Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang assured on Monday that the government will build a conducive business environment, create more jobs and develop employment and training schemes for job seekers.

He made the pledge while visiting Sham Shui Po to better understand the provision of employment assistance services there, and improvements to community facilities.

At the YMCA Cheung Sha Wan Center, where employment assistance programs are provided, Tsang met service users to garner views on work issues.

He encouraged them to enhance their competitiveness by using the center's services. About 1,400 people have participated in programs provided by the center.

"The programs show how, in partnership with non-government organizations, the government provides assistance to people to meet the challenge of unemployment," he said.

"Through the Youth Pre-employment Training Program and the Youth Work Experience Training Scheme, for example, our youth can acquire not only useful vocational training, but also much-needed soft and inter-personal skills."

He also reassured that driving Hong Kong's economy ahead at full steam is a priority during his term in office. The government will make job creation a key consideration in policy formulation.

Source: Xinhua