*********************************************************

The report " External Direct Investment Statistics of Hong Kong 1998", which analyses the outward direct investment and inward direct investment of Hong Kong in 1998, is now available on sale.

This is the first time a complete set of external direct investment statistics of Hong Kong is available. The direct investment statistics which cover both inward and outward direct investment provide a complete picture of the direct investment situation of Hong Kong. While outward direct investment figures are compiled for the first time, inward direct investment statistics have also been enhanced in coverage in accordance with international standards.

The report contains detailed statistics including inward direct investment by investor country/territory; outward direct investment by recipient country/territory; opinions on investment environment of Hong Kong and more detailed information on external direct investment in Hong Kong.

The external direct investment statistics are compiled based on data obtained from the Survey of External Claims, Liabilities and Income conducted by the Census and Statistics Department, supplemented by data from other sources.

The report can be purchased at the Government Publications Centre, Ground Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. It is also available for sale at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th Floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Internet users may order the publication through the website of the Information Services Department.

(Address : http://www.info.gov.hk/isd/book_e.htm)

For enquiries, please call Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the Census and Statistics Department (Tel. : 2116 5113).

End/Wednesday, May 17, 2000

NNNN