The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) published today (October 15) the October 2018 issue of the "Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics" (HKMDS).

     Apart from providing up-to-date statistics, this issue also contains two feature articles entitled "Hong Kong's Imports Measured on Free-on-board Basis for 2017" and "Statistics on Sectoral Concentration".

"Hong Kong's Imports Measured on Free-on-board Basis for 2017"

     In accordance with international statistical standards, the import statistics of Hong Kong are valued on cost, insurance and freight (c.i.f.) basis. Yet, import statistics valued on free on board (f.o.b.) basis are also useful for certain analytical purposes.

     Since 1996, the C&SD has been compiling an additional set of import statistics measured on f.o.b. basis to facilitate analysis on merchandise trade balance and comparison of trade statistics with other economies.

     This feature article introduces the concept and application of imports statistics measured on f.o.b. basis, and analyses the related statistics for 2017.

     For enquiries about this feature article, please contact the Trade Surveys Section, C&SD (Tel: 2582 5255; email: ims@censtatd.gov.hk).

"Statistics on Sectoral Concentration"

     A wide range of statistical indicators can be compiled from the results of the Annual Survey of Economic Activities conducted by the C&SD for analysing the business situation and performance of various economic sectors in Hong Kong. Among others, statistics on sectoral concentration can throw light on the extent of business concentration within individual sectors.

     This feature article analyses the extent of business concentration in selected economic sectors of Hong Kong by making reference to the Concentration Ratios and Herfindahl-Hirschman Indices compiled in terms of business receipts in 2015 and 2016.

     For enquiries about this feature article, please contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section, C&SD (Tel: 3903 7398; email: asw@censtatd.gov.hk).

     Published in bilingual form, the HKMDS is a compact volume of official statistics containing about 140 tables. It collects up-to-date statistical series on various aspects of the social and economic situation of Hong Kong. Topics include population; labour; external trade; National Income and Balance of Payments; prices; business performance; energy; housing and property; government accounts, finance and insurance; and transport, communications and tourism. For selected key statistical items, over 20 charts depicting the annual trend in the past decade and quarterly or monthly trend in the recent two years are also available. Users can download the Digest free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp460.jsp?productCode=B1010002).

     Enquiries about the contents of the Digest can be directed to the Statistical Information Services Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4738; email: gen-enquiry@censtatd.gov.hk).

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, October 15, 2018 is 105.3 (down 0.1 against last Saturday's index).

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, October 13, 2018 was 105.4 (up 0.2 against last Friday's index).
   

     â€‹The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) today (October 15) uploaded to its departmental webpage smart consumer tips and reminded members of the public on points to note in reporting cases related to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     The aim of the information is to promote smart shopping. It serves to enhance public awareness of consumer rights and understanding of the department's handling of complaints related to the TDO.

     The smart tips were written after summing up the experiences in handling cases related to the TDO by the C&ED over the past few years.

     Illustrated with examples, the uploaded information gives a reminder of points to pay attention to at various stages of shopping. For instance, consumers should pay attention to transaction details and keep their invoices in case of liability claims to be taken on the questionable transactions. Other examples are also cited to show the scope of application of the TDO and the burden of proof required.

     The information can be browsed through the C&ED webpage at www.customs.gov.hk/en/consumer_protection/trade_desc/unfair/index.html.

     In addition to carrying out stringent enforcement, the C&ED is committed to enhancing public understanding of its TDO-related complaint handling mechanism through public education activities, including public/community talks and consumer alerts on its website.

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 14) seized 192 apples with a suspected false claim of species from a fruit retailer in Tai Po with an estimated market value of about $1,500.

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a fruit retailer sold a type of fruit with the suspected false claim of species as "Orin Apple".

     Customs officers conducted a test-buy operation immediately and seized the batch of apples with the suspected false claim of species from a fruit retailer in Tai Po. A 62-year-old male sole proprietor was arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing and inspections will continue.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). False or misleading claims on species of goods may constitute an offence under the TDO. Consumers are advised to procure goods at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     Mobile Libraries 8, 9 and 12 will suspend services during designated periods in October and November for routine maintenance, a Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokesman announced today (October 15).
 
     Mobile Library 12 will suspend services from October 22 to 27. The affected service points are Wah Sum Estate and Ka Fuk Estate in Fanling; Lei Muk Shue Estate, Bayview Garden and Sham Tseng Market Carpark in Tsuen Wan; Tai Wo Hau Estate in Kwai Chung; and Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po. For enquiries about Mobile Library 12 services, please call 2479 1055.
 
     Mobile Library 9 will suspend services from October 29 to November 3. The affected service points are South Horizons in Ap Lei Chau, Sheung Wan Cultural Square, Tin Wan Estate in Aberdeen, Oi Tung Estate in Aldrich Bay, Tai Hong Street in Lei King Wan and Heng Fa Chuen in Chai Wan. For enquiries about Mobile Library 9 services, please call 2505 4690.
 
     Mobile Library 8 will suspend services from October 30 to November 6. The affected service points are Po Tat Estate and Hiu Lai Court in Sau Mau Ping, Tai Hang Tung Estate on Tai Hang Tung Road, Laguna Verde in Hung Hom, Yau Lai Estate in Yau Tong and Laguna City in Lam Tin. For enquiries about Mobile Library 8 services, please call 2926 3055.
 
     Readers are welcome to use other public libraries during the service suspension periods. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833, or via www.hkpl.gov.hk.