News

Consumer Council conducted a price check on 8 different brands of shampoo and shower gel from 32 supermarkets and drugstores on 24th May, relevant data has been uploaded to the 'Specific Product Price Information Platform' on the Council's website. Consumer Council continues to extend the varieties of surveyed items for its specific price surveys, the current price survey on shampoo and shower gel includes 4 brands of shampoo and 4 brands of shower gel. Survey result shows that prices of the same brand sold in different outlets differed. Prices of 'Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo (700ml)', which recorded a price difference of 45.84 percent, was sold at $39.70 to $57.90 in different outlets; prices of 'VS' Sassoon Moisturizing Treatment Repair Shampoo (750ml)' also differed for 43.64 percent. For shower gel, 'Dove Nourishing Beauty Body Wash (1000ml)' was sold at $33.60 to $48.00, which equals to a difference of 42.86 percent. The Council indicates that selling prices of the same product are found to vary in different branches under the same supermarket chain stores. 'VS' Sassoon Moisturizing Treatment Repair Shampoo (750ml)', which was sold as a discounted item at Park'N Shop in Taipa, was $10.00 cheaper than that at the branch located at Bldg. Grandeur Heights in Macao. Consumers are advised to check with the data provided by the Council on its website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and its 'Supermarket price platform' apps to make price comparisons. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that consumption of Electricity decreased by 9.6% over the previous quarter to 821 million kWh in the first quarter of 2012. Consumption of Electricity by the Business sector (78.7% of total) dropped by 7.4% to 646 million kWh, with that of the Gaming sector falling by 7.7%; consumption by Households went down by 18.3% to 138 million kWh. Imports of Electricity decreased by 10.6% quarter-to-quarter to 747 million kWh in the first quarter, accounting for 88.2% of the available supply; meanwhile, local generation of Electricity rose by 6.0% to 110 million kWh. In the first quarter of 2012, consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased by 16.3% quarter-to-quarter to 12,746 tonnes, of which consumption by the Business sector and Households, increased by 14.8% and 20.2% respectively, sharing 67.1% and 31.1% of the total. Meanwhile, imports of LPG increased by 19.1% from the previous quarter to 12,444 tonnes, with the average price of imports rising by 13.2% to MOP9.59 per kilogram. The average price of all types of fuels and LPG products increased from the fourth quarter of 2011, with that of Unleaded Gasoline (MOP12.58 per litre) and Bottled LPG (MOP15.40 per kilogram) rising by 10.7% and 15.4% respectively quarter-to-quarter. At the end of the first quarter of 2012, stock of Gas Oil & Diesel (18.32 million litres) and LPG (1,540 tonnes) decreased by 16.1% and 12.6% respectively quarter-to-quarter.
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Macao and Sichuan would seek more room for co-operation on all aspects, based on the communication mechanism built up when Macao actively took part in reconstruction projects following the earthquakes in 2008. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said this today after he arrived in Sichuan from Beijing where he attended the opening ceremony of the China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). Mr Chui met with the Secretary of the Sichuan Provincial CPC Committee, Mr Liu Qibao on his arrival. Mr Liu said in the meeting that the Sichuan Government had highly appreciated the massive relief works contributed by the Macao Government. He said the disaster area has been reconstructed rapidly, thanks to contributions by the Macao Government, adding that all except two of 105 relief projects sponsored by Macao have been completed, with the remaining to be finished within this year. He said Sichuan had high regards for the co-operation with Macao and both sides might seek for more joint projects based on the good communication mechanism and platform. The Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said Macao top officials highly regarded the relief projects and visited Sichuan to inspect those projects over the past years. He said he was delighted to see reconstruction had gone ahead smoothly. Mr Ho also said that as the two governments continued to enhance co-operation in the near future, he believed more Macao businesspeople would invest in Sichuan and in entire western region.
Mr Chui, in reviewing the works done by the two governments over the past four years, said the reconstruction projects in the disaster areas went smoothly and this demonstrated a good and co-operative relation between the two governments.
Mr Chui said that Macao and Sichuan would broaden and build up co-operation in all areas, and the two governments would plan more co-operative projects in the latter half of the year. Mr Li Benjun, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, was also in the meeting. Macao officials at the meeting included the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam.
Mr Chui and the Macao delegation will attend the festivities to celebrate the completion of the multi-functional stadium sponsored by the Macao Government
On 12 May 2008, after a powerful earthquake that hit Wenchuan in Sichuan, the Macao Government injected five billion patacas for reconstruction works and Macao Foundation injected 500 million patacas for works in the province as well.
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The cultural heritage of Macao's Mong Ha District is abundant and evident throughout the area. To better explain the history and value of this district's cultural sites and to assist tourists with directions and navigation, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has completed a preliminary installation of informative signposts. Currently, 13 locations of historical and cultural value are marked with the new signposts. They are the Barrier Gate, Lin Fung Temple, the Stone Bearing the Coat of Arms of Portugal at the side of Lin Fung Temple, Sin Fong Temple, Kun Iam Tchai Temple and Seng Wong Temple, Mong Ha Hill, Mong Ha Fort, Kun Iam Tong (Temple), the Site of the Signing of the Treaty of Wanghia, the Stone Bearing the Coat of Arms of Portugal next to the stone steps leading to Mong Ha Neighbourhood, Montanha Russa Park, Dona Maria Hill and Dona Maria Fort. The signposts narrate the history and culture of these various sites of cultural interest in Chinese, Portuguese, English and Japanese. While, for Macao's tourists, they serve to imbue the sites with greater historical meaning, for residents, the signposts add to the District's cultural and touristic value, increasing the overall number and distribution of points of interest on the historical and cultural map of Macao. The recently installed signposts are markers for the cultural relics in Mong Ha District. In the future, a considerable number of new maps and signs will also be added along the District's main thoroughfare, Avenida do Coronel Mesquita, to assist both tourists and residents in locating the sites. The Cultural Affairs Bureau plans further installations of these informative signposts at various other cultural sites in Macao, the next targeted district being St. Lazarus.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the unemployment rate for February-April 2012 was 2.0% and the underemployment rate was 0.8%, both remained unchanged from the previous period (January-March). Economically active population (labour force) was 345,000 and the labour force participation rate stood at 72.4%, with total employment decreasing by 1,600 over the previous period to 338,000. Analyzed by industry, employment of Hotels & Similar Activities saw increase, while that of Real Estate & Business Activities; Gaming; and Retail Trade registered decrease. Number of the unemployed held stable at 6,900, with 12.1% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, down by 0.3 percentage point. In comparison with February-April 2011, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate dropped by 0.7 and 0.6 percentage point respectively; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate rose by 0.8 percentage point.
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Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On, met with the Minister of Commerce of People's Republic of China, Mr Chen Deming, in Beijing today and exchanged views on development of the exhibition industry, goods supplies and Macao's role as a service platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
Mr Chen first welcomed Mr Chui and the Macao delegation's participation in the first China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), which opens tomorrow (28 May).
He said development of the exhibition industry is not only a world trend, but brings in revenue and create employment opportunities.
In recent years, China had firstly developed the exhibition industry in Hong Kong, Macao and Guangzhou, to promote growth of economic development. Meanwhile, by introducing advanced exhibition products from around the world, mainland enterprises could re-adjust their business structure and make changes accordingly, said Mr Chen.
He said the Ministry of Commerce would provide support to Macao in developing the exhibition industry, the same support it has given Hong Kong.
Mr Chen also acknowledged Mr Chui's support to the Ministry, especially in promoting a good relationship between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. He re-iterated that the Ministry would guarantee no shortage in daily necessities to Macao which would help keep prices stable.
The Chief Executive thanked the Ministry's long-term support given to the Macao SAR, on the steady and sufficient supply of food and goods, which helped Macao residents deal with the pressures caused by inflation.
On promoting the co-operation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries, Mr Chui said the Macao Government would act according to the guidance from the Central Government, as a bridge and a service platform.
He revealed that the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, would visit the Portuguese-speaking countries again to substantially promote Macao's role, adding that the Macao Government would be happy to train Portuguese-speaking talents for the State. Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, was also present at the meeting. Macao officials at the meeting included the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met with the Mayor of Beijing, Mr Guo Jinlong today when they exchanged views on enhancing co-operation between Beijing and Macao.
During the meeting, Mr Guo introduced Mr Chui and the Macao officials in his delegation to the operation and scale of the first China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). Mr Guo said he was grateful that Mr Chui had high regards for Fair.
Mr Guo said that the good relationship between Beijing and Macao could be seen from the increasing interaction on economics, tourism, culture and education. He said the two places would enhance co-operation in the future, and he also wished the Macao business delegation, led by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, would have complete successes in the CIFTIS. Mr Chui said that the CIFTIS is a valuable opportunity and an important platform for the Macao Government and business sector to further promote Macao as the world tourism and leisure centre and a trading and business platform for the Portuguese-speaking countries.
He also said he hoped Macao and Beijing would further enhance exchange and co-operation on trading service, tourism, culture and education through the participation of CIFTIS.
Ms. Gao Yan, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, were also present at the meeting. The Macao officials at the meeting included the Chief-of-Office of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council, Ms O Lam, the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping. The Macao delegation also attended the welcome banquet hosted by the People's Government of the Beijing Municipality.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, left today for Beijing to attend the first China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services, which opens on Monday (28 May). Before his departure at the Macao International Airport, reporters asked if he would discuss with the Central Government the proposed 24-hour customs clearance at the boundary checkpoints. Mr Chui told them that according to the Framework Agreement on Co-operation between Guangdong and Macao signed last year, which included the "Hierarchical management" at Hengqin Border Checkpoints and convenient border crossing, the Guangdong and Macao governments would make efforts to secure authorization from the Central Government to extend customs clearance operating hours and eventually achieve round-the-clock operation. He said that the two governments were also planning to build a new passage and would present the proposal to the Central Government as soon as possible. Mr Chui also said that during his stay in Beijing, he will meet with officials from the Ministry of Commerce to exchange views on broadening the sources of supply, methods to further promote CEPA, and the importation of domestic helpers from the mainland. When the media asked about the land in the recent case involving the former Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Ao Man Long, Mr Chui stressed that Macao Government would act according to the law and would not interfere with the judicial process. Since Ao's case 2006 December, the SAR Government has executed the court's judgment, which included land concession, franchises, restriction on the height of buildings. He said the Government also retrieved land through administrative process. He said that the Court of Final Appeal would soon have a final decision on the land grant in this case and the Government would only carry out its ruling. After visiting Beijing, Mr Chui would proceed to Sichuan on the afternoon of 28 May where he and his delegation will attend the festivities to celebrate the completion of the multi-functional stadium sponsored by the Macao Government.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released results of the Survey on Manpower Needs and Wages for the first quarter of 2012. Survey coverage comprised the Manufacturing sector; Hotels & Restaurants; the Insurance sector; Financial Intermediation Activities and the Electricity, Gas & Water Supply sector, excluding own-account workers, as well as insurance agents and brokers not directly employed by insurance companies. At the end of the first quarter of 2012, the Manufacturing sector had 11,160 paid employees, down by 10.4% year-on-year, with those working in Manufacture of Wearing Apparel (3,897) and Manufacture of Textiles (608) decreasing significantly by 26.1% and 27.9% respectively. In addition, there were 3,180 paid employees in Manufacturing of Food Products, up by 10.8% year-on-year. In March 2012, average earnings (excluding bonuses and allowances) of full-time employees rose by 13.6% year-on-year to MOP7,340, with Sewing machine operators earning MOP3,610 in average. Hotels & Restaurants took on 63,204 paid employees, up by 17.2% year-on-year. With new hotels coming into operation, number of paid employees in hotels surged significantly by 18.7% year-on-year to 41,722. In March, average earnings of full-time employees rose by 4.4% year-on-year to MOP11,170. Waiters/waitresses of hotels earned an average of MOP7,790, while those of restaurants earned MOP6,480. Housekeeping staff earned MOP7,210. The Electricity, Gas & Water Supply sector had 1,062 paid employees, unchanged year-on-year. Average earnings of full-time employees increased by 2.8% over March 2011 to MOP22,860. The Insurance sector took on 458 paid employees, up by 1.3% year-on-year. Average earnings of full-time employees in March rose by 9.1% year-on-year to MOP20,450. Financial Intermediation Activities had 445 paid employees, up by 5.0% year-on-year. In March, average earnings of full-time employees increased by 8.7% year-on-year to MOP12,750. At the end of the first quarter of 2012, the Hotel sector reported 2,457 vacancies, down significantly by 53.2% from the third quarter of 2011; restaurants had 3,362 vacancies; meanwhile, Manufacturing offered 1,449 vacancies of which 588 were in Manufacture of Food Products and 480 in Manufacture of Wearing Apparels. In terms of recruitment prerequisites, 65.0% of the vacant posts in Insurance sector and 59.8% of those in Hotels & Restaurants required work experience. As regards educational attainment, 76.3% of the vacancies in the Manufacturing sector and 68.9% in the Hotels & Restaurants required junior secondary education or lower; meanwhile, all of those in the Insurance sector and 80.0% of the vacancies in Financial Intermediation Activities required senior secondary education or higher. Besides Cantonese, knowledge of Mandarin and English were respectively required in 85.0% and 95.0% of the vacancies in the Insurance sector; meanwhile, the respective percentages for those in Hotels & Restaurants were 58.7% and 41.9%. With respect to the indicators that measure inflow and outflow of human resources, as well as staffing needs, Hotels & Restaurants had the highest employee recruitment rate (11.2%) and employee turnover rate (7.5%), indicating rapid turnover of employees in this sector. The Manufacturing sector had the highest job vacancy rate of 12.4%, which was followed by the Hotels & Restaurants, at 9.0%.
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According to the statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, the proportion of international business in the local banking sector remained high in the first quarter of 2012. At end-March 2012, the share of international assets in total banking assets remained virtually unchanged from end-2011 at 84.7%, while the share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities advanced to 81.3% from 79.7%. Foreign currencies were the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At end-March 2012, the shares of Pataca (MOP) in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.4% and 1.6% respectively. Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) and Other Foreign Currencies (OFCs) accounted for 39.9% and 59.7% of total international assets as well as 44.6% and 53.9% of total international liabilities respectively. International Banking Assets
At end-March 2012, total international assets grew by 7.3% from a quarter ago or 18.3% from a year earlier to MOP598.1 billion (USD74.8 billion). Within this total, external assets and local assets in foreign currencies expanded year-on-year by 17.4% to MOP460.3 billion and 21.5% to MOP137.8 billion respectively. As a major component of international assets, external loans & deposits increased by 17.5% to MOP431.2 billion. In particular, cross-border non-bank loans expanded by 23.1%. International Banking Liabilities
Total international liabilities went up by 9.6% from three months ago or 23.8% year-on-year to MOP574.3 billion (USD71.8 billion). Of this total, external liabilities and local liabilities in foreign currencies grew year-on-year by 24.0% to MOP312.9 billion and 23.6% to MOP261.4 billion respectively. Foreign currency deposits held by residents continued to form a major component of international liabilities. This type of deposits grew by 24.4% to MOP242.5 billion at end-March 2012 from MOP194.9 billion at end-March 2011. Concurrently, overseas non-bank deposits increased by 44.3%. Breakdown of External Banking Assets and Liabilities by Region
The majority of external assets and liabilities were related to the regions of Asia and Europe. At end-March 2012, claims on Hong Kong and Mainland China occupied 35.5% and 23.4% of total external assets respectively, while claims on Portugal and Luxembourg took up 10.6% and 2.7% correspondingly. On external liabilities, Hong Kong and Mainland China accounted for 46.3% and 9.7% of the total respectively while France and Portugal took up respective shares of 5.4% and 2.6%. The compilation of International Banking Statistics follows the methodology advocated by the Bank for International Settlements in order to facilitate Macao SAR's participation in the "Locational International Banking Statistics" project of the international organisation. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao
(Tel：83952532; Fax：28353042)
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