Brand Hong Hong’s visual identity — a powerful and energetic dragon — was designed to communicate the city’s historic link with a mythical icon.

The blue and green ribbons that extend from the dragon symbolise blue sky and a sustainable environment, while Lion Rock — the famous landmark that represents the people’s “can-do” spirit — is silhouetted by the red ribbon. The fluid shape of the ribbons evokes versatility, and the multiple colours signify the city’s diversity and dynamism. Contents

ABOUT HONG KONG 4 Location Population Language Climate International Trading Centre Global Services Centre International Corporate Base Free Trade and Free Market Efficient Government Monetary System The Rule of Law Airport Hong Kong Port ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS 9 Economic Development Economic Policy International Financial Centre Economic Links with the Mainland LIVING IN HONG KONG 16 Government Structure Legal System Employment Education Health Housing Transport Pollution and Environmental Control Law and Order Tax System Mandatory Provident Fund The Media Telecommunications COMING TO HONG KONG 32 Tourism Immigration Leisure and Culture Traditional Festivals THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG 38 Moving towards a Knowledge-based Economy Asia’s Cyber City for the Cyber Century Infrastructure Projects for the 21st Century HONG KONG : THE FACTS 44 USEFUL CONTACTS 47

3 About Hong Kong 5 Global Services Centre exporter of Hong Kong was the world’s 11th largest services, services in 2011. Travel services, trade-related services are transportation services, financial and business in services. the main components of the city’s trade Climate is sub-tropical, tending towards Hong Kong’s climate half the year. Temperatures can drop temperate for nearly exceed below 10 degrees Celsius in winter and often about 90 per cent 31 degrees Celsius in summer. Generally, of the rainfall occurs between April and September. International Trading Centre economy, Hong Kong is the world’s 10th largest trading 10th largest its sixth largest foreign exchange market, stock banking centre and among Asia’s top three top markets. Hong Kong is also one of the world’s jewellery, exporters of garments, watches and clocks, light toys, games, electronic products and certain industrial products. Language and Chinese English are the official languages. English is widely the used within and Government also by the legal, professional and is no shortage of well-educated, business sectors. There competent whobilingual or even trilingual professionals and Putonghua — a vital speak English, enterprise doing business in Hong requirement for any and Taiwan. Kong or with the Mainland Described as a ‘barren Described as 150 years rock’ some Kong is today ago, Hong financial, a world-class business trading and indeed, centre and, a great world city. Hong Kong does not have many natural resources except for Hong Kong’s population was slightly over 7.07 million Hong Kong’s population was slightly over of in mid-2011, including a large foreign contingent were from 597 000. The three largest foreign groups 060) and Indonesia (164 260), the Philippines (153 was USA (29 080). The average population density 6 540 people per square kilometre. Population Location tip of China Hong Kong’s position, at the south-eastern Asia, gives it and in the heart of rapidly developing East proportion to economic and strategic importance out of the territory its size. Covering 1 104 square kilometres, and the comprises Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong — New Territories — the more rural part of and 262 outlying islands. About Hong Kong Hong About its great harbour — one of the finest deep-water ports its great harbour — entrepreneurial and in the world. A hardworking, of more than 7 million people well-educated population Hong Kong’s productivity forms the bulwark of and creativity. a Special Administrative Region Hong Kong became on July 1, (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China rule. Under 1997, after a century and a half of British Basic Law, Hong Kong’s constitutional document, the will be the existing economic, legal and social systems a high degree maintained for 50 years. The HKSAR enjoys affairs. of autonomy except in defence and foreign About hong kong hong About 4 About Hong Kong 7 The Rule of Law Hong Kong has a trusted well-established and the legal system based on and common law. The rights freedoms of Hong Kong by residents are safeguarded the rule of law, an independent a free judiciary, legal aid, and and active press. Airport aviation Hong Kong is a major international and regional one of the hub. Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), airlines providing busiest in the world, is served by over 105 160 destinations passenger and/or freight services to about Mainland. worldwide, including some 40 cities in the Monetary System Monetary maintain policy is to monetary Kong’s of Hong The aim externally oriented Given the highly currency stability. by is accommodated economy, this aim nature of the exchange rate to the Hong Kong dollar’s linking the The Linked Exchange set at HK$7.8 to US$1. US dollar, October 1983. was introduced in Rate System In 2011, the HKSAR the HKSAR In 2011, helped a Government overseas, record 303 and Taiwan Mainland set up or companies presence expand their These in Hong Kong. companies came from The HKSAR Government is well known for its efficiency, The HKSAR Government is well known for readily transparency and fairness. The Government under lends a hand to business people and companies the guiding principle of ‘market leads, government restrictions facilitates’. It works hard to remove market and promote fair competition. Efficient Government Free Trade and Free Market trade. It has Hong Kong advocates and practices free virtually no a free and liberal investment regime with against overseas trade barriers. There is no discrimination investors. There is freedom of capital movement, and straight- well-established rule of law, transparent tax system. forward regulations, and a low and simple International Corporate Base Corporate International a variety of business sectors, including: business and a variety of business consumer products; creative professional services; information and industries; financial services; innovation and technology; communications technology; and transport and industrial. They tourism and hospitality; investment of about HK$5 billion accounted for direct than 5 000 new jobs within the first and will create more or expansion in Hong Kong. two years of operation survey, as at June 1, 2011, According to a government to 6 948 overseas and Mainland Hong Kong was home located companies, representing parent companies as regional outside Hong Kong. Of those, 3 752 served headquarters or regional offices. About hong kong hong About 6 Economic Competitiveness 9 Economic Development Economic and cosmopolitan city, is an international Hong Kong environment, rule of its business-friendly known for and information, open and free flow of law, free trade and comprehensive well-established fair competition, transport and communications financial networks, superb support services, a flexible infrastructure, sophisticated well-educated and highly motivated labour market with a of energetic entrepreneurs. workforce, and a pool foreign exchange reserves, Hong Kong has substantial stable currency, and a simple, a fully convertible and low-tax system. Economy A Free and Competitive For the 18th consecutive been year, Hong Kong has rated the freest economy in the world in the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom published by The Heritage Foundation since 1995. The Fraser the Institute in Canada, in conjunction with than Cato Institute in the United States and more ranked 75 economic institutes worldwide, has also of economic Hong Kong number one in the world in terms The International Monetary Fund consistently. freedom Moreover, classifies Hong Kong as an advanced economy. Development the International Institute for Management competitive recognised Hong Kong as the world’s most Economic economy in 2011 and 2012 while World 60 leading Forum gave Hong Kong the top rank among terms of financial financial systems and capital markets in as development in 2011. Hong Kong also emerged (FDI) the world’s third largest foreign direct investment in 2010, only destinations and the second largest in Asia after the Mainland, according to the World Investment Report 2011 published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Economic Competitiveness Economic In 2011, Hong Kong's harbour handled 24.38 million In 2011, Hong Kong's harbour handled making TEUs (20-foot Equivalent Units) of containers, The nine it one of the world’s busiest container ports. Yi are managed container terminals at Kwai Chung-Tsing and provides by five operators. It covers 279 hectares The water 24 berths with a frontage of 7 694 metres. metres and depth at Kwai Chung- basin is 15.5 is over the total handling capacity of the terminals ocean-going 19 million TEUs per year. During 2011, 32 490 at vessels and 172 180 river-trade vessels called tonnes Hong Kong. These vessels handled 277 million of cargo and carried about 28 million passengers. Hong Kong Port In 2011, the HKIA welcomed 52.75 million passengers million passengers 52.75 welcomed the HKIA In 2011, representing movements, 805 aircraft 333 and handled over 2010. 6% and 8.9% respectively growth of Both 3.94 million tonnes. throughput was Annual cargo set new records. trips and aircraft movements passenger HKIA has been named in July 1998, the Since opening In in different surveys. best airport 50 times the world's by the Airports Council was again recognised 2011, HKIA best airport serving over International as the world’s annually. 40 million passengers About hong kong hong About 8 Economic Competitiveness

11 Level Playing Field Playing Level Government The HKSAR most ensures the conditions. business-friendly the These include ‘software’ fundamental liberty, the of personal a clean and rule of law, efficient administration for and a level playing field as all businesses, as well infrastructural ‘hardware’ roads such as schools and growth. vital to Hong Kong’s while maintaining a simple tax structure with low tax while maintaining a simple tax structure to work and rates that provide people with the incentive tax rate of entrepreneurs to invest. The corporate profits per cent are low 16.5 per cent and salaries tax rate of 15 by international standards. In addition, the Government has a special responsibility In addition, the Government and promote fair to remove market restrictions considerable strides facilitating competition. It has made financial markets in a fair and the development of in opening up the information and efficient manner, and broadcasting telecommunications technology (ICT) and to markets. The Government also has a responsibility Kong enjoys remove barriers to industries where Hong new markets. competitive advantages and help them tap Hong Kong’s The Government protects and promotes arena commercial interests in the international the World through participation in such forums as Economic Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia-Pacific Co-operation and the Pacific Economic Co-operation into bilateral Council, and by negotiating and entering arrangements. Prudent Fiscal Management management, The Government adheres to prudent fiscal Economic Policy been well known for its market- Hong Kong has long The market mechanism has driven economic policy. and is the best way to respond served Hong Kong well age. The Government will, effectively in a fast-changing the right conditions are in place for however, ensure that functioning of markets. Where the proper and efficient measures to necessary, the Government will introduce in the face safeguard macroeconomic and social stability crisis of of external shocks, such as the global financial to maintaining 2008-2009. Economic vitality is the key Hong Kong’s competitiveness and prosperity. Gross Domestic Product (GPD) Growth Product Domestic Gross Kong economy the Hong decades, the past two Over at with GDP growing doubled in size, has more than per cent in real terms. annual rate of 3.9 an average outperformed the that Hong Kong has This means of the Organisation as well as those world economy Development. Hong Co-operation and for Economic an nearly 80 per cent with capita GDP rose by Kong’s per rate of 2.9 per cent in real terms average annual growth Hong Kong’s per capita GDP during the same period. current market prices in 2011. rose to US$34,500 at ss ene etitiv Comp Economic 10 Economic Competitiveness

13 Foreign Exchange Market Foreign Exchange and active foreign exchange Hong Kong has a mature integral part of the global market. market, which is an facilitate foreign exchange Links with centres overseas worldwide. Hong Kong is the dealing 24 hours a day centre for foreign exchange trading, world’s sixth largest triennial global survey by the Bank according to the 2010 for International Settlements. Stock and Bond Markets world’s largest Hong Kong’s stock market is one of the end of December in terms of market capitalisation. At the on the Hong 2011, 1 496 public companies were listed market Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. Total (US$2,258 billion), capitalisation stood at HK$17,537 billion stock making Hong Kong one of the three largest markets in Asia. promoting In recent years, the Government has been through the further development of the bond market provided the the Government Bond Programme. It has incentives, necessary financial infrastructure and tax market overseas in addition to promoting the local bond efforts to and in the Mainland. There are also ongoing enhance investor education on bond investment. of the As at end 2011, the total outstanding amount billion. Hong Kong dollar debt market exceeded HK$1,261 Hong Kong’s financial markets are distinguished by a high degree of liquidity. They operate under effective and transparent regulations that meet international standards. A highly educated workforce and ease of entry for overseas educated workforce and ease of entry for of professionals further contribute to the development financial markets. The Banking Sector a strong The international financial community has 2011, presence in Hong Kong. At the end of December 142 were Hong Kong had 152 licensed banks, of which 73 had foreign-owned. Of the world’s top 100 banks, banks had operations in the HKSAR. A further 61 foreign representative offices here. Hong Kong is an international financial centre with an centre financial international Kong is an Hong institutions and markets. network of financial integrated a maintain and develop policy is to The Government’s and administrative regulatory, infrastructural sound legal, playing field for all, and provide a level framework and monetary stability of the financial maintain the to compete effectively enable Hong Kong systems, and centres. against other financial enjoys the advantage of a In addition, Hong Kong position that bridges the time favourable geographical America and Europe, strong links gap between North other economies in Southeast with the Mainland and with the rest of the Asia and excellent communications restrictions on capital flows into and world. There are no factors have enabled Hong out of Hong Kong. These international financial centre. Kong to become a leading Financial Markets International Financial Centre Financial International ss ene etitiv Comp Economic 12 Economic Competitiveness 15 Hong Kong and Guangdong on all fronts to a national fronts to a on all Guangdong Kong and Hong early implementation for the provides level, and strategic measures in Guangdong. of various in Hong Kong’s is also a major investor The Mainland were 805 regional As at June 2011, there economy. and local offices with regional offices headquarters, Mainland. located in the parent companies investment from the Mainland The stock of total direct billion at end-2010, making it one amounted to US$402 of external direct investment. of the largest sources the Closer Economic Partnership Implementation of Arrangement (CEPA) enhanced economic links between CEPA has significantly Mainland since it came into full Hong Kong and the 2004. Under this free-trade pact, effect on January 1, CEPA rules of origin enjoy Hong Kong goods meeting Mainland, while designated tariff-free access to the preferential access beyond China's service sectors enjoy over the WTO commitments. CEPA has been expanded years, with the two sides in Supplement IX signed by and trade and June 2012, adding 43 services liberalisation have so far investment facilitation measures. The two sides service sectors. announced 338 liberalisation measures in 48 RMB business in Hong Kong with Mainland The HKSAR Government is working closely depth and authorities to explore ways to enhance the in Hong breadth of offshore renminbi (RMB) business settlement, Kong. They include cross-border RMB trade Kong, expansion of the RMB bond market in Hong introduction of RMB Qualified Foreign Institutional the Mainland Investor scheme (RQFII) for investments in of equity market, and revision to the management Kong foreign investment projects to enable Hong in the enterprises to use RMB for direct investment in Mainland. A number of significant developments platform to new 2011 raised Hong Kong’s RMB business Kong will heights. The offshore RMB market in Hong depth continue to develop, both in terms of the development. and breadth of the market and product Hong Kong is the premier gateway for trade and for trade gateway premier Kong is the Hong for Mainland trade in the Mainland, and investment the Mainland adopted of the world. Since with the rest policy in 1978, reform and open-door its economic have gone from strength links with Hong Kong economic to strength. WTO in 2001 signalled the success China’s accession to the policies. With rapid economic of its economic reform three decades, the Mainland is now growth over the past in the world. Hong Kong, the second-largest economy outlook, has the unique advantage with its international as its hinterland. As a business of having the Mainland financial centre, Hong Kong hub and an international to and benefit from the rapid will continue to contribute in the Mainland. economic developments Trade with the Mainland Kong’s largest trading partner, The Mainland is Hong total trade accounting for nearly half of Hong Kong’s Kong’s value in 2011. About 90 per cent of Hong making it re-export trade is linked to the Mainland, source of both the largest market for and the largest Hong Kong’s re-exports. the Mainland Hong Kong is a major services centre for particular, generally and for the Pearl River Delta in other business providing a wide range of financial and insurance, support services like banking and finance, transport, accounting and sales promotion. the Mainland Investments between Hong Kong and investors Hong Kong companies are the largest external of around in the Mainland, with cumulative investments of the total US$527 billion, accounting for 45 per cent value of inward direct investment as at end-2011. with Hong Kong’s closest economic links are for 30 per cent Guangdong Province, which accounted Kong’s (or US$118 billion) of the total stock of Hong at end-2010. outward direct investment to the Mainland of the The Outline Plan for the Reform and Development Pearl River Delta elevates co-operation between Economic Links with the Mainland with Links Economic ss ene etitiv Comp Economic 14 Living in Hong Kong 17 Legal System on the rule of The HKSAR’s legal system is firmly based Under the law and the independence of the judiciary. by ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, sanctioned Republic the National People’s Congress of the People‘s legal system of China, the HKSAR maintains a separate based on common law. The Judiciary success is A key element in the HKSAR’s continuing principle of its judicial system, which operates on the branches independence from the executive and legislative the common of government — factors fundamental to in law system. The courts make their own judgments bodies or the disputes involving private citizens, corporate Government itself. Administrative Structure Administrative The Government the introduced Political Appointment 2002. System in system, Under the of the offices Secretaries of Department and are held by political appointees, Directors of Bureau responsibility for matters falling who assume political portfolios. In 2008, two additional within their respective namely Deputy Directors layers of political appointees, Assistants were created to assist of Bureau and Political The Civil Service, the backbone of them in political work. to assist in policy formulation the Government, continues and implementation. At the local level, 18 District Councils advise on the implementation of policies in their respective districts. The Fourth Term of the District Councils are composed of 412 elected members, 27 ex-officio members and 68 appointed members. Their term of office is from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015. Government Structure Government enjoys a high degree Basic Law, the HKSAR Under the The affairs and defence. except in foreign of autonomy and independent executive, legislative HKSAR exercises final adjudication. including that of judicial power, The Chief Executive is the head of the HKSAR. He is The Chief Executive by the Executive Council, the advised on major decisions appointed by the Chief Executive. members of which are Representative Government system of representative The HKSAR has a two-tier Council enacts laws, government. The Legislative government budgets, taxation examines and approves All 60 members of the Legislative and public expenditure. with four-year terms of office. Council are elected, was held on The Legislative Council’s fourth term election will September 7, 2008, and the fifth term election be held in September 2012. Living in Hong Kong Hong in Living ong Kong Hong in Living 16 Living in Hong Kong 19 Education items of public is one of the largest Education one-fifth of total accounting for over expenditure, Government provides expenditure. The recurrent public necessary to ensure that no financial assistance where education due to lack of means student is deprived of to ensure Hong Kong maintains and funds initiatives a high standard of education. 12 Years’ Free Education school year, free education Starting from the 2008-09 to 12 years to include was extended from nine provided by public sector senior secondary education the same school year, secondary schools. From fully subsidised full-time courses the Government has Training Council for Secondary offered by the Vocational 3 school leavers to further their studies. In May —June wage of monthly the median 2011, Kong was in Hong employees non-Government (US$1,645). HK$12,800 judge from other common law jurisdictions to sit on the court. The Chief Justice heads the Judiciary, assisted in overall administration by the Judiciary Administrator. and food services; 26 per cent in public and food services; 26 per cent in public (1) Accommodation services cover hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses and other Accommodation services cover hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses establishments providing short term accommodation.

The Court of Final Appeal of Final The Court appellate highest (CFA), the Appeal of Final The Court by the Chief Justice. HKSAR, is headed court in the judges, a panel of three permanent The CFA consists judges and Hong Kong of six non-permanent other common law judges from 13 non-permanent hears and rules on A five-judge bench jurisdictions. required, invite a the court may, as appeals, and Kong judge or a non-permanent non-permanent Hong administration, and social and personal services; administration, and social and personal services; estate, and 19 per cent in financing, insurance, real per cent in professional and business services; and 12 services, transportation, storage, postal and courier 3 per cent and information and communications. Only worked in the manufacturing sector. (1) Employment asset and key to Manpower is Hong Kong’s most valued The Government the HKSAR’s economic competitiveness. dynamic, strives to ensure that the workforce remains opportunity for well-motivated, adaptable and has ample continuous improvement. Labour Market and Wages about In 2011, Hong Kong’s labour force was men and 3.7 million, of which 52.5 per cent were people 47.5 per cent women. The majority of employed 32 per cent were engaged in the services sector, with and in import / export, wholesale and retail trades, accommodation ong Kong Hong in Living 18 Living in Hong Kong 21 Housing for Government spending on housing accounted in 2011-12. 5.1 per cent of total public expenditure Public Rental Housing It is Government policy to provide public rental housing (PRH) for low- income families who cannot afford private rental accommodation and, in this respect, the PRH programme is a major social achievement. As at December 2011, about 2.1 by the Hong million people lived in PRH estates managed Hong Kong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) and the 2011, Housing Society (HKHS). At the end of December the PRH stock comprised 761 200 flats. Subsidised Home Ownership sold to Since 1978, about 464 600 flats have been under eligible families/persons at discounted prices various subsidised home ownership schemes. Private Services Private charges range Their hospitals. are 12 private There an dollars a day for of several hundred from an average to more than HK$2,000 in a general ward inpatient bed to pay for items, ward. Patients have for a first class daily in addition to the and dressings, such as medicine doctors’ visits. Services Community Health good health, thanks to Hong Kong people enjoy measures by the Government extensive preventive Service, the Port Health Service, through its Family Health the School Dental Care the Student Health Service, community health services. Service and many other Kong’s remarkably low infant They contribute to Hong rates, which are comparable to and maternal mortality the best in the world. Hong Kong has 15 degree- Kong has Hong higher education awarding including nine institutions, a teacher universities, training institution, for performing an academy colleges. arts, and four In 2011, three institutions the were ranked among world’s top 50 universities second and also rated first, and fifth among Asian universities. Higher Education Higher Health policy aims to ensure that The Government’s healthcare medical treatment due to lack no one is denied adequate a range of services and facilities is of means. To this end, healthcare provided to complement those in the private who cannot sector and to meet the needs of patients afford medical attention. beds was about At the end of 2011, the number of hospital 5 beds per 36 100. The bed-population ratio was about doctors, 1 000 people. There were about 12 800 registered or about 1.8 doctors per 1 000 people. Public Services There are 41 public hospitals and institutions in Hong Kong. Fees in public hospitals and clinics are heavily subsidised. For Hong Kong residents, is $100 per the residential charge in the general wards ‘non-acute day for ‘acute beds’ and $68 per day for covering diet, beds’, with a general admission fee of $50 (within the X-ray examinations, laboratory tests, medicine treatment, range provided), and many forms of special including surgery, radiotherapy and physiotherapy. ong Kong Hong in Living 20 Living in Hong Kong 23 Transport of Hong Kong has one the best public transport systems in the world. People make over 11 million passenger an journeys daily, using efficient, economical and multimodal public transport system that includes railways, trams, buses, public light buses, taxis and ferries. Public transport services are provided by private operators or public subsidies. corporations without direct Government information. the sales of and fairness transparency the To enhance of first-hand residential and transactions arrangements the Residential the Government submitted properties, into the Legislative (First-hand Sales) Bill Properties The relevant Bills in March 2012. Council (LegCo) Bill. scrutinising the of LegCo has completed Committee Private Housing About 53 per cent (as at December 2011) of Hong Kong’s population live in private residential premises. The Government’s policy is to

These include the (HOS), Scheme (HOS), Home Ownership include the These and the (PSPS) Scheme Participation Sector the Private of the under the purview Scheme (TPS), Tenants Purchase HKHA. policy, housing Government's repositioned To align with and ceased production terminated the PSPS the HKHA in and ended the TPS HOS flats in 2003, and sale of 2005. Government, in collaboration with In October 2010, the the ‘My Home Purchase Plan’ the HKHS introduced buffer to help aspiring home buyers (MHPP) to provide a in the long run, but do not who can afford a property for a down payment, to achieve have enough savings MHPP serves as one of the choices home ownership. The Further enhancement measures on the housing ladder. MHPP in October 2011. were introduced to the announced the resumption In 2011, the Government to the aspirations of low and of the HOS in response on home purchases. The middle-income families a monthly New HOS will be targeted at families with first-time household income under $30,000, mainly this stage, home buyers. With the sites identified at 17 000 the Government's plan is to provide about onwards. New HOS flats over four years from 2016-17 to be ready The first batch of new HOS flats is expected for pre-sale in 2014 or 2015. maintain a free, stable and transparent environment the private to facilitate the healthy development of that home buyers residential property market, and ensure property have access to accurate and comprehensive ong Kong Hong in Living 22 Living in Hong Kong 25 Buses and Taxis Buses of the 32 per cent for about account buses Franchised or some 3.8 million public transport volume, total daily bus routes are operated every day. About 570 passengers These companies bus companies. by five franchised of buses, the majority fleet of about 5 800 manage a also There are air-conditioned double-deckers. which are than with not more light buses, (minibuses 4 350 public about 1.9 million passengers daily. 16 seats). They carry carrying a daily average of about There are 18 138 taxis one million passengers. Ferries transport link to the outlying Ferries provide an essential means of public transport in islands and as alternative the new towns. In 2011, about the inner harbour and used ferry services daily. 135 600 passengers Road Network had In 2011, Hong Kong about 2 086 kilometres of roadways, including 1 316 roads, three cross-harbour road tunnels, 13 road tunnels through hills and five major cable supported bridges. There are 630 281 licensed vehicles, including 434 843 private cars, making Hong Kong one of the least car-dependent cities in the world. Although traffic density remains area, high because of the relatively small urban peak hours, traffic generally flows smoothly even during network. aided by the highly efficient public transport The MTR is a heavily The MTR is used railway system consisting of nine lines — Kwun Tong Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Island Line, Tung Chung Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Disneyland Resort Railways public transport part of the important are an Railways per cent of the total for some 38 system, accounting 2011. Hong Kong’s transport volume in daily public Transit Railway (MTR), comprises the Mass rail network and Light Rail. Airport Express On Shan Line and West Rail Line. Line, East Rail Line, Ma of the MTR is currently about 175 The total route length more than 80 stations. The kilometres and comprises services between central Hong Airport Express provides International Airport, on a route Kong and Hong Kong were about spanning 35.2 kilometres. In 2011, there MTR and Airport 4.07 million passenger trips daily on the Express networks. 36.2 kilometres Light Rail, which spans a route network of Territories. with 68 stops, serves the northwest New in 2011. It carried about 441 900 passengers daily Island since Trams have been running on Hong Kong world’s largest 1904. The fleet of 164 trams make up the with about fleet of double-decker trams in operation 216 300 passenger trips daily in 2011. between A cable-hauled funicular tramway operates metres on a Central and the Peak. This tram climbs 373 line, gradient as steep as one-in-two on the 1.4-kilometre Tram carried which began operating in 1888. The Peak — mainly tourists about 15 600 passengers a day in 2011 and local sightseers. ong Kong Hong in Living 24 Living in Hong Kong 27 Stage 2A of HATS, which commenced in 2009, in 2009, commenced which 2A of HATS, Stage 2014. in late completed to be is expected of of Stage 2B for the implementation The programme of a review started depend upon the results HATS will trends and population on water quality in June 2010 and sewerage network flow build-up. The and sewage Kong parts of Hong facilities in other sewage treatment and to meet existing expanded and upgraded are being future needs. issues, Hong Kong has To tackle regional environmental Guangdong Province through been co-operating with on Sustainable Development the Joint Working Group The two governments and Environmental Protection. Air Quality Management Plan have drawn up a Regional the emission of four major air that aims to jointly reduce are pressing ahead with reduction pollutants. Both sides on plants, motor vehicles and the measures that focus processes. more polluting industrial a regional air quality monitoring Since November 2005, the entire network (with 16 monitoring stations covering report, the Pearl River Delta) has provided a daily public Protection Regional Air Quality Index. The Environmental Department, in collaboration with the Guangdong in Hong Kong, authorities and major industry associations Programme in launched a Cleaner Production Partnership technical April 2008. This five-year programme provides in the Pearl River support to Hong Kong-owned factories technologies Delta region to adopt cleaner production and practices. the two To strengthen co-operation with Guangdong, map out the next sides have embarked on a joint study to for the Pearl phase of emission reduction arrangements air quality. River Delta region, to further improve regional Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading cities in terms of vehicle emission control and fuel quality standards. Diesel vehicles are responsible for most of the roadside pollution in the urban areas, and government strategies pollution in the urban and include tighter control on vehicle emissions providing a cleaner-fuel vehicles wherever practicable, of old diesel one-off grant to encourage the replacement to encourage commercial vehicles and tax concessions Almost all the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles. buses run on taxis and about 65 per cent of public light liquefied petroleum gas. was The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) water pollution adopted by the Government to combat Harbour. caused by urban development around Victoria treatment A major deep tunnel collector system and generated from works were designed to handle sewage kilometres of all districts around the harbour. So far 24 and a major large tunnels under the central urban area Island, able to sewage treatment works at Stonecutters of sewage manage a flow of 1.7 million cubic metres of the per day, have been commissioned. The operation Island Advance Disinfection Facilities at Stonecutters has led to Sewage Treatment Works since March 2010 Harbour improvement in water quality in the Western work on and the seven nearby beaches. Construction The Government has been stepping up efforts in up efforts stepping has been The Government the late 1980s. against pollution since the battle in the provision of have been made Achievements systems for handling sound safe and environmentally noise street-level air and in the reduction of waste, and pollution. Pollution Control Pollution and Environmental Control Environmental and Pollution ong Kong Hong in Living 26 Living in Hong Kong 29 Under the Mandatory Provident Mandatory Provident Under the aged Fund System, all employees 18 to 65 (unless specifically exempted) must contribute income, 5 per cent of their relevant up to a maximum contribution This is of HK$1,250 per month. contribution matched by an equal from the employer. By March 2012, 98 per cent of employers, 99 per cent By March 2012, 98 per and 69 per cent of self-employed of relevant employees in the Mandatory Provident people had enrolled Fund schemes. Mandatory Provident Fund Mandatory The Media The media plays a key role in Hong Kong’s success, since an unrestricted flow of information and ideas support a free economy, especially one now role will remain centred on information and services. This becomes an crucial in the years to come, as information development. even more important factor in economic Property Tax Property are charged Kong in Hong and/or buildings of land Owners The from property. based on rental income property tax, rent received after an cent on the actual rate is 15 per and outgoings. of 20 per cent for repairs allowance Tax System is one of the Hong Kong’s simple and low tax system are levied only most business-friendly in the world. Taxes and profits. on three types of income — salaries, property capital gains tax. There is no value-added tax, sales tax or Only income sourced in Hong Kong is taxable. Profits Tax derived from a Profits are taxed if they are arising in or The tax rate trade, profession or business in Hong Kong. per cent for is 16.5 per cent for corporations and 15 persons other than corporations. Salaries Tax from Hong Everyone with an income arising in or derived is liable to Kong from any office, employment or pension rates salaries tax. Salaries tax is calculated at progressive salaries tax on the net chargeable income, but the total person’s net charged will not exceed 15 per cent of a assessable income after deductions. Hong Kong is a safe city. The overall crime rate is lower is lower crime rate The overall safe city. Kong is a Hong in the world, including of the major cities than many strict London. There are York, Toronto and Tokyo, New making it very difficult in Hong Kong, firearms controls of a firearm is a serious Illegal possession to own a gun. walk, safe for anyone to Kong’s streets are offence. Hong urban foot patrols in Police maintain regular day or night. and suburban areas. consistently rate Hong Kong as one International surveys places in Asia. The Independent of the ‘least-corrupt’ Corruption ensures that government Commission Against fairly and honestly. The and private firms operate Department takes vigorous action Customs and Excise and trademark counterfeiting, against copyright piracy leader in the region in the fight and Hong Kong is a against pirated goods. Law and Order Law ong Kong Hong in Living 28 Living in Hong Kong 31 A broadband network covers virtually all households and commercial buildings. As at January 2012, there were nearly 2.25 million registered customer accounts for broadband internet access services, with speeds ranging from a few Mbps to Telecommunications has hub and global communications Kong is a Hong It was the first infrastructure. excellent communications fully digitised telephone the world to have a major city in number portability. to implement operator network and Services Telephone 2011, As at December Hong Kong had a fixed-line household penetration rate of 102 per cent. The number of subscribers to cellular phones was over 14.93 rate of about 210 per cent — one million, a penetration world. Among them, 7.42 million of the highest in the 3G service customers can were 3G service customers. High Speed Packet Access) — experience HSPA+ (Evolved services with a transmission speed up enabled multimedia to the progressive deployment to 42 Mbps. Subsequent by mobile of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology consumers network operators in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band, up to 100 can enjoy mobile data services wtih speed Mbps. Internet penetration rate 1 000 Mbps. The broadband household the world. was 86.6 per cent, one of the highest in households As at December 2011, nearly 1.32 million Public subscribed to Internet Protocol TV services. Government Wi-Fi services were provided by both the Wi-Fi hotspots and the private sector, with over 9 100 across the city.

The Wall Street Journal The Wall Street Journal International Herald 651 periodicals, of which 651 periodicals, in Chinese, 100 in 417 were bilingual and 13 English, 121 Magazines in other languages. cover a wide range of affairs to subjects from public technology and entertainment. The Financial Times, , USA Today International are also printed in Hong Kong. are also printed in Hong Tribune and The NIKKEI Broadcasting with Hong Kong is a regional broadcasting hub, from the 17 satellite broadcasters uplinking signals offer territory. Satellite and cable operators together World, CNN more than 500 channels, including BBC and International, HBO, Discovery Channel, TCM National Geographic. There are two free-of-charge domestic television one programme service licensees, each providing channel. Cantonese and one English-language analogue hours of On average they broadcast more than 669 viewers or programmes weekly, reaching 6.4 million licensees 2.32 million television households. The two 31, 2007, launched digital terrestrial television on December per week on providing a total of 1 176 broadcast hours eight new digital television channels. including Hong Kong has 13 analogue radio channels, seven operated by a publicly funded, editorially is to inform, independent broadcaster, whose mission balanced, educate and entertain the public through audio objective programmes. Moreover, 13 digital in 2011. broadcasting channels were soft-launched About 90 international media organisations maintain About 90 international which is also the base for regional offices in Hong Kong, publications. Asia, The Press vibrant the most are among media Kong’s print Hong there were at end-December 2011, in Asia. As Chinese, 13 in English, including 24 in 50 newspapers languages; and and five in other eight bilingual ong Kong Hong in Living 30 Coming to Hong Kong 33 To further enhance Hong Kong's position as a leading as a Kong's position Hong enhance To further a new is developing hub, the Government cruise regional the terminal building and at Kai Tak. The cruise terminal into operation in are expected to come first berth the largest It will be able to accommodate mid-2013. in the world. cruise ships in (HKD) is of Hong Kong Disneyland The expansion in completed in phases is expected to be progress and first new themed area, Toy Story 2012 and 2013. The 2011. It will be followed by Land, opened in November and Mystic Point in 2013. Upon Grizzly Gulch in 2012 will enlarge the existing theme completion, the expansion cent and add more than 30 new park by about 23 per and interactive experiences, attractions, entertainment of attractions to over 100. bringing the total number The redevelopment project of Ocean Park is moving ahead. New attractions — Aqua City, Rainforest and Thrill Mountain — opened in 2011. In 2012 Ocean Park's master redevelopment plan will be concluded Polar with the completion of the new theme zone, a world-class Adventure, which will make Ocean Park 70 attractions. marine theme park featuring more than a leading wine Hong Kong is a gourmet’s paradise and has become hub. The Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival an annual signature event. The Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2012 features 237 local culinary attractions. Hong Kong is To enrich the visitor's travel experience, from the developing more signature events, ranging and Lion ‘Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival’, ‘Dragon Festival’, Extravaganza’ and ‘Hong Kong Well-wishing tournaments. to international football, cricket and golf A premier tourist A premier Hong Kong destination, blend of is a unique East and West, featuring Chinese traditions, European heritage, high-tech modernity and Cantonese Tourism Coming to Hong Kong to Hong Coming gusto. Hong Kong offers a diverse and exciting travel gusto. Hong Kong offers shopping, dining, theme parks, experience — great arts, culture and sports events. It countryside pursuits, attractions in the form of temples, also has many heritage villages, clan halls and colonial monasteries, walled structures. demand in the Asian region, Given rising tourism in 2011 especially in the Mainland, total visitor arrivals per cent over recorded a remarkable increase of 16.4 by inbound 2010, reaching 41.92 million. Total spending The tourists was estimated to exceed $250 billion. visitors, with Mainland remained the largest source of an increase of 28.1 million visiting Hong Kong in 2011, 23.9 per cent on 2010. Tourism Development to enhancing The Government attaches great importance and Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a travel destination infrastructure has invested heavily in the city’s tourism over the past few years. was included The Hong Kong Global Geopark of China making it in the Global Geoparks Network in 2011, Ngong Ping a world-class attraction for tourists. The linking various Piazza, featuring a Buddhist theme and in 2010. attractions in Ngong Ping, was completed as the The daily ‘A Symphony of Lights’ was recognised Show’ by world’s ‘Largest Permanent Light and Sound Guinness World Records in 2005. ong Kong Hong to Coming 32 Coming to Hong Kong 35 Leisure and Culture Leisure and of is evident in a variety universal appeal Hong Kong’s of the city’s cultural options, a reflection leisure and diverse range of population and its cosmopolitan nurtures an environment in pastimes. The Government pluralistic development of the arts, which artistic freedom, community recreation can thrive. sporting excellence and Events Cultural and Leisure of cultural and leisure events, Hong Kong hosts a variety arts event, the annual Hong Kong including the premier International Film Festival, Arts Festival, Hong Kong Chinese Opera Festival, Le French May Arts Festival, New Vision/World Cultures International Arts Carnival, Kong Flower Show, as well as Festival and the Hong programmes. many traditional festive Sporting Events Major sporting events held in Hong Kong include the annual Hong Kong Sevens (rugby), Hong Kong Marathon, Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, Hong Kong Open Championship (golf), Open Hong Kong Squash Open, the Hong Kong Triathlon Asian Badminton Super Series, Hong Kong ITU (volleyball), Cup, FIVB World Grand Prix - Hong Kong Races. and Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Museums and Western, Hong Kong’s mix of traditions — Chinese in its historical and modern — can best be seen showcases museums. The Hong Kong Museum of Art works magnificent collections of ancient and modern at Hong of art. There are stimulating interactive exhibits Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest one of the Airport is Kong International Hong passed passengers million 2011, 52.75 world. In in the 805. totaled 333 airport. Aircraft movements through the Hong Kong maintains autonomy over its immigration its immigration over autonomy Kong maintains Hong of policy allows nationals liberal immigration control. A visa-free visits ranging countries and territories about 170 to 180 days. from seven knowledge or experience with special skills, Professionals and in Hong Kong, and not readily available of value to can make substantial contributions business people who are welcome to work and to Hong Kong’s economy Persons coming to work, study, invest in Hong Kong. business or take up residence in the establish or join any to obtain an appropriate visa or entry HKSAR are required permit before arrival. Cross-boundary Traffic traffic decreased year-on-year Cross-boundary vehicular in 2011. The Lo Wu land crossing, by about 0.6 per cent of 254 000 passengers daily. handled an average Line — the second rail link to The Lok Ma Chau Spur about the Mainland — handled an average of 50 700 passengers daily. Hong Kong In 2011, the four road crossing points between Tau Kok, and the Mainland, namely Lok Ma Chau, Sha handled an Man Kam To and the Shenzhen Bay Port, daily traveller average of 42 700 vehicles per day. The total flow across the four crossings averaged 163 600. ports and Cross-boundary ferry services to 12 Mainland in Kowloon Macao run from the China Ferry Terminal on Hong and the Hong Kong-Macao Ferry Terminal to the Kong Island. In 2011, the passenger throughput and 20.6 Mainland and Macao was about 4.8 million on the million respectively. These passengers travelled including jetfoils world’s largest fleet of high-speed craft and catamarans. Inward and Outward Traffic ports in terms Hong Kong is one of the world’s busiest some 410 560 of vessel arrivals and departures. In 2011, Kong, carrying vessels arrived and departed from Hong about 28 million passengers. Immigration ong Kong Hong to Coming 34 Coming to Hong Kong 37 The Hong Kong Global Kong The Hong China includes Geopark of covering eight two regions in the eastern part geo-areas each with of Hong Kong, features. unique geological Sai Kung Volcanic One is the Traditional Festivals There are five major festivals in the Chinese calendar. During Lunar New Year, the most important festival, people exchange gifts and visit friends and relatives, while children receive the Ching ‘lucky money’ in red paper packets. During graves. On Ming Festival in spring, people visit ancestral early summer, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in dragon boats race across Hong Kong’s waterways The Mid- and the sea during the Dragon Boat Festival. the eighth lunar Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of and fruit are month, when gifts of mooncakes, wine colourful exchanged, and adults and children carrying to see lanterns visit parks, beaches and the countryside on the ninth day the moon. Chung Yeung Festival occurs visit their of the ninth lunar month, when many people commemorate ancestors’ graves or hike up mountains to the plague. a legendary Chinese family’s escape from Geopark volcanic rock columns, Rock Region with hexagonal both in terms of size and coverage. considered world class New Territories Sedimentary The other is the Northeast the most comprehensive Rock Region which represents rocks in Hong Kong. stratigraphy of sedimentary Kong Science Museum and and Science Museum Kong at Hong Kong films Omnimax The Hong Space Museum. of History and Kong Museum Heritage Museum Hong Kong historical and present the of Hong Kong. cultural aspects Flagstaff House The fascinating housed Museum of Tea Ware, at Hong in a historical building history Kong Park, shows the in and importance of tea Chinese culture. Country Parks Hong Kong’s total land area is About 40 per cent of and recreation. Encompassing reserved for conservation 22 special areas, Hong Kong’s 24 country parks and is popular with hikers, nature lovers extensive green belt also four marine parks and one and tourists. There are about 2 430 marine reserve, occupying a total area of seascapes hectares. They comprise scenic coastal areas, and important eco-habitats. Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site as a “Wetland of The Mai Po Inner Deep Bay area is listed Convention. International Importance” under the Ramsar sites in It is one of the most important over-wintering 1 500 hectares, Asia for migratory birds. Covering some mangroves the Ramsar Site comprises intertidal mudflats, for both and fish ponds, providing diverse habitats species of birds migratory and resident birds. About 380 the wetland is have been recorded in the area. In winter home to 80 000 to 90 000 waterbirds. Hong Kong Wetland Park in May Hong Kong Wetland Park, which opened wetland 2006, is a special area which aims to promote a conservation, education and tourism. It comprises exhibition 10 000-square metre visitor centre with of wetlands. galleries showcasing the functions and value ong Kong Hong to Coming 36 The Future of Hong Kong 39 accelerating the development of its dynamic cultural accelerating the development of its dynamic design, and creative industries — film, television, comics, digital architecture, advertising, animation and entertainment, arts, music and publishing. its R&D capabilities, excellent infrastructure, world-class its R&D capabilities, system and robust intellectual universities, sound legal regime to become a regional property protection hub. innovation and technology enhance the city’s status as a regional education hub, enhance the city’s status strengths which set Hong leveraging three fundamental place for education: cultural Kong apart as an excellent and international standards. diversity, opportunities major centre for testing and certification services. The services. certification testing and centre for major accredited testing comprising over 200 industry — bodies — inspection and certification laboratories, assuring the highest global standards, maintains and safety of products of the quality overseas buyers the region. sourced in • Cultural and Creative Industries — Hong Kong is • Cultural and Creative Industries — Hong • Innovation and Technology — Hong Kong is leveraging • Innovation and Technology • Education Services — The HKSAR Government aims to Government aims Services — The HKSAR • Education • Testing and Certification Services — Hong Kong is a — Hong Kong Services and Certification • Testing — With very good private hospitals, clinics and highly- skilled medical and dental practitioners and medical research facilities, Hong Kong is well on the way to health care. establishing itself as a world-class centre for greener and cleaner and develop environmental industries such as waste management, environmental Kong also engineering and consultancy services. Hong region for plans to become a leading centre in the green products, technologies and services. • Environmental Industries — The city plans to become • Environmental Industries — The city plans Moving towards a Knowledge-based Economy Moving towards services, trading and logistics, For many years, financial services have served as Hong tourism and professional for many years. But this Kong’s four pillar industries Six new industries in which dynamic city never stops. advantages are being rapidly Hong Kong enjoys distinct drive towards developed. They will accelerate Hong Kong’s city at the a knowledge-based economy, maintain the The six leading edge and secure continued prosperity. industries include: • Medical Services At the start of the 21st century, the HKSAR Government the HKSAR Government of the 21st century, At the start strategies. The Kong’s long-term reviewed Hong opportunities arising to capitalise on review sought the and respond to to the motherland from the return by globalisation and brought about many challenges economy. The of a knowledge-based the emergence study by the Commission on review followed a two-year that envisions the adoption of a Strategic Development to make Hong Kong not just a major strategic framework Asia’s world city. city in China, but also The Future of Hong Kong Hong of Future The ong Kong Hong e of Futur The 38 The Future of Hong Kong 41 South Island Line (East) Shatin to Central Link Mun Western -Chek Lap Kok Link and Tuen Bypass Hong Kong Section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Express Line Lok Ma Chau Loop West Kowloon Cultural District Kai Tak Development New Development Areas Infrastructure Projects for the 21st Century Infrastructure Projects infrastructure has played a key Efficient and reliable Kong’s position as a leading role in maintaining Hong and tourism centre in the trade, finance, business development enables Hong Kong region. Infrastructure from population growth to meet demands arising and trade development. and helps support economic ahead with 10 major The Government is pushing Executive in infrastructure projects unveiled by the Chief the 2007 : — — — — — Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge — — — — — these By improving transport and other infrastructure, development projects will enable Hong Kong’s further activities. In and foster more socio-cultural and business rail and transport addition, with closer and more efficient metres of floor space for research and development. The The development. research and space for of floor metres to over full, is home 90 per cent about is now Park which technology companies. Mainland and overseas 350 local, jobs. more than 8 000 have provided These companies Phase 3 is underway. of Science Park The development of the green will focus on the development This Phase be available to tenants cluster. Phase 3 will technology 3 is fully occupied, Phase 2014 to 2016. When from early an additional 150 technology expected to accommodate 4 000 jobs. companies and provide Also using the clustering concept, Hong Kong Science Park has boosted the city’s technology platform by focusing on electronics, IT and telecommunications, biotechnology, precision engineering, and green technology. The first precision engineering, and green technology. square two phases of Science Park offer over 220 000 Hong Kong has set itself on course to become the centre the centre to become on course set itself Kong has Hong city in East Asia — a cyber and technology for innovation this done to realise century. Much is being in the cyber opportunities capitalise on the enormous goal and to by the information revolution. presented Cyberport Cyberport — the leading ICT hub of the Asia-Pacific region — is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and wholly- owned by the HKSAR Government. It is home of to a strategic cluster technologies (ICT) and information and communication In February 2012, Cyberport was digital content tenants. tenants and home to 111 companies, including 81 office per cent of the 30 on-site incubatees, occupying over 85 and overseas existing office space. This clustering of local and hub companies and creative talent acts as a catalyst information for the development of ICT applications, multimedia services, digital games, animation and other creative ideas, industries. Cyberport helps commercialise a creative incubating creative startups and promoting digital lifestyle in the wider community. Science Park Asia’s Cyber City for the Cyber Century the Cyber City for Cyber Asia’s ong Kong Hong e of Futur The 40 The Future of Hong Kong 43 Artistic impression of HZMB Strategic new roads such as Route 8 reduce urban Strategic new roads vital new links to the congestion and provide beyond. Other major ongoing road New Territories and and improvement works projects include reconstruction and on Hong Kong Island. in the New Territories arising from the To cope with anticipated traffic demand two sections future development of the New Territories, Highway of Tuen Mun Road, Tolo Highway and Fanling will be are being upgraded and widened. The works and 2014. completed in phases between end-2012 the To ease congestion on Hong Kong Island, Corridor Link Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Island Eastern Flyover and the are being built to connect Rumsey Street Island Eastern Corridor at North Point. Commissioning is scheduled for 2017. (HZMB), For the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Bridge construction of the 29-kilometre-long Main works commenced on December 15, 2009. Reclamation got for the Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities underway on November 30, 2011. The commissioning target for the HZMB is 2016. Road Projects Road Railways play a vital role in serving the transport needs of Hong Kong. They provide fast, reliable and comfortable services, reduce pressure on the road network and are relatively more environmentally- links between Hong Kong and the neighbouring regions regions neighbouring and the Kong between Hong links cross-boundary River Delta, the Pearl and of Shenzhen will be strengthened. integration out in phases. are now being rolled The projects Hong Kong-Zhuhai- has begun on the Construction Section of the the Hong Kong Macao Bridge, Express Rail Link, Kong Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong the Kai Tak Development Island Line (East) and the South of the Shatin to Central Link Plan Stage I. The planning has commenced in June was completed. Construction 10 major infrastructure projects, 2012. Apart from the in progress to improve the urban other works are also expenditure on capital works environment. Annual from HK$20.5 billion in 2007-projects has climbed 08 billion in the 2012-13 financial to an estimated HK$62.3 expected to increase to over year. The amount is over the next few years. HK$70 billion per year Railway Development has friendly. Hong Kong's railway development Over $100 progressed rapidly during the past few years. billion has been invested in six railway projects. the Review In March 2011, the Government launched Strategy and Update of the Railway Development railway 2000 to update the territory-wide long term for railways development blueprint to meet the demand about up to 2031 and beyond. The study will last 24 months for completion in 2013. ong Kong Hong e of Futur The 42 Hong Kong: The Facts 45 2 086 kilometres of roads, 630 281 licensed vehicles of roads, 630 2 086 kilometres Bridges metres) — (main span 1 377 Tsing Ma Bridge bridge longest road-rail suspension the world’s (main span 430 metres) — Kap Shui Mun Bridge bridge road-rail cable-stayed main spans totalling 923 metres) — Ting Kau Bridge (two cable-stayed road bridge span 1 018 metres) — Stonecutters Bridge (main cable-stayed road bridge in the world the second longest span (main span 210 metres) — Shenzhen Bay Bridge road bridge single plane cable-stayed Air movements million passengers; 333 805 flights; 52.75 freight 3.94 million tonnes of Shipping movements 180 river-trade Arrival: 32 490 ocean-going vessels; 172 tonnes vessels; port cargo throughput 277 million Container throughput 24.38 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) Transport Roads 81 square km 47 square km 748 square km 229 square km acts Public Housing public rental About 2.1 million people living in 761 200 housing flats 259 km/h at Hong Kong Observatory, 284 km/h at Tate’s 259 km/h at Hong Kong Observatory, 284 Cairn (Typhoon Wanda, September 1, 1962) 0.0°C (January 18, 1893) Highest wind speed Highest temperature 1990) 36.1°C (August 19, 1900 and August 18, Lowest temperature Annual rainfall (2011) 1476.7mm Weather Area: 1 104 square kilometres Area: 1 104 square Hong Kong Island Overall density per square kilometre 6 540 people Kowloon New Territories Outlying Islands Population: 7.07 million (Mid-2011) Population: Hong Kong : The Facts The : Kong Hong e F Th Kong: Hong 44 Useful Contacts 47 The Office of the Government of the of the Government The Office in Region Special Administrative Hong Kong Beijing Xidajie No.71 Di’anmen Xicheng District Beijing, China Postal Code: 100009 2880 Phone: (86) 10 6657 Fax: (86) 10 6657 2821 E-mail: [email protected] and Trade Offices Hong Kong Economic Mainland of China and Trade Office in Shanghai Hong Kong Economic Building 21/F, The Headquarters 168 Xizang Road (M) Huangpu District Shanghai, China Postal Code: 200001 Phone: (86) 21 6351 2233 Fax: (86) 21 6351 9368 E-mail: [email protected] in Chengdu Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 38/F, Tower 1 Plaza Central 8 Shuncheng Street, Yan Shi Kou Chengdu, China Postal Code: 610016 Phone: (86) 28 8676 8301 Fax: (86) 28 8676 8300 E-mail: [email protected] Useful Contacts Useful

8% 3% 32% 26% 19% 12% % of total % of total

HK$12,977 per month (1) S act Average wages included employees with supervisory level or below. Accommodation services cover hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses and other Accommodation services cover hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses establishments providing short term accommodation.

* (1) employment wholesale and Import/export, and accommodation retail trades, Total number employed: 3.62 million 3.62 number employed: Total sectors Major employment Employment in 2011 Employment and food services and social and Public administration, personal services Financing and insurance, and real estate, and professional business services postal and Transportation, storage, information courier services, and and communications Construction Manufacturing Average wages* (All selected industries) e F Th Kong: Hong 46 Useful Contacts 49 Brussels and Trade Office Hong Kong Economic Rue d’Arlon 118 1040 Brussels Belgium Phone: (32) 2 775 0088 Fax: (32) 2 770 0980 E-mail: [email protected] Geneva Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 5 Allée David-Morse 1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland Phone: (41) 22 730 1300 Fax: (41) 22 730 1304 E-mail: [email protected] London Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 6 Grafton Street London W1S 4EQ UK Phone: (44) 20 7499 9821 Fax: (44) 20 7495 5033 E-mail: [email protected] Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Economic and Trade Hong Kong 33 Jaegerstrasse 10117, Berlin Germany 30 22 66 77 228 Phone: (49) 22 66 77 288 Fax: (49) 30 E-mail: [email protected] Europe Berlin ACTS Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Building 30-1 Sanban-Cho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0075 Japan Phone: (81) 3 3556 8980 Fax: (81) 3 3556 8968 E-mail: [email protected] Tokyo Sydney Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Level 1, Hong Kong House 80 Druitt Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia Phone: (61) 2 9283 3222 Fax: (61) 2 9283 3818 E-mail: [email protected] Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Hong Kong Economic 2 #34-01, Suntec Tower 9 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038989 Phone: (65) 6338 1771 Fax: (65) 6339 2112 E-mail: [email protected] Asia-Pacific Singapore Flat 7101, 71/F, Citic Plaza Flat 7101, North Road 233 Tian He China Guangzhou, 510613 Postal Code: 20 3891 1220 Phone: (86) 3891 1221 Fax: (86) 20 E-mail: [email protected] Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Office in Trade and Kong Economic Hong Guangdong UL CONT USEF 48 USEFUL CONTACTS

North America New York Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 115 East 54th Street New York, NY 10022, USA Phone: (1) 212 752 3320 Fax: (1) 212 752 3395 E-mail: [email protected] San Francisco Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 130 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104, USA Phone: (1) 415 835 9300 Fax: (1) 415 421 0646 E-mail: [email protected] Washington Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 1520 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036, USA Phone: (1) 202 331 8947 Fax: (1) 202 331 8958 E-mail: [email protected] Toronto Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 174 St George Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2M7, Canada Phone: (1) 416 924 5544 Fax: (1) 416 924 3599 E-mail: [email protected]

Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taiwan 25/F, President International Tower June 2012 11 Songgao Road Copyright in this publication belongs to the HKSAR Government. Xinyi District Information in the publication may be used freely, and may be reproduced solely for non-commercial purposes on condition that the source Taipei, Taiwan and copyright ownership are acknowledged. Postal Code: 11073 www.gov.hk Phone: (886) (2) 2720 0858 Fax: (886) (2) 2720 8658 Published and designed by the Information Services Department Printed by the Government Logistics Department E-mail: [email protected] Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (Printed on paper made from woodpulp derived from renewable forests) 50 Information Services Department