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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, on a monthly basis, broad money supply stayed flat in February. As external loans increased at a faster pace, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio witnessed a rebound. Money supply Currency in circulation and demand deposits dropped 6.2% and 8.9% respectively. M1 thus decreased 8.4% from one month earlier. Meanwhile, quasi-monetary liabilities rose 1.3%, offsetting the decline in narrow money supply. M2 therefore remained virtually unchanged from the preceding month at MOP310.6 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 5.0% and 23.0% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 26.2%, down 0.6 percentage points over a month ago or 2.5 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 53.9%, down 0.4 percentage points month-to-month but up 1.7 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits edged up 0.2% from the previous month to MOP303.7 billion. Of which, MOP deposits and HKD deposits decreased at respective rates of 1.7% and 0.8%, while other foreign currency deposits grew 5.3%. Concurrently, non-resident deposits rose 5.5% to MOP114.2 billion and public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 5.3% to MOP29.9 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector rose 1.8% from a month earlier to MOP447.8 billion. The shares of MOP and HKD in total deposits were 21.5% and 44.4% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector grew slightly by 0.3% on a monthly basis to MOP166.9 billion. Among which, MOP44.2 billion was MOP-denominated and MOP109.6 billion was denominated in HKD, representing 26.5% and 65.7% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans rose 7.2% to MOP168.2 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP and HKD accounted for 0.7% (MOP1.1 billion) and 31.1% (MOP52.4 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios As resident deposits increased at a faster pace than domestic loans to the private sector, the loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector dropped slightly by 0.2 percentage points month-to-month to 50.0% at end-February 2012. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors was 74.8%, up 1.3 percentage points from the previous month. For enquiry, please contact:
Research and Statistics Department, Monetary Authority of Macao (Tel: 83952532; Fax: 28353042)
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Consumer Council released its latest specific price surveys on tissue papers and cooking oil. The specific price survey on tissue and toilet papers was conducted on 2nd April. In comparison with data from February's survey, prices of 12 samples of tissue and toilet papers surveyed this time remained stable. Many brands which were surveyed this time, including 'C & S (Toilet Paper, Orange) (10pcs)', 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue (10pcs)', and 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3 ply) (10pcs)', all recorded an average price drop of around 10% in most retail outlets. Yet, an increase in the selling prices of 'C & S (Toilet Paper, Orange) (10pcs)' and 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue (10pcs)' had also been recorded in certain retail outlets. For the specific price survey on tissue and toilet papers conducted in April, a general price difference of around 15% was observed for the same product sold in different outlets. The greatest price difference of this survey had been narrowed when compared to the one recorded in February. In this survey, the greatest price difference recorded was around 28%, mainly on the brands of 'Tempo Box Facial Tissue (5 boxes)', 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3 ply) (10pcs)' and 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue (10pcs)'. While the greatest price difference recorded in February was 55%. Further, Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on cooking oil on 26th March, 23 samples of cooking oil were surveyed for their retail prices from various local retail outlets. In the current survey, price differences of 49% to 71% had been spotted in different retail outlets for four brands, namely, 'Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil (500ml), 'Pietro Coricelli Olive Pomace Oil (1L)', 'Lion & Globe Canola Oil (900mlx3pcs)' and 'Tripod Brand Top Quality Pure Peanut Oil (2L)'. In comparison with last time's survey, price of 'Vecorn 100% Pure Corn Oil (3.5L)' had decreased by over 30% while that of 'Gallo Azeite (1L)' and 'Tsing Tao Edible Oil (2.9L)' had dropped by around 12%. In comparison with January's record, prices of 5 brands have increased more than 10% since last survey. Both canola oil (2L) and corn oil (2L) of 'Tripod Brand' recorded a general price increase of over 10%, peanut oil of the same brand recorded a price increase of 27% in 2 retail spots, other brands recorded minimal to over 10% price increase in certain retail outlets. The Council stated that since a great price difference was observed for the same product sold in different outlets, consumers are advised to check with the price survey prior to making consumption. The specific price surveys on tissue papers and cooking oil are now available online on the Council's official website (www.consumer.gov.mo).
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Many entries have been received for the online quiz on the knowledge about 'Consumer Arbitration Centre' co-organized by Consumer Council and Legal Affairs Bureau (DSAJ). The organizers hope that participants are able to acquire knowledge about the regulations and services of Consumer Arbitration Centre while being entitled a chance to win MOP1,000 cash reward. Aside from a carnival held on 15th March to promote the regulations of Arbitration Centre, the Council and DSAJ also co-organize an online quiz on the knowledge about 'Consumer Arbitration Centre'. Many entries have been received since the quiz was launched half a month ago and over 1,000 entrants have correct answers to the 20 randomly-picked questions, each of them is entitled to the draw in which 20 winners will be drawn and awarded with MOP1,000 each. The said quiz will end on 5PM, 14th April. Interested residents are welcome to visit Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and DSAJ's website (www.dsaj.gov.mo). Terms and conditions as well as how to enter the quiz are available on the two departments' websites. Questions of the mentioned quiz include regulations and services of the Arbitration Centre, as well as current local laws protecting consumer rights. Participants will be able to acquire knowledge about the functions of Arbitration Centre, consumer rights, and entitled to the draw. Residents are welcome to participate and 20 winners will be drawn for the game. For inquiry, please call 8988-9315.
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Macao and Hainan could strengthen tourism co-operation by actively studying the co-operation plans and make Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao a world class regional tourism destination in accordance with the "The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta". This was stated by Chief Executive Mr Chui Sai On today when he returned to Macao after attending the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia 2012 Annual Conference in Hainan Province. He was interviewed by journalists upon his return and told them that he had met with the Secretary of the Hainan CPC Provincial Committee, Mr Luo Baoming in Hainan, where they agreed that the tourism departments of both sides would actively study tourism co-operation plans. Mr Chui said that the Hainan Government had implemented measures to expand sources of tourists and attract tourists to stay longer, something the Macao SAR Government should study. He affirmed that the development of Macau as a tourist destination is a continuous effort. Since the establishment of the SAR Government, tourism development has achieved a certain progress in terms of passenger volume, consumption, international status and reputation.
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In order to show support for Earth Hour 2012 and arouse the awareness of the general public regarding Earth Hour, Year 3 students of Tourism Event Management at the Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) organised a flash mob on Saturday 31 March 2012at 8:30pm and 9:00pm at the Ruins of St. Paul's and St. Dominic's Church respectively. A Flash Mob is a pre-choreographed dance or movement that is performed as a large group in a predetermined public space. The 5-minute dance began with two dancers 'battling with' each other, then quickly spread and disappear among the crowd, bringing a dramatic dancing performance to the public. The dance and music attracted lots of tourists and citizens and they were excited to watch the performance. There are a series of events under "2012 Love Never Dies". "Love．Light Up", a photo competition to share and leave your fervent love in the dark. "Love． Experience" blind dinner, a dinner for you to experience what it is like to dine in the dark and live with blind eyes. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Wong at 6623-8909 or Ms. Zhan at 6211-7153 and follow us on facebook: 2012 Love Never Dies. The proceeds of the event after administration cost will be donated to ORBIS Macau and Caritas Macau for charity.
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The third day of the 2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2012MIECF) was designated as Green Public Day. Four models of ecological cars were offered for test drive by the public. Said activity has attracted both local residents and tourists to experience for themselves the characteristics of those cars. Many feel that this is a rare opportunity to experience an innovative technology. Four models of ecological cars were offered for test drive, including, Mitsubishi´s MiEV and Minicab MiEV, 2 units of Segway´s 2-wheel electric car, and a pure aerodynamic experimental car. Mitsubishi´s Minicab MiEV is exhibiting for the first time outside Japan. Both Minicab MiEV and MiEV uses the same technology, engine and battery, but with different designs, in the form of commercial trucks and family cars, respectively. Their maximum speed is 130 km per hour, and both can use domestic power supply for charging, needing about 7 hours for a full charge. If combined with a fast charging system, only half an hour will be required to fill 80% of the required power. Miss Vong, who went for a test ride in a Minicab MiEV, said she was happy with the experience, as the inside is comfortable, the acceleration is stable, with little vibration and produces less noise than conventional cars. She said that she would consider using electric cars only if Macao had sufficient charging station and repair and maintenance technology, and stated that price is just a minor consideration. The advantage of Segway´s one-passenger standing electric vehicle is that it is able to save parking space and reduces carbon emissions. Maximum speed is about 20 km. Segway is also suitable for disabled people needing prostheses to walk. After testing the vehicle, Miss Fan said that she finds it interesting and that is easy to control. Another car offered for test ride is a pure aerodynamic experimental car, which uses compressed air as power source, requiring no fuel or battery to operate. After compressed, the air is store in a compressed air tank. Through compressed air power, the cylinder of the engine pushes the piston-driven engine to run. Inflating time is about 5 minutes, and 65 litres of high-pressure air can travel about 50 km. Respective running energy cost is similar to that electric cars. Mr. Chan, who has taken a test drive in the said car, thinks the, like conventional cars, the aerodynamic car also produces engine noise and vibration.
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Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition 2012 (2012MIECF) was satisfactorily concluded yesterday. The event has gathered about 400 enterprises in the environmental field. Most exhibitors feel that there is a huge potential market in Macao and that MIECF, while providing an opportunity for the participants to promote their innovative environment-friendly products, to explore business opportunities and develop new markets, is also an exchange platform for exhibitors to share their experiences and broaden their vision. Energy conservation is a global trend. MIECF displayed a wide range of environmental and energy saving products. Inflector (Asia) Ltd., which is participating for the first time, intends to introduce to the public its insulation curtain, with energy-saving features. Said curtain, which uses the same insulating material that is used by the U. S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in their spacecrafts, can effectively block out about 70% of solar heat, and also prevents cool air from air-conditioning from flowing outdoor, thus reducing domestic air-conditioning expenses. According to its business manager, Mr. Cheong Man Long, during the MIECF, several enterprises from Mainland China and abroad have already expressed their interest in that product, including investors from Egypt, and therefore he believes that there will be further room for cooperation. At the European Pavilion, Envac, from Sweden, exhibited an automatic garbage collection system. Said system uses the vacuum cleaner operation principle and technology to automatically convey garbage through the underground pipe network. This helps to improve the urban environment and reduce manpower and fuel costs required for garbage collection. At present, the system is being used for garbage collection in the Areia Preta District in Macao. Mr. Lei Iat Fai, business manager of Seng Yeong Ltd. said that he intends to use the MIECF to assist in the promotion of the said environmental technology, to increase public awareness and acceptance. Besides, he also hopes to use the MIECF´s professional platform to meet environmental enterprises engaged in the downstream waste disposal processing, and also to identify potential partners to jointly carry out research in garbage classification and recycling. Another exhibitor, Lifa Air Ltd., from the Netherlands, is optimistic about Macao´s market prospects for indoor air treatment technology and is looking for business opportunities at the MIECF. The company´s representative, Mr. Lei Siu Peng said that although the market in Macao is not big, but there are still many opportunities that are still untapped. In fact, he considers that the air treatment technology should be disseminated to the public. He said that there is a need to improve the quality of the air in Macao, and therefore he wishes to strengthen publicity through the MIECF. He also disclosed that that through the business matching arranged by the Host Co-ordinators, he has already contacted ten potential clients, and agrees that the results this year are better than the past editions of the MIECF.
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The third day of the 2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (2012MIECF) was designated "Green Public Day", with free admission. A series of environmental and parent-child activities were arranged to promote environmental protection, featuring a number of exciting performances, to increase the festive atmosphere in the venue. The event received very enthusiastic response from the public and many parents brought along their children to avail of the opportunity to educate the next generation on the importance of environmental protection. This year´s theme for the Green Public Day is "Environmental Protection – A Way of Life and an Attitude". Several activities were held concurrently, including the parent-child game booths, entitled "Recycle – Better Later Than Never" and "Green Rotating Match", where people draw a list of items, divide them into different classifications and then point out whether they are suitable for recycling. If a wrong answer is given, the staff at the venue will assist in providing the right answer and explain the reason. The other game aims to explain to residents ways to reduce noise pollution and waste reduction at source, and also about green transport and eco-conservation methods. The Environmental Protection Workshop provided an opportunity for participants to personally hand-made environmental-friendly photo frames and pen holders, using materials recycled from the "Green Fun" recycling plan. Government departments have also installed a booth where residents could apply to become "Green Fun" members, to jointly support environmental protection. In addition, participants may also write their wishes on recycled bottles, and have them hung at Environmental Wishing Tree. On the other hand, the fuel-saving drivers´ activities explain to the public on how to save as much fuel as possible. In order to increase the excitement and festive atmosphere of the venue, a series of stage performances has been arranged, including singing and dancing, magic shows and inter-active games. The event attracted many visitors, who brought along their children. Besides, several schools also organized their students to visit the MIECF, to increase students´ environmental knowledge and awareness.
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Hosted by the Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the 2012 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (2012MIECF) was satisfactory concluded today (March 31). Total number of visitors to the 3-day event exceeded 8500, of which 6400 were professional visitors. Today is designated as "Green Public Day" and over 2000 persons visited the venue. A total of 35 cooperation documents were signed, to further reinforce MIECF´s role as a green platform to boost green business and technology development. Macao Trade and Investment and Promotion Institute (IPIM) and Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) are the Host Co-ordinators for the event. This year´s edition of the MIECF adopted the theme "Green Economy – New Engine New Growth", to promote the "Thinking Green, Going Clean, Living Cool" spirit. A total of 703 environmental projects from more than twenty countries and regions were received, up 13% from last year. 702 business matching sessions were held, an 22.3% increase when compared with last year, including 362 sessions relating to green hotel procurement, as well as 92 business matching sessions participated by government agencies, with 9 local government departments participating in procurement matchings. During the 3-day event, 35 cooperation documents were signed, up 13.0% from last year. 62% of the signing parties were from Macau, and the rest from Mainland China, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Brazil and various countries and regions, involving products and services such as cooperation in environmental technology, waste recovery and recycling, manufacture and sale of environmental products, energy conservation projects, transformation of electric vehicles, eco-tourism, education and training, as well as other sectors and fields. This demonstrates the effective role played by the MIECF as a platform for the promotion of exchanges between companies in the environmental field, not only from the neighbouring regions, but from other parts of the world as well. The Executive Director of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute(IPIM), Mrs. Irene K. V. Lau said that, in view of the current world´s focus regarding environmental issues, after five years of continuously development, MIECF has reached a new level, both in scale and influence. She added that various countries and regions around the globe participate in this edition of the MIECF, and this will be positive for the projection of the international status of Macao in the field of environmental protection. Besides, Host Co-ordinators have endeavoured to improve the quality of the event, especially in the business matching aspect and many exhibitors have reflected their positive feedbacks on those improvements, namely the business matching with the right counter-parties, as well as in efficiency and quality. The international level of this edition of the MIECF has also been improved, with the participation of 398 companies and organizations, from 28 countries and regions as exhibitors, a 20% increase in relation to the past edition. Enterprises from Thailand, Cambodia and Nigeria participated in the MIECF for the first time. Also, many internationally renowned enterprises displayed their latest products and advanced technology giving the environmental industry operators an opportunity to avail of the MIECF platform to explore the latest trends of the environmental protection industry in the world market.
In addition to the exhibition and business matching activities, a series of green forums were held concurrently, having invited a number of international pioneers in the environmental field as keynote speakers, including Mr. Andrew Bowerbank, Council Member of GMF of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, who was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony. In his speech, Mr. Bowerbank stressed that architecture and climate change are closely related and that it would be necessary for our generation to make changes, by improving and making good use of green building. Mr. Bowerbank also introduced some new concepts, including bionics, "vertical farms" and synthetic biology, among others.
Another keynote speaker, Mr. Chris Zijdeveld, President of "Dutch Passive Housing Foundation", stressed in his keynote speech that, as far as environmental protection is concerned, transportation and constructions are two large areas for which we should pay special attention to. He made an appeal for the public to use collective low-carbon means of transport, such as the tram and rail systems, and reduce the use of private cars, and also to use environmentally friendly design and construction materials to improve ventilation and heating and thus reduce the use of air-conditioning and heater so as to save in oil and electricity consumption. The Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Bureau of Macao SAR Governemnt, Ms. Vong Man Hung said a total of six sessions were held under the MIECF Forum, as follows: "Green Business Forum", "Why Green Buildings is the Key Player in Developing Sustainable Environments", "Green Finance and Green Investment / Risk Management", "Environmental Policy and Low Carbon Economic Development", "Techniques and Equipments for Environmental Industry: Business Opportunigies" and "Green Chemical Forum", having invited 55 speakers from 14 countries and regions, namely, Mainland China, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Chile, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong and Macao to deliver their speeches and share with audience their insights and vision in the environmental field. She said that, starting with green economy, in-depth discussions were held in the areas of green building, green finance, investment, risk management and environmental policy, and that such discussions is particularly useful for the participants to get an in-depth understanding of the latest technology in environmental protection and to provide to the companies with new ideas for the development of the green industry. The number of participants for all the different sessions of the Forum this year reached 1,200. On the other hand, over 2000 visitors joined the MIECF to participate in the Green Public Day activities. As in the past, parent-child activities were programmed, such as environmental workshop, green art, parent-child games booth and educational electronic screen games, to interact in an interesting way, as a means to encourage the public to make good use of resources, and to convey the message that environmental protection is part of our way of living. As part of the Green Public Day activity, guided tours were on hand to explain the concept of the MIECF, division of the venue by zones and other characteristics. This year, about 260 teachers and students from seven green schools were invited to visit the MIECF. At the Green Public Day, test drive in electric cars was arranged, in order to give the public an opportunity to experience electric vehicle in actual road conditions. In addition, the Environment Protection Bureau has set-up a "Green Fun" application booth, to encourage local residents to join in this points accumulation program. About 150 visitors applied to become member today. Since its inception in 2008, five editions of the MIECF were successfully organized. The quality of the event has since continuously improved, to fully demonstrate that MIECF has become an important platform for the development of green industries in the Pan-PRD Region and Southern China as a whole. The next edition of the MIECF is scheduled for March 21-23, 2013.
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Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), the Hengqin New Area Management Committee and the Zhuhai Investment Promotion Bureau, jointly organize a seminar on the "Development of the Ecological Industry and Business Environment in Hengqin Island", which included a general presentation on the investment environment in Hengqin and a special briefing on its ecological industry. The event is aimed to use the MIECF platform to promote Hengqin, so as to accelerate the Macao-Guangdong co-operation and also the development of that island. Ms. Echo Chan, Executive Director of IPIM and Mr. Li Dongpeng, Deputy Director of the the Zhuhai Investment Promotion Bureau delivered speeches at the seminar. Ms. Echo Chan said that under the current trend of green economic development, Macao and Hengqin should mutually complete each other in the advantages and target for common development. Mr. Ren Zhiguo, Associate Consultant of the Hengqin New Area made a presentation on the development of the ecological industry and also the investment environment in Hengqin. The seminar also introduced two documents, namely the "Opinions of the Acceleration of the Development and Construction of Hengqin", issued by the Government of Guangdong Province, and the "Rules and Regulations Governing Hengqin New Area of Zhuhai Special Economic Zone", promulgated by the Zhuhai Municipal People´s Congress, which involve the "Granting to Hengqin of Provincial-Level Economic Administration". The seminar attracted local enterprises as well as foreign visitors of the 2012MIECF.
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