HONG KONG. Aug 7: Hong Kong s economy is heading for continued "robust growth," despite recent data indicating rising unemployment and lower consumer spending, a survey said today, says AFP. .

A straw-poll, conducted by Tlie Eastern Express Daily, found a consensus among analysts and economists here that domestic investment, and trade would underpin annual growth of about five per cent this year and next year

Hong Kong General Cha mber of Commerce was most optimistic in the survey with a projection ,of six per cent GDP growth in 1995. The government forecast 5.5 per cent growth In 1995.

Recent government figures showed total exports growth at 18 per cent in the

first half of 1995 over the same period last year, while domestic exports recorded a growth of 9.4 per cent tn the first half over the first six months of 1994.

However, the survey acknowledged that consumers were feeling the threat of unemployment more keenly now than tn the past few. years, with 3.1 per cent ol the workforce unable to find suitable work.

Private consumption, which previously made up 60 per cent of GDP. has dropped to 55 per cent, as retail sales have fallen and trade and Investment grown, according to one analyst quoted In the survey. Raymond Kwok, head of economic research at the Bank of East Asia

But analysts said concerns about the economy are overplayed. the dally said