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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

1.5m register for voucher scheme

The Government said about 1.55 million people have submitted an electronic registration for the Consumption Voucher Scheme via its online registration portal as of 6pm today, the first day of the scheme’s registration.   Registration was generally smooth, with more than 1.3 million of those who registered authenticating their identity by answering security questions related to the Cash Payout Scheme launched last year.   Registration via the iAM Smart mobile app was obstructed this morning because the system was heavily loaded. The situation has gradually improved since this afternoon.   Financial Secretary Paul Chan reminded the public not to rush for registration in the first few days, as eligible registrants who have completed the electronic registration in the coming two weeks or by July 17 will normally receive the first voucher on August 1 after their eligibility is confirmed.   Those who choose to submit paper forms may drop the completed forms, together with a copy of their Hong Kong identity card, into the drop boxes at all post offices and designated branches of five banks starting tomorrow.   Eligible people who submit paper forms or complete electronic registrations on or after July 18 will normally receive the first voucher on September 1.   The scheme is open for registration until August 14.   Click here or call the hotline 18 5000 for more information.
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