The Government announced today (January 31) that it has concluded discussions with the Government of Peru and the United Nations to accept vaccination records issued by Peru and the United Nations as recognised vaccination records for Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places under the mechanism. The relevant arrangements will take effect at 0.00am on February 5 (Saturday).
 
     Peru is currently a Group A specified place. On the other hand, the United Nations has been arranging vaccination for the personnel of its system worldwide, and has been issuing relevant vaccination records. From 0.00am on February 5, Hong Kong residents who hold a vaccination record issued by Peru's relevant authorities or the United Nations in the prescribed format can board a flight for Hong Kong from Group A specified places. The vaccines administered for the relevant travellers have to be vaccines listed on the Government's List of COVID-19 Vaccines Recognised for Specified Purposes.
 
     The Government has implemented stringent inbound prevention and control measures for travellers arriving at Hong Kong from overseas places. Travellers who have stayed in Group A specified places can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they are Hong Kong residents who are fully vaccinated and holding recognised vaccination records. Recognised vaccination records include (a) vaccination records issued by Hong Kong, (b) vaccination records or certifications issued by Mainland or Macao authorities or an institution recognised by Mainland or Macao authorities, (c) vaccination records or certifications issued by an authority or recognised institution of a country where its national regulatory authority is designated by the World Health Organization as a stringent regulatory authority, (d) vaccination records or certifications issued by a relevant authority or recognised institution of a country with which Hong Kong has reached a recognition agreement arrangement with its government, or (e) vaccination records issued by an organisation with which Hong Kong has reached a recognition agreement arrangement.
 
     The list of places or organisations that are accepted for issuing recognised vaccination records is set out in the Annex, and will be uploaded to the Government's COVID-19 thematic website.
 
     The Government will continue to discuss with other places on the arrangements for the recognition of vaccination records, and will update the list as recognition arrangements are agreed with these places.

     In view of the cold weather, the Home Affairs Department has opened 18 temporary shelters today (January 31) for people in need of the service.

     The temporary shelters will remain open during the daytime tomorrow (February 1) when the Cold Weather Warning is still in force.

     To ensure that cold shelter users can rest in a quiet and undisturbed environment, members of the public or agencies wishing to make donations to shelter users are requested to register with the staff of the shelter first. Donors will then be directed to place the donated items at a specified indoor location. The staff will help notify the shelter users to collect the items on their own.

     Anyone seeking temporary refuge or with any questions about the donation arrangements at the cold shelters may call the department's hotline 2572 8427 for more information.

     In light of the implementation of mandatory use of the "LeaveHomeSafe" mobile application when entering government premises, all persons are required to use the app to scan the venue QR code before they are allowed to enter temporary cold shelters, except for exempted persons (including persons who are aged below 12 or aged 65 or above, persons with disabilities that render use of the app difficult and persons without smartphones). All exempted persons are required to complete a prescribed form to register their personal particulars, contact phone number and the date and time of entry. The staff will verify the information provided.

     The 18 temporary cold shelters are located at:

Hong Kong Island:
——————–

Central and Western:
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun

Eastern:
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay

Southern:
Wah Kwai Community Centre
Wah Kwai Estate, Kellett Bay

Wan Chai:
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai

Kowloon:
——————

Kowloon City:
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices, 42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom

Kwun Tong:
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin

Sham Shui Po:
Nam Cheong District Community Centre
1 Cheong San Lane, Sham Shui Po

Wong Tai Sin:
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan

Yau Tsim Mong:
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
 
New Territories:
—————-

Islands:
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung

Kwai Tsing:
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Chung

North:
North District Community Centre
2 Lung Wan Street, Sheung Shui

Sai Kung:
Chi Shin Activity Centre
G/F, Tseung Kwan O South Ancillary Facilities Block
5 Chi Shin Street, Tseung Kwan O

Sha Tin:
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po:
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po

Tsuen Wan:
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan

Tuen Mun:
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun

Yuen Long:
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (January 31).

     The value of total retail sales in December 2021, provisionally estimated at $33.3 billion, increased by 6.2% compared with the same month in 2020. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in November 2021 increased by 7.1% compared with a year earlier.

     Of the total retail sales value in December 2021, online sales accounted for 10.8%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $3.6 billion, increased by 31.5% compared with the same month in 2020. The revised estimate of online retail sales in November 2021 increased by 28.2% compared with a year earlier.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in December 2021 increased by 3.4% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in November 2021 increased by 4.3% compared with a year earlier.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing December 2021 with December 2020, the value of sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods, not elsewhere classified increased by 5.5%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+24.0% in value); other consumer goods, not elsewhere classified (+10.8%); commodities in department stores (+2.5%); wearing apparel (+12.0%); medicines and cosmetics (+9.7%); motor vehicles and parts (+8.7%); fuels (+18.4%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+15.5%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+4.7%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+7.8%); and optical shops (+25.1%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 6.8% in December 2021 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.0% in value); and furniture and fixtures (-4.1%).

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 3.6% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.4%.

     For 2021 as a whole, the value of total retail sales was provisionally estimated at $353.0 billion, increased by 8.1% in value and 6.5% in volume over 2020. The value of online retail sales was provisionally estimated at $28.6 billion, increased by 39.0% over 2020.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing the whole year of 2021 with the whole year of 2020, the value of sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods, not elsewhere classified increased by 19.1%. This was followed by sales of other consumer goods, not elsewhere classified (+20.6% in value); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+27.3%); wearing apparel (+22.6%); medicines and cosmetics (+3.0%); motor vehicles and parts (+13.7%); fuels (+12.7%); furniture and fixtures (+5.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (+14.2%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+5.4%); Chinese drugs and herbs (+5.0%); and optical shops (+14.4%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 8.4% in 2021 compared with 2020.  This was followed by sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-2.7% in value); and commodities in department stores (-3.3%).

     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics. Starting from January 2020, data on online retail sales have been collected in MRS. The relevant results were first published in the January 2021 issue of the "Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales".

     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication "Gross Domestic Product (Quarterly)" for more details.

Commentary

     A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales increased further by 6.2% year-on-year in December 2021 along with the continued economic recovery, though the growth pace moderated somewhat from the preceding month. For 2021 as a whole, total retail sales value rose by 8.1%, but was still 27.2% below the level in 2018 before the recession as tourism stayed at a standstill.

     Looking ahead, the spokesman pointed out that the latest wave of local epidemic and the tightened anti-epidemic measures have weighed on consumption sentiment and posed renewed pressures on the retail sector. It is essential for the community to work together with the Government to contain the epidemic as soon as possible, so as to create conditions for the continued revival of retail business and the overall economy.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for November 2021 as well as the provisional figures for December 2021. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the whole year of 2021 are also shown.

     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for November 2021 as well as the provisional figures for December 2021. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the whole year of 2021 are also shown.

     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for November 2021 as well as the provisional figures for December 2021. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the whole year of 2021 are also shown.

     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     More detailed statistics are given in the "Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales". Users can download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530). Alternatively, the historical series of retail sales statistics can be downloaded in the form of a statistical table at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=D5600089&scode=530).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

     The Government announced today (January 31) its financial results for the nine months ended December 31, 2021.
 
     There was a surplus of HK$115.9 billion in the month of December, thereby bringing a cumulative year-to-date surplus of HK$50.1 billion after receipt of net proceeds of HK$29.1 billion from issuance of green bonds under the Government Green Bond Programme (Green Bond). Expenditure for the nine-month period amounted to HK$481.5 billion and revenue HK$502.5 billion.
 
     A Government spokesperson said that the cumulative year-to-date surplus for the period was mainly due to the receipt of land premium, profits tax and stamp duties. The revised estimates for the current financial year will be published along with the 2022-23 Budget.
 
     The fiscal reserves stood at HK$977.9 billion as at December 31, 2021.
 
     Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
 
TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)
 

 
Government Debts as at December 31, 2021 (Note 3)
    HK$56,663 million
Debts Guaranteed by Government as at December 31, 2021 (Note 4)
    HK$116,252.2 million
 
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
 

 
Notes:

1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at December 31, 2021, was HK$208,066 million.

2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks.

3. These were the Green Bonds (equivalent to HK$56,663 million as at December 31, 2021) issued under the Government Green Bond Programme. They were denominated in US dollars (US$4,500 million with maturity from May 2024 to February 2051), euros (1,750 million euros with maturity from November 2026 to November 2041) and Renminbi (RMB5,000 million with maturity from November 2024 to November 2026). They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$168,183 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,799 million as at December 31, 2021) issued under the Government Bond Programme (with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund). Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$47,683 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$12,916 million will mature within the period from January 2022 to December 2022 and the rest within the period from January 2023 to March 2036.
 
4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012 and a commercial loan of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

5. Includes HK$232,367 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of "Future Fund", for long-term investments initially up to December 31, 2025. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up.

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region releases a monthly summary of its financial results and debts in compliance with the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard.
 
     The timetable for the release of the monthly data for the 2022-23 financial year is as follows:
 

     In addition to press releases, the summary of financial results and debts will also be published on the Treasury's website (www.try.gov.hk).