Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited ("BOCHK") today announced that the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Hong Kong Dollar Commemorative Banknote ("Olympic Banknote") has received overwhelming response. Owing to the sudden change of the weather condition on late July 14 (the issue of amber rainstorm and thunderstorm warning signals by the Hong Kong Observatory) and in consideration of the public security, BOCHK has engaged a professional security company to register for people who have queued up at the 6 designated branches of BOCHK on July 14 for purchase of the Olympic Banknote. Those who have registered have been assigned a serial number to enjoy priority purchase service of the Olympic Banknote.

The holders of the serial numbers are advised to visit at 2:00pm on July 15 the designated branches where they have registered last night and present their identity proof for verification by the staff of BOCHK. They will then be given the purchase pass which entitles them to purchase the 5 types of the Olympic Banknote.  

Meanwhile, BOCHK will start earlier distributing the purchase passes for 8 days from 2:00pm on July 15 to the public who queue up today. BOCHK wishes to alert the public that those who are of 11 years old or above must present their identity proof to the Bank staff for registration purpose at the 6 designated branches: Bank of China Tower Branch, King's Road Branch, To Kwa Wan Branch, Tsim Sha Tsui Branch, Tuen Mun Town Plaza Branch and Ma On Shan Plaza Branch. Those who have registered will be given the purchase pass which entitles them to purchase 1 set of each type of the Olympic Banknotes which the stocks last, including "Radiant Joy" (HKD single note), "Triumphant Spirit" (4-in-1uncut notes), "Brilliant Jubilation" (35-in-1 uncut notes), "Harmonious Union" (a package of one HKD note and one MOP note) and "United Pleasure" (a package of 4-in-1 uncut HKD notes and 4-in-1 uncut MOP notes).

The overwhelming response from the public and the continuous unstable weather conditions in recent days have made BOCHK decide to distribute the purchase passes earlier than scheduled. The main objective is to reduce the queuing time by the public and maintain good order. Besides, BOCHK will extend the service hour on July 19 (Saturday) in order to serve those holding the purchase passes.

As stressed by BOCHK, each person is only entitled to 1 purchase pass for each time. All purchase passes are only applicable on the specified date and time. In addition, purchasers are not allowed to select designated serial numbers. Payment must be settled by cash, cash cheque or direct debit from the designated account of BOCHK.

Only "Radiant Joy" (HKD single note) will be made available for public sale at the 44 designated branches of BOCHK as scheduled from July 16 to 31.

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About Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited ("BOCHK"), established on 1 October 2001, is a leading listed commercial banking group in Hong Kong. With over 280 branches and 450 ATMs and other distribution channels in Hong Kong, BOCHK and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive range of financial products and services to retail and corporate customers. BOCHK is one of the three note issuing banks in Hong Kong. In addition, BOCHK and its subsidiaries have 15 branches and sub-branches in the Mainland of China to provide cross-border banking services to customers in Hong Kong and the Mainland. BOCHK is appointed by the People's Bank of China as the Clearing Bank for Renminbi business in Hong Kong.

BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited, BOCHK's holding company, began trading on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong on 25 July 2002, with stock code "2388", ADR OTC Symbol "BHKLY".