Mainlanders in three cities to be asked their views on Hong Kong
The government is planning to carry out opinion polls in three major mainland cities to gauge views towards Hong Kong people and affairs as a basis for drawing up more effective policies on exchanges and co-operation. The polls will be carried out twice a year in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou by a research organisation, according to a document to be discussed by the Commission on Strategic Development. The polls will also examine integration between Hong Kong and the mainland.
October retail sales jump 12.8pc year on year but food sales drop
The volume of October's retail sales of HK$20.7 billion showed a 12.8 per cent increase on October last year, the Census and Statistics Department announced. Sales of electrical goods and photographic equipment rose the most, by 32.5 per cent, but sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco fell by 9.1 per cent. Total retail sales volume from January to October this year increased by 11.7 per cent in value or 9.3 per cent in volume when compared with the same period last year.
Inflation tipped to hit 2.7pc
Government economist Kwok Kwok-chuen said Hong Kong's inflation rate was expected to reach 2.7 per cent for the year. He told legislators at a financial affairs panel meeting that costs would rise in the fourth quarter because of the rapid increase in food prices, the weak US dollar, the appreciation of the yuan and rising oil prices.
