News

Immigration authorities recorded a total of 1032687 crossing the five immigration checkpoints of the Macao SAR over the holidays (24 to 27 December 2005) Total number of arrivals stood at 520,653
with Border-gate: 394,992
Lotus Bridge: 2,959
Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal: 106,953
Inner Harbor Wharf Nº14: 5,070
Macao International Airport: 10,679 Total of departures stood at 512,034
with Border-gate: 410,722
Lotus Bridge: 3,373
Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal: 82,128
Inner Harbor Wharf Nº14: 3,566
Macao International Airport: 12,245 Meanwhile, total number of tourist arrivals in that period stood at 254,251
,with a growth of 6.96%
over the same period of last year.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, is in Beijing today on his annual duty visit. Mr Ho will meet President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. He will brief them on Macao's achievements in the past year and his plans for next year. Asked by the press on the constitutional development of Macao, Mr Ho said the processes of selecting the Chief Executive and the makeup of the Legislative Assembly, in and after 2009, would be formulated in accordance with the Basic Law. Mr Ho said the Government would begin to formulate these processes in a timely manner and it was not necessary to start next year, as there were a few years to go before 2009. Mr Ho said the community would be given adequate time to discuss the proposal. Mr Ho will return tomorrow. During his absence, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, would act as Chief Executive.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that Composite CPI for November 2005 was 100.63, a slight increase of 0.01% compared with October 2005. Due to rising prices in winter clothing and footwear, as well as increasing housing rent and expenses of house maintenance, indices of Clothing and footwear; and Rent and housing expenses rose by 1.08% and 0.69% respectively. On the other hand, lower prices in gasoline and fresh vegetables led to decreases in the indices of Transport and communications (-0.66%); and Foodstuff and beverages (-0.53%). Composite CPI for November 2005 recorded a significant year-on-year increase of 5.44%. For the 12 months ended November 2005, the average Composite CPI rose by 4.16% over the previous period. Average Composite CPI for January to November 2005 increased by 4.28% over the same period of 2004. In comparison with October 2005, CPI(A) fell by 0.08% whereas CPI(B) registered a 0.02% increase. CPI(A) relates to 54% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP3,000 - MOP9,999. CPI(B) relates to 26% of households, which had an average monthly expenditure of MOP10,000 - MOP19,999.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total number of visitor arrivals reached 1,605,589 in November 2005, up 10.4% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong increased 9.3% and 15.1% respectively, whereas those from Taiwan, China decreased 11.3%. Meanwhile, same-day visitors accounted for 51.0% of the total arrivals, at 818,127. The majority of visitors came from Mainland China (58.2% of the total); Hong Kong (27.7%); and Taiwan, China (6.7%). Among the Mainland visitors, 461,242 (49.4%) travelled to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. In the first eleven months of 2005, visitor arrivals totalled 17,043,667, which surpassed the annual total of 16,672,556 recorded in 2004, up 12.5% over the same period of last year. Visitors from Mainland China increased 9.8% to 9,537,939 (56.0% of the total), with 4,874,157 arriving in Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme. Moreover, visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan, China shared 29.9% (5,098,508) and 8.1% (1,379,936) of the total arrivals respectively. Same-day visitors accounted for 52.0% of the total, at 8,865,498. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea went up 6.3% year-on-year to 6,095,551 in the first eleven months of 2005, with 5,906,408 arriving at the Outer Harbour (+5.2%); the majority of these visitors were from Hong Kong (59.2%) and Mainland China (29.6%). Visitor arrivals at the Inner Harbour leaped 52.0% to 189,143, within which 68.0% were from Mainland China. In the first eleven months of 2005, arrivals by land increased 15.6% to 9,993,555, with 9,384,178 arriving through the Border Gate. The majority of these visitors came from Mainland China (76.6%) and Hong Kong (16.3%). In addition, arrivals by air were 954,561, up 23.0% compared with the same period of last year, with 944,702 arriving at the Macao International Airport (+24.3%). Visitors from Taiwan, China (68.7%) and Mainland China (16.5%) were the major users of this access.
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(Macao – 20 December 2005) - The past six years have shown us that the people’s love for the country and Macao formed the mainstay of Macao – and this will always be the case no matter how the society changes in the years to come. The Chief Executive, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said this at the cocktail reception in celebration of the Sixth Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. “Therefore, we must unite in building Macao’s future, Mr Ho said. “We must reform our old ways of thinking to stay in step with changing times, maintain our alertness about new challenges and anticipate the future, constantly striving for self-improvement, and never become complacent about our present well-being. “We must build up the capabilities of our people to contribute to our progress, like inviting all the rivers to flow into the sea; guide the development of our younger generation so that we can put our future into their hands; and integrate good traditions with modern values. “By advancing in line with changing times, we must build a strong and sturdy political foundation that will enable us to implement effectively the central government’s policies, the Basic Law, and the principle of “One country, two systems”, ensuring Macao’s capacity to encounter future challenges. Only in this way can we guarantee the healthy development of a capitalistic market economy under the principle of “One country, two systems”, as well as the gradual development of the political aspects of Macao, in line with the principle of “Macao people governing Macao”. Mr Ho said the inroads have been made in Macao’s flagship industry since the handover and the breakthrough in its development was driving the growth of Macao’s service industries. “Investment sentiment is strong, and we have seen great achievements in the areas of education, science, technology, and cultural development. The overall development trend is encouraging. Both citizens and investors have full confidence in Macao’s future,” he said. “We received prestigious World Heritage Site status, and we successfully hosted the 4th East Asian Games, thus further enhancing Macao’s international image and consolidating cohesion among local citizens. We must continue to promote the positive effects of these achievements so that they become major resources in our society. The third-term Macao Legislative Assembly Elections was successfully held a few months ago, satisfying the concerns and expectations of citizens in the process. It must be emphasised that the policy address for the coming year is not just a mandatory administrative report by the Government; it is also a manifestation of the collective wisdom of all our citizens,” Mr Ho said. “Thanks to the combined influences of various factors, the local economy last year grew rapidly at an unusual pace. Market mechanisms have now regulated its speed and put the economy back onto a reasonable and healthy development track. The sound pace of development gives us a good opportunity to review our own deficiencies and improve ourselves, so that we can generate greater energy to meet the even bigger changes that will soon come. Without doubt, the local community of Macao is facing both quantitative and qualitative changes. Due to lack of experience, we inevitably met with challenges and difficulties during the transition between Macao’s old and new situations. “However, safeguarded by the Basic Law, and with the strong support of the motherland and the combined efforts of all our citizens, we are confident we can leverage on the opportunities presented as we enter a new era, and build a unique and sophisticated society in the course of continuous self-improvement.” Mr Ho said since the establishment of the MSAR, Macao sped up in co-operation with counterparts in the region and the building of relevant platforms that would enable Macao to play a role in its development. “We have already seen positive effects and gained benefits from this process. Even more important, the strong and all-round support of the central government has effectively promoted Macao’s development. “At around this time last year, President Hu Jintao gave us warm words of encouragement. He also expressed his expectations of us, which the local community agrees with. Looking to the future, we must repay the central government and our compatriots throughout the country by scoring even greater accomplishments. We must maintain the progress the MSAR has achieved in the past six years, and head towards an even better future that is successful in every way.” About 1,000 guests attended the reception, namely the Vice President of CPPCC, Mr Ma Man Kei, the Director of the Central Government Liaison Office in Macao, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commissioner of the Macao SAR Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Wan Yongxiang, commander of the Chinese PLA Garrison Troops in the Macao SAR, Liu Lianhua,, the President of the Legislative Assembly, Susana Chou, the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou Fai, as well as principal officials and community leaders. More than 200 guests attended the flag-raising ceremony, which was followed by a variety show. There will be a firework display in the evening to mark the end of events of the much celebrated day.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, has accorded honours and awards to 40 people and organisations. This year's recipients are from all walks of life. They have been honoured or awarded in recognition of their significant contribution to Macao or for their dedicated public and community service. The presentation ceremony will be held in January 2006. The Medal of Honour are awareded to outstanding individuals and organisations for their contribution to the image, reputation and development of the MSAR. Medal of Honour:
Tong Chi Kin (Golden Lotus); Cheong Chou Kei (Silver Lotus); Lo Weng (Silver Lotus); The Medal of Merit, in seven categories including Profession, Industry and Commerce, Tourism, Education, Culture, Altruism and Sport are given to the outstanding individual and organisation that have distinguished service in promoting the development of the relevant sectors in Macao. Medal of Merit:
Pedro Manuel Batalha (Profession);
Chan Hio Wan (Profession);
Ho Kuai Leng (Industry and Commerce);
Sin Chi Yiu (Industry and Commerce);
Chui Yuk Lum Antonio (Industry and Commerce);
Sio Un I (Industry and Commerce);
Andrew Walter Stow (Tourism);
Li Pik Ki (Education);
Au Tin Heong (Education);
The Chinese Educators' Association of Macau (Education);
Fr. Luis Sequeira (Culture);
Tong Mui Siu (Culture);
Association Piedosa Asilo de São José de Macau (Altuism);
The Scout Association of Macau (Altuism);
Zeng Tieming (Sport);
Huang Yanhui (Sport);
Cheang Veng Kin (Sport); Distinguish Service Medal is given to outstanding individual and organisation for their fulfillment in duty. Medal of Distinguish Service:
The Macao volunteer medical team of the China International Rescue Team for the South Asian Earthquake. (Bravery)
The Interlectual Property Department of the Macao Custom Service (Bravery);
Cheang Kuok Keong (Dedication); Commendations of Prestige and of Merit are given to the individuals who have contributed in the development of MSAR. Commendation:
Alan John Hackett (Prestige);
Saba Payman (Prestige);
Wong Wing Cheung, Victor (Merit);
Qin Zhijian (Merit);
Au Wai Hong (Merit);
Cheong Chi Un (Merit);
Chan Chi Chon (Merit);
Mak Pui In (Merit);
Vong Heong Lon (Merit);
Yang Houqin (Merit);
Jia Rui (Merit);
Paula Cristina Pereira Carion (Merit);
Chong Ka Lap (Merit);
Kuan Sok Mui (Merit);
The Macao Women’s Small Dragon Boat Team in the 4th East Asian Games (Merit); The Macao Men’s Small Dragon Boat Team in the 4th East Asian Games (Merit); The Macao Roller Hockey Team in the 11th Asian Roller Hockey Trophey (Merit).
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The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, is to visit Beijing on his annual duty visit on 27 - 28 December. He will be reporting to state leaders the achievements of the Macao SAR Government in the past year and inform them of the policy to be implemented next year.
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A series of activities will be held tomorrow to cerebrate the 6th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). These include the flag-hoisting ceremony to be held in Lotus Flower Square at eight am, follow by gymnastic performances. In the afternoon, there will be a reception in the Macau Tower where government officials and public figures will gather and celebrate. Meanwhile, the third Guangdong-Macao Football Match will also be played in the Macao Sport Stadium. In the evening, there will be a fireworks display to mark the closing of the much celebrated day. In addition, Macao Post will issue commemorative covers and offer a hand-back service. Also, a number of governmental departments and non-governmental associations will hold various activities to celebrate the anniverwsary.
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Statistics and Census Service released the results of Manpower Needs and Wages Survey for the third quarter of 2005. The survey coverage included Manufacturing; Electricity, gas & water supply; Hotels & restaurants; and Financial intermediation sectors, but excluded all own-account workers and intermediary not directly employed by insurance companies. Information on the number of employees, vacancies and earnings was extrapolated based on the results obtained from 627 statistical units successfully interviewed, which was given as follows: At the end of the third quarter of 2005, the Manufacturing sector had 31,554 paid employees, with 22,394 working in the manufacture of wearing apparel. Compared with the same period of 2004, number of paid employees in the Manufacturing sector decreased 12.9%. In September 2005, average monthly earnings (excluding year-end bonuses, holiday allowances, profit-sharing bonuses and other similar bonuses) for full time employees in this sector was MOP 4,388, up by 5.8% over the same month of 2004. Electricity, gas & water supply sector had 1,033 paid employees, down 1.4% over the third quarter of 2004. Average monthly earnings in this sector increased by 4.2% over September 2004 to MOP 18,660. Hotels & restaurants sector had 21,184 paid employees, with 12,311 working in the restaurant industry. Compared with the third quarter of 2004, number of paid employees in Hotels & restaurants sector surged 9.9%; average monthly earnings increased by 2.8% to MOP 5,676. Financial intermediation sector had 4,414 paid employees, with 3,767 working in banking. Compared with the third quarter of 2004, number of paid employees in the Financial intermediation sector increased 6.3%; average monthly earnings went up by 3.0% to MOP 13,159. At the end of September 2005, the Manufacturing sector had 6,272 vacancies, of which 4,626 were in the manufacture of wearing apparel. Hotels & restaurants sector had 2,724 vacancies, Financial intermediation sector and Electricity, gas & water supply sector had 102 and 50 vacant posts respectively. In terms of recruitment prerequisites, over 85% of the vacant posts in the Manufacturing sector required working experience. Nearly all the vacant posts in the Electricity, gas & water supply sector and the Financial intermediation sector required senior secondary or higher in educational attainment. Besides Cantonese, English (99.0%) and Mandarin (81.4%) were the more preferable language skills needed for the vacancies in the Financial intermediation sector, while English was required for all the vacant posts in the Electricity, gas & water supply sector.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that in October 2005, visitor arrivals in package tours totalled 215,510, up 5.8% over October 2004. Visitors from Mainland China (168,607) increased 7.7% year-on-year; visitors from Taiwan, China (21,775) decreased 11.9% and those from Hong Kong (9,418) increased 2.6%. In the first ten months of 2005, arrivals in package tours grew 6.9% over the same period of 2004 to 2,145,419. Number of Macao residents travelling in package tours totalled 23,095 in October 2005, a year-on-year increase of 43.3%. Mainland China; Taiwan, China; and Thailand were three of the more popular tour itineraries, which accounted for 85.1%, 4.1% and 3.3% of the total respectively. In the first ten months of 2005, Macao residents travelling in package tours showed a notable increase of 47.7% over the same period of 2004. Meanwhile, 27,486 Macao residents travelled under own arrangements with the assistance of travel agencies, an increase of 33.7% over October 2004; Mainland China (37.6%); Hong Kong (24.8%); and Taiwan, China (16.9%) were the major destinations. In the first ten months of 2005, Macao residents travelling under such arrangements rose 8.9% compared with the same period of 2004. At the end of October 2005, there were 10,635 rooms available in hotels and similar establishments, an increase of 1,557 rooms (+17.2%) over October 2004. In October 2005, a total of 351,692 guests checked into hotels and similar establishments in Macao, up 5.9% over October 2004. The average hotel occupancy rate fell by 1.8 percentage points to 75.3% compared with the same month of 2004; the highest average hotel occupancy rate was in 3-star hotels, at 84.3%. The average length of stay of hotel guests showed an increase of 0.08 night over October 2004 to 1.25 nights. The majority of the guests came from Mainland China (59.0%); Hong Kong (25.0%); and Taiwan, China (3.5%). In the first ten months of 2005, number of hotel guests recorded a year-on-year increase of 2.8% to 3,346,624. In the first ten months of 2005, hotel guests (excluding Macao residents) accounted for 42.8% of the total number of tourists, which was lower than the 45.6% recorded in the same period of 2004.
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