NEWS CAPSULE

Unemployment, Underemployment Decline 
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong declined from 5.0% in April - June 2006 to 4.9% (provisional figure) in May - July 2006. The underemployment rate also declined from 2.7% to 2.6% (provisional figure) between the two periods. 

Decreases in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) were mainly observed in the foundation and superstructure construction, sanitary services and wholesale trade sectors. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were found in the decoration and maintenance, manufacturing and education services sectors.

A Government spokesman noted that total employment surged to an all-time high of above 3.45 million in May - July 2006, along with continued economic expansion. 

Travel Trial Agreed
The Director of Immigration of the HKSARG, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, and the Director of Border Control of the United Kingdom Immigration Service, Mr Tony Smith, signed a Letter of Intent on July 31 to participate in a trial to evaluate a simplified and secure process flow for international travellers.

The trial is a project under the Ideal Process Flow (IPF) concept developed by the Simplifying Passenger Travel Interest Group (SPTIG) led by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It aims to test the application of the latest technology, in particular realizing the benefits of using biometrics to help registered travellers enter and leave participating countries more quickly. 

The trial is to be conducted at London's Heathrow Airport, Hong Kong International Airport and the Dubai International Airport and will involve border control authorities, airlines, airport authorities and technology providers.

Hong Kong Olympic Venues On Schedule
Work is progressing well on facilities for the Olympic 2007 equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong.

Building started recently on the main stables and supporting training facilities at Penfold Park, located in the middle of Sha Tin Racecourse. Construction will include a cross-country training track, a bridle trail and four sand training arenas, all due to be finished by the end of February next year. 

Two training areas for show jumping and dressage have already been completed at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), which adjoins the Sha Tin Racecourse.

The HKSI will house the main competition arena with seating for about 19,000, as well as more than 10 training grounds for show jumping and dressage, over 200 stables and offices for event officials.

Work on the 5,700-metre cross-country section of the Three-Day Event, which will be held at the Hong Kong Golf Club and adjoining Beas River Country Club, started in April. All major facilities will be ready a year ahead of the Olympic competition so trial events can be held in comparable weather conditions.

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