The unemployment rate in Hong Kong stood at 4.4 percent between November 2006 and January 2007, same as that in October - December 2006, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said Thursday.

Meanwhile, the underemployment rate declined from 2.4 percent to 2.3 percent, the Census and Statistics Department of the HKSAR government said in a statement.

Comparing November 2006 - January 2007 with October - December 2006, decreases in the unemployment rate were more apparent in the foundation and superstructure construction, restaurants, and welfare and community services sectors, while increases were seen in the insurance, retail trade and communications sectors.

As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly found in the decoration and maintenance, and amusement and recreational services sectors, according to the statement.

Total employment increased by around 13,700, from 3,523,400 in October - December 2006 to an all-time high of 3,537,100 in November 2006 - January 2007. Over the same period, the labor force increased by around 10,000 from 3,680,600 to a new high of 3 690,600.

The number of unemployed persons decreased by around 3,600 from 157,100 in October - December 2006 to a 68-month low of 153,500 in November 2006 - January 2007, while the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 3,600 from 89,800 to 86,200.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2007)