COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA
A new service Hongkong e-Post was introduced as part of Hongkong Post's initiative to support the government's Helping Business Programme. Hongkong e-Post is an advanced postal solution for business and large organisations which require an easy-to-use and reliable means of communication with their clients. Electronic messages generated by computers in these businesses, such as account statements, invoices, direct mail shots, circular letters, and so on, are sent to Hongkong Post either through a telephone or data line, or on computer tapes or diskettes. At Hongkong Post, the electronic messages are turned into physical paper mail and then passed straight into the mail delivery stream without delay. Hongkong Post has set up a pilot site at Tseung Kwan O Post Office. Hongkong Post plans a full-scale system by adding new technology in order to be able to offer more value- added services to businesses in Hong Kong.
The pilot Postshop at the General Post Office marks the introduction of a new and convenient service to the public by applying the 'Browse and Buy' retail concept. Customers can buy postal-related products, souvenirs and packaging materials there, and send them off through the post. Hongkong Post plans to extend the concept by making postal-related souvenirs available in more outlets in its retail network, and also offer them for sale through a catalogue/mail order arrangement.
A set of definitive stamps with no connotation of sovereignty was issued in January 1997 for pre-payment of postage before and after July 1. Six sets of special stamps were also issued during the year featuring the Year of the Ox, Hong Kong Migratory Birds, Hong Kong Modern Landmarks, Commemoration of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, 1997 World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings and Hong Kong Seashells. Special stamp sheetlets were issued to commemorate Hong Kong's success at the 1996 Paralympic Games and in the 'classics' series.
The Hong Kong '97 Stamp Exhibition held from February 12 to 16 attracted some 260 000 visitors. Two definitive stamp sheetlets and other philatelic products were issued to commemorate the exhibition. Hongkong Post also participated in seven international stamp exhibitions overseas to promote the collection of Hong Kong stamps and to raise the international awareness of Hong Kong stamps.
Hong Kong has maintained a high international reputation for its efficient postal services. Hongkong Post has actively participated in the activities organised by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU), and has also attended the various international postal meetings and conferences either as a participating postal administration or an observer. Since reunification with China, Hongkong Post has attended the meetings of both unions as a member of the delegation of the People's Republic of China. In technical meetings and activities on postal business not limited to states, Hongkong Post also attended as a separate postal administration using the name 'Hong Kong, China'.
In March, Hongkong Post hosted the Asia Pacific Post Workshop which was attended by delegates from 14 postal administrations in the region. In November, Hongkong Post was host of the UPU Direct Mail Seminar attended by more than 70 delegates. During the year, Hongkong Post attended the meetings of the UPU Postal Operations Council, the Asian-Pacific Postal Training Centre Governing Board and the APPU Executive Council, the UPU Direct Mail Advisory Board and the UPU Express Mail Service Contract Management Team.
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