Hong Kong’s retail sales rose for the 13th consecutive month in December as tourism continued to improve, official data showed on Thursday.
Sales increased 7.8 percent year-on-year to HK$36.3 billion (US$4.64 billion) in December, the Hong Kong government said. That compared with a 15.9 percent jump in November, a 5.8 percent rise in October, 13 percent growth in September and a 13.7 percent increase in August.
“Visitor arrivals should increase further alongside the continued recovery of handling capacity,” a government spokesman said.
Rising household income and the government’s efforts to promote mega events should provide support to retail businesses, the spokesman said.
In terms of volume, retail sales increased 4.8 percent in December, compared with 12.4 percent growth in November, a 2.9 percent rise in October, a 10 percent rise…
