358 Communications, the Media and Information Technology
In collaboration with China Post, a 'Next
'Next Morning Delivery' Service was introduced on March 1 for packages to and from the Pearl River Delta region. Customers benefited not only from an improvement in delivery speed but also a 50 per cent postage discount. This service was well received by the market and its coverage was extended to Fujian (Xiamen) in August.
The increase in trade between Hong Kong and India has not only boosted import and export volume, but also increased demand for Speedpost service to India. In November, Hongkong Post launched a new service to India called FreightPLUS, whereby the customer only needs to prepare one set of consignment notes for a multi-piece shipment.
Promoting Philately
Hongkong Post's beautifully designed stamps continued to be well received by collectors. Fourteen sets of special stamps were issued during the year, including 'The 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of HKSAR' stamps issued on July 1 to mark the special occasion. To celebrate the occasion, the first ever joint issue with China Post was issued on the same day. The same design was adopted for both stamps to signify the successful implementation of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong. Themes of other special stamps included the Year of the Pig, 2007 Centenary of World Scouting, Chinese Martial Arts, Declared Monuments in Hong Kong, and Olympic Equestrian Events. The eighth annual Inter-School Stamp Exhibits Competition was co-organised in April with the Education and Manpower Bureau and supported by local philatelic organisations to promote philately among young collectors.
Direct Marketing Activities
Hongkong Post works with the marketing industry to promote the use of direct mail. In view of the growing economic ties with the Mainland, Hongkong Post has also launched a pilot scheme of cross-boundary direct mail in December in collaboration with China Post, enabling merchants in both places to promote their products and services across the boundary.
Mail Distribution and Logistics
The new e-Post Centre, which provides a one-stop service for the entire process of printing, enveloping and distributing mail, began operation in July.
To meet the operational needs of the Hongkong Post, a contract for the replacement of the Mechanised Letter Sorting System, a core infrastructure of Hongkong Post's postal operations, was awarded in May. The replacement exercise is scheduled for completion in 2009.
Retail Business
To enhance service to customers, the business hours of six post offices were extended in September.
During the year, Stanley Post Office was restored to its original look of 1937, the year it was established. A mobile post office provided service to the area from August to November during the makeover. Three post offices (Wong Chuk Hang Post Office,