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■本港今年2月至4月失業率為3.3%，失業率維持在低水平。 資料圖片
本港今年2月至4月失業率為3.3%，儘管失業率仍維持在低水平，但鑑於歐美和內地經濟均吹淡風，本港經濟隨時會受外圍影響而出現逆轉，失業率或掉頭上升。因此，本港不可因目前的就業數字理想而掉以輕心，更應以政府換屆為契機，加快發展多元化產業，加強就業穩定性。
環球經濟的不明朗因素正在增加，歐債危機因政局變化出現惡化跡象，美國經濟同樣疲不能興，對本港影響重大的內地經濟亦開始放緩，本港第一季的經濟增長僅得0.4%，未來還可能出現負增長。本港經濟過分依賴金融、地產等受資金影響的敏感行業，一旦外圍經濟有任何風吹草動，資金急速外流，本港資產市場大幅波動，經濟一落千丈，容易掀起企業倒閉、失業潮。
候任特首梁振英競選時提出「穩中求變、適度有為」的口號，希望新一屆政府能夠打破以往「積極不干預」的管治框框，加強政府對經濟長遠規劃的參與度，利用厚實的財政儲備扶持優勢產業，協助中小企在經濟危機時期渡過難關，推動「同區就業」，落實「就業為本」的經濟策略，既保持經濟的健康穩定發展，亦不斷改善就業、收窄貧富差距，促進社會和諧。
Don't be complacent when unemployment rate drops
The unemployment rate in Hong Kong for the period from February to April this year was 3.3%. Although the unemployment rate remained at a low level, with the chill wind of slack economy blowing in Europe, America as well as China, the economy of Hong Kong may show a U-turn due to the circumstances in the external markets, and the unemployment rate may then revert to a rising trend. Therefore, Hong Kong should not be complacent about the current rather satisfactory employment figure. While a new government is going to take office in the year, Hong Kong should take this opportunity to expedite the diversification of industries and to enhance job security.
Uncertainties in the global economy have kept increasing. The European debt crisis displays signs of deterioration subsequent to changes in the political situation. The American economy remains persistently weak. The mainland economy, which affects Hong Kong a great deal, also starts to slow down. The local Hong Kong economy recorded only a 0.4% growth in the first quarter of the year and there is the possibility of a negative growth ahead. The economy in Hong Kong relies too heavily on such sectors as finance and property, which are very sensitive to the flow of funds. In case of any unfavorable development in the external markets which triggers a rapid outflow of funds, the local asset market may fluctuate tremendously and the economic condition will deteriorate significantly. This will likely cause a tide of business closures and layoffs.
The Chief Executive-elect Mr. Leung Chun-ying proclaimed during his election campaign a policy direction of "change but ensure stability; intervene as appropriate". It is hoped that the new term of government could break with the traditional practice of "active non-intervention" and have greater participation in the long-term planning of the economy. The rich financial reserves can be used in various ways including to aid those promising industries with growth opportunities, to help small and medium-sized enterprises weather the storm in times of economic crisis, to encourage "employment in one's own neighbourhood", and to implement an economic strategy "based on boosting employment". These help to maintain a healthy and steady economic growth, boost consistent employment, narrow the rich-poor gap and promote harmony in society. ■Translation by 東明 tungming23@gmail.com
逢周五見報
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