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The Postmaster General, Mr Tam Wing-pong, today (August 28) announced the Stamp Issuing Programme for 2007 and the launch of the 2007 Local Standing Order Service (LSOS). Starting from February 4, 2007, ten special stamp issues and other associated stamp products will be issued throughout next year. These will cover a wide range of topics.
Innovative methods of printing will be used for some of the items issued. For the Lunar New Year issuance, stamps are embossed and hot-foiled with genuine 22-karat gold, 24 karat gold and 99.9% pure silver, or feature distinctive flock paper. One stamp sheetlet will include a stunning holographic feature representing Hong Kong's "Symphony of Lights", another incorporates a micro-printing feature that brings out the minute details of delicate butterflies, and a unique set of hexagonal-shaped stamps promotes key elements of civic education.
Mr Tam remarked, "Each year we seek new ways to improve the interest factor of our stamps, and in 2007 I believe we have some very novel, top quality stamps for our customers. With topics varying from a Celebration of World Scouting, a Joint Issue with Finland, and a set on Chinese Martial Arts, which are gold-foiled and include a booklet describing the different forms of the sport, these stamps have something to offer everybody.
"Indeed, this year, as an additional novelty, the fifth annual issue of Children Stamps features six stamps, each imprinted with a delightful game or quiz that will encourage children and parents to play games together as an enjoyable family activity. We are particularly proud of our stamp issue commemorating the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, with six mint stamps celebrating significant achievements over the past decade and a unique stamp sheetlet incorporating a holographic effect. Together, next year's stamp issues and stamp products are guaranteed to provide hours of philatelic pleasure."
The stamp designs were vetted by the Stamp Advisory Committee in a series of four meetings through 2005/06. The final choices for 2007 were selected from among 145 different stamp themes and 72 stamp designs submitted by 28 of the 64 designers on Hongkong Post's list.
Advance ordering for 2007 stamp issues will also be available through the 2007 Local Standing Order Service, with effect from August 28, 2006. Various incentive programmes will be available for orders received between August 28 and October 1, 2006.
"Following on the success of the Local Standing Order Service in previous years, we are pleased to once again offer a very attractive programme to provide greater convenience to customers wishing to order stamps on a regular basis without the necessity of making individual orders for each new issue," added Mr Tam.
"Advance orders for the 2007 stamp issues can be placed from August 28 at any post office or through StampOnNet, our handy online ordering service. Philatelists participating in this will enjoy some unique incentive programmes via The Early Bird Bonus Scheme, The Young Collector's Bonus Scheme and Member-Get-Member Reward Scheme, to name but a few. And various payment options make ordering simple and collecting easy so that our customers can enjoy their hobby to the fullest extent."
Further information about these services and the sale of associated philatelic products can be obtained from Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.com, at any post office, or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.
Ends/Monday, August 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:20
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