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Feb exports value down 0.8%

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

Social distancing rules maintained

Chief Executive Carrie Lam said as the local COVID-19 epidemic situation remains stagnant, the Government will not further relax social distancing measures, at least for now.   Mrs Lam made the statement ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting and elaborated on the reason for keeping the current anti-epidemic rules in place.   “We are in a sort of stagnant situation with the daily number of COVID-19 positive-tested cases staying at around 200 and 300 cases including local infections, as well as imported cases, but there have already been over 10 such infection clusters in the community, especially the most recent two cases involving bars.   “So we will have to take a very prudent approach and my position at this moment is we probably will not introduce the third and final stage of the social distancing measures relaxation before the end of June.”   The Chief Executive pointed out that the final phase of the relaxation of social distancing measures involves removing any remaining restrictions on the operation of specified premises that include restaurants and bars.   “For example, the maximum number of people in a banquet, the capacity - whether it is 75% or 85% or whether it should go back to 100-% - and the permission of live performances.”   She added that she believes most citizens will not be affected by such measures.   “On balance, I feel these activities would not be very detrimental to the return to normalcy of the great majority of Hong Kong people.”
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