The construction sector of Hong Kong saw a HK$143.2 billion (US$18.42 billion) gross output last year, up 0.7 percent on 2005, according to a survey released on Tuesday by Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department.

The sector's gross operating surplus also rose 2.8 percent to HK$7.1 billion, the survey said.

The proportion of gross operating surplus in gross output was five percent, slightly higher than the 4.9 percent recorded in 2005. The sector's value added was HK$40 billion (US$5.14 billion), up 1.7 percent, according to the survey result.

The gross operating surplus of establishments engaged in real- estate development, leasing, brokerage and maintenance-management services rose to HK$54.8 billion (US$7.05 billion) last year, up 16.3 percent on a year earlier. Their gross output also rose 8.8 percent to HK$92.5 billion (US$11. 90 billion), the survey said.

According to the result of the survey, the proportion of gross operating surplus in gross output was 59.2 percent, compared to 55.4 percent in 2005. The value added of these establishments taken together was HK$68 billion (US$8.75 billion), representing a 12.2 percent rise.