New task: Land Registrar Kim Salkeld says getting ready for the launch of the title register will be the major new task.

Since the February launch of the central registration system for land documents, demand for search services have risen 40% while registration workload has surged 30%, Land Registrar Kim Salkeld says.

Taking account of increased business volume, he estimated customers paid $12 million less over the first four months of the new system's operation due to the fee reduction, than would have been the case under the old system.

Speaking at the Land Registry Trading Fund's 12th anniversary reception today, Mr Salkeld said the central registration system, supported by new IT infrastructure, has improved the range of services and ease of access. The registry also extended service hours and reduced fees for information and copying services.

Mr Salkeld said with the way towards title registration now set by the passage of the Land Titles Ordinance, more profound changes were coming for the Land Registry.

Title register next key task

He said: "Getting ready for the launch of the title register was the major new task for the registry over the next couple of years. However, the commitment to improve services and response to customers will remain the focus of the department's daily work. There is much more we have to do together to accomplish what we have set out to achieve - giving Hong Kong registration services that are second to none in the efficiency and value that they give to society."

The registry is the first trading fund department in Hong Kong, and has managed a series of major changes to technology and work practices over the last 12 years.

Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Rita Lau said the registry's focus is on improving the scope and quality of its services to customers. She is confident the registry will meet all new challenges and provide better service with integrity, determination and success.