The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met the six employee representatives of the Labour Advisory Board, Mr Cheng Yiu-tong and Mr Lee Kai-ming today to discuss matters relating to importation of labour for the construction industry.

The Chief Executive has had a useful exchange of views with them on the subject. "I fully recognise the need to protect the employment interests of local workers in the light of the prevailing economic situation," Mr Tung said.

During the meeting, the Chief Executive said that the Government would invest in a series of infrastructural development projects over the next few years to prepare Hong Kong for new challenges in the long term.

"To do so, we have to maintain a strong partnership with local construction workers. Our objective is to meet the demand for construction labour through sustained, flexible and intensive training and retraining of local workers," he said.

"The Government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that job opportunities in the construction industry go to local workers, in providing training and skills upgrading for local workers, in reducing the wastage rate, and in attracting new blood to the industry," Mr Tung said.

"Only when there are bottlenecks in labour supply and proven manpower shortage will the Government consider allowing the importation of labour. Even so, this will be subject to careful vetting," he added.

On the proposed Construction Labour Importation Scheme, Mr Tung assured the employees' representatives that the Government would take full and careful account of public views, present economic climate and prevailing construction labour market conditions before deciding on the way forward.

Mr Tung said that the Executive Council would consider the matter fully next month.

Earlier today, the Chief Executive also met representatives of the Hong Kong Construction Association.

During the meeting, Mr Tung urged the Association to explore seriously the possibility of improving the income stability and job security of local construction workers, such as by employing them on the basis of monthly wages where possible. This would help reduce the wastage rate within the industry.