The Census & Statistics Department has started its five economic surveys for the reference year of 2006, covering about 12,000 establishments.

The surveyed industries include:

* industrial production;

* building, construction and real estate;

* wholesale, retail and import/export trades, restaurants and hotels;

* transport and related services; and

* storage, communication, financing, insurance and business services.

The surveys seeks to get updated data for evaluating the contribution of different economic activities to Hong Kong's GDP and for ascertaining their cost structure, operating characteristics and output levels.

Questionnaires have been sent to the participants, and electronic versions are also available on request. The survey results are expected to be released in early December.