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The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) published the 2006 Edition of "An Outline of Statistical Development" today (May 16).
In line with social and economic development, the application of statistical data has become an essential element in everyday matters ranging from government policy formulation to business strategy planning and to the general public's daily life.
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 C&SD and statistical units in various government departments and policy bureaux, is dedicated to strengthening its systems further. An updated account of the work and the development of the GSS is summarised in the publication.
The publication depicts the main lines of current statistical activities and planned developments in the near future. Details are given on recent statistical developments in a number of social and economic areas of interest to the public. For instance, in the area of social statistics, the publication highlights the progress of preparatory work for the 2006 Population By-census; the release of the latest set of population and household projections; and the conduct of various surveys on social topics to collect data to facilitate planning and policy review.
As regards economic statistics, the publication presents enhancement work in various areas. Examples include the implementation of the latest international guidelines on dealing with financial intermediation services provided by banks in the estimation of national accounts of Hong Kong; the release of statistical series to reflect the economic contribution of the Four Key Industries, viz. financial services, trading and logistics, tourism together with producer and professional services, to the Hong Kong economy; the first set of statistical indicators to portray the development of Hong Kong as a knowledge-based economy; and plans to compile asset management statistics of Hong Kong to help gauge performance of the related activities.
Other development work includes further expansion in the channels of data dissemination, e.g. enhanced contents and functionalities of C&SD Website to increase users' convenience to obtain official statistics; and the implementation of various IT strategic projects for enhancing the efficiency of statistical work.
The publication covers statistical programmes in 20 areas, namely population; labour; commerce and industry; prices and household expenditure; external trade; national income and balance of payments; money, banking and finance; strategic planning; education; housing; health; social welfare; law and order; transport; community information; food and environmental hygiene; leisure and cultural services; water supplies; the environment; and topical studies.
It is hoped that through a systematic introduction, the publication can help members of the public gain a better understanding of the use of official statistics and the work of the GSS.
This publication is now available, in print, download and CD-ROM versions (the latter two versions are in PDF format). It can be obtained online at the "Statistical Bookstore, Hong Kong" (www.statisticalbookstore.gov.hk). Print version if purchased online is offered at 85% of its original price at the Statistical Bookstore as well as the Government Bookstore (www.isd.gov.hk/eng/bookorder.htm).
For purchase of the print version, this can also be done through mail order by returning a completed order form which can be downloaded from the C&SD Website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/other_services/charges_and_public_forms/index.jsp). Purchase of the print version or the CD-ROM version can also be made in person at the Publications Sales Centre of the C&SD (Address: 19/F Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; Tel.: 2582 3025).
Enquiries about this publication can be directed to the General Statistics Section (1)A of the C&SD (Tel.: 2582 4733).
Ends/Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:01
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