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 Leisure & Cultural Services Department today announced that it will tighten the login arrangement of Leisure Link self-service kiosks at leisure venues from noon on September 28.
The new measure aims to strengthen the identity verification of hirers of leisure facilities and prevent people from using the self-service kiosks to book facilities on behalf of others.
It will also help curb suspected touting activities in the booking and use of recreation and sports facilities.
All hirers including both registered Leisure Link patrons and non-Leisure Link patrons must log in to the Leisure Link self-service kiosk system by scanning their original Hong Kong identity card (HKID) through the kiosk's scanner for making bookings beginning at noon on September 28.
The standard practice of logging in by inputting the HKID card number or Leisure Link patron number and password into the self-service kiosk's touch screen at leisure venues will no longer be accepted.
Following the implementation of the tightening measures, those without HKID cards can make bookings as usual by either producing their proof of identity at booking counters in person or through the Leisure Link e-Services System after registration as a Leisure Link patron.
http://dlvr.it/S7Y27F
http://dlvr.it/S7Y27F