GDP leapt by 6.8 percent in 2006, the third consecutive year of above-trend growth. Both consumption and investment grew considerably. Inflation was kept at 2 percent.

In 2007, forecast GDP growth is 4.5-5.5 percent. Trend real GDP growth is forecast at 4.5 percent a year.

Total employment grew by 310 000 over the past 31/2 years to a historical high. Unemployment is at a six-year low of 4.4 percent.

Fiscal balance in both the Operating and Consolidated Accounts was restored ahead of schedule. Public expenditure has been contained at below 20 percent of GDP.

Promoting the Economy and Employment

Moving towards a high value-added, knowledge-based economy, Hong Kong is well-positioned to complement the economic development of the mainland and create a "win-win" situation.

Hong Kong has unique advantages in our financial infrastructure, regulatory regime, internationalized financial markets, professionals and diversified investment products. A complementary, co-operative and interactive relationship between the financial systems of the Mainland and Hong Kong can contribute to raising the efficiency of financial intermediation in the mainland and facilitating reform of the mainland financial system.

To provide a seamless system for cargo movements and customs clearance: construct an electronic advance cargo information system and implement the On-Board Trucker Information System on a trial basis.

To earmark HK$3.1 billion to replace the existing air traffic control system and build a new headquarters for the Civil Aviation Department.

To invite tenders for a new cruise terminal to be situated at Kai Tak. The first berth will be completed in 2012.

To earmark HK$210 million to provide WiFi networks in government venues for free use by our citizens.

To earmark HK$300 million to establish a new fund to help film development.

To expedite implementation of major infrastructure projects, which will create about 23,000 jobs for the construction industry in the next financial year. About 14,000 new jobs will be created if other major projects under planning can start early.

Improving People's

Livelihood

Allocating about HK$900 million to implement the following measures to help the disadvantaged.

To provide about HK$300 million to introduce a one-year pilot Transport Support Scheme, in the middle of this year, to encourage unemployed and low-income people in financial difficulties who live in remote areas to seek jobs and work across districts.

To earmark HK$300 million to set up a child development fund to provide children from a disadvantaged background with more development opportunities.

To provide additional support services to families and children in need:

wan additional HK$52 million to provide more education, training and residential care services for pre-school children and other people with disabilities;

w an additional HK$31 million to strengthen family welfare services and give better care to victims of domestic violence;

w an additional HK$20 million to enhance outreach services for the promotion of mental health in the community and provide support for those in need;

w an additional allocation of about HK$10 million over three years to expand the Capacity Building Mileage Programme by strengthening education in parenting and encouraging continuous learning.

To strengthen elderly care and support services:

w an additional HK$38 million to 156 elderly centres to enhance their outreach programmes to provide assistance to more elderly singletons;

w an additional HK$16 million to provide additional subsidized residential care places in new purpose-built care homes for the elderly;

w allocation of HK$96 million over four years to implement a trial scheme in two districts to provide one-stop support services to elderly discharges in need.

Leaving Wealth with the

People where Affordable

Allocating HK$20.3 billion for the following tax relief and one-off rebate measures.

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