A comparison of Hong Kong's youth unemployment rate with those of 11 selected economies demonstrates that Hong Kong has reined in the problem, despite the worsened overall unemployment situation since the Asian financial crisis.

This was the message from the Economic & Employment Council at its meeting that Financial Secretary Henry Tang chaired today.

At the meeting, members noted the Government measures to tackle youth unemployment, including the youth pre-employment training programme, youth work experience and training scheme and youth self-employment support scheme. 

The council was informed of the Government's measures to tackle illegal employment, through ensuring effective law enforcement, stepping up publicity and education, and adequate sentencing of illegal workers and their employers. The Government will continue to tackle the problem at its roots.

Business facilitation areas identified

Members also discussed the report of the council's Subgroup on Business Facilitation, which was formed in March. The main objective is to identify and eliminate outdated, excessive, repetitive or unnecessary regulations so as to facilitate business development and job creation.

The subgroup has identified a list of priority business sectors such as construction and real estate, entertainment, retail, logistics, computer procurement, technology, pharmaceutical as well as small and medium enterprises for detailed review.

Members also exchanged views on the Government's latest thinking regarding the development of a new cruise terminal facility in Hong Kong to capitalise on the rapid growth of the industry worldwide and in the region, and discussed measures taken to facilitate the development of and job creation in the recycling industry.

To enhance the transparency of the council's work, all its discussion papers will be uploaded onto the Internet to facilitate public access.