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Consumer Council's latest specific price survey report on tissue and toilet papers has been released. In comparison with data of the same period in last month, most surveyed brands recorded no change in price, some showed slight decrease in average price, and only a few brands recorded increase in price due to different package of the products. The Council conducted the survey on 29th June, surveying 13 samples of tissue and toilet papers from 25 local retail outlets. In comparison with last month's data, 9 surveyed samples showed no change in price, or had decreased slightly in price from around 1.5% to 9%. Consumer Council indicates that only certain brands recorded price rise and this may be caused by the different package of the products (10 rolls of tissues with 2 rolls free or other free gifts). The overall average price of the samples surveyed this month remains quite stable. Further, the price difference of the same brand sold in different retail outlets observed this time is has shrink from 53% last month to 39% this month. Consumers may visit the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) to use its online price search function; both "Supermarket Price Information Platform" and "Specific Product Price Information Platform" make checking prices of various commodities an easy job. The specific price survey report on tissue and toilet papers is now available online on the Council's official website. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Macao Post announced that the mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet and Parcel) previously affected by the strike action taken by the workers' union in Canada have resumed normal and the related services may be subject to delay. Thank you for your kind attention.
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Consumer Council conducted a test on the safety and hygienic conditions of cooking salt available in the market. The test, which quoted the national standard GB 2721-2003 'Hygienic standard for cooking salt', examined 18 salt examples for their contained levels of elements including heavy metals, iodine, and nitrite, etc. All samples complied with the quoted standard. Test result can be found in the latest issue no. 214 Consumer Report. Consumer Council has conducted irregular tests on salt in recent years to ensure their safety conditions. In the current test, the Council tested not only the safety and hygienic conditions of salt but also the accuracy of weight and label claims. 1 salt sample was found to weigh less than the weight labeled; another salt sample with 'iodised' label was found to contain only an amount of iodine less than the required amount of the quoted national standard. Only those samples with 20-50mg of iodine/kg can be classified as 'iodised' salt. Consumer Council has forwarded these cases to concerned departments and requested suppliers to adjust the labels of the involved products. Consumer Council indicates that many salt brands are now advertised as 'non-chemical processed' or 'with no additives' and their average selling price is sometimes as high as 20 times of that of other brands. However, testing result shows no distinct difference between these salt samples and other brands with average price of around 1 to 2 dollars. Result of the mentioned test on cooking salt can be found in issue no. 214 Consumer Report. The latest Consumer Report also covers details of the 'Code of Practice' for souvenir retailers (specialty foods), and the 19th Consumers International (CI) World Congress held earlier. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the two offices of Consumer Council, Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the total merchandise export for May 2011 amounted to MOP589 million, up by 13.8% year-on-year, of which value of re-exports (MOP393 million) and domestic exports (MOP196 million) increased by 14.6% and 12.3% respectively; exports of Tobacco & wine soared by 94.7% year-on-year. Total merchandise import amounted to MOP4.90 billion, up by 44.9% year-on-year, of which imports of Mobile phones soared by 91.2%. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP4.31 billion in May 2011. In the first five months of 2011, total value of merchandise export decreased by 8.2% year-on-year to MOP2.78 billion, of which value of re-exports declined by 12.7%, but that of domestic exports rose by 2.0%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import increased by 37.0% to MOP22.88 billion. Merchandise trade deficit for the first five months of 2011 widened by 47.1% year-on-year to MOP20.10 billion; the exports/imports ratio dropped by 5.9 percentage points year-on-year to 12.2%. Merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP1.19 billion), Mainland China (MOP461 million) and the USA (MOP249 million) in the first five months of 2011 decreased by 14.4%, 4.2% and 22.4% respectively year-on-year; however, exports to the EU (MOP166 million) increased by 4.6%. Exports of Jewellery (MOP144 million) and Clocks & watches (MOP137 million) decreased by 69.8% and 22.9% respectively, but that of Tobacco & wine (MOP244 million) grew by 65.3%; meanwhile, exports of Textile & garment declined by 7.5% to MOP584 million. In the first five months of 2011, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP7.04 billion) and the EU (MOP5.59 billion) expanded by 36.1% and 54.8% respectively year-on-year. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 39.0% to MOP13.87 billion, of which imports of Food & beverages (MOP3.38 billion), Gold jewellery (MOP2.10 billion), Watches (MOP1.43 billion) and Handbags & wallets (MOP1.13 billion) increased by 38.2%, 68.1%, 33.9% and 104.6% respectively. Moreover, imports of Capital goods (MOP4.06 billion) registered year-on-year increase of 69.9%. In the first five months of 2011, total value of merchandise import and export amounted to MOP25.66 billion, up by 30.1% compared with MOP19.73 billion a year earlier.
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2011 Population Census (2011 Census) will take place from 12 to 26 August. Taking advantage of the fishing moratorium period, the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) conducts the marine population census for the next six days starting tomorrow (1 July) in order to collect accurate information on the marine population. Kong Pek Fong, Director of DSEC, says that the 2011 Census officers, put on Census uniform and carry a Census ID Card, will visit every vessel that berthed in Macao's custom maritime area between 1 and 6 July, to collect demographic data such as year and month of birth, place of birth, educational attainment and occupation of the marine population, as well as information on the locations and frequency of operation. For enquiries or appointment scheduling, the fishermen can call the Census Hotline at 8809 8809; alternatively, they can go to the temporary census station at the South Sampan Wharf to complete the questionnaire on-site or make an appointment during this six-day period. Ms. Kong indicates that the scale of the fishing industry and number of fishermen have been decreasing over the years, with about 170 vessels at present. The marine population is an important component of the total population of Macao. DSEC calls for the support of the fishermen to give accurate data to the marine population census. To facilitate smooth operation of the 2011 marine population census, Kong Pek Fong, Director of DSEC; Ieong Meng Chao and Cheng I Wan, Deputy Directors; Mak Hang Chan, Chief of Department; and Cheang Lai Seong, Chief of Division went to visit the Macao Custom and Maritime Administration, to introduce the 2011 Census and the marine population census, as well as to extend the gratitude for their support and assistance in providing marine transport to the Census officers. In addition, DSEC took the opportunity to promote the marine population census and schedule appointments with some of the fishermen during the fishing moratorium courses organized by the Labour Affairs Bureau, to ensure successful conclusion of the marine population census.
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Around 30 representatives related to the tourism industry were invited to speak at a round table seminar on "How to build a Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" organized by Macau Government Tourist Office this morning (June 28) at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center in an effort to stimulate in-depth discussion and gain professional insights and suggestions. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Cheong U was present at the seminar and delivered the opening speech. Cheong U expressed that the promulgation of the National 12th Five-Year Plan and the signing of the "Guangdong-Macau Cooperation Framework Agreement" further consolidate and support Macau's development as a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure'. The general definition of a "Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" is a renowned destination with world class standard that offers quality public health facilities, a safe environment and a good ecosystem, a place for healthy living, happiness, entertainment and one that offers opportunities for business and other purposes. Another perspective proposes a number of more concrete criteria, including the possession of an international reputation, an internationalized source market structure, a more diverse industry system, an international transportation system, a first-class management and service system, among others. He pointed out that the positioning of Macau as a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure' has drawn great awareness among the community, including the academics, the tourism industry and related groups. In view of this, MGTO has organized a round table seminar on "How to build a Global Center of Tourism and Leisure" during its Annual Marketing Meeting to provide a platform for the Government, the academics, the tourism industry and related groups to express and share their ideas and suggestions on how to achieve the goal of developing Macau into a 'Global Center of Tourism and Leisure', including the parameters, overall planning and concrete measures towards this positioning. Around 30 speakers presented at the seminar and all the written statements received, over 40 in total, have been compiled as a report and distributed on site. Concluding the seminar, MGTO Director João Manuel Costa Antunes expressed that it is not easy to answer the question of "How to build a "Global Center of Tourism and Leisure". In spite of all the potentials for tourism development, Macau is also facing a number of challenges in terms of tourism diversification, accessibility, human resources, quality control and management. The achievement of the goal will require support and participation from all Macau residents. He noted that the insightful recommendations from the tourism industry and MGTO representatives will contribute greatly to the government's future planning. About 300 participants, including directors and department heads of MGTO, Secretary-General of the Tourism Development Committee and many of its members, representatives of MGTO, speakers and guests attended the seminar, which was followed by a luncheon hosted by MGTO for the guests and travel trade. Meanwhile 57 MGTO representatives from 17 countries/regions will have internal meetings with MGTO directors and department heads over the next days to discuss marketing strategies and tactics for next year.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (the "AMCM") is concerned with the latest reports from the media relating to the insurance for motor cycles. There are no provisions in the current Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance which mandates insurance companies authorized to write motor insurance to accept the insurance for certain categories of motor vehicles. Car owners are free to approach any authorized non-life insurance companies to purchase motor insurance. Currently, there are a total of 12 insurance companies in Macao which are authorized to write motor insurance including motor cycles. If the insurance companies accept the applications for motor insurance, they must comply with the terms and conditions, and tariff under the Ordinance. Regarding the captioned subject, the AMCM has followed up with the related insurance company who clarified that the change in underwriting decisions would not affect the existing motor cycles already insured and their renewals. As regards new applications relating to drivers under 25 years old or less than 2 years driving experience, the insurance company promised to follow with the persons and associations affected promptly to find a viable solution for this matter. The AMCM shall continue to follow up the matter. And, according to the above mentioned regulations, if the applicant is declined by more than 3 insurers, the applicant can follow the procedures as laid down in a notice issued by the AMCM to apply for motor co-insurance. When the AMCM receives such requests, it will nominate one insurer who will be responsible to issue the policy for the applicant and handle the claims. In fact, the motor co-insurance is shared by all 12 insurers, and the terms and conditions are defined by the AMCM. The motor co-insurance regime was set up in 1995, and until now, it has handled 1,482 applications, and among them, there were only 25 applications related to motor cycles, which represented 1.7% of the total number of applications received.
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Owing to the strike action taken by the workers' union in Uruguay, Macao Post announced that mail delivery services (including Correspondence, Printed Matters, Small Packet, Parcel and EMS) from Macao to Uruguay will be suspended until further notice. Thank you for your kind attention.
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Do you know the population size of Macao? The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) invites all residents of Macao to participate in the "Population Count via SMS" to figure out our population size. Each of the 10 lucky winners will win an iPhone. 2011 Population Census (2011 Census) will be conducted from 12 to 26 August. From 1 July to 12 August, DSEC is organizing the "Population Count via SMS" to raise public awareness and participation to the 2011 Census. The game is easy to play, just send your name and answer via SMS (e.g. Chan Tai Man 555500) to 6300 6003 and you will receive an SMS from DSEC to confirm your participation. Number of entries is unlimited. The 10 participants whose answers match exactly with or come closest to the preliminary results of the 2011 Census to be released in December 2011 will be the winners. If more than 10 participants have the correct answer, the final winners will be decided by lucky draw. DSEC staff will contact the winners individually to collect their prizes. In July and August, DSEC will organize promotional activities such as "2011 Census Outdoor FUN" and outdoor exhibitions. Everyone is welcome to join. Please check the details on the 2011 Census website (censos.dsec.gov.mo).
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The entry period of the 'Consumer Rights Chinese Slogan Competition' held by Consumer Council is over and almost 600 entries have been submitted during the half-month entry period. Entrants' works show that local citizens pay very much importance to consumer rights and green consumption. The entry period of the said competition ended on 17th June and almost 600 works had been received. Entrants' works will be reviewed in July by judges including Mr. Cheang Kok Keong, Chairman of Macao Media Advancement Association, Dr. Pang Hoi Ling, member of Macao Modern Literature Association, and Ms. Lam Iok Fong, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, (FSH) University of Macau and local writer. Five winning slogans and 10 excellence award winners will be chosen; result will be announced on the Council's website and award winners will be contacted individually. Consumer Council indicates that various kinds of activities will be held in the future to promote consumer rights to local residents. The entries received for this competition reflect that the public hopes to safeguard their consumer rights by promoting laws, enhancing the awareness of self-protection and businesses' ethical practices, etc; other works focus on using less plastic bags and green consumption. The Council plans to use the winning slogans in future education work and activities to promote consumer rights. For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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