************************************************
A set of special stamps with the theme of "Giant Pandas" would be released on July 1, the Postmaster General, Mr Tam Wing-pong, announced today (June 12). New stamps and associated stamp products will be on sale at 37 philatelic offices from the same day.
Hongkong Post is issuing this set of stamps to mark Ying Ying and Le Le's first anniversary of their public debut on July 1, 2007. The two panda cubs arrived in Hong Kong as a gift from the Central Government in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The vivacity of the chubby and carefree cubs stands out in their pictures, which appear in heart ($1.40), leaf ($2.40), panda head ($3) and flower ($5) shapes in this set of four stamps. Similar miniature patterns in pastel colour dotted around their pictures add to the delightful mood.
Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be on sale at all post offices from June 17-30 and will be available for sale at the 37 philatelic offices on July 1. This set of stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin Central Post Offices from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all 37 philatelic offices from June 17-23.
On July 1, the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin Central Post Offices will open from 9am to 5pm, and the Airport Post Office from 8am to 5pm. The other 32 philatelic offices will open from 9am to 2pm.
Mr Tam also announced that Ying Ying and Le Le had appointed Hongkong Post to produce limited edition prestige stamp products with a Giant Panda paw print to raise funds to support the rebuilding of panda facilities in Sichuan through the 'Sichuan Earthquake Relief Giant Panda Base Rebuilding Fund' set up by Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, June 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:26
NNNN
