2011-07-22 21:57

Designs of new 2010 series HK dollars showed in Hong Kong, July 22, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the three note-issuing banks, which are Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong), Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. and Bank of China (Hong Kong) unveiled the designs of the new 2010 Series banknotes on Friday, according to the HKMA.

The new 100, 50 and 20 HK dollars banknotes incorporate the same state-of-the-art security features as the new 1,000 and 500 HK dollars banknotes, which are already in circulation, and also the design to facilitate the visually impaired to differentiate the denomination, the HKMA said.

The new banknotes will be gradually put into circulation starting from this November, and all the existing banknotes will continue to be legal tender till they are gradually withdrawn from circulation when they become physically unfit for circulation.

The HKMA will launch an extensive education program to raise the public awareness of the new banknotes. Seminars will be conducted for banks, retailers and money changers, and special outreach seminars for centers for the elderly and people with visual impairments.