Hong Kong's January-March jobless rate remained stable at 4.3 percent, the lowest level in over eight and a half years, Hong Kong's Census & Statistics Department said Thursday.

Falls in the jobless rate were mainly seen in the amusement and recreational services, communications and real estate sectors. Increases were more apparent in the construction, manufacturing and sanitary services sectors.

The underemployment rate also held stable at 2.2 percent. Falls were mainly seen in the sanitary services and communications sectors, offsetting the increases in the amusement and recreational services, and the wholesale trade sectors.

The near term employment outlook will hinge on the overall economic performance and in particular the pace of job creation in the corporate sector, relative to the labor supply growth.

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2007)