The minister told an RTHK radio programme that the SAR is undergoing economic restructuring, and sectors such as catering and retail are struggling more than others.
Sun said even though he expects the economy to be more uncertain due to the geopolitical situation, he is hopeful for the medium to long run.
“If we are going to look at it in a medium-to-long-term comparison, 3.5 percent is similar to the average figure of the past 20 years,” he said.
“So everyone should be confident about the resilience of Hong Kong’s economy.”
Sun said the 25,000 workers brought into the territory from elsewhere under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme have only a minimal impact on the city’s unemployment rate as they account for less than one percent of the total labour force.
The labour chief added that checks regarding imported workers will be carried out at catering firms after complaints from locals who lost their jobs.
“Most of these 38 reports were filed in recent weeks. Our investigations take time because we have to be fair to employers. If the reports are proved to be true, we will take action,” he said.
“Reports from the catering sector accounted for the most…there were 24 cases. Therefore, our inspection and checks will focus more on the catering sector.”
Sun said that to enhance transparency, the Labour Department has started publicising the names of firms seeking to bring in workers from elsewhere, being as the companies first have to carry out a four-week local recruitment process.
