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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

Gradual helper admission necessary

To prevent imported COVID-19 cases, the Government must resume the admission of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to Hong Kong in a gradual and orderly manner, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong said today.   Answering a lawmaker’s questions at the Legislative Council, Dr Law outlined a number of facilitative measures for FDHs to come to work in Hong Kong. From August 9, FDHs who have been fully vaccinated in Hong Kong before leaving may return and work in the city. In addition, the first designated quarantine facility has commenced operations since August 30, providing 409 rooms for FDH quarantine.   From September 20, the Government has also opened a total of 800 units in Phases 1 and 2 of the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre on Lantau Island for the quarantine of FDHs who have completed their jab courses in relevant Group A specified places, which currently include Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.   To further address FDH employers’ needs, an additional 200 units in the Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre will be provided from October 22.   When asked whether the quarantine quota will first be allocated to families that urgently need to hire FDHs, Dr Law said it would not be easy to accord reservation priority at the Penny’s Bay centre because such arrangements would create controversies and administrative complications.   The Government will continue to refine the booking arrangements for the quarantine centre, and consider the need for further increasing the number of designated quarantine facilities, having regard to the worldwide and local epidemic situation, he emphasised.
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