The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (September 14) the preliminary statistics on Hong Kong's Gross National Income (GNI) and external primary income flows (EPIF) for the second quarter of 2018.
 
     Hong Kong's GNI in the second quarter of 2018 increased by 8.1% over a year earlier to $733.6 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), preliminarily estimated at $677.0 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 7.7% increase over the same period. Measured at current market prices, the value of GNI was larger than GDP by $56.6 billion in the second quarter of 2018, representing a net external primary income inflow of the same amount, and equivalent to 8.4% of GDP in that quarter.
 
     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, Hong Kong's GNI increased by 4.2% in real terms in the second quarter of 2018 over a year earlier. The corresponding GDP in the same quarter increased by 3.5% in real terms.
 
     Total primary income inflow into Hong Kong, estimated at $459.3 billion in the second quarter of 2018 and equivalent to 67.8% of GDP in that quarter, increased by 17.3% over a year earlier. Meanwhile, total primary income outflow, estimated at $402.7 billion in the second quarter of 2018 and equivalent to 59.5% of GDP in that quarter, increased by 18.1% over a year earlier. Taking the inflow and outflow together, a net external primary income inflow of $56.6 billion was recorded in the second quarter of 2018.
 
     As for the major components of total primary income inflow, direct investment income (DII) increased by 14.8% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent local enterprises from their direct investment abroad. Portfolio investment income (PII) increased by 10.5% over a year earlier, mainly attributable to the increase in dividend income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident equity securities and the increase in interest income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident long-term debt securities. Other investment income (OII) increased by 63.3%, largely caused by the increase in interest income from external assets of the local banking sector. Income on reserve assets increased by 46.2%, as a result of the increase in investment earnings from foreign currency reserves.
 
     Regarding the major components of total primary income outflow, DII increased by 13.0% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent multinational enterprises from their direct investment in Hong Kong. PII increased by 23.3%, mainly attributable to the increase in dividend payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident equity securities. OII increased by 69.2%, largely caused by the increase in the interest rates.
 
     Analysed by country/territory, the mainland of China continued to be the largest source of Hong Kong's total external primary income inflow in the second quarter of 2018, accounting for 36.1%. This was followed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a share of 19.3%. Regarding total external primary income outflow, the mainland of China and the BVI remained the most important destinations in the second quarter of 2018, accounting for 23.9% and 23.5% respectively.
 
Further Information
 
     GDP and GNI are closely related indicators for measuring economic performance. GDP is a measure of the total value of production of all resident producing units of an economy. GNI denotes the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities, irrespective of whether the economic activities are carried out within the economic territory of the economy or outside. In other words, GNI is obtained by adding to GDP the primary income earned by residents from outside the economic territory and deducting primary income earned by non-residents from within the economic territory. Primary income comprises investment income and compensation of employees.
 
     Figures of EPIF presented above are compiled based on data obtained from the Survey of External Claims, Liabilities and Income conducted quarterly by the C&SD, supplemented by data from other sources.  
 
     Figures of GNI and EPIF analysed by income component from the third quarter of 2016 to the second quarter of 2018 are presented in Table A, while selected major country/territory breakdowns of external primary income inflow and external primary income outflow for the same quarters are presented in Tables B(1) and B(2) respectively.
 
     Statistics on GDP and GNI from 2016 onwards and EPIF from 2017 onwards are subject to revision when more data become available.
 
     Enquiries about GNI and EPIF statistics may be directed to the Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the C&SD at 3903 7017.

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided an unlicensed food factory at Ma Tin Tsuen, Yuen Long, early this morning (September 14).

     During the operation, FEHD officers seized about 400 kilograms of pig intestines and some tools. A 51-year-old man was arrested and charged with operating an unlicensed food factory and failing to maintain cleanliness of food premises.
      
     "The FEHD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against unlicensed food factory activities. Under the Food Business Regulation (Cap 132X), anyone operating an unlicensed food factory commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction," a spokesman for the FEHD said.
      
     "Members of the public can report suspected unlicensed food factories by calling the FEHD hotline 2868 0000."

  

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 14) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From September 8 to 13, the CHP recorded eight imported DF cases. The patients had been to Mainland China (two cases), the Philippines (two cases), Thailand (two cases), India (one case) and Vietnam (one case) during the incubation period. 

     As of yesterday, 106 cases had been confirmed this year, 29 of which were local cases and 77 imported cases. The imported cases were mainly imported from Thailand (29), the Philippines (14) and Cambodia (nine).
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2018 reveal that 54 808 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 1 984 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 109 in Japan. In Taiwan, 112 local cases have been recorded to date in 2018. In the Americas, the latest figures indicate that 26 984 cases have been filed in Mexico in 2018.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

 
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

 
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (September 14) released the latest grading of water quality for 38 gazetted beaches that are open for swimming and one non-gazetted beach (i.e. Discovery Bay*).
        
     Twelve beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), 20 as Fair (Grade 2), six as Poor (Grade 3) and one as Very Poor (Grade 4).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:       

 
Grade 2 beaches are:

 
Grade 3 beaches are:

 
Grade 4 beach is:
Anglers' Beach
 
* Discovery Bay is a non-gazetted beach without lifeguard service.
 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Castle Peak Beach has been upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 2. Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach, Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Middle Bay Beach, Shek O Beach and Trio Beach have been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2; Butterfly Beach, Casam Beach and Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach from Grade 2 to Grade 3; and Anglers' Beach from Grade 3 to Grade 4. 
      
     "The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches," an EPD spokesman said. "For Anglers' Beach, the temporary deterioration of water quality was due to frequent heavy rain that occurred in late August and early September."
      
     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, the spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.
      
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
      
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department's websites on Beach Water Quality (www.beachwq.gov.hk and www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

     The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tong Yan San Tsuen Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     "The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide development and redevelopment within the Tong Yan San Tsuen area," a spokesman for the Town Planning Board (the Board) said today (September 14).

     The planning scheme area, covering an area of about 647 hectares, is bounded by Castle Peak Road – Hung Shui Kiu to Ping Shan Sections to the north, Yuen Long New Town and Tai Tong area to the east, Lam Tei and Yick Yuen area to the west and the range of hills leading to Tai Lam Country Park to the south.

     Two sites of about 3.32 hectares are zoned “Comprehensive Development Area” for comprehensive development/redevelopment for residential use with the provision of open space, commercial and other supporting facilities. 

     About 22.69 hectares of land are zoned "Residential (Group A)" or its sub-areas primarily for high-density residential developments, including two sites for public housing developments. About 61.93 hectares, 12.78 hectares and 48.19 hectares of land are zoned "Residential (Group B)" or its sub-areas, "Residential (Group C)" and "Residential (Group D)" respectively for residential developments at various densities.

     About 59.86 hectares of land are zoned "Village Type Development" to designate both existing recognised villages and land suitable for village expansion.

     About 14.80 hectares, 10.51 hectares and 4.75 hectares of land are zoned "Industrial", "Industrial (Group D)" and "Open Storage" respectively for relevant developments. Two sites with a total area of about 0.44 hectares are zoned "Other Specified Uses" annotated "Petrol Filling Station" to reflect existing petrol filling stations.

     About 14.35 hectares of land are zoned "Government, Institution or Community" primarily for the provision of government, institution or community facilities serving the needs of local residents and/or a wider district, region or the territory. About 1 hectare of land is zoned "Open Space" for the provision of outdoor open-air public space for active and/or passive recreational uses.

     About 101 hectares of land to the west of Kung Um Road are zoned "Undetermined" to cater for the continuing demand for open storage which cannot be accommodated in conventional godown premises. The area is now being reviewed under the Planning and Engineering Study for Housing Sites in Yuen Long South.

     To define the limits of urban and sub-urban development areas and to contain urban sprawl as well as to provide passive recreational outlets, about 129.22 hectares of land are zoned "Green Belt". About 129.11 hectares of land are zoned "Conservation Area" to protect and retain the existing natural landscape, ecological or topographic features.

     The approved Tong Yan San Tsuen OZP No. S/YL-TYST/12 is now available for public inspection during office hours at the Secretariat of the Board; the Planning Enquiry Counters of the Planning Department in North Point and Sha Tin; the Tuen Mun and Yuen Long West District Planning Office; the Yuen Long District Office; the Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee and the Ping Shan Rural Committee.
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     Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the plan can be viewed at the Board's website (www.info.gov.hk/tpb).