Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes seventh meeting
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At the meeting, the Census and Statistics Department briefed members on the latest situation and characteristics of Hong Kong's labour force, employment and population. Under the influence of factors such as population ageing, Hong Kong's overall labour force participation rate has been on a downward trend, which has nevertheless been alleviated by the various talent admission and labour importation measures. Members noted that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.7 per cent in May-July 2026 to 3.8 per cent in June-August 2026, and that the youth unemployment situation warrants attention. Members understood that the rise in unemployment and the youth employment situation are structural challenges faced by most advanced economies worldwide, and Hong Kong is no exception. They were also pleased to note that the Government continues to invest heavily in education and skills training to enhance the skills and competitiveness of the local workforce, including launching the two-year 30 000 Youth Employment and Internship Programme announced in the 2026 Policy Address to facilitate youth employment and development. The Labour Department will also launch the "Youth Employment Link" online service portal to facilitate young people's access to employment information and support services. Looking ahead, the continued expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions.
The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) also briefed members at the meeting on the results of the report on the Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection. The report indicates that the overall manpower shortage in Hong Kong has been alleviated, benefiting from the various talent admission and labour importation measures implemented by the Government over the past three years. The overall manpower shortage in 2028 is projected to narrow from the previous projection of approximately 180 000 to some 130 000. The demand for emerging AI experts continues to grow, particularly for "composite talent" who possesses both AI application skills and sector-specific knowledge. The Government will formulate corresponding measures in response to the results of the mid-term update, including strengthening local training and enhancing the talent admission measures. Members were pleased to note that the Government will continue to promote "AI for All" and support lifelong learning, ensuring that the skills of the labour force remain aligned with Hong Kong's future economy.
The Hong Kong's First Five-Year plan promulgated in the middle of last month clearly sets out that, on the premise of protecting local workers, the Government will closely monitor changes in labour supply and demand, and dynamically adjust the types and number of workers to be imported.
The LWB will soon commence a new round of review of the Talent List. In the course of the review, reference will be made to the latest developments of various industries and the manpower demand situation as set out in the report, with the addition of more talent categories relating to AI application. Members expressed their views on the review at the meeting and supported the Government in continuing to closely monitor the labour market and in formulating and refining forward-looking manpower policies on a rolling basis, with a view to maintaining manpower supply to support economic development while safeguarding the employment priority for local workers.
Members also received a briefing from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau on the latest progress in promoting new industrialisation in Hong Kong, covering the overall strategy and key measures. The briefing set out how Hong Kong will drive industrial transformation and reshape a new industrialisation system with distinctive local advantages through a series of measures to accelerate the translation of mid-stream research outcomes and support downstream industrial development, including sustaining traditional industries through technological upgrading and transformation; cultivating emerging industries to accelerate their integration into and serve the nation's modern industrial system; planning for future industries to seize the first-mover advantage for high-quality development; and strengthening producer services. Members recognised the Government's efforts in promoting new industrialisation, and hoped to see Hong Kong's competitive advantages consolidated and sustainable economic development fostered.
Ends/Monday, October 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:15
Issued at HKT 19:15
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