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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

Security Bureau responds to enquires

The Security Bureau today reiterated that an organisation and its members shall remain criminally liable for the offences they have committed, notwithstanding its disbandment or the resignation of its members.   The bureau made the statement in response to media enquiries concerning the decision of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions to disband.   It emphasised that Police will spare no efforts in pursuing the legal liabilities of any organisation and people suspected of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law or other local laws.   The statement stressed that acts and activities that endanger national security may have very serious consequences and actions must be taken to prevent and suppress such acts and activities to minimise the risks which organisations or individuals endangering national security may bring about.   Thorough investigations will be conducted in respect of local organisations which have received donations from foreign political organisations and they will be asked to provide information.   If necessary, other measures may also be taken pursuant to the implementation rules under the security law and powers under other relevant ordinances, the statement added.   The bureau pointed out that based on evidence and the law, Police will continue to pursue the legal liabilities of organisations and people endangering national security in accordance with the law to ensure they are brought to justice so that they will not endanger national security.
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