The Government might introduce further measures in about one month’s time to help the people tackle rising inflation, following a 814-million Patacas package announced three weeks ago.

This was disclosed today by the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, before his departure for Xian to attend the opening ceremony of the Twelfth Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China, which takes place on Saturday.

He pointed out that the prices of some imported goods have gone up recently, contributing to the increased inflation rate. Taking into account the market economy, the Government would introduce appropriate measures to help curb the effects of inflation, he said.

The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, who was also in Xian, said that the SAR Government was highly concerned with the latest fluctuation in prices of oil and foodstuff in Macao.

He said the Government would keep close contact with the related departments in the Mainland, and pledged that China would guarantee the supply of daily necessities. He said there is an adequate supply of rice in the market.

Meanwhile, the Government has strengthened contacts with local representatives from suppliers in order to get first hand information on changes in the market, to convey such information to the people.

Mr Tam revealed that the Government would open up new sources for the the supply of general merchandise, to enable Macao to have more stable prices and supplies.