Macau Daily Times Limited

Total merchandise exports and imports in October decreased by 10% and 3.7%, year-on-year, amounting to MOP1.21 billion and MOP11.26 billion respectively, according to a Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) report. Merchandise trade deficit totaled MOP10.05 billion, down by MOP11.13 billion compared to 2023. Moreover, total value of merchandise exports increased by 3.8% year-on-year to MOP11.27 billion, whereas total value of merchandise imports decreased by 9.2% to MOP106.34 billion. By destination, exports to Hong Kong, the Belt and Road Countries, and the EU rose by 1.2%, 17.4%, and 37.7% respectively year-on-year in the first 10 months this year.

Organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the “Annual Exhibition of Macao Visual Arts 2024 – Western Media Category” will be inaugurated on Nov. 29 at the Tap Seac Gallery and will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 29. This year's exhibition will feature 178 pieces covering a variety of Western media and will be presented in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multimedia formats. The exhibition will also feature 45 pieces of award-winning works which cover a variety of themes. The exhibition aims to encourage innovation and present contemporary artworks to illustrate the latest development of visual arts in the city.

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) announced yesterday that 400 applications have been signed for occupancy in over 600 elderly apartments, with all arrangements set to conclude by Dec. 10. These applications represent approximately 70% of this year's total requests. Authorities emphasized the need for careful planning to accommodate elderly residents, ensuring they have adequate time to adjust before moving in. Inspections of the facilities will precede any relocations, addressing concerns raised by applicants about the process.

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) is organizing three job matchmaking sessions in early December, offering a total of 480 job vacancies to assist residents seeking employment.

M acau International Airport is enhancing its cargo capabilities with the acquisition of a 66,700-square-meter land parcel in Hengqin, where a new cargo terminal will be built. The acquisition of the land parcel, costing approximately RMB129 million, was announced recently by the airport's logistics division.

T he Court of First Instance (TJB) found just one defendant guilty in the fraud case linked to the Macau Chinese Bank (MCB) in a ruling issued yesterday. This case involved 15 defendants who were accused of various offenses, including participation in a criminal organization.

L awmakers from the First Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly are not satisfied with some aspects of the bill proposing amendments to the road traffic law in Macau.

T he president of the Market Vendors Mutual Aid Association, O Cheng Wong, has called for urgent government support as street vendors grapple with unprecedented challenges.

I n a move to encourage childbirth and assist couples facing fertility difficulties, the government has introduced the “Medically Assisted Reproduction Subsidy Program,” which will begin accepting applications on Dec. 1.

F ormula 1 yesterday [Macau time] at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors.