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The Statistics Advisory Board held a meeting today (May 24) to discuss official statistics work and its recent developments.
At the meeting, members were briefed on several statistical initiatives being carried out following the availability of an updated population base from the 2011 Population Census (11C) conducted by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD).
The Commissioner for Census and Statistics and Chairman of the Statistics Advisory Board, Mrs Lily Ou-yang, said, "Based on results of 11C and the latest population trends, an updated set of population projections for Hong Kong, covering the period from 2012 to 2041, is being compiled. Results of the projection exercise will provide useful data for planning and policy formulation purposes."
Members were also informed of the work being undertaken by C&SD in preparing a thematic report on household income distribution in Hong Kong, which is expected to be published in mid-2012.
Members noted that C&SD was undertaking a new round of major revision exercises in regard to the compilation of national accounts statistics, mainly to incorporate the latest international statistical standards laid down in the "System of National Accounts 2008" and the sixth edition of the "Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual". The exercise would enable Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product and Balance of Payments statistics to align fully with the latest international standards and guidelines.
Also reported at the meeting was the programme of activities being organised by C&SD to mark its 45th anniversary in 2012. Among others were the launching of a web-based exhibition in the website of the Department in June and the organisation of public seminars on statistics in the latter half of the year. Members noted that these two events were included as celebratory events for the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Board discussed other statistical developments since the previous meeting, including the latest progress of the planning of the World Statistics Congress to be held in Hong Kong in August 2013, professional assistance rendered to the Manpower Projections exercise and work in regard to promotion of statistical literacy among different sectors of the community.
The Statistics Advisory Board is a non-statutory advisory body which advises the Commissioner for Census and Statistics on matters pertaining to government statistical work. Its membership consists of established professionals of the business sector, academia and the community, which provides for a wide representation to assist the Commissioner in integrating views of data users, data suppliers and statisticians. The terms of reference and composition of the Board can be found on C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/about_us/our_advisory_board/index.jsp).
Ends/Thursday, May 24, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:32
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