News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the operation of a new tourism and gaming resort lowered the unemployment rate for March-May 2011 to 2.6%, down by 0.1 percentage point from the previous period (February-April 2011), the lowest since the Handover of Macao to China. The underemployment rate was 1.3%, down by 0.1 percentage point. Total labour force was 337,000 in March-May 2011 and the labour force participation rate stood at 71.6%, up by 0.4 percentage point from the previous period. The employed population was 328,000, up by about 3,300 over the previous period. Analyzed by industry, employment of the Gaming Sector saw notable increase, while that of Manufacture of Wearing Apparel registered a decrease. Number of the unemployed decreased slightly by 100 from the previous period to 8,800, with 6.3% being fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job, up by 2.1 percentage points over the previous period. In comparison with March-May 2010, the unemployment rate and the underemployment rate dropped by 0.3 and 0.8 percentage point respectively; meanwhile, the labour force participation rate rose by 0.1 percentage point.
…

With the joint efforts of related departments of the Macao SAR Government and assistance of Hong Kong Consumer Council, suppliers of infant milk powder in Hong Kong agree to have their Macao service hotlines listed on the website of Macao Consumer Council for the convenience of parents in Macao to purchase milk powder. In recent years, supply of infant milk powder in local market has become tense. To safeguard the consumer rights of local citizens, Macao Consumer Council has been in constant consultation with other related departments including Health Bureau (SS), Provisional Municipal Council (IACM), and Economic Services (DSE), to discuss on how to solve such problem. Macao Consumer Council contacted Hong Kong Consumer Council in the first stage and arranged a meeting with suppliers of infant milk powder in Hong Kong and the related Macao government departments to safeguard stable supply of infant milk powder. Government department representatives met with representatives of milk powder suppliers including Mead Johnson, Friso, Nestle, and Wyeth, earlier in HONG KONG. Both sides exchanged information about the current situation of Macao infant milk market and the measures taken to solve the problem. Hotlines available to Macao consumers had been set up by some suppliers, enabling consumers to order directly from such suppliers; consumers could also get information on where to purchase certain brands of infant milk powder by calling hotlines set up in both Macao and Hong Kong. Suggestions were given by Macao government department representatives, including the listing of contact information of suppliers on website, and strengthening the promotion of inquiry hotlines and services to reach different levels of consumers. Infant milk powder suppliers were also asked to keep in contact with Macao agents and reserve a portion of stock in case any emergency happen in Macao. Suppliers in Hong Kong agreed to provide all the contact details and inquiry hotlines information to Macao Consumer Council for listing on its website. The Council will keep in touch with the said suppliers and contact others for further information to enhance its website. The public may visit the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) for detailed information of brands such as Mead Johnson, Abbott, Wyeth, Friso, Nestle, and Snow Brand in the first phase. Meanwhile, infant milk powder suppliers are alerted to take note of the following: Suppliers should keep their promises in providing adequate supply of infant milk powder, retailers should also do business with moral responsibility by not selling infant milk powder in form of 'bundling' or provide milk powder to only the 'highest bidder'. World Health Organizati on recommends breast-feeding to infants under six months. Should milk powder is necessary due to certain reasons, parents should take caution when purchasing milk powder and see if such brand can be easily bought through different channels. Parents should seek for professional advice and guidance when infants need to change from one milk powder to another between different months and ages.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total visitor arrivals increased by 9.4% year-on-year to 2,295,551 in May 2011. Same-day visitors (1,258,741) accounted for 54.8% of total visitor arrivals, with 731,926 coming from Mainland China. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China rose by 16.8% year-on-year to 1,326,627 (57.8% of total), mostly coming from Guangdong Province (678,832), Fujian Province (77,161) and Zhejiang Province (46,622); those travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 531,167, up by 18.0% year-on-year. Visitors from Hong Kong (612,851) and the Republic of Korea (31,975) increased by 3.9% and 26.2% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (102,664); Japan (28,628); Malaysia (26,754) and the Philippines (26,009) decreased by 1.2%, 22.2%, 11.0% and 7.2% respectively. Total visitor arrivals reached 11,065,180 in the first five months of 2011, up by 7.2% year-on-year. Visitors from Mainland China (6,276,332), Hong Kong (3,100,898) and the Republic of Korea (164,270) increased by 13.7%, 3.0% and 22.8% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (488,626); Japan (152,442) and Malaysia (129,030) decreased by 10.5%, 9.9% and 11.5% respectively. In the first five months of 2011, same-day visitors accounted for 54.7% of the total, at 6,048,948. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea totalled 4,360,577 in the first five months of 2011, up by 2.5% year-on-year. Visitors arriving at the Outer Harbour increased by 6.4% to 2,861,733, with the majority coming from Hong Kong (54.0%) and Mainland China (24.5%); meanwhile, those arriving at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa decreased by 6.8% to 1,312,193. Visitor arrivals by land went up by 12.5% year-on-year to 6,035,257; those arriving through the Border Gate totalled 5,583,463 and the majority were visitors from Mainland China (80.6%) and Hong Kong (13.4%). Visitor arrivals by air decreased by 5.3% year-on-year to 669,346. Visitors arriving at the Macao International Airport went down by 5.5% to 659,276, with the majority coming from Mainland China (36.7%); Taiwan, China (33.7%); and Malaysia (6.6%).
…

Owing to the strike action taken by the workers' union in Uruguay, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including registered mail and small packet) from Macao to Uruguay will be suspended until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
…

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (109.46) for May 2011 increased by 5.19% year-on-year. The increase was attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home and rising gasoline prices. For the 12 months ended May 2011, the average Composite CPI increased by 4.09% from the previous period; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 3.69% and 4.26% respectively. In comparison with May 2010, notable increase was observed in the price index of Transport (+11.00%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+8.69%); Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+6.80%); and Health (+6.54%) on account of dearer prices of gasoline, airfare, LP gas and gold jewellery, higher charges for medical services, meals bought away from home, as well as hairdressing and grooming services. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 8.18% year-on-year. The CPI-A (108.53) and CPI-B (109.84) for May 2011 increased by 4.75% and 5.37% respectively. The Composite CPI for May 2011 increased by 0.66% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 4.22% upon rising prices of women's clothing; however, price index of Recreation & Culture decreased by 1.26% on account of lower charges for outbound package tours. The CPI-A and CPI-B for May 2011 increased by 0.58% and 0.70% respectively month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first five months of 2011 increased by 5.03% year-on-year; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 4.68% and 5.21% respectively. The 2008/2009-based Composite CPI reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
…

Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13 2010, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has sealed a total of 141 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally. Two more operators were seized and one occupant failed to fulfill his duty of cooperation. Inspections involved investigations to a total of 649 occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, including 35 overstayers and 29 illegal immigrants, whose cases are being follow up by police authorities. Macau Government Tourist Office has waged a total of 141 sanctions and 29 operators who provided accommodation illegally were fined 200 000 patacas each according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation". To date, two operators have voluntarily paid the fine of 200 000 patacas within the statutory period. At the same time, 18 occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation were fined 3,000 patacas each, among which nine have already paid the fine. For those who failed to pay the fine within the statutory period, MGTO has notified the Financial Services Bureau to enforce the collection of fine and informed PSP to deny reentry of the involved persons into Macau if they are non-residents. MGTO, together with PSP, will carry on operation to crack down illegal accommodation. Staff of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) continues to check the premises to ensure they remain sealed and supply of water and electricity suspended. MGTO stressed that damaging the seal and resuming supply of water and electricity is a criminal offence which will be submitted to judicial entity for follow up.
…

For Chinese, food plays a crucial role in their daily life. Most of Chinese, in particular, Macao people are quite critical in terms of food quality and taste. Although Macao is such a small city, people living here are still considered as the lucky ones as their appetites can be easily satisfied with the variety of gourmets in Macao. Restaurants serving Asian and European Cuisines of China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, France, Italy, etc, can be found everywhere in Macao. However, if all in a sudden, you would like to try something new and more exotic, you won't be disappointed by the Mozambique Food Promotion Week co-organised by IFT and Mozambique Association from 20 to 24 June. Mr. Carlos Graça, a famous Mozambique chef was invited to Macao bringing us some fabulous Mozambican delights. Mozambique food promotion week is one of the events during the Mozambique Culture Week 2011 to celebrate the national day of Mozambique. The Mozambique Association, which is one of the organisers, was found in 1992. Since 2006, the association has held the Mozambique Culture Week every year in June to share the happiness of Mozambique national day with local people and tourists. Chef Carlos Graça has rich cooking experience and superb cooking techniques. He cooked for many celebrities including former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. He worked in international well-known hotels for years. He also has experience in hosting culinary TV programmes and was awarded in many cooking competitions. He is also the President of Association Chefs and Pastry Cooks of Mozambique. Chef Carlos Graça once worked in Hong Kong and Macao. During the Mozambique Food Promotion Week, he definitely brings you delicate African gourmets. Specialties for the food promotion include mouth watering dishes such as Boiled Crab of Costa do Sol Style, Chicken and Spicy Cashew Salad, Braised Fish of Lumbo Style, Beef Curry with Peanuts, Roasted Peanut Sweets, Sweet Potato and Coconut Pudding and lots more. The food extravaganza is from 20 to 24 June for lunch buffet and dinner buffet. Please call 85983 076/ 077/ 168 for reservation and enquiries. Details are as below:
Lunch buffet: 1230 -1500 (MOP180 per adult；MOP90 per child(4-12 yrs old)
Dinner buffet: 1900 -2230 (MOP230 per adult；MOP115 per child(4-12 yrs old) IFT has always been dedicating to organise gourmet promotions of different ethnic cuisines for the public. At the same time, it arouses the interests of food services industry in Macao as to explore more ideas in cooking. Along with the Mozambique Food Promotion this week, Chefs Carlos Graça will host a Culinary Workshop on 22 June at IFT, which local chefs and IFT students will have valuable opportunity to learn and experience the Mozambique cuisine. It aims to inspire the participants to create more spectacular gourmets and to promote the tourism in Macao.
…

Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' and specific price survey report on canned foods. In comparison with last month's data, the recent 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' showed minor price rise and price drop in most items; on the contrary, the specific price survey report on canned foods showed significant price increase in certain brands. The current 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' was conducted on 14th June, surveying over 240 product samples from 14 retail spots. Among the surveyed product samples, 75 samples recorded decrease in prices and 64 items remained unchanged. Obvious increases in average price were observed in milk products and snacks: average price of 'Vita Silken Tofu (350g)' had increased over 25% while that of 'Nestle Coffeemate (700g)' had increased over 8.2%. For snacks, prices of the several chips samples had also increased from 1.9% to 7.8%. Consumer Council also conducted a specific price survey report on canned foods on 13th June. Prices of 10 canned food items were recorded in 22 retail outlets. 'Hong Mei Brand Ox Tail Soup (298g)', 'Ma Ling Premium Ham Luncheon Meat (340g)' and 'Narcissus Brand Spiced Pork Cubes (142g)' all recorded price increases. A price difference of the same brand selling in different retail outlets amounted to 5.8% to over 50% was observed. Consumers are therefore advised to check with the above mentioned reports for the most updated price. Consumer Council has optimized its website with regard to the online search of data on its 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' and specific price survey report. Consumers can choose the items of their interest and use our online search function to interactively compare the retail prices of their chosen items at various retail outlets. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey Report' and specific price survey report on canned foods are now accessible on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). Reports are also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. For inquiries, please call 8988 9315
…

(Macao—19 June 2011) The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, today described his trip to Fujian as fruitful as consensus on co-operation had been reached. Speaking to the media this evening at Macao International Airport at the end of his three-day visit, Mr Chui said trip was successful as it had been decided that a high level official meeting would be held regularly and a liaison office would be set up in Fujian to boost bilateral co-operation. He disclosed that an official meeting to seek ways to work out better implementation of co-operation would soon be held, to be chaired by the Secretary for Economy and Finance and the Deputy Governor of Fujian Province. Regarding co-operation on tourism, Mr Chui said that using Macao as the trading service platform, Macao and Fujian would jointly promote the tourism attractions to the Portuguese-speaking countries. The holding of "The Ninth China Straits Technology and Projects Fair in Fuzhou" had helped to further strengthen bilateral as well as regional co-operation, and the substantial development. Mr Chui said the success of the Fair was a good example for Macao. He also told reporters that sales of Macao's products and commodities were good at the Macao Week and Dynamic Macao promotion in Fuzhou. The Government would continue to support Macao's Small- and Medium-Enterprises (SMEs), and help them to promote their products outside Macao, he added.
…

(Macao—18 June 2011) The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, continued on the second day of his visit to Fujian by officiating the opening ceremony of "The Ninth China Straits Technology and Projects Fair in Fuzhou," after paying a courtesy call on the China's National People's Congress Vice Chairman, Mr Jian Shusheng. Afterwards, Mr Chui attended the opening ceremony of the "Macao Week and Dynamic Macao promotion." He and the official delegation then toured the booths at these two events. Mr Chui then went on to Ping Tan, the experimental zone where he was briefed on the latest development and the future planning of the special business area. The aim of this field trip was to look for the business opportunities between Macao and Fujian entrepreneurs.
…