HONG KONG - Hong Kong's foreign assets of the exchange fund in March increased HK$5.0 billion ($644 million) to HK$2,245.1 billion, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority said here Friday.

The Monetary Base, comprising Certificates of Indebtedness, Government issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the Aggregate Balance and Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued, amounted to HK$1,085.8 billion.

Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to HK$123.1 billion.

Foreign liabilities, representing fees payable to the exchange fund's external managers, amounted to HK$200 million.