The seasonally adjusted
jobless rate in Hong Kong fell to 3.6 percent in the
September-November period from 3.9 percent in August-October, the
lowest level for over nine and a half years, official figures
released Tuesday indicated.
Falls in the jobless
rate were observed in almost all major economic sectors,
particularly wholesale trade, restaurants and construction, said
the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
During
September-November period, the underemployment rate also fell to
2.2 percent from 2.3 percent, said the department, adding that the
falls were mainly seen in the retail trade, welfare and community
services, and restaurant sectors.
The labor market was
buoyant in the September-November period, with total employment
rising by 13,400 to an all-time high of 3.51 million. The labor
force dipped by 2,500, to 3.64 million.
"These encouraging
figures reflect our sustained economic growth and an upbeat labor
market," said Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Labor and Welfare of
the HKSAR government.
However, he said the
Government will not be complacent and will continue efforts to help
those having difficulty entering the labor market, particularly
those from remote districts such as Tin Shui Wai and Tung
Chung.
Looking ahead, whether
the jobless rate will drop further hinges on the pace of job
creation relative to the growth in labor supply during the festive
period around Christmas and the New Year, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency
December 19, 2007)