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The Government would continue to hand out a series of subsidies to help people tackle inflation as well as to enhance people's livelihood, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today. He was speaking at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly where he answered questions raised by 27 legislators on his governance and social issues. To help the low-income group, Mr Chui said the Government would give out MOP27 million patacas to help some 5,000 households who are already receiving financal allowance. The Government would also increase monthly electricity subsidies from MOP180 to MOP200 for residential households, spending MOP470 million in this campaign. On housing policies, since the Economical Housing Law allows the authority to adjust income ceiling for those applying for economical housing, the government planned to adjust the income ceiling of one-member families to MOP19,355 and two-member families to MOP38,710. He said the new adjustment would cover 80 per cent of Macao households, indicating more families would qualitify to purchase economical homes. The Government would also increase by eight per cent the total subsidy to families qualified and waiting for public housing units, from 1 September 2012 to 31 August 2013, Mr Chui said. The Chief Executive also revealed that a recent study had shown that Macao's property and real estate market appeared to be overheated, and that he had assigned the special group for promoting the substantial development of real estaste to stipulate new regaulation to stop this unhealthy phenomeno He stressed that the Government would strive to complete 19,000 public housing units by the end of 2012, and to provide more land to balance the demand and supply for private. The Government would continue to implement a series of relief measures: tax reduction, susidy on purchasing raw water, adding that the Working Group on Food Prices was dedicated to expand the supply of goods to Macao to stabilise the commodity prices. Speaking on cash handout policy, Mr Chui said the Government would continue to implement the cash handout policy in 2013. The Chief Executive also dealt with questions on social security fund, public services, environmental protection, education, labour rights and other issues. This was the second time the Chief Executive attended the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly, the first was on 26 April 2012.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the population estimate of Macao was 568,700 as at 30 June 2012, an increase of 5,800 (+1.0%) compared with end-March. In the second quarter of 2012, there were 1,655 live births, up by 4.9% quarter-to-quarter, with 905 male babies. Gender ratio of the newborn was 120.7, corresponding to 120.7 male babies per 100 female babies. In the first half year of 2012, a total of 3,233 live births were recorded, up by 23.1% year-on-year. Number of mortality cases totalled 468 in the second quarter, down by 9.5% quarter-to-quarter; the top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (161 cases), Diseases of the Circulatory System (122 cases) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (87 cases). In the first half year of 2012, mortality went up by 6.7% year-on year to 985 cases and 66.7% of the total aged 65 and above. Number of non-resident workers totalled 102,557 at the end of the second quarter, up by 3,893 quarter-to-quarter. Individuals authorized to reside in Macao recorded a net outflow of 59 in this quarter. In the second quarter of 2012, there were 993 immigrants from Mainland China, up by 178 quarter-to-quarter. Meanwhile, 280 illegal Chinese immigrants were repatriated, a decrease of 7 quarter-to-quarter. A total of 892 cases of marriage registration were recorded, down by 18.2% over the first quarter of 2012. In the first half year of 2012, there were 1,982 cases of marriage registration, up by 20.0% year-on-year.
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Crime statistics for the first half of the year showed a significant drop in robberies, thanks to promotional anti crime campaigns and related initiatives.
In the first six months of this year there were 126 cases of robberies, a 5.7 per cent drop compared with the first six months of 2011.
This was disclosed by the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, at a press conference today at the security force headquarters on crime statistics for the first half of 2012. Mr Cheong said police would continue with their initiatives, and to educate residents and visitors on crime prevention.
Juvenile crimes recorded 45 cases with a drop of 26.2 per cent from the corresponding period last year. However, total crimes recorded a 5 per cent increase with 6,222 cases (+294 cases). This was mainly in cases of theft where people found property and not return them. Mr Cheong appealed to residents and visitors to look after their own properties carefully: more promotional activities would be launched shortly to educate them about this.
Crimes against property increased 8.9 per cent with a total of 3,612 cases in the reporting period: pick-pocketing cases recorded a drop of 5.7 per cent.
In Crimes Against The Person -- one of the five major categories of crimes classified in the Penal Code of Macao – Wounding accounted for a drop of 5.7 per cent to 816 cases. Criminal intimidation cases increased 53.4 per cent to 47 cases. Crimes against society increased 1.4 per cent with 347 cases, due to a 55.3 per cent increase in the use of forged documents.
Other crimes not included in the above classifications increased 4.1 per cent, with 660 cases.
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Since its establishment in June this year, the working group on food prices has started its price survey work on different kinds of food items. Prices of rice, cooking oil, canned foods, beverages and eggs were collected from over 20 supermarkets and grocery stores in July.
According to data released by the working group, among the 5 categories of food items, beverages recorded the most significant price difference. Many beverage items sold at various retail spots recorded double, or even triple price differences, prices of 'Cool Distilled Water (750ml)' in different outlets varied for over 200 percent. Obvious price differences of over 36 percent were also observed in cooking oil and canned foods while differences of about 20 percent were observed in both eggs and rice prices. Among the 5 categories of 71 food items, the top 3 food items with most price differences in each category are: Beverages
- Cool Distilled Water /750ml (lowest price $2.0/highest price $6.2), price difference: 210.00%
- Bonaqua Mineralized Water/770ml (lowest price $2.5/highest price $5.9), price difference: 136.00%
- Watsons Water Pure Distilled/430ml (lowest price $2.8/highest price $5.9), price difference: 110.71%
Cooking oil
- Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil/500ml (lowest price $35.0/highest price $47.9), price difference: 36.86%
- Mazola Corn Oil/3.5L (lowest price $89.0/highest price $118.0), price difference: 32.58%
- Tripod Brand Top Quality Pure Peanut Oil/2L (lowest price $71.0/highest price $94.0), price difference: 32.39%
Canned foods
- Ma Ling Premium Ham Luncheon Meat/340g (lowest price $16.8/highest price $22.9), price difference: 36.31%
- Del Monte Sardines in Tomato Sauce/215g (lowest price $13.9/highest price $17.5), price difference: 25.9%
- Greatwall Brand Chopped Pork & Ham/340g (lowest price $21.6/highest price $26.5), price difference: 22.69%
Eggs - Fred Meyer Grade AA Extra Large Eggs/12 pcs (lowest price $18.8/highest price $22.8), price difference: 21.28%
- Surewin Egg/8 pcs (lowest price $12.0/highest price $14.5), price difference: 20.83%
- Select US Grade A Fresh Extra Large White/Brown Eggs (lowest price $19.9/highest price $22.9), price difference: 15.08%
Rice
- Golden Rabbit/10kg (lowest price $123.0/highest price $148.8), price difference: 20.98%
- Golden Elephant Brand Premium Jasmine Rice/8kg (lowest price $119.0/highest price $143.0), price difference: 20.17%
- Kangaroo Brand/5kg (lowest price $75.0/highest price $88.0), price difference: 17.33% The working group on food prices indicates that different levels of price differences, some quite extreme, were recorded in those food items surveyed. Consumers are advised to compare prices at different retail outlets, especially if some on sale items are really cheaper than those offered in other retail spots. The working group will continue to expand its survey work to provide comprehensive price information to consumers. Prices of the abovementioned 5 categories of food items can be found on the Consumer Council's website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo/c/supermarket/en/price.asp).
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Training units of Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) received recognition again. Having awarded "Travelers' Choice Award" by TripAdvisor, a well-known global tourists' website in 2011 and 2012 and recommended by the "Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide Book" for 4 consecutive years, Pousada de Mong Há, one of the training units of IFT, was honorably awarded by TripAdvisor China Official Website Daodao.com this year with "2012 Certificate of Excellence Award". Another training unit of IFT - Educational Restaurant, which has received positive comments for years and recommended by the Michelin Hong Kong Macau Guide Book for 4 consecutive years, was awarded "2012 Certificate of Excellence award" by TripAdvisor China Official Website Daodao.com this year. With its excellent service and culinary quality provided to guests, it was ranked at the top of 166 restaurants in Macao. All these awards recognised the high quality of service and professionalism of students and the training units. Being the training units, Pousada de Mong Há and Educational Restaurant aim to provide a practical learning environment for students, and with the professionalism of teachers, students can acquire the precious hands-on experiences and the skills for actual operation. Educational Restaurant and Pousada de Mong Há are located at Colina de Mong Há (The Mong Há Hill). It is like a gateway place from the busy city life and guests can fully relax in this natural and picturesque environment. They offer unforgettable experiences of flavours, aromas and accommodation created by the restaurant and hotel team together with the superb service provided by students. There, guests can experience the true Macanese hospitality and service. IFT is the only institute of higher education in Macao which focuses on fostering professionals in tourism and hospitality related industry. It offers degree and professional programmes in a wide range of tourism-related disciplines. Through international recruitment, the institute builds up a teaching team which consists of professionals from over 10 countries or regions. It also invites professionals from the industry to serve as part time instructors so that students can be updated with the industry trends and requirements. IFT also has protocol signed with many internationally recognised institutes for exchange programme which provides students with chances to study overseas for one semester or one year to broaden their international experience. Students can also perform their internship programme overseas for one semester, getting ready for their career path in the future.
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According to latest data announced by the inter-departmental working group on food prices, during the end of last year to July this year, 23 out of 34 surveyed cafés recorded price increase in their prices of takeaway hot milk tea. According to data released by the working group, 34 cafés were surveyed for their prices of takeaway hot milk tea thrice in December of last year, this February and July. Survey results showed that among the surveyed cafés, 23 of them had increased their prices of takeaway hot milk tea once during the 7-month period: 11 cafés recorded price increases of less than 10 percent to 10 percent and 12 cafés recorded price increases over 10 percent; 'Café World Cup', located in Taipa, recorded a price increase of almost 18 percent for its takeaway hot milk tea. Survey results also showed that prices were mostly raised early this year, as prices of takeaway hot milk tea in early 2012 at 17 cafés were found to have increased when compared with figures recorded in late 2011. Further, the working group on food prices collected prices of 5 different food and beverage items from 39 cafés and fast food restaurants this July. Survey result showed that the highest and lowest price of takeaway hot milk tea differed for over 80 percent: the highest price recorded was $14.0 while the lowest price recorded was $7.5. The general price of takeaway hot milk tea in cafés and fast food restaurants in different areas of Macao ranged from $9.0 to $9.5. For takeaway coffee, the highest price was $16.0 while the lowest was $7.5 and the general price of hot coffee ranged from $9.0 to $9.5. Takeaway prices of egg sandwich ranged from $8.0 to $16.0, with a price difference of 100 percent, though a general takeaway price of about $11.0 to $12.0 was recorded in over 30 surveyed spots. For toast with butter, takeaway prices ranged from the lowest $6.0 to the highest $13.0, which differed for more than double but most of the surveyed cafés were selling at about $7.5 to $8.0. For takeaway instant noodle, prices ranged from $10.0 to $20.0 and the general price recorded was about $12.0 to $13.0 Excerpt from the price survey on food and beverage items from cafés and fast food restaurants: Please read attachment The working group indicates that regional distribution has no influence on the price discrepancies of these 5 kinds of food and beverage items, prices are probably determined by the business model of the cafés and restaurants as well as choices of ingredients. Consumers may adjust their choices of cafés and fast food restaurants according to personal needs. The working group will continue to collect prices of food and beverage items from cafés and fast food restaurants and expand the variety of surveyed items. Survey results on takeaway prices of food items from cafés and fast food restaurants are now available on the Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo).
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 949 new companies were incorporated in the second quarter of 2012, up by 4.2% year-on-year; total value of registered capital decreased significantly by 72.2% to MOP89 million. The majority of new incorporations were operating in Wholesale and Retail (346), Business Services (190) and Construction (125). In terms of value of registered capital, a total of 671 new incorporations (70.7% of total) registered with capital under MOP50,000 and the value of capital was merely MOP18 million; however, there were 20 new companies with registered capital of MOP1,000,000 or over, and the value of capital (MOP36 million) accounted for 40.2% of the total, indicating the predominance of new incorporations with small capital. Analysed by place of residence of the shareholders, capital of the new companies came mainly from Macao (MOP56 million); Mainland China (MOP22 million), including the MOP20 million from the 9 Provinces of the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region; and Hong Kong (MOP7 million). Besides, there were 601 new companies established solely by Macao shareholders, and 140 were joint ventures between shareholders from Macao and other countries or regions. In the second quarter of 2012, number of companies in dissolution totalled 131 and the value of registered capital amounted to MOP21 million; among them, 56 were operating in Wholesale and Retail. In the first half year of 2012, a total of 1,830 new companies were incorporated, up by 9.0% year-on-year; total value of registered capital dropped by 28.1% to MOP288 million. Number of companies in dissolution totalled 261, of which 104 were operating in Wholesale and Retail.
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A number of government departments are closely monitoring the situation regarding plastic pellets which fell off a ship during a recent story, for fear it may drift to Macao. So far there is no sign of them.
According to Hong Kong authorities, six containers filled with pellets were lost from a ship in waters south of Hong Kong during Typhoon Vicente last month. A quantity of the pellets washed onto a number of beaches.
The Port Authority said no plastic pellet was found in Macao's waters nor along the coasts. If plastic pellets are found, the authority will immediately send a team to clean them up.
The Environmental Protection Bureau said the plastic pellets are non-toxic and had not polluted the sea, according to the information from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. The Bureau will continue to monitor the changes of water quality in Macao and the neighbouring waters.
The Health Bureau said the plastic pellets are non-toxic that will not harm human body. Considering there is a certain distance between Hong Kong and Macao, and the pellets are not dissolvable in water, the incident will have limited effect on Macao. The Bureau appealed to residents not to worry.
The Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau has enhanced examination on live fisheries and local catches, and suggested people remove organs and clean thoroughly any fish before cooking.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply increased slightly in June compared with the previous month. As total loans grew significantly faster than deposits, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector continued to rise.
Money supply
Currency in circulation rose 2.3% while demand deposits dropped 1.0%. M1 thus decreased 0.5% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities grew 0.4%, pushing M2 to increase by 0.3% to MOP321.5 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 5.6% and 18.6% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 26.2%, up 0.4 percentage points over a month ago but down 0.5 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 54.0%, down 0.3 percentage points month-to-month but up 0.4 percentage points year-on-year.
Deposits
Resident deposits grew 0.3% from the preceding month to MOP314.4 billion. Of which, MOP deposits and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 1.7% and 0.2% while HKD deposits decreased 0.3%. In the meantime, non-resident deposits grew 1.8% to MOP125.7 billion while public sector deposits with the banking sector dropped 0.3% to MOP39.3 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector rose 0.6% from a month earlier to MOP479.5 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 21.4% and 45.2% respectively.
Loans
Domestic loans to the private sector increased 2.5% from a month ago to MOP179.8 billion. Among which, MOP48.5 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP113.5 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 27.0% and 63.1% of the total respectively. Compared with a quarter ago, loans to "manufacturing industries", loans to "wholesale and retail trade" and "car loans" increased at respective rates of 21.5%, 10.2% and 12.1% whereas those to "transport, warehouse and communications" and "non-monetary financial institutions" dropped 77.0% and 11.5% respectively. External loans rose 6.8% to MOP201.4 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.6% (MOP1.2 billion) and 24.6% (MOP49.6 billion) respectively.
Loan-to-deposit ratios
As domestic loans to the private sector grew faster than resident deposits, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-June rose 1.2 percentage points month-to-month to 50.8%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors was 79.5%, up 3.1 percentage points from end-May.
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Jointly organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Fair (GMBPF) concluded successfully today. The four-day event attracted over 136,800 attendance and as of 3pm, recorded over MOP40,500,000 sales volume. In addition, it concluded a total of 12 presentations, a fourm, 873 business matching sessions between Guangdong and Macao brands (including 79 business matching sessions in Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade and Exhibition Center) and 16 cooperation protocols. 16 cooperation protocols signed
The Organizers endeavored to seek potential cooperation partners and arranged business matching sessions and negotiations for corporations from Guangdong and Macao, which resulted in the signing of 16 protocols (an increase of 23% year-on-year), including 1 contract, 2 agreements, 12 letters of intent and 1 memorandum. The signing parties include the Chinese Mainland (67.8%), Zhuhai (36.8%), Guangzhou (31.6%), Shenzhen (10.5%), Jiangmen (10.5%), Zhongshan (5.3%), Foshan (5.3%), Macao (28.6%) and Hong Kong (3.6%). These protocols include a memorandum "2013 Macao - Guangzhou Famous Products Fair" signed between IPIM and the Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangzhou Municipality and a cooperation agreement "2013 Joint Meeting and Networking Seminar between Guangzhou and Macao Trade Promotion Organisations and Associations of Industry" between IPIM and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangzhou Council. Other contents cover the procurement of motorbikes & vehicle tyres, retails and wholesales of LED products, agricultural machinery products and textiles imported to Macao. 2012 GMBPF concludes various projects in business matching and sourcing and purchasing sessions
The Organizers received a total of 294 projects for business matching from Macao and Guangdong brands. During the event, a total of 873 business matching and sourcing and purchasing sessions were organized, an increase of 13% compared to that of last year. Among them, 561 sessions or 64.3% were conducted between Macao and Guangdong corporations, an increase of 13% year-on-year; 105 sessions or 12% were conducted between Macao corporations, an increase of 15% year-on-year; 144 sessions or 16.5% were conducted between Guangdong corporations, an increase of 7% year-on-year; and 63 sessions or 7.2% were conducted between Macao, Guangdong and overseas corporations, an increase of 26% year-on-year. These projects mainly involve food, supermarket supplies, consumer goods, daily necessities, electronic products and domestic appliances, clothing and accessories, toys and children products, etc. "Forum on Guangdong and Macao Products Packaging Design Cooperation & Development" helps corporations improve marketing skills
On the second day of the Fair, the IPIM and the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province jointly organized the "Forum on Guangdong and Macao Products Packaging Design Cooperation & Development", during which experts and scholars were invited to exchange ideas and discuss on the cooperation opportunities in area of product packaging design, in order to help corporations from the two regions improve their marketing skills. Over the four days, the Fair hosted 12 presentations for the purpose of providing a promotion platform for the participating corporations, during which product promotions were organized on the spot, while participants were briefed on the latest business opportunities and market information. The themes of these presentations cover "The Health Promoting Effect and Collection of Natural Crystal", "Health and Beauty - the Secret to Chinese tea", and "The Value and Types of Lingzhi Mushroom" etc. Newly added Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade and Exhibition Center receives anticipated results
To highlight the role of the Fair as a platform, the Organizers has specially set up the Guangdong & Macao Branded Products Trade and Exhibition Center in the venue to display three products with the highest quality chosen from the participating parties who are interested to seek their Macao distributors. These products include electronic products, domestic appliances, business gifts, kitchenware, bedding, domestic ceramics, Chinese and Western food, etc. The Organizers also invited 251 merchandisers from Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Portuguese speaking countries to the Center to conduct negotiations on sourcing and purchasing of wine, energy saving products, food, supermarket supplies, domestic appliances etc. During the four days, the Center conducted 79 business matching sessions, which resulted in 3 agency contracts. Negotiations on other potential projects were still underway. Branded products voting activity scales up participant's involvement
To build an effective channel to solicit direct comments from users towards the products and scaleup the level of involvement and participation of exhibitors and the public, the Organizers launched for the first time the "Vote for my favourite Guangdong and Macao Branded Product", inviting the public and professionals to vote via internet, mobile phone application and onsite voting. The closing date for the voting ended 6pm yesterday (4th August) and the award ceremony was held at the venue today, Gold Prize goes to Guangzhou Grandgift Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd; Silver Prize is Tin Un Tai Wo Group Co., Ltd.; and Bronze Prize goes to Guangdong Stationery & Sporting Goods I/E Corp. Moreover, 50 lucky voters were drawn by computer randomly to receive a gift worth MOP500. List of winner has been published at the venue and the official website and mobile phone application of the GMBPF. The gifts are to be collected at the Macau Fair & Trade Association. Carnival ambience added to attract more visitors
The 2012 GMBPF is a carnival-style trade and economic activity embracing trade, cultural exchange, shopping, leisure and entertainment. To boost the joyful atmosphere, the Organizers hosted various cultural and arts performance every day, attracting numerous local residents and tourists. Performers were invited from Macao, Hong Kong and Guangdong to present dance and singing, magic show, music concerts, etc. In addition, lucky draw was held in the four days. All list of winners will be published in the Macao Daily News and the official website of the GMBPF www.guangdongmacaofair.com on 7th August 2012. After the successful experience of the past three years, the Fair has become one of the notable exhibitions annually held in Macao, recording vigorous sales and purchase. The four-day event received over 136,800 attendance and as of 3pm, the cash turnover reached over MOP40,500,000. Online Virtual Platform - A Never-ending Fair Succeeding the experience of last year, the Organisers will upload all information and photos related to the exhibitors and exhibits onto the official website of the GMBPF (www.guangdongmacaofair.com) after the conclusion of the event so as to provide a "never-ending" virtual publicity platform for the Guangdong and Macao branded products. GMBPF strengths trade and economic cooperation between Guangdong and Macao
The 2012 GMBPF is of significance to deepening trade and economic cooperation between Guangdong and Macao. It not only helps promote brands and products from the two regions, but also strengthens exchanges and cooperation between the corporations. After four years of hard work, the Fair has become more mature and built up a reputation, and making full use of Macao's function as a "world tourism and leisure center" and its vantage of "commercial and trade services platform". The next GMBPF is scheduled in early August 2013. The Organizers will strive to actively promote cooperation and exchanges between Guangdong and Macao, and via forms of product sales and exhibition to boost the sales of Guangdong and Macao branded products, thereby creating more business opportunities for the corporations of the two regions.
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