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
Police will strive to ensure that the Legislative Council General Election will be conducted safely and smoothly tomorrow, Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee said today.
Mr Siu said Police would adopt a comprehensive approach to deploy over 10,000 officers, including officers in uniform, in plain-clothes and from specialised units as well as special constables to patrol, monitor and gather intelligence so as to ensure that the election will be held smoothly while the public can safely cast their votes.
He stressed Police have the determination and capability to pursue any law-breakers and will not condone any illegal acts. Police will intervene swiftly and resolutely enforce the law once anyone is found attempting to undermine the election, he added.
The police chief appealed to the public to exercise their civil rights by voting tomorrow.
The Security Bureau said law enforcement agencies were prepared to ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the election.
The bureau said Police will continue to enhance intelligence gathering and cyber patrols for early identification and deterrence of acts endangering public safety by saboteurs, and at the same time strengthen interception to prevent individuals possessing illegal items from entering election sites and other important public places.
Police will also work with the special constables comprising members of various disciplined services departments to carry out high-profile patrols at places where crowds gather and around important buildings, and will take resolute law enforcement action to combat any conduct endangering public order and safety.
The bureau reiterated that inciting others to cast blank votes or not to vote by public activities during an election period may contravene the Elections (Corrupt & Illegal Conduct) Ordinance, whether the conduct occurs in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
The public are reminded not to engage in making illegal appeals or repost relevant illegal content. The bureau emphasised that the Government will take resolute action against any illegal conduct and not allow culprits to remain at large.
The bureau urged electors to treasure their civil rights and vote actively in the interests of Hong Kong tomorrow to select capable people, laying a solid foundation for the implementation of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and thereby contributing to the future development of the city.
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