Positive signs: Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip (second left) says Hong Kong's job market is improving.

Hong Kong's job market is improving, with the Labour Department receiving 1,500 vacancies a day, Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip says.

Speaking at Recruitment Expo 2005 today, Mr Ip said the job fair at the Convention & Exhibition Centre features more than 9,000 vacancies, reflecting the positive job market.

"The starting salary on average is about $6,000 to $8,000. We are talking about (people with qualifications of) Form 5 and below, so it is better than before," he said.

"For university graduates, we are talking about a starting salary ranging from $8,000 to more than $10,000. This is very good. So there are a lot of opportunities for young people."

Mr Ip said vacancies received by the department are not only for young people but also for the middle-aged. He said no drastic drop is expected in the jobless rate in the near future.

"Hong Kong is still undergoing economic re-structuring and there are still many challenges that we need to overcome."