According to the provisional results of a survey released today (September 13) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 1.6% in the second quarter of 2018 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2018. The corresponding producer price index also increased by 3.8% in the second quarter of 2018 compared with a year earlier, after recording a 3.8% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2018 as well.

     The index of industrial production for sewerage, waste management and remediation activities increased by 3.1% in the second quarter of 2018 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 1.6% in the first quarter of 2018. The corresponding producer price index also increased by 4.3% in the second quarter of 2018 compared with a year earlier, following a year-on-year increase of 5.9% in the first quarter of 2018.

     Indices of industrial production reflect changes in the volume of local industrial output after discounting the effect of price changes. The price changes are measured by the producer price indices compiled from data on producer prices of selected industrial goods/services collected in the same survey.

     Comparing the industrial production in respect of major manufacturing industries in the second quarter of 2018 with that a year earlier, an increase in output volume was recorded mainly in the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+3.2%). On the other hand, a decrease in output volume was recorded in the metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry (-1.3%).

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index of industrial production for manufacturing industries as a whole increased by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2018 compared with the first quarter of 2018. 

     Producer price indices reflect changes in the prices of local output. They measure changes in the actual prices (net of any discounts or rebates allowed to buyers, plus any surcharges) received by producers for their output. Transportation and other incidental charges are not included.

     Comparing the second quarter of 2018 with a year earlier, increases in producer prices were recorded for all major manufacturing industries. The metal, computer, electronic and optical products, machinery and equipment industry had the largest increase in producer prices (+5.1%), followed by the paper products, printing and reproduction of recorded media industry (+2.8%); the food, beverages and tobacco industry (+1.6%); and the textiles and wearing apparel industry (+1.4%).

     Table 1 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the indices of industrial production by selected industry grouping. Table 2 shows the year-on-year percentage changes in the producer price indices for the industrial sector by selected industry grouping.

     The revised figures on indices of industrial production and producer price indices for the industrial sector for the second quarter of 2018 will be released at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/bbs.jsp) and relevant publications of the department starting from October 19, 2018.

     Users can download the reports "Quarterly Index of Industrial Production, 2nd Quarter 2018"(www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp310.jsp?productCode=B1070002) and "Quarterly Producer Price Index for Industrial Sector, 2nd Quarter 2018" (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp280.jsp?productCode=B1070003) free of charge at the website of the C&SD.

    Readers who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7247; fax: 2123 1048; email: ind-production@censtatd.gov.hk).

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements this Saturday (September 15) to facilitate a public procession to be held on Hong Kong Island.

     The following roads will be intermittently closed from 2.30pm until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:

– Luard Road between Johnston Road and Hennessy Road;
– Westbound Hennessy Road;
– Queensway;
– Rodney Street;
– Eastbound Harcourt Road; and
– Northbound Tim Mei Avenue.

     Vehicles may not be permitted to access or leave car parks along the procession route during the road closure period.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the area. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

     Beijing-based LaoPu Gold announced today (September 13) that its first Hong Kong store has recently opened, leveraging the city's international status to take its brand and the art of Chinese gold craftsmanship to the global stage.

     The new shop, located at a major shopping centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, showcases a series of meticulously created handcrafted gold jewellery, including gold jewellery, precious collectables and ornaments, plus special collections dedicated for weddings and arrivals of new born babies. Its ancient Chinese gold craftsmanship sets it apart from other jewellery retailers in the city, according to its Vice General Manager, Ms Louisa Tse.

     Ms Tse said that the brand has inherited the filigree and inlay techniques, which are officially classified as part of the intangible cultural heritage of China and were originally used by the imperial courts for making jewellery and ornaments. "Our branded gold jewellery is handcrafted by grand masters, and the items are not only jewellery and art pieces with rich Chinese heritage but comparable to luxurious collectibles. Apart from developing our retail business in the region, we also endeavour to promote our heritage of gold craftsmanship to a global audience through the Hong Kong store."

     She added, "Hong Kong is an international city with a high number of visitors coming from around the world either for business or leisure. It is the best location for us to promote our brand and traditional craftsmanship, and this is our first store outside of Mainland China. We also believe that a physical presence in Hong Kong can help to expand our global business."

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Dr Jimmy Chiang welcomed LaoPu Gold's first store in Hong Kong. He said, "Hong Kong's status as an international city has attracted many Mainland companies to set up a presence here, using the city as their springboard to 'go global'. We are happy to see that LaoPu Gold has established its foothold in Hong Kong. We believe our city is the perfect springboard for its global expansion."

About LaoPu Gold

     Established in 2009, LaoPu Gold is a Chinese handcrafted gold jewellery brand that uses ancient Chinese gold craftsmanship techniques to achieve meticulous details. It has six stores in Beijing and one each in Shenzhen, Xi'an, Wuhan and Nanjing. For more information, please visit www.lphj.com.cn.
      
About Invest Hong Kong

     Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting foreign direct investment and supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies enrolled as its clients. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
      
     For an event photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72157699686303991.

  

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, September 13, 2018 is 104.3 (down 0.4 against yesterday's index).

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (September 13) that Shek O Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, is temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance of the shark prevention net. The red flag has been hoisted at the beach. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach. The red flag was hoisted earlier due to big waves.