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Statistics of Hong Kong

Do you know the value of Hong Kong’s GDP last year? What are the annual value of retail sales and the turnover of all local restaurants last year? And the average income of local households? (Answers can be found at the end of this article)

Recently I paid a visit to the C&SD headquarters to show my support to the colleagues there.

These figures help us better understand the actual situation of Hong Kong and provide useful reference for the HKSAR government in the consideration and formulation of public policies. However, these figures are not at our fingertips. They are compiled by our Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) colleagues through multiple scientific and regular sample surveys and researches. Their effort and professionalism make the first-hand materials and information readily available for government departments, economic assessment and academic studies. The statistics they compile not only deepens our understanding of the socio-economic phenomenon on top of our glimpse and perception, but also lays the foundation for objective, comprehensive and insightful observation and discussions as well as comparison and analysis by stakeholders.

Recently I paid a visit to the C&SD headquarters to show my support to the colleagues there. During the tour, I visited the Service Centre on Trade Statistics and learnt about the online collection and dissemination of trade statistics. I also took the opportunity to tour the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing Centre and learnt about the operation of the Centre as well as the data collection method of the Quarterly Survey of Employment and Vacancies.

As the principal technical department which collects data and compiles statistics for the government, C&SD is responsible for a number of important and large-scale projects. One of them is the decennial and extensive population census, which relies on the participation of everyone. The next round of population census will be held from late June to early August in the coming year. Covering all citizens of Hong Kong, it aims to provide information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population and up-to-date benchmark statistics on its detailed geographical distribution.

It is essential to keep the benchmark statistics updated on a timely basis for the sake of policymaking by the government. For instance, a complete picture of the population structure and age distribution helps us understand whether the pace of population ageing is in line with expectations and its implications on a wide range of measures such as those related to medical services and social welfare. Another example is the geographical distribution of the population. It facilitates the assessment of the adequacy of public services and service facilities in different districts in meeting the actual needs. Therefore, the population census next year will be of great significance for government policies in terms of timely advancement and adjustment.

Nevertheless, the population census next year will face an unusual challenge, for the coronavirus pandemic may bring uncertainty to the relevant work. In view of this, C&SD will further extend the use of information technology in the data collection process, for example, census officers will immediately input the data collected to the system, or provide encrypted online questionnaires for the respondents. Such arrangements can enhance the work efficiency and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Considering the various needs of the citizens, the next population census still needs to recruit enumerators to carry out face-to-face interviews with respondents. C&SD will provide appropriate training and protective gear for all frontline staff to ensure the health and safety of both the respondents and our staff.

The success of surveys and population censuses conducted by the government cannot be achieved without the active participation of citizens and corporations. I hope everyone will support the surveys conducted by C&SD, especially the population census in 2021, to keep us abreast of the latest and comprehensive data of Hong Kong and help us examine the situations of different sectors in the society. This could facilitate the evaluation and formulation of appropriate policies and allocation of resources so that we can ensure our work is tuned in to the development of the society and meets the needs of our citizens.

November 8, 2020