An updated set of population projections, using mid-2006 population estimates as the base and covering the period from 2007 to 2036, is being prepared, Commissioner for Census & Statistics Fung Hing-wang says.

Mr Fung, who is also the Statistics Advisory Board Chairman, told board members today the department will  conduct a series of projection exercises in respect of the labour force, manpower and households.

The results will provide the necessary quantitative information for planning and policy formulation for Hong Kong's strategic development, he said.

Members were also briefed on the updating of the international guidelines for national account statistics - the 1993 System of National Accounts (1993 SNA) guidelines. Initiated by the United Nations Statistical Commission, the update will bring national accounts in line with the new economic environment, advances in methodological research and statistics users's needs.

Of the major aspects recommended for updating in the 1993 SNA, the capitalisation of research and development expenditure as capital formation and the new statistical treatments of goods sent abroad for processing and merchanting will have significant implications for the presentation and analysis of Hong Kong's Gross Domestic Product statistics.