LegCo Members observe road and traffic conditions on Lantau Island (with photos)

August 8, 2018, 4:35 am

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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     Legislative Council (LegCo) Members conducted a site visit to Lantau Island today (August 8) to follow up on a case about the improvement of the road safety and the traffic network on Lantau Island.

     Accompanied by representatives of the Transport and Housing Bureau, the Transport Department, the Highways Department as well as the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Members first observed the road widening and road bend improvement works along Keung Shan Road. Members then observed the district improvement works at Tai O, including the widening of bus terminus and the provision of additional parking spaces. Members also visited the Tai O Ferry Pier, and received briefing by Government representatives on the public transport services from Tai O/Mui Wo to Tung Chung and the "Study on Traffic, Transport and Capacity to Receive Visitors for Lantau".

     After the site visit, Members held a case conference with the Administration at the LegCo Complex to follow up the case.

     Members who participated in the visit included Mr Leung Che-cheung (Convenor), Mr Yiu Si-wing, Ms Alice Mak, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Dr Junius Ho and Mr Holden Chow.

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HKMC Annuity Plan's online registration system resumes services

August 8, 2018, 6:02 am

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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The online registration of HKMC Annuity Plan has resumed services at around 7pm tonight (August 8). Applicants can register online their intent to subscribe for the Plan at or before 11.59pm tomorrow (August 9) at the HKMC Annuity Limited website (www.hkmca.hk).

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session

August 8, 2018, 6:56 am

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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Nam Pak Hong Association 150th anniversary ceremony this evening (August 8):

Reporter: Why do you insist that Fred Ma should stay, because a company certainly can do without one man and shouldn't he also be responsible? And secondly, why should Transport Secretary Frank Chan stay too? Should he be accountable for this whole incident surrounding the Shatin to Central Link?

Chief Executive: Well, I understand that in some quarters, whenever an issue like this happens, people want all the heads to roll, but we have to be reasonable and take the appropriate actions. I have explained at length that when we talk about responsibility and accountability, there are different levels of responsibility and accountability.

     In this particular incident, the director or the project director and the works team have the most important responsibility that they have to shoulder, and that's why we are very decisive in taking actions on that front. But as far as the senior management is concerned, because there is division of labour within a company, the senior management perhaps could have done better in terms of monitoring, especially after the incident has hit the news. They have been given a period of time to produce and submit report to the Hong Kong SAR Government, the senior management should have exercised an even higher level of diligence and vigilance to ensure the accuracy of the report. So Mr Lincoln Leong has also taken responsibility for that.

     Then finally is the Chairman and the Board of the MTR Corporation. I have a look at the facts and asked my government directors on the MTR Board. They have been kept in the dark. They have performed their role in asking a lot of questions from the management, especially the project team, but they have been kept in the dark. My consideration is based on this sort of analysis of responsibility and accountability. But practically, the MTR Corporation is a very sizeable company. It has several business areas. One is of course the projects, the railway projects. The other is operating railway every day, transporting 5 million of passengers on a daily basis, and they have the property side as well. For such a big company to have all these senior people leaving at the same time would not be a very sensible proposition. So despite Mr Fred Ma himself wanting to take accountability for this matter and step down, I have invited him and persuaded him to stay for a while in order to help us to undertake the various functions.

     As far as the Secretary for Transport and Housing, the considerations are very much the same. He is also a member of the Board, and I think the government directors have also exercised their diligence in scrutinising the work of the project team and asking questions. In terms of a monitoring role, of course the Highways Department is assisting the Secretary for Transport and Housing in monitoring and the discovery this time that we could come out to tell the public about is part and parcel of that effective monitoring.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

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London ETO promotes Hong Kong's arts and culture in Finland with Hong Kong Children's Choir (with photos)

August 8, 2018, 7:34 am

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     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) promoted Hong Kong's thriving arts and cultural life by co-presenting a concert with the Hong Kong Children's Choir (HKCC) at the Finlandia Chamber Music Hall in Helsinki, Finland, on August 6 (Helsinki time).

     Once again performing in Finland after its previous appearance in 2012, the HKCC, heading towards its 50th anniversary, delivered a special concert that also featured the renowned Tapiola Choir from Espoo, Finland. The music comprised a varied repertoire of songs from East and West, including works by some of Hong Kong's best-known and up-and-coming composers. Conducted by its Music Director and Principal Conductor, Kathy Fok, as well as conductors Dominic Lam and Vivian Suen, the HKCC performed, among other pieces, "Ave Maria" by Giulio Caccini, "Laudate Dominum" by John August Pamintuan and a specially commissioned piece by Darius Lim, "Children of Light". It also performed pieces by its resident composer Steve Ho: "Let Music Flow", "Kung Fu", "MTR Song" and "In Search of Plum Flowers in the Rockies".

     The Tapiola Choir, conducted by Pasi Hyökki, performed several songs composed by Finnish composers at the concert. They also performed "The Ritual Dance" – a spectacular five-part "primitive music" composition by Jukka Linkola in which they sang as a mass choir alongside the HKCC and the Yuen Long DAC Treble Choir, another guest choir joining the concert. The concert ended with the theme song of the HKCC's 50th anniversary, "I Just Want to Sing", performed by the HKCC and the Tapiola Choir together.

     Speaking at the opening of the concert, the Director-General of the London ETO, Ms Priscilla To, welcomed the choirs and talked about the closer collaboration between Hong Kong and Finland. "We are pleased to see that Finland and Hong Kong have in recent years built even closer ties on various fronts, including arts and culture collaboration. Last year, we collaborated with a number of Hong Kong arts groups, including the Musicus Society, the Hong Kong String Orchestra and the Hong Kong Arts Centre, to organise music concerts and a comics exhibition in Helsinki, Espoo, and Kauniainen," she said.

     "In addition to being an international financial and business centre, Hong Kong has emerged as a leading arts and culture hub in the region. Orchestras, jazz ensembles, international film and arts festivals, art and design exhibitions and street performances reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Hong Kong's cultural life."

     Founded in 1969, the HKCC has grown into a diversified arts organisation for children. The HKCC has gained international acclaim for its performances and has earned a reputation as one of the best children's choirs in the world. The Helsinki performance was part of a European tour in which the HKCC also took part in a major international choral festival in Tallinn, Estonia.

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Very Hot Weather Warning issued

August 8, 2018, 3:45 pm

≫ Next: Assess the risk of heat stroke to employees

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Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

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Assess the risk of heat stroke to employees

August 8, 2018, 3:46 pm

≫ Next: CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

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Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force:

The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force, they should assess the risk of heat stroke to their employees and adopt effective preventive measures such as providing cool drinking water, setting up temporary sunshade and providing mechanical aids to reduce physical exertion of employees. Employees should drink water regularly and be mindful of their physical condition. If early heat stroke symptoms such as headache and thirst appear, they should inform their supervisors and seek medical help immediately.

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CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

August 8, 2018, 3:47 pm

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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 9) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:

Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on the physique;
Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable, and start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Get into a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index remains high (6 or above):

Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
Wear loose long-sleeved clothing made of close-woven fabrics;
Wear a wide brim hat or use an umbrella;
Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming or sweating; and
While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

The public may get more information from the DH's Health Education Hotline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.

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Red flags hoisted at several beaches

August 8, 2018, 6:39 pm

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Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 9) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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Red flag hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach

August 8, 2018, 7:05 pm

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Red flag hoisted at Kiu Tsui Beach

August 8, 2018, 8:13 pm

≫ Next: Red flag hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach

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Red flag hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach

August 8, 2018, 8:53 pm

≫ Next: Basic Law Roving Exhibition to be held this Saturday and Sunday

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Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 9) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

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Basic Law Roving Exhibition to be held this Saturday and Sunday

August 8, 2018, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on September 9

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     A Basic Law roving exhibition organised by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will be held this Saturday and Sunday (August 11 and 12) in Tsz Wan Shan.

     In addition to an exhibition introducing the content and implementation of the Basic Law, members of the public may also gain a better understanding of the Basic Law by participating in computer and stall games.

     The roving exhibition will be held at Third Floor, Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre, 23 Yuk Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan, Kowloon, from 11am to 7pm. Admission is free.

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Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on September 9

August 8, 2018, 11:31 pm

≫ Next: FEHD orders restaurant in Sha Tin to suspend business for 14 days

≪ Previous: Basic Law Roving Exhibition to be held this Saturday and Sunday

     The Transport Department today (August 9) announced that the auction of traditional vehicle registration marks will be held on September 9 (Sunday), in Meeting Room S421, L4, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.

     "A total of 280 vehicle registration marks will be put up for public auction. The list of marks has been posted at the department's website, www.td.gov.hk," a department spokesman said.

     Applicants who have paid a deposit of $1,000 to reserve a mark for auction should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price of $1,000). Otherwise, the mark may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.

     People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:

(a) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:

(1) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(2) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(3) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(4) a crossed cheque made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" or "The Government of the HKSAR". (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.

(b) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.

(c) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.

(d) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.

(e) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re-allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.

     For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes - Auction of Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department's website, www.td.gov.hk.

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FEHD orders restaurant in Sha Tin to suspend business for 14 days

August 9, 2018, 12:00 am

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     The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a restaurant in Sha Tin to suspend business for 14 days as the operator repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.

     The restaurant, Thai Like Kitchen, located on the ground floor of 14 Ha Keng Hau Village, Sha Tin, was ordered to suspend business from today (August 9) to August 22.

     "In May this year, two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the operator of the restaurant. A total fine of $18,000 was levied by the court and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department's demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day business suspension," a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.

     The licensee of the restaurant had a record of two convictions for the same offence in July and August last year. A total fine of $8,000 was levied and 30 demerit points were registered. The breaches led to business suspension for seven days in November last year.

     The spokesman reminded licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR, or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.

     Licensed food premises are required to exhibit a sign, at a conspicuous place near the main entrance, indicating that the premises have been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/index.html).

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected American ginseng (with photo)

August 9, 2018, 12:16 am

≫ Next: Distributor convicted of failing to publish retail price when selling warranties of new vehicles

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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 8) seized about 6 400 kilograms of suspected American ginseng with an estimated market value of about $3.5 million at Man Kam To Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming container truck at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday evening and found the suspected American ginseng in the container.

     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

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Distributor convicted of failing to publish retail price when selling warranties of new vehicles

August 9, 2018, 12:28 am

≫ Next: Non-registered contractor convicted for illegal removal of asbestos roofs

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     A vehicle distributor was fined $730,000 yesterday (August 8) at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts for failing to publish retail prices when selling warranties of new motor vehicles, in contravention of the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance.

     The vehicle distributor was convicted for selling warranties of 17 new motor vehicles between December 2016 and January 2018 without publishing in writing the retail price as required under the Ordinance. The total value of the warranties was $1,470,000.

     Under the Ordinance, a registered distributor commits an offence when selling a motor vehicle without publishing in writing a retail price, including any optional accessories and warranties, of the vehicle. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the Ordinance to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

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Non-registered contractor convicted for illegal removal of asbestos roofs

August 9, 2018, 12:30 am

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A non-registered contractor, L Vogue Design Limited, illegally removed asbestos roofs from the podium of a residential building at 107 Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. It was fined $6,000 today (August 9) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).

A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that in January this year, a complaint was received about the illegal removal of asbestos roofs during the demolition of a building structure at a residential building at Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. After investigation, the EPD confirmed that the asbestos abatement works were not carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements, as no registered asbestos contractor was hired to conduct the removal works, and the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of the works. After evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecution against the contractor under the APCO.

The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works at all buildings must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days' written notice to the EPD of the commencement date of the asbestos abatement work is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000.

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Effective Exchange Rate Index

August 9, 2018, 12:45 am

≫ Next: HKSAR celebrates 40th anniversary of reform and opening up of the country (with photo)

≪ Previous: Non-registered contractor convicted for illegal removal of asbestos roofs

The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, August 9, 2018 is 104 (up 0.1 against yesterday's index).

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HKSAR celebrates 40th anniversary of reform and opening up of the country (with photo)

August 9, 2018, 1:25 am

≫ Next: Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in June 2018

≪ Previous: Effective Exchange Rate Index

The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the implementation of the reform and opening up policies of the country, a momentous occasion.

     Under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has formed a steering committee to co-ordinate and oversee the major celebration events organised by the Government.

     "To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country, the Government will adopt 'Joint Development·Shared Prosperity' as the theme of the celebration and will roll out the theme music shortly. The Government also will organise a series of celebration events, including a large-scale seminar and a thematic exhibition, and launch a dedicated website for sharing information with the public on various events related to the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country," a government spokesman said today (August 9).

     The spokesman added that the Chief Secretary for Administration had outlined to community and business leaders as well as foreign consuls-general in Hong Kong the various celebration events and promotion activities planned. In addition, the Government launched in August this year the "Accreditation Scheme for Community Events in the HKSAR for the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Reform and Opening Up of the Country" to encourage community and district organisations to organise different kinds of celebration events. Organisers of accredited events can use the official logo and slogan designed by the Government in their celebration events and publicity materials (see photo).

     The Government looks forward to the active participation of the community in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country.

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Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in June 2018

August 9, 2018, 1:30 am

≫ Next: HAD to open temporary night heat shelters

≪ Previous: HKSAR celebrates 40th anniversary of reform and opening up of the country (with photo)

     Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for June 2018 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (August 9) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.

     In June 2018, the volume of Hong Kong's total exports of goods increased by 0.7% over June 2017. Concurrently, the volume of imports of goods increased by 1.7%.

     Comparing the first half of 2018 with the same period in 2017, the volume of Hong Kong's total exports of goods increased by 6.7%. Concurrently, the volume of imports of goods increased by 7.9%.

     Comparing the second quarter of 2018 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods increased by 0.8%. Concurrently, the volume of imports of goods increased by 0.7%.

     Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.

     Comparing June 2018 with June 2017, the prices of total exports of goods increased by 2.7%. Concurrently, the prices of imports of goods increased by 2.9%.

     As regards price changes in the first half of 2018 over the same period in 2017, the prices of total exports of goods increased by 2.5%. Concurrently, the prices of imports of goods increased by 2.6%.

     Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.

     The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods. Compared with the same periods in 2017, the index decreased by 0.2% and 0.1% in June 2018 and in the first half of 2018 respectively.

     Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.

     Comparing June 2018 with June 2017, the total export volume to Vietnam increased significantly, by 20.6%. Concurrently, the total export volume to the USA and Japan increased by 6.6% and 2.5% respectively. On the other hand, the total export volume to the mainland of China (the Mainland) and India decreased by 0.7% and 21.8% respectively.

     Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to the Mainland, the USA and Japan increased by 3.6%, 3.4% and 2.8% respectively. On the other hand, the total export prices to Vietnam and India decreased by 0.2% and 4.3% respectively.

     Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.

     Comparing June 2018 with June 2017, the import volume from Korea and Singapore increased by 10.1% and 9.1% respectively. On the other hand, the import volume from Taiwan, Japan and the Mainland decreased by 0.6%, 1.3% and 1.7% respectively.

     Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Korea (+6.9%), the Mainland (+3.0%), Japan (+2.9%), Singapore (+2.6%) and Taiwan (+1.1%).

     Details of the above statistics are published in the June 2018 issue of "Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers". Users can download the publication free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp230.jsp?productCode=B1020006).

     Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4918).

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