HONG KONG - Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the three note-issuing banks -- Standard Chartered, HSBC and Bank of China -- announced on Wednesday New Hong Kong dollar 20 and 100 banknotes will go into circulation on Jan 11.

This is primarily to meet demand for the notes to be used for "gift money" before the Chinese New Year, which is due Jan 23.

The new banknote will be circulated and available for exchange from Jan 11.