The total number of manual workers engaged at construction sites increased from 71,789 in the 4th quarter 1999 to 74,521 in the 1st quarter 2000, or about 3.8%.

During the 1st quarter 2000, the Civil Engineering Works Index (CEWI), Highways Department Construction Cost Index (HyD CCI) and Building Cost Index (BCI) increased by about 0.4%, 1.0% and 0.5% respectively. Building Works Tender Price Index (BWTPI) and Building Services Tender Price Index (BSTPI) decreased by about 3.0% and 14.7% respectively.

The 1994/95 based Consumer Price Index (CPI(C)) dropped from 111.4 at the end of the 4th quarter 1999 to 109.4 at the end of 1st quarter 2000, or about 1.8%.