News

Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (104.61) for July 2010 increased by 2.96% year-on-year, attributable to the price increase of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Analyzed by section of goods and services, Clothing & Footwear (+6.98%); Transport (+6.16%); Recreation & Culture (+6.15%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+6.04%); Health (+5.26%); and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+4.58%) recorded notable increases on account of dearer prices of men’s and women’s clothing, gasoline, airfare, gold jewellery, fresh fish and seafood, and vegetables, as well as higher charges for outbound package tours, medical services and meals bought away from home. As for other sections, apart from the 9.81% decrease of the price index of Education, reduced charges for mobile phone services caused the price index of Communication to decrease by 3.52%. The CPI-A (104.06) and CPI-B (104.77) for July 2010 increased by 2.35% and 3.17% year-on-year respectively. The Composite CPI for July 2010 increased by 0.21% month-to-month, with the price index of Recreation & Culture rising by 2.61%, attributable to higher charges for outbound package tours; and recreational and cultural services during Summer Holidays. However, price index of Clothing & Footwear fell by 2.08% on account of lower prices of men’s and women’s clothing. The average Composite CPI for the first seven months of 2010 increased by 2.22% year-on-year. For the 12 months ended July 2010, the average Composite CPI rose by 1.2% from the preceding period. 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.
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Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival Together Macao Post is pleased to jointly launch the Gift Fulfillment Service in Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau - Mid-Autumn Festival Gift Series with China Post and HongKong Post during 23rd of August to 12th of September. We have specially selected 27 kinds of moon cake gift sets for your choices this year. You can convey the warmest blessing to your overseas families, friends or business partners in this Mid-Autumn Festival by making your orders on or before 12th of September. Macao Post will deliver the gift to your beloved one before 22nd of September over Macao, Hong Kong and 2000 cities of China. To place your orders, please visit Macao Post website http://www.macaupost.gov.mo, Main Post Office or Branch Post Office. For enquiry, please feel free to contact our Gift Fulfillment Service hotline at 83968813 or email to reb@macaupost.gov.mo.
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In view of reports made by media of neighbouring region recently on banks releasing customer information for revenues, this Authority has contacted the regulator there and had an initial understanding with banks operating locally. We have been given to understand that such practice has not been applied to bank customers in Macao. This Authority will continue to pay close attention to the development of the incident and take follow-up action deemed appropriate in conjunction with the Office for Personal Data Protection.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that value of retail sales for the second quarter of 2010 amounted to MOP 6.84 billion, up notably by 32% year-on-year. Retail sales of Watches, Clocks & Jewellery (MOP 1.64 billion) took the largest share of 24%, Goods in Department Stores (14%), Adults' Clothing (9%), Leather Goods (9%), Motor Vehicles (8%), Goods in Supermarkets (7%), Automotive Fuels (3%), Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (3%) and Goods in Pharmacies (3%). In comparison with the revised figure (MOP 6.92 billion) for the first quarter, value of retail sales for the second quarter dropped by 1%, with marked decrease in retail sales of Communication Equipment (-17%) and Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles (-10%). In the first half year of 2010, total value of retail sales reached MOP 13.77 billion, up significantly by 35% year-on-year. In the second quarter of 2010, about 59% of the retailers reported decrease in the sales volume from the first quarter of 2010, up by 17 percentage points from those in the previous quarter; 41% reported that the sales volume remained stable or showed increase. In terms of retail prices, about 70% reported that the prices were stable, 12% claimed that the prices increased whereas 18% stated the prices decreased. Compared with the second quarter of 2009, about 72% expressed that the stock level was normal in the second quarter of 2010, while 19% indicated that the stock level was low. Regarding the business outlook for the third quarter of 2010, about 74% anticipate that the sales volume will increase or remain stable compared with the second quarter, while 26% expect a decrease. Meanwhile, about 84% predict that the retail prices will remain stable or increase whereas 16% expect a decrease. After removing the effect of price changes, volume of retail sales for the second quarter of 2010 rose by 25% year-on-year, with remarkable increase being observed in the sales volume of Motor Vehicles (+55%), Leather Goods (+52%), Adults' Clothing (+49%) and Goods in Department Stores (+36%). However, volume of retail sales registered a quarter-to-quarter decrease of 1%, with that of Communication Equipment and Cosmetics & Sanitary Articles falling by 16% and 11% respectively, while that of Motor Vehicles surging by 34%.
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The Cross-departmental Working Team checked 13 premises today (August 19). Two premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed and eight occupants were detained. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 170 premises were checked, of which ten were normal residences, while 24 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. MGTO and the police will continue investigation on unanswered doors which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. When necessary, MGTO can request a judicial order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate. To date, a total of 133 occupants were detained, including five operators, three touts, three persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and one occupant who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Among the occupants, there were five overstayers and one illegal immigrant.
MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau remind travelers that, according to the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation”, occupants found in premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally have the obligation to provide information or will be fined 3,000 patacas for violating the duty of cooperation. Occupants providing false information need to bear criminal responsibility. Non-residents who fail to pay the fine by due date will be denied reentry into Macau. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. According to the new law, operators and person who manage the premise that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released results of the Employment Survey for the second quarter of 2010, of which the principal indicators such as labour force participation rate (71.6%) and unemployment rate (2.8%) have been published in July. Total labour force was 326,000 in the second quarter of 2010, comprising 317,000 employed and 9,300 unemployed. Compared with the first quarter of 2010, total labour force registered an increase of 3,100, with number of the employed increasing by 3,300 but that of the unemployed decreasing by 200. Analyzed by industry, the majority of the employed were engaging in Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services (23.8%) and Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities (13.9%). In terms of occupation, most of the employed were Clerks (including casino dealers, floorpersons, betting service operators, etc.) and Service & Sales Workers, accounting for 26.1% and 22.8% respectively. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed decreased by MOP 500 from the previous quarter to MOP 8,500, while that of the local residents held stable at MOP10,000. Number of the underemployed totalled 6,200, with 77.2% engaging in Construction and 7.2% in Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities. In respect of the unemployed, 92.5% were searching for a new job and 7.5% were fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job. With regard to educational attainment, 34.0% had primary education or lower, 28.8% had junior secondary education and 25.6% had senior secondary education. For the unemployed that were searching for a new job, analyzed by industry previously engaged, 33.4% had worked in Construction and 17.3% in Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services. Analyzed by previous occupation, 26.0% were Craftsmen and similar workers and 22.4% were Clerks.
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The “Catalogue Show of Malaysian Products and Services, jointly organized by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) and SME Service Centre of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), will be held from 23 to 27 September 2010 at IPIM’s Macao Business Support Centre (Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpçao No. 263, Edif. China Civil Plaza, 19 Andar, Macau). The Show is is the second time cooperation of the organizers since the debut Malaysian catalogue show held in September last year, at the same time the tenth catalogue show organized by IPIM since 2008. The Show features catalogues and product display: over 10 types of products and 50 types of catalogues from 29 companies will be showcased, including Halal food, pewter products, green houseware products, equipment for vehicles, MICE, airlines, gems, services, franchising opportunities, trade, investment and travel information, etc. According to statistics, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Macao has grown steadily. Imports from Malaysia amounted 442 million Macao Patacas in 2009. Until June this year, Macao main imports from Malaysia totals 236 million, a 10 million year-on-year increase compared with January to June 2009. These imports mainly comprise hard disk drives, air-conditioners, slot machines, televisions, electronic parts for computers, evaporated milk and biscuits, etc, indicating a persisting demand of Malaysian products. Moreover, A Malaysia business promotion seminar will be held at Macao Business Support Centre, at 3 pm, 24 August 2010. Besides presentation on trade and investment opportunities, three Malaysian companies will have their product presentation and meet with Macao enterprises during the business matching session and interested parties are cordially invited to sign up. The seminar will be conducted in English (with simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese). IPIM now cordially invites interested parties and local SMEs in search for partners or distribution rights from Malaysia to visit the Show and join the above activities. For detailed information about the Show, please contact Mr. Ho or Ms. Leong of Small and Medium Enterprise Service Centre (Tel: 28728212) or visit IPIM’s website www.ipim.gov.mo and Macao Trade and Invest Kiosk.
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The Cross-departmental Working Team continues with its operations to raid premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and conduct inspections in the streets. Promotions were stepped up to encourage residents to report any suspect cases as well as to remind visitors to only frequent legal accommodation.
In line with the newly implemented law, MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau have launched various promotional and educational activities such as putting up posters at concerned districts and major checkpoints while deploying staff at Macau International Airport, Border Gate, Macau Ferry Terminal and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal to distribute leaflets and brochures. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises.
MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau remind travelers that, according to the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation”, occupants found in premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally have the obligation to provide information or will be fined 3,000 patacas for violating the duty of cooperation. Occupants providing false information need to bear criminal responsibility. Non-residents who fail to pay the fine by due date will be denied reentry into Macau. During the operation today (Aug 18), 22 premises were checked. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 144 premises were checked, of which 9 were normal residences, while 21 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Other premises are under investigation. A total of 110 occupants were detained, including five operators, three touts, three managing staff and one occupant who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Among the occupants, there were five overstayers and one illegal immigrant. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. According to the new law, operators and managers incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas.
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With the aim to help local SMEs gain access to information on overseas development of Cultural and Creative Industry and enhance their knowledge on brand promotion and overseas market expansion, the “Creating a Better Future” Symposium, organized by SME Service Center of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and Pan Mac Junior Chamber, will be held on August 21, 2:30 p.m. at Multi-function Conference Hall of Macao Business Support Center. In recent years, the Cultural and Creative industries become development focus in many countries and regions. The characteristic of integration of Chinese and Western culture, affluent cultural heritage and unique cultural diversity in Macao creates a favorable environment for developing cultural and creative industries. In the Symposium, professionals will share development and operational experience of the industry in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and elaborate how the Macao cultural and creative industries expand overseas market. During the event, business matching between Macao and overseas enterprises will be conducted to seek further business cooperation and opportunities. The symposium will be conducted in mandarin and cantonese. SMEs interested in knowing more about Cultural and Creative industries are cordially welcomed to participate in the event. For more details and registration, please contact Mr. Pong or Ms. Leong of SME Service Center (tel: 28728212; email: smec@ipim.gov.mo) or visit the IPIM website: www.ipim.gov.mo.
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Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR, Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Guangzhou and Bureau of Export Trade Promotion of Department of Trade and Industry of Philippine organised an official and business delegation of 19 to visit Macao. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR organised a seminar entitled “Business Opportunities for Philippine Food Products in Macao”, in the hope of introducing the Philippines’ latest business environment and processed food industries, as well as enhancing communication and business opportunities between the Philippines and Macao. This Seminar was held in the multi-function room of Macao Business Support Centre at 10am on 18 August. Representatives from the Philippines included the Hon. Renato L. Villapando, Consul General of Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR, Mr. Raulh. Dado, Consul of Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR, Mr. Emmanuel Ang, Commercial Attaché and Director of Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Guangzhou and Ms. Rose Marie G. Castillo, Division Chief of Food and Food preparation Division of Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine and 11 processed food enterprises, including retailing/exporting processed fruits (juices, purees, dried fruit.), biscuits, confectionery and snacks, coffee, alcoholic beverages and ice cream. Mr. Jackson Chang, the President of IPIM gave a speech in the seminar, saying that Macao and the Philippines enjoy close economic ties, with the Philippines being the only ASEAN country to set up a Consulate here in the city while direct flights have also boosted co-operation in trade, tourism and other areas between the two. During the 14th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, IPIM signed a MOU on trade fair co-operation with the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions, which is under the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines (DTI). Based on this MOU, IPIM has also collaborated with the DTI and the Philippine Consulate General in Macao in the organisation of several activities aimed at promoting closer co-operation and offering business opportunities for Macao and Philippine enterprises. In addition, Macao’s total imports from the Philippines rose by 21% from the previous year, of which food products accounted for the biggest share. The growing retail market in Macao provides abundant business and export opportunities for Philippine food products. There were business matching and Philippine processed food tasting sessions during the Seminar, allowing local enterprises to be more familiar with Philippine food products and explore potential business opportunities with their Philippine counterparts. In addition, IPIM also arranged a meeting with IACM for the Philippine delegation to understand the imported food quarantine procedures in Macao. Also, IPIM organised a site-inspection tour for local retailers and processed food factories for the Philippine delegation to allow them to learn more about the development of the processed food industry in Macao. According to the statistics, the volume of trade between the Philippines and Macao was MOP1.6 million in 2009, of which the total amount of imports from the Philippines was MOP69million rising 21% from the previous year. The main import products are agricultural products, fruit and other food products.
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