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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

Welfare chief visits elderly home

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong today visited Forward Living in Tuen Mun, the first purpose-built residential care home for the elderly under a scheme that encourages provision of such premises in new private developments.   The elderly care home started operation in June, providing 191 residential care places for seniors.   Accompanied by its management team, Dr Law first took a closer look at anti-epidemic measures in the elderly home which is equipped with an air monitoring system for regular testing of air quality.   He then received a briefing on the application of gerontechnology in the premises, including the smart Elderly Homes Management System linking various facilities for one-stop drug management and monitoring of residents’ health.   Other applications include the provision of nutritional soft meals for seniors with swallowing difficulties, the installation of rehabilitation and cognitive training equipment as well as care and antibacterial furniture.   Under the scheme, the relevant elderly home premises will be exempted from paying the premium under land transactions on the condition that the developers are willing to accept certain lease conditions to ensure the delivery of such premises.   The proposed projects must also be supported by the Social Welfare and relevant departments.   The land transaction involving Forward Living was made at the end of 2012.   Dr Law said the Government would continue to increase residential care places for the elderly by adopting a multipronged approach and maximising land use, as well as encouraging participation by more private enterprises in providing quality elderly home services.
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