Commissioner for Labour Pamela Tan said tourism was one of engines of local economic growth and has strong potential for development.

Speaking at a seminar on tourism development and business opportunities for the retail industry, Mrs Tan noted that "it also brings business and employment opportunities to many other industries, particularly the retail trade."

The seminar aimed to help employers in the retail trade explore business opportunities arising from tourism development in Hong Kong.

It was well received by more than 250 employers, human-resources managerial staff and employees from the retail, hotel and tourism industries.

Legislative Council Member Howard Young also briefed participants on the latest developments in the tourism industry.

The seminar is the first large-scale event jointly organised by the department and the Tripartite Committee on Retail Industry.

"The theme of discussion today is a matter that concerns both employers and employees in the trade," Mrs Tan said.

The Tripartite Committee, established in 2001, meets regularly to discuss matters of common concern to employers and employees alike with an aim to improve the retail trade's competitiveness.

Since 1998, the Labour Department has been actively setting up tripartite committees comprising representatives of employers, employees and the Government. These Committees aim to promote harmonious labour relations in their respective industries.