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The Hong Kong Population Projections 2007-2036 released by the Census and Statistics Department today (July 16) have reaffirmed the demographic trends that the Government had been taking into account in making plans for various relevant policies, a government spokesman said.
Responding to media enquiries, the spokesman said the projections had highlighted three demographical trends: the slowing of Hong Kong・s population growth, an ageing population and a declining male:female ratio.
With regard to the slowing down of population growth, he said the Government would further review how to liberalise its policy to attract quality entrance for employment, study and investment.
：Apart from various admission schemes which have been introduced to help bring new blood to our population, each year some 50,000 Mainland residents enter Hong Kong for settlement through the One Way Permit System.；
He pointed out that the Government had implemented measures to promote parenthood.
：In recognition of the rising cost of raising children and to alleviate the burden of parents in supporting children・s maintenance, the child allowance under salaries tax has been increased in recent years.
：With regard to the ageing population, the Government will proactively look into what can be done to enhance old age protection, taking note of the coverage of the social safety net for the elderly and with special attention to elderly homes policy and primary health care.
：The Mandatory Provident Fund system is in place to assist members of the workforce to accumulate savings for their retirement protection.
：The Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme takes special care of the elderly in financial hardship through the provision of higher standard rates, special grants and so on.
：Through the Social Security Allowance Scheme, the elderly are provided with an Old Age Allowance.
：With a view to meeting challenges posed by the ageing population and rising medical costs, the Government will launch a consultation later this year on health care reform including financing arrangements.
：Apart from social security, the Government provides elders in need with a wide range of highly subsidised services, including public healthcare, home care and residential care services, and public housing.
：The Government also promotes active and healthy ageing, and ageing does not necessarily imply dependence and reliance on public assistance.
：The Government will also consider making any necessary adjustments to its policies to meet the needs of an altered gender structure of the population.
The spokesman said the Government expected that there would be changes in the patterns of demands for various social services as a result of the projected demographical changes, and would seriously consider necessary adjustments to the planning for these services and the resources required.
He said the Government was collating a response to the Council for Sustainable Development, which had submitted a report to the Government in June after initiating a public engagement process last year.
In 2002, the then Chief Secretary for Administration set up a Task Force on Population Policy as the first step to developing a comprehensive population policy. The Task Force came up with 33 recommendations that cut across various policy areas.
：Many of these recommendations have been implemented and demonstrated concrete results,； the spokesman said.
：The Government will revisit these recommendations and consider any necessary updates in the light of the latest projections,；he said.
Ends/Monday, July 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:09
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