2012, of which expenses on Accommodation and Food & Beverage accounted for 51% and 35% respectively. Japanese visitors had the highest per-capita non-shopping spending of MOP1,633 and Singaporean visitors spent MOP1,186. In addition, shopping spending of visitors amounted to MOP975, up by 3% year-on-year. The preferred shopping items included Clothing (23%), Jewellery & Watches (19%), and Local Food Products (19%). Per-capita shopping spending of Mainland visitors took the lead at MOP1,445, with that of IVS visitors reaching MOP1,598. In the fourth quarter of 2012, per-capita spending of overnight visitors increased by 10% year-on-year to MOP3,573; per-capita spending of same-day visitors decreased by 17% to MOP534. Per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors amounted to MOP4,673 and MOP630 respectively; per-capita spending of overnight and same-day Mainland visitors travelling under IVS reached MOP4,803 and MOP987.
…

Owing to the work restructure in deliveries of mail items by Turkey Post, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packets, Parcels and EMS) from Macao to Turkey are subject to delay until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
…

The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, today visited the new campus of the University of Macau and attended a welcome banquet on the first day of his three-day visit to Macao. Mr Wu met with the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, at San Chok Un where Mr Chui brought him up to date on the latest development of Macao. After the meeting Mr Chui accompanied Mr Wu on a visit to the site of the new campus of the University of Macau at neighbouring Hengqin Island where Mr Wu was greeted by the Secretary of CPC Guangdong Committee, Mr Hu Chunhua, and the Governor of Guangdong, Mr Zhu Xiaodan. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, the President of Guangdong Nanyue Group, Mr Cao Dahua, and the Rector of the university, Mr Zhao Wei briefed Mr Wu about the campus. Mr Wu also asked questions about the university's construction, the composition of its students and its co-operation with other universities. On returning to Macao, Mr Wu met in succession the Vice Chairman of the CPPCC, Mr Ho Hau Wah; the heads of the executive authorities, legislature and judiciary of Macao; members of the community, and representatives of Central Government agencies in Macao and Mainland-funded institutions. Mr Wu and his delegation then attended a welcome banquet hosted by the Macao SAR Government. In his speech at the banquet, the Chief Executive said since the establishment of the Macao SAR, the Macao SAR Government had always been adhering to the Basic Law in its governance, with the full support by the Central Government. He said the Macao Government had always focused on developing the economy and enhancing the livelihood of residents, in order to cultivate a more harmonious society. The legal framework provided by the Basic Law ensured that Macao continued to develop its economy to enhance the well-being of the people, he said. In the future, the Macao SAR would continue to implement the Basic Law and adhere to the principles of 'One country, two systems', Macao people governing Macao' and a high degree of autonomy. Mr Wu Bangguo extended his best wishes to the Chief Executive and all the residents of Macao at the beginning of his speech. He said though this was his first visit to Macao, he had always cared about its development, and supported Macao through the National People's Congress. The Congress had made an explanation and decision on the revision of election methods of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Assembly, and also authorised Macao to administer the campus of the University of Macao on Hengqin Island, he said. Mr Wu said since the establishment of the Macao SAR, it had made huge successes and these achievements should be attributed to the leadership of the former and current Chief Executive and officials, as well as to the full support of the Central Government and the motherland, and basically, the full implementation of the principle of 'One country, two systems', and the exercise of the Basic Law. He believed that the Chief Executive and the Macao SAR Government would continue to lead and unite people from all walks of lives and attain further achievements, he said.
…

The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Wu Bangguo, arrived in Macao today for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Chief Execuitve, Mr Chui Sai On. He was greeted on the tarmac at Macau International Airport by the Chief Executive. Mr Wu, who is on his first official visit to Macao, said he wanted to see for himself the SAR's flourishing economy, harmonious communities and unique culture. "The Chief Executive and the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region have earnestly implemented the policy of 'One country, two systems' and steadfastly upheld the Basic Law since Macao's return to Chinese sovereignty," Mr Wu said in a written statement upon his arrival. The NPC Standing Committee Chairman said the SAR Government had led the people of Macao with a strong sense of duty and responsibility to cope with local issues. Mr Wu is in Macao at the invitation of the Chief Executive to attend tomorrow's special event marking the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of Macao. He is also scheduled to attend an event organised by the Macao Chinese Chamber of Commerce and visit the new campus of the University of Macau in Hengqin island, Zhuhai. Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Mr Edmumd Ho Hau Wah, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region Mr Bai Zhijian, and other principal officials of the MSAR Governemnt and central government officials posted to Macao were also at the airport to welcome Mr Wu.
…

Owing to the strike action taken by several trade unions in the airport of Spain, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packets and Parcels) from Macao to Spain are subject to delay until further notice.
…

According to preliminary statistics, Macau registered 936,974 visitor arrivals (including foreign workers and students) during February 9 and 15 (Golden Week Holidays in Mainland), marking a growth of 15.4% compared with last year's Spring Festival golden week. Among them, close to 630,000 visitors came from Mainland China, marking an increase of 25.5%. During the golden week, the average occupancy rate of 3 to 5 Star hotels reached 89%, a year-on-year increase of 1.2%. The total number of rooms supplied by all hotels and guest houses in Macau surged up to 28,643 rooms, a year-on-year growth of 24% equivalent to 5,562 rooms. The 3-Star and 4-Star hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 89% and 87.1% respectively, an increase of 2.9% and 0.7%, whereas 5-star hotels had an average occupancy rate of 90.9%, a slight decrease of 0.02%. Compared with the Spring Festival golden week last year, the number of 5-Star hotel rooms has increased by 4,522. According to the data provided by hotel industry, the average room rate of local 3 to 5 Star hotels reduced by 1.1%. The average room rate of guest houses during the golden week was 642 patacas, a year-on-year increase of 17.1%, while the average room rates of 2-Star and 3-Star hotels were 1,080.4 and 1,998 patacas respectively, a rise of 13.5% and 4%. On the other hand, the average room rates of 4-Star and 5-Star hotels were 1,816.6 and 2,281.6 patacas respectively, a decrease of 3.7% and 3.3%. The decrease in the average room rate of 5-Star hotels was attributed mainly to the reduced room rates of 2 resort hotels compared with the same period last year. It was also due to the reason that another 2 new grand hotels are inaugurated while one of them operates close to 3,900 rooms (constituting 20% of total 5-Star hotel rooms) and has an average room rate of 1,680 to 1,980 patacas. Due to the influence of same factors, the average room rate of 4-Star hotels dropped slightly as well. In response to the situation arisen in the Spring Festival golden week, Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) will discuss with related departments, industry partners and associations about the improvement of information release in terms of hotels, restaurants and visitors' trip planning before and during the golden week. On the other hand, MGTO first organized the "Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Snake" this year, hoping to extend the length of visitors' stay in Macau and divert visitors towards different districts. MGTO will reflect upon the feasibility of holding the event again in future and seek to refine the event arrangement and program. MGTO and Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province jointly operated the "Tourism Notification System for Spring Festival Golden Week" during February 9 and 15 (Golden Week Holidays in Mainland) and collaborated with relevant departments and hospitality entities to well facilitate the visitor reception during the Spring Festival golden week. MGTO conducted 53 inspections at border ports and main tourist spots. During February 9 and 15, MGTO sealed 4 premises allegedly used for provision of illegal accommodation. The information counters and tourism hotline service of MGTO operated as usual during the holidays. MGTO's tourism hotline 2833 3000 maintained its 24-hour operator service to answer visitors' enquiries. During Chinese New Year, MGTO received 17 complaints/assistance requests from visitors in total regarding accommodation, consumer and transportation service. MGTO has transferred the cases to the relevant entities for follow up.
…

In order to better promote healthy lifestyle and strengthen the awareness of environmental protection to students and staff, IFT is going to hold "2013 Healthy and Green Week" on 17– 22 February. Same as last year, IFT hopes to convey the message of building up a healthy and green campus together with students and staff by a series of events during the week. With all these events, students and staff are encouraged to be both physically and mentally involved in environmental protection and have a healthy lifestyle. There are various types of activities for 2013 Healthy and Green Week which include: • Hiking Fun at Grand Taipa Hiking Trail • Be a Green Walker – encouraging students and staff using public transportation, on foot or to share car. • Launching of green healthy menu at Windows Cafeteria for students and staff to promote healthy diet. • Seminar on Sports and Nutrition – inviting Sports Medical Centre of Macao Sport Development Board to deliver related seminars and physical fitness assessment for students and staff.
• Energizing Tour – visiting CEM Coloane Power Station for students and staff further exploring green energy development. • Planting Seminar – introducing a variety of plants and planting methods suitable for indoor cultivation.
• Recycle Week – collecting used clothes, toys, baby and child commodities, books and magazines to charity organisations. In the academic year of 2011/12, IFT had achieved a 7% electricity reduction per user through the completion of a series of energy saving projects, together with the help of the Energy Management Team, daily inspection and some other energy saving measures, making a great step forward to building a low carbon campus. Being an education institute, besides having the responsibility of training and cultivating students, it is also essential to promote environmental friendly and green living style among students and staff, contributing in building a green society and a livable city.
…