TNAG-0289-FCO40-325-Departmental-briefs-on-Hong-Kong-1971 — Page 158

permitted overtime.

3.

Frogress has been made in drafting legislation for the creation

of labour courts; for extending statutory rights to holidays with

pay; sickness allowance to employees in the non-industrial sectors;

for maternity protection and for rest days for men and those women

not at present covered by existing legislation.

4. During the past decade wages for workers in the manufacturing

industry have increased nominally by about 8.4% per annum or 5.7%

in real terms. In Asia, only Japan has higher industrial wage rates.

ECONOMY

5. The Hong Kong economy continues to expand at a remarkable rate.

Trade figures for January to November 1970 showed increases over the

1969 figures of 18% in exports, 19.8% in imports and 7% in re-exports.

The rate of growth in exports has declined from an increase of 25%

for the previous year.

The above information may all be freely used in response to

enquiries.