Hongkong Post catches panda fever

Stamp collectors can now enrich their collections with Hongkong Post's special Welcome Giant Pandas themed stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products, launched as An An and Ke Ke - the pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the central government - meet the public on December 8.

"To commemorate this exciting moment, Hongkong Post will issue a stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products on the theme of Welcome Giant Pandas to showcase the adorable new members of national treasures and express sincere gratitude to the central government for the care and support for Hong Kong," the postal services department said.

The official first day covers for Welcome Giant Pandas have been on sale at all post offices and the online shopping mall ShopThruPost since yesterday while its stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products will be on sale from December 12.

Postage prepaid picture cards and serviced first day covers affixed with the stamp sheetlet will be available at philatelic offices only.

A panda-themed cachet will also be launched on December 12 for stamping by the public at designated post offices.