Speech by FS at the HKTDC Education and Careers Expo (English only) (with photos/video)

Speech by FS at the HKTDC Education and Careers Expo (English only) (with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the HKTDC Education and Careers Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (February 19):

Fred (Lam), Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

     Good morning.

     I am delighted to join you for the opening of this year's Education and Careers Expo.  A warm welcome to you all, and especially to those of you who have travelled long distances to be here.

     This expo is, indeed, a place of opportunity during these challenging economic times.  I am pleased to see so many of you here from so many different parts of the world.  Each of you brings with you a unique element to this event, helping to make it the premier international Education and Careers Expo.

     Many students as well as those seeking work will be looking to this expo for ideas on how to enhance their job prospects.  They may wish to continue with their studies or to join a training scheme or even to take up an internship.  This is also a time to broaden horizons by considering a working holiday abroad or options to study on the Mainland or somewhere overseas to improve your skills, and at the same time, gain valuable international exposure.

     In parallel, Hong Kong's door is always open to overseas students and professionals like yourselves who wish to explore opportunities in Asia's world city.

     I am pleased to note that more than 500 exhibitors, including commercial organisations, government departments and professional bodies are here this year.  Under this one roof - albeit a very large roof - we have representatives from more than 80 institutions from around the world including - for the first time at this expo - from Saudi Arabia.  Welcome.

     Many of our economies face the prospect of rising unemployment and slow growth in the months ahead.  Latest figures show that Hong Kong's unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in the November to January period.

     I can assure you that job creation is a priority for the SAR Government.  During this expo, our Labour Department will conduct two workshops - one on opportunities for self-employment and another on boosting work efficiency through memorisation skills.

     Last December, our Chief Executive announced that more than 60,000 positions would be created this year by fast-tracking infrastructure projects, speeding up civil service recruitment and creating temporary positions.  In addition, the Internship Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund will be further expanded, providing 600 internship places this year.  Local tertiary institutions will strengthen their career services and provide more places for tutors, research fellows and postgraduate students.

     We are also working with a number of chambers of commerce to encourage their members to provide more internship places.  This will give school-leavers valuable experience and exposure to working life and better equip them as they embark on their careers.

     Ladies and Gentlemen, the Government will continue to work closely with the private sector to provide a healthy environment for educational and career development.  Over the past 18 years, the Education and Careers Expo has played an important part in achieving this goal.

     I wish to congratulate the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising this event and wish this year's expo every success.  To our friends from overseas, I hope you have an enjoyable stay here in Hong Kong.

     Thank you.

Ends/Thursday, February 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:39

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