Show time: The Youth Self-employment Support Scheme flea market had 36 counters for scheme trainees to show their talents and solicit more business opportunities.

Youth Self-employment Support Scheme trainees have earned about $1.3 million and completed nearly 3,000 business deals in four months since they started practising self-employment in mid-September last year.

Permanent Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Matthew Cheung said the figures reflect the recognition and support which the trainees received from the community.

He noted most of the trainees completed the courses provided by the scheme and started self-employment to gain practical experience. Some big companies and organisations which have become their clients commended their services.

Mr Cheung said the local economy is reviving quickly and the labour market continues to improve. The jobless rate for people aged 15 to 19 fell from an all-time high of 37.6% in the summer of 2003 to 18.1% lately.

He encouraged trainees to demonstrate their creativity and continue to provide quality service and enlist the support of more clients.