The value of Hong Kong’s total exports decreased to $284.1 billion in February, down 0.8% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today. The value of imports of goods fell 1.8% to $325.7 billion for the same period. A trade deficit of $41.7 billion, or 12.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in February. Comparing the three-month period ending February with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 5.5%, while that of imports also increased 3.3%. The Government noted that taking the first two months of the year together to remove the volatility caused by the difference in timing of the Lunar New Year, the value of exports posted a 16.6% growth against a very low base of comparison a year ago. Exports to the Mainland and the US rose notably, while those to the European Union fell. Those to other major Asian markets recorded a mixed performance. Looking ahead, the Gove
The Government today announced that it disbursed via the four stored value facility (SVF) operators the first $2,000 consumption voucher to about 5.5 million eligible people who had completed electronic registration by July 17.
Such people will successively receive SMS or mobile app push notifications concerning the Consumption Voucher Scheme’s disbursement.
Those who have completed electronic registration on or after July 18 and all who have submitted paper registration forms will receive the first $2,000 consumption voucher on September 1 after verification of eligibility.
For people who chose to collect the vouchers via AlipayHK, Tap & Go or WeChat Pay HK, the $2,000 vouchers have been directly injected into their specified SVF accounts.
Those who chose to collect the vouchers via Octopus cards may collect the $2,000 voucher by tapping the card at the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme’s subsidy collection points at MTR stations, Light Rail Customer Service Centres, designated piers and public transport interchanges within three months from today.
They can also tap the card at designated convenience stores and supermarkets, Octopus Service Points or via Octopus app.
Registrants who have completed electronic registration on or before July 17 but have not yet received the SMS notifications on their registration results may enquire about their registration status using the hotline 18 5000.
The Government reminded eligible people who have not yet registered to submit registration by August 14.
People should also carefully protect their personal data when registering for the scheme and using the vouchers. The Government and its contractors will only communicate with the registrants by designated telephone numbers.
Visit the scheme website or call 18 5000 for enquiries.
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