For Immediate Release
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) welcomes the Government’s announcement today to import workers in an effort to ease labour shortages in the construction, transport, and aviation sectors.
The Chamber has been actively advocating for bold measures to address Hong Kong’s severe human capital problem. According to the findings of the HKGCC Talent Shortage Survey 2023 released last week, 74% of respondents were wrestling with a labour crunch, 61% of whom said they had been facing talent shortages for 1 to 3 years. Recruiting talent from the Greater Bay Area was perceived by our members as the top short-term measure for addressing the issue.
The move to import labour will go a long way to restore Hong Kong’s prosperity in post-pandemic times, and it is hoped that the announced measures will eventually be further relaxed and extended to other sectors facing manpower shortages.
The Chamber also strongly supports the principle of priority as well as enhanced training and support for domestic labour. It also believes that the Government’s pragmatic approach will help safeguard the employment security of the local workforce.
The Chamber reiterates the pressing need to import more manpower, especially middle-ranked and frontline staff, to close the large gaps in our shrinking workforce. This is important not only to sustain Hong Kong’s long-term growth and competitiveness, but also to maintain essential services to the general public.
Media inquiries: Please contact Mr Jonathan Man at 2823-1229 / jonathan@chamber.org.hk