Macau ranks ninth freest economy in APAC region

The Heritage Foundation released yesterday its 2016 report on the Index of Economic Freedom, rating Macau’s economy as “mostly free” for the eighth consecutive year. The MSAR’s overall score of economic freedom is 70.1, making its economy the 37th freest among 178 economies. In the Asia-Pacific region, Macau maintains its 9th position out of 42 economies, just behind Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. The Monetary Authority of Macau said in a statement that the region has attracted significant investment since opening up its gaming industry in 2002.

Health Bureau prepares for Zika virus

The Health Bureau said in a statement yesterday that it has taken steps to prevent the spread of the Zika virus to Macau. Preparatory measures include: enhancing laboratory-based capability for improved disease detection; issuing guidelines to healthcare professionals; and strengthening monitoring and control efforts. The Zika virus is primarily spread to humans through bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. The government is monitoring the latest developments of the mosquito-borne virus and will follow advice from the World Health Organization.