Closing editor: Sara Farr
MOP 6.00
Weighing
Publisher: Paulo A. Azevedo
it all up I
Year III
Number 710 Monday January 19, 2015
t’s now 39pct but could be 43pct. Analysts are already doing their sums on Macau’s possible casino tax hike. Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong Vai Tac, however, says the gov’t is still looking at how best to adjust the tax rate. One major factor will be how well the operators have fulfilled their contracts to date. Thus, the upcoming gaming concession review is critical. Bottom line: Keeping the gaming industry here competitive as regional markets open up, Mr. Leong concluded PAGE 3
Luxury crisis hits Macau and Hong Kong
External Trade Law amendment
Page 2
Macau sex ring bust shows China expanding crackdown on graft
The gov’t is convinced. ATA carnet will benefit the development of the MICE industry. Consequently, it’s amending the External Trade Law. In the first 11 months of last year, there were 470 ATA carnet users. Up from just 29 in the November 2010 to July 2011 period
Page 4
Caesars files Chicago bankruptcy, halted by Delaware judge
Page 2
Page 8
HSI - Movers
Building banner bust
Where is the floor?
Customs authorities have taken action. Ad banners on a building have been removed following suspicions of trademark violations. Advertising gaming-related ads are, in addition, illegal but continue to proliferate. Macau Customs said it’s keeping a close eye on such activities
And down they continue. Chinese house prices bid farewell to 2014 still falling. Dragging down the economy in their slipstream. In spite of authorities’ fostering measures, the property sector is still struggling
Page
5
Page
Name
9
%Day
Ping An Insurance Gr
1.90
China Mengniu Dairy
1.02
China Resources Powe
0.99
Bank of Communicatio
0.58
China Life Insurance
0.32
China Overseas Land
-2.77
Sands China Ltd
-3.02
Tencent Holdings Ltd
-3.94
China Resources Land
-3.94
Galaxy Entertainment
-4.48
Source: Bloomberg
INTERVIEW www.macaubusinessdaily.com
January 16
All roads lead to Macau The writing for VIP-centric gaming is very much on the wall. And operators are reading the signs loud and clear. The mass market represents the future. And the operators are preparing accordingly, CLSA analyst Aaron Fisher tells Business Daily. Although he thinks it’s a stretch, he believes “Beijing is targeting to transform Macau into the number one global tourism destination”
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Ed Tracy retires, to serve as Sands China consultant | Page 8
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