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Apr exports value down 13%

The value of Hong Kong's total exports decreased to $338.3 billion in April, down 13% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.   The value of imports of goods decreased 11.9% to $374.9 billion for the same period.   A trade deficit of $36.6 billion, or 9.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in April.   Comparing the three-month period ending April with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 15.4%, while that of imports increased 10.7%.   The Government noted that the value of merchandise exports declined further from a year earlier in April. Exports to the Mainland, the US and the European Union all shrank and exports to other major Asian markets recorded decreases of varying degrees.   Looking ahead, it added that the weakness in the advanced economies will continue to weigh on Hong Kong's export performance, though the expected faster recovery of the Mainland economy should

Hate speech not accepted: CE

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)   Chief Executive Carrie Lam said today she does not condone remarks which will unnecessarily divide society or incite hatred, adding Gay Games Hong Kong 2022 will be aided in hiring government venues.   Ahead of the Executive Council meeting this morning, Mrs Lam said the Government understands the event’s purpose is to promote inclusiveness and diversity.   Mrs Lam said: “We have no problem with that sort of spirit and purpose of the games.   “As usual, we will provide the needed help in terms of the hire of government venues in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.”   She noted Secretary for Home Affairs Caspar Tsui had made this point clear at the Legislative Council.   Mrs Lam also told reporters it was much regretted that individual lawmakers had become emotional in expressing views.   “I certainly, personally and as a Chief Executive, do not condone that sort of remarks by individuals which will unnecessarily divide society and even raise hatred among certain sectors in the community,” she said.  
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