In order to help grass root segment to fight against inflation, Macau — Thailand Chamber of Commerce, Industry Association and Women’s Association had organized “Thai Hom Mali Rice 2011, Fighting Against Food Inflation Plan”. The Chamber had directly import grade A Thai rice to Macau, and re-sell them to members in budget price. They hope this can eliminate extra spending via agents and can release pressure from the inflation rates.
The Macau SAR Government will increase the figure on living index for 13.6%. The minimum lumsum for a 1 man family will increase to $3000 from originally $2640. In addition, the Government is planning to adjust social aids like family and elderly funds, etc.
Inflation is a serious problem in the society and the Chamber and local organizations had promoted “Group Purchase” plan. Press Conference was being held yesterday and Mr. Lino Ho was one of the hosts.
Mr. Ho said that in Feb 2011, the purchase index had raised 4.7% and food item is one of the major expenses, which takes up 5.98 of the total purchase. Due to the raising of RMB’s exchange rates and labour costs, inflation is directly pressuring local end users. Therefore, organizations wish to work together and help the grass roots to overcome this period.
Duration of the plan will be 3 months. They are now in progress being in touch with importers to find out their intended import quantities. Grade A Thai rice will be in 10 or 5KG packs, and the special offered price will be 95 and 50 dollars accordingly. 10KG pack is $20 lower than market price, while 5KG pack is $10 lower than market price. The first log of rice will be arriving Macau before the end of April and they will inform relevant members by then.
The organization had been actively in touch with Thai suppliers to ensure the quality of those rice. They hope this may draw the attention from the society, to help out grass root segment and fight against inflation together.
Since it is not suggested to store out huge quantity of rice, organization had limit the maximum purchase for each member at 20KG, and payment must be fully settled upon placement of order. After the stock arrives, they can collect it from 20 branches of their office around Macau.
Source : http://www.depthai.go.th