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In line with social development, the application of statistical data has become an essential element in everyday life ranging from government policy formulation to business strategy planning.
To provide quality statistical services, which help underpin Hong Kong's position as a global trading and financial centre, the Government Statistical Service (GSS), which comprises the Census and Statistics Department and statistical units in various government departments and policy bureaux, is dedicated to strengthen its systems further.
An updated account of the work and development of the GSS is summarised in the 2000 Edition of "An Outline of Statistical Development", an annual publication released by the Census and Statistics Department today (May 17).
With a face-lift in design and presentation, the publication depicts the main lines of current statistical activities and planned developments in the near future. A concise description is also given on the organisation of the GSS, work of the Census and Statistics Department, statistical legislation and data dissemination methods.
Details are given on recent statistical development in a number of economic and social areas of interest to the public. For example in the area of population, the preparatory work for the 2001 Population Census, the application of new technology including the use of digital maps in field operation support and plans for data dissemination in the future are reported.
Other major topics include: labour; industry, distribution and services; prices and household expenditure; external trade; national accounts and Balance of Payments statistics; money, banking and finance; strategic planning; education; housing; medical and health; social welfare; law and order; transport; community information; food and environmental hygiene; leisure and cultural services; water supplies; and the environment.
It is hoped that through a systematic introduction the publication can help members of the public gain a better understanding on the use of official statistics and the work of the GSS.
The publication is now available for sale at the Government Publications Centre, Ground Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, and at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, at $55 a copy. Moreover, Internet users may place mail orders of the publication through the website of the Information Services Department (address: http://www.info.gov.hk/isd/book_e.htm).
End/Wednesday, May 17, 2000
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