Inflation rate increases 1.13%

The Composite CPI for August this year (103.77) increased 1.13% year-on-year, data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) shows. The increment was attributed to domestic helpers’ higher wages, and increased charges for eating out and electricity. Yet, the rise was partially offset by lower rentals for dwellings, falling charges for telecommunication services and reduced prices of pork. For the 12 months ended August this year, the average Composite CPI grew 1.07% from the previous period, and the price indices of household furnishings and services (+9.51%) and transport (+6.87%) showed notable growth. 

Air Macau to launch routes to Vietnam and Japan 

Air Macau has announced it plans to resume weekly flights to Vietnam and Japan next month, a timely move as Macau eases restrictions to 41 foreign countries, including Japan, but not Vietnam. “It’s the first time […] Air Macau [has] resume[d] international flights since the start of the pandemic,” the local flag carrier said in a statement. It added the move is a “breakthrough for Macau to restore connectivity with other countries.” A weekly round-trip flight between Macau and Hanoi, Vietnam, will begin on October 12, while a weekly round-trip flight between Macau and Tokyo, Japan, will also begin on October 13. The airline also announced it will resume a weekly round-trip flight to Taipei starting November 1.

Hengqin Chimelong hotel reopens ahead of 7-day holiday

Chimelong Marine Science Hotel in Hengqin reopened September 20 ahead of the upcoming seven-day National Day holiday from Oct 1 to 7. Discounts and themed activities for Chimelong Membership Month will be available through September 28.  The new holiday mode at the hotel integrates leisure, entertainment, culture and science popularization and services, and is expected to provide a better accommodation experience for visitors. 

Portuguese-speaking countries given financial service platform in Hengqin

The first financial service platform for Portuguese-speaking countries in China has been established by the China Construction Bank (CCB) in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. It will capitalize on Macau’s advantages in connection with Portuguese-speaking countries to provide financial services and support for trade and investment, industrial and regional cooperation, cultural and scientific exchange between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong enterprises as well as Portuguese-speaking countries. The platform focuses on matchmaking for cross-border commodities and Sino-Portuguese-speaking countries investment projects, related policies and information and financial services.