Seize opportunities: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa says he is glad to see the recent economic upturn, but Hong Kong still has many challenges ahead. He urges the jobless to take advantage of Government programmes to better equip themselves for the workplace.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa says he is still concerned about the jobless rate, which is falling slowly despite the recent economic upturn. He urges people, especially the jobless, to seize opportunities to better equip themselves.

The Government, meanwhile, will continue all efforts to improve the economy, he said.

Speaking to the media at the Central Government Offices, Mr Tung said he is glad to see the second quarter's Gross Domestic Product soared 12.1% in real terms - the fastest growth in four years. (Click here for details.)

He noted that under CEPA II, signed today, the Mainland has agreed to apply zero tariff to another 713 products from January 1 next year, on top of the 374 products that have been enjoying zero import tariff since January 1 this year.

Preferential treatment in eight new service areas has also been granted. (Click here for full story.)

Mr Tung said the recent economic recovery was the result of the Central Government's staunch support and Hong Kong people's hard work.

Many challenges lie ahead

However, he noted Hong Kong is still facing many challenges. 

The Government will start working on the third phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and continue to improve the economic environment.

People should also seize opportunities so that the city's economy can be restructured successfully.

Jobless problem 'structural'

On the city's employment situation, Mr Tung admitted the jobless rate has fallen at a slow rate and he is concerned about the issue. While the problem is a structural one, the Government will continue all efforts to improve the economy.

He believed more jobs will open up as the economy improves, as about 100,000 new jobs were recorded in the past 12 months.