The Government is committed to helping Tin Shui Wai residents improve their livelihood through education, training, community support and job creation, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.

Opening a catering industry job fair in Tin Shui Wai today, Mr Cheung said Hong Kong's robust economy has brought about more jobs. The Labour Department received more than 48,000 jobs last month, up 27% on a year earlier. On average, the department received about 2,200 vacancies a day.

Mr Cheung said the catering sector is a labour-intensive industry that can offer a range of jobs for people with different academic qualifications and experience. Some restaurants offered both full-time and part-time jobs with flexible working hours. He hoped Tin Shui Wai residents could find suitable jobs at the job fair.

The two-day job fair, run by the department and Federation of Restaurants & Related Trades, offers more than 2,400 jobs with 31 catering firms. About 70% of the jobs do not require relevant experience and 40% do not require specific academic qualifications. Career talks will be held to boost job seekers' understanding of the trade.

The Retail Management Association will stage another job fair on February 26 and 27 at Kingswood Ginza.

Apart from the efforts the Government, business sector and other organisations are making, Mr Cheung said it is important that residents strive to upgrade themselves and foster mutual help.