HONG KONG, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The prime consideration of the Hong Kong government is to promote employment, which is to be handled firstly by way of pushing economic growth, said Hong Kong chief executive Tung Chee Hwa Wednesday.

   At present, more than 20,000 people in Hong Kong are still unemployed, Which Tung said is a problem "we must face up to."

   While delivering the policy address for 2005 at the Hong Kong Legislative Council, Tung said that the government attaches importance to protect its citizens' right to employment and will step up publicity and law enforcement to resolutely clamp down on illegal workers.

   He said the government will carry on with average annual allocation of 29 billion HK dollars (3.7 billion US dollars) for capital works, providing employment for about 4,200 professionals and technicians and some 41,000 construction workers per year.

   "Meanwhile, the government will implement projects for which employment is one of our considerations. These are municipal projects in various districts, promotion of urban renewal and redevelopment, greening initiatives, and promotion of environmental protection industries," said the chief executive.

   He added that in anticipation of changes in the job market, the government will continue to vigorously encourage both job seekers and employees to upgrade themselves by learning.

   "Our educational institutions are offering additional associate degree programs and diploma courses. The vocational training council and the employment retraining board will continue to improve and modify their courses to meet the demands of the employment market," said Tung.

   He said that through the implementation of the youth pre-employment training program, the youth work and experience training scheme and other initiatives, the government will continue to provide training for young people to help them enter the job market and develop their potential.

   On the issue of wages and working hours, Tung said the government "will keep an open mind" and listen to views from various sectors in the community.  Enditem