The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met representatives of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions this afternoon to listen to their views on livelihood issues and the major concerns of local workers.

Mr Tung assured the representatives that the Government would take full and careful account of public views, present economic climate and prevailing labour market conditions before making decisions on proposals for labour importation.

"We care for our workers. They are our key partners in enhancing economic vitality and sustaining economic growth for Hong Kong. Our primary consideration must be their employment interests. We will make sure that job opportunities go to our workers first," he stressed.

On assistance for the unemployed, Mr Tung said that the Government would make all efforts to help the unemployed workers to rejoin the labour market, mainly through job placement services and training.

He noted that the Education and Manpower Bureau had formed an inter-departmental working group to strengthen co-ordination among training institutions and relevant departments, including the Labour, Social Welfare, Census and Statistics, and Home Affairs departments.

"We will keep a vigilant eye on the labour market. With more information, we can tailor the training and retraining courses for the job vacancies available and devise further measures to help the displaced workers," Mr Tung said.

Noting the representatives' support for the development of value-added industries, Mr Tung said that the Government would invest $235 billion in a series of infrastructural development projects in the next four and a half years in order to provide a conducive environment for further economic and industrial development.

In this regard, Mr Tung added that the newly appointed Commission on Strategic Development would look into the role of the Government in the structural development of our economy and the development of value-added industries.