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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

Vaccination events held for seniors

COVID-19 vaccination events for the elderly in Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan were held today to enable them to get the jab through a one-stop service covering a health talk, medical consultation and vaccination.   Around 150 people took part in the Kwun Tong vaccination event at Kai Yip Community Hall.   After the event, designated vehicles transferred residents who opted for the Sinovac jab to the community vaccination centre at Kowloon Bay Sports Centre and those who wished to receive the BioNTech vaccine to Hiu Kwong Street Sports Centre.   Meanwhile, the seniors' jab event held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre attracted about 140 participants.   The Government's outreach vaccination team provided the service to those who chose the Sinovac vaccine at a temporary vaccination area at the sports centre.   Those who opted for the BioNTech vaccine were taken by pre-arranged transport to the community vaccination centre at Tsuen King Circuit Sports Centre.   Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip attended the events to support the elderly and thanked organisations and leaders in the community for their assistance in the promotion of vaccination for senior citizens.   So far, five district offices have organised vaccination events for the elderly in Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, Central & Western District, Kwai Tsing and Sha Tin.   Eligible people who want to receive the jab can collect same-day tickets from 21 community vaccination centres under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.
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