ENG-2008 — Page 434

358 Communications, the Media and Information Technology

community's opinions on measures to improve the existing regime and then to draw up concrete proposals for a second round of public consultation.

The free flow of information and freedom of expression are core values of Hong Kong, which the Government will defend and safeguard. It will not deviate from its well-established policy of not mandating prior censorship on distribution of information or published content.

Postal Services

Hongkong Post provides reliable, efficient and universal postal services at affordable prices to meet the needs of Hong Kong and its international postal obligations. Since 1995, it has operated as a trading fund department, and has evolved into a highly customer-oriented Government department responding swiftly to market changes and customer needs. A 'Customer Satisfaction Survey' carried out in 2007 showed a 90 per cent level of satisfaction with Hongkong Post's services, 93 per cent with its hotline and counter services, and 95 per cent with its delivery services.

Mail Volume

In 2008, Hongkong Post handled 1.39 billion mail items, representing a decrease of 0.8 per cent compared to 2007. Local mail constituted 87 per cent of the total volume. Major destinations for outward traffic included the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and the Mainland.

Speedpost

As a result of closer economic ties between Hong Kong and Guangdong, Hongkong Post launched three value-added Speedpost services for the province in 2008: the 'Postage-paid-by-addressee' service, a more convenient way for the recipient to pay for his postage; the 'Cash-on-delivery' service, enabling the sender to collect the amount due for the package from the receiver on delivery; and the 'Economy Express' service, offering a more economic yet good delivery service with computerised tracking.

For very urgent delivery, a joint Cathay Pacific Cargo and RPX service named 'Next Flight Out' was launched in October. It offers same-day delivery to five major cities in Asia and next-day delivery to three European metropolitan cities. In collaboration with Japan Post, Hongkong Post launched in January a 'Next-day- delivery' service to Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, which has considerably enhanced Speedpost's service to Japan.

Promoting Philately

In 2008, Hongkong Post issued 11 sets of special stamps with different themes, some of which appeal to children. The images range from fascinating jellyfish to Hong Kong flowers, Mainland scenery and Giant Pandas. A special glow-in-the-dark printing effect was used for the first time for the 'Jellyfish' stamp. Other special stamps issued during the year include the 'Year of the Rat', 'Beijing 2008 Olympic