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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

Govt rejects foreign statements

The Government today said it strongly rejects and condemns individual foreign politicians' biased and groundless statements on so-called issues relating to human rights, freedoms and political participation in Hong Kong.   It said the statements issued by individual foreign politicians, including those from the US, the UK, the European Union and Australia, are flagrant and unsubstantiated attacks on Hong Kong and provocative interventions of China's internal affairs.   In its response, the Government noted that the oath-taking of district council members was conducted in full compliance with the Basic Law.   It strongly deplored and condemned the smearing and unfair comments by foreign governments of this legitimate oath-taking process and the rightful decisions to disqualify some district councillors whose oaths are invalid for failing to meet the legal requirement to uphold the Basic Law and bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.   The Government also pointed out that the implementation of the National Security Law and the improved electoral system are the turning points for Hong Kong.   With stability restored, Hong Kong has got back on the right track of "one country, two systems". Citizens can once again go about their normal lives and are looking ahead with renewed confidence in the future.   In addition, the city's financial market has remained steady since the implementation of the National Security Law.   The banking sector is as robust as ever, financial services remain promising and development opportunities, both in Hong Kong and on the Mainland, continue to open up.   The Government stressed that the National Security Law has been implemented in full accordance with national and local laws.   The National Security Law states that freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication are among rights and freedoms explicitly protected in accordance with Hong Kong laws.   It also ensures the resolute, full and faithful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy will not be changed and the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law will not be undermined.   Any claims of politically motivated prosecutions are factually incorrect, nonsensical and misguided, the Government noted.   It reiterated that all prosecutorial decisions are based on admissible evidence and applicable laws. Cases have never been or will never be handled any differently owing to the political beliefs or background of the people involved.   The Government said: “Following a long period of acrimonious political stalemate, the operation of our Legislative Council has returned to normal after the implementation of electoral reforms.   “People from all walks of life with different opinions about government policies are able to participate in the political system, as long as they uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR.   “People are free to vote and stand for election, regardless of their political affiliation.   “We urge foreign politicians to stop their blatant interference in Hong Kong matters which are the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China.”
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