The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 18) the preliminary figures of chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by economic activity for the first quarter of 2019.

     GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by net output or value added, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.

     According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 0.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the 1.2% increase in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, net output in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 1.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the 2.4% increase in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector dropped by 0.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 from a year earlier, as against the increase of 2.0% in the fourth quarter of 2018. This was mainly attributable to the setback in net output of the import and export trade sector amid the weaker performance of the global economy and various external headwinds during the quarter.

     Net output in the financing and insurance sector increased by 3.0% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the 3.5% rise in the fourth quarter of 2018. Stock trading activities stayed active during the quarter, rendering support to the continued growth of net output in this sector.

     Net output in the accommodation services (covering hotels, guesthouses, boarding houses and other establishments providing short term accommodation) and food services sector rose by 2.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, following the growth of 1.7% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 2.2% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the 3.4% growth in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the information and communications sector recorded an increase of 4.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, after the growth of 4.9% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the real estate, professional and business services sector rose by 1.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the public administration, social and personal services sector increased by 3.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     As for sectors other than the services sectors, net output in the local manufacturing sector rose by 1.4% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 1.2% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector dropped by 0.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 from a year earlier, after the decrease of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

     Net output in the construction sector decreased by 2.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2019 from a year earlier, after the decrease of 4.4% in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Further information

     The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2019 are shown in Table 1. For enquiries about statistics on GDP by economic activity, please call the National Income Branch (2) of the C&SD at telephone number 3903 7005.

     Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the first quarter of 2019 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly. More detailed figures can also be found at the Hong Kong Statistics section of the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk).

     A company and two persons involved in three cases of illegal waste disposal in Eastern District, Southern District and Tuen Mun were convicted and fined a total of $17,000 at Eastern Magistrates' Courts and Fanling Magistrates' Courts yesterday (June 17) and today (June 18) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

     From November last year to February this year, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) successfully traced offenders in the three cases of illegal disposal of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste, as well as construction waste, in public places on Yuet Yuen Street in North Point, Yip Hing Street in Wong Chuk Hang and San Shek Wan Road in Tuen Mun, based on intelligence gathered through photos from members of the public and surveillance camera systems installed by the EPD, including drivers of goods vehicles and workers. The waste disposed of included construction waste and waste pallets. After gathering evidence, the EPD prosecuted the persons and the employer involved under the WDO.

     A spokesman for the EPD reminded all members of the renovation, construction and transportation sectors, including persons-in-charge of construction sites, workers and drivers as well as owners of goods vehicles, that they must properly deliver construction waste and C&I waste to government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places or on the roadside. Under the WDO, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions. According to the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, it is an offense to dispose of waste on the streets or in public places from vehicles, including goods vehicles, private cars and motorcycles. The registered owners concerned may be prosecuted. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and six months' imprisonment.

     The spokesman urged members of the public to make a report to the department if they witness any illegal disposal of waste. They can record videos or take photos and call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 is 105.5 (down 0.1 against yesterday's index).

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 18) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, as Grade 3, which means the water quality has improved and the beach is suitable for swimming. The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier due to the water quality being classified as Grade 4 and unsuitable for swimming.

     However, the red flag at the beach is still hoisted due to the uneven sandy area. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has announced that the lifesaving services at Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District resumed today (June 18). The lifesaving services at the beach were suspended earlier due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty.