XN000022-1996-02-22 — Page 2

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Estimated population of Hong Kong

The estimated population of Hong Kong at the end of December 1995 was 6,307,900, according to figures released by the Census and Statistics Department today (Thursday).

This represents an increase of 158,800 persons or 2.6 per cent as compared with end-1994 when the estimated population was 6,149,100.

In 1995, there were 69,400 births and 31,200 deaths in Hong Kong. The balance of births and deaths thus amounted to 38,200 and accounted for 24 per cent of the population growth.

During the same period, the balance of total arrivals and departures showed a net inflow of some 120,600 persons.

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Value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in December

The value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand for local production in December 1995 increased by 4% over a year earlier, according to the provisional results of a monthly survey released today (Thursday) by the Census and Statistics Department.

Comparing December 1995 with December 1994. increases in the value of orders were registered in the electronic products industry (+14%). the printing and publishing industry (+10%), the electrical products industry (+6%) and the fabricated metal products industry (+5%),

The value of orders for the wearing apparel industry and plastic products industry showed little change.

On the other hand, a significant decrease in the value of orders was recorded in the textiles industry (-16%).

Compared with November 1995, and bearing in mind that this comparison may be affected by seasonal factors, the value of manufacturers' orders-on-hand in December 1995 showed little change.

The Monthly Survey of Orders-on-hand covers a sample of some 300 manufacturing firms engaging 50 or more workers.