Issue of the Hong Kong ten-dollar polymer note

Attending the inaugural exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to promote the Hong Kong ten-dollar polymer note, the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang said today (15 June) that the preparatory work for the launch of the new ten-dollar polymer note has been largely completed and the new notes will be put into circulation gradually starting from 9 July 2007.

"Experience in countries that have introduced polymer notes suggests that they are cleaner, more durable and more secure. They are also more environmentally friendly, since they last longer and can be recycled for other uses. As a vibrant international city, I believe it is essential for Hong Kong to explore this alternative technology," Mr Tang said.

Accompanied by student ambassadors, Mr Tang visited shops at the Lei Yue Mun Plaza, where the HKMA exhibition was held, to introduce the security features and special characteristics of the new note. Today's exhibition is part of the publicity campaign launched by the HKMA to raise public awareness of the security features and handling characteristics of the Hong Kong ten-dollar polymer note.

In the coming weeks, student ambassadors will continue with the out-reach programme to promote the Hong Kong ten-dollar polymer note to the community. They will visit major shopping centres in the territory to distribute leaflets, and man exhibition booths in various public housing estates.

The ten-dollar polymer notes will be gradually available for exchange in bank branches starting from 9 July 2007. The HKMA will carry out an evaluation of the performance and acceptability of the note in the next two years.

Members of the public are welcome to give comment via email (polymer_note@hkma.gov.hk).

For further enquiries please contact:
Sara Yip, Manager (Press), at 2878 8246 or
Peggy Lo, Manager (Press), at 2878 1687

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
15 June 2007

The Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, visits an exhibition on ten-dollar polymer note at Lei Yue Mun Plaza this afternoon (June 15). The exhibition kicks off a territory-wide out-reach programme organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to further promote public awareness of the new note, with student ambassadors visiting shopping centers to distribute leaflets to retailers. Picture shows a student ambassador presenting the new ten-dollar polymer note to Mr Tang.

Mr Tang presents the new ten-dollar polymer note.

Mr Tang being briefed by student ambassadors on the special features of the new ten-dollar polymer note.

Mr Tang in a group picture with student ambassadors.

Mr Tang introduces the new ten-dollar polymer note to shopkeepers of a leather goods shop at Lei Yue Mun Plaza.

Mr Tang introduces the new ten-dollar polymer note to shopkeeper of a clothing shop at Lei Yue Mun Plaza.