Census and Statistics Department announces schedule for issuing regular release of statistical data in 2019

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) announced today (September 18) the schedule for issuing regular release of statistical data in 2019 at Annex (PDF format). The schedule, which covers 118 items, has been uploaded on the C&SD's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/press_release/index.jsp) to facilitate access by the public. 
 
     The information sheet entitled "Census and Statistics Department – 2019 Regular Statistics Release Schedule" has also been released via the C&SD's website. Presenting the date schedule by data category, this information sheet serves as a handy reference on the issue dates of the regular press releases of individual subject areas in 2019.
 
     "We have been making continuous efforts to shorten the time lag in releasing statistics. At present, we are able to release most monthly statistics within one month and all quarterly statistics within three months after the reference period," a spokesman for the C&SD said.
 
     "Starting from the reference period of the first quarter of 2019, the C&SD will advance the first release of the quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (the advance estimates) to around one month after the reference period. The advance estimates will include the real growth of overall GDP and its major expenditure components to facilitate an early assessment of the latest economic performance and sources of growth of Hong Kong. The C&SD will issue press releases to announce these advance estimates. When more data become available, the C&SD will then compile the revised figures on GDP. The revised figures (with more detailed components) as well as the current price GDP and GDP deflator will be released in the C&SD website and the "Gross Domestic Product (Quarterly) Report" about two weeks later. No separate press release on the revised GDP figures will be issued by the C&SD."
 
     The press releases listed on the schedule will be issued via the Information Services Department at 4.30pm on the release day. They will also be posted on the C&SD's website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/press_release/index.jsp) shortly afterwards.
 
     "We have all along adhered to the pre-announced schedule for issuing these regular press releases. Only under exceptional circumstances such as those arising from unexpected adverse weather conditions would the releases be postponed. In such events, an announcement will be made via the Information Services Department regarding the special circumstances and the revised date for issuing the press release concerned," the spokesman added.
 
     In addition to these regular press releases, other press releases on statistical data (e.g. press releases announcing results of ad hoc surveys) are also issued by the C&SD from time to time.
 
     All press releases issued by the C&SD in recent years are posted on its website for reference by the general public.
 
     Enquiries on the schedule can be directed to the C&SD at telephone number 2582 4958.