Job advertising in Hong Kong climbed 9.9%

Strong tourism sector boosted growth.

According to Robert Walters' Asia Job Index for Q2 2013, advertising figures in Hong Kong rose by 9.9% in comparison to Q1 and by 6.9% compared to Q2 2012. 

Retail servicing and sales advertising grew by 6% but the majority of positions were for current roles where businesses are looking to attract talent, rather than create new positions.

The retail sector continued to benefit from Chinese tourism and advertised roles in merchandising and purchasing rose by 16.2% on the first quarter. Roles within accounting and finance also held, up 9.1% as a result of demand for professionals to support on-going corporate regulatory and compliance.

Matthew Bennett, Managing Director for Robert Walters in Greater China, commented:

“Although Chinese economic data suggests more modest growth, job adverts for Q2 2013 remained stable. Tourist levels remain strong, up 20%
year-on-year, which is good news for the retail sector, and the rise in minimum wage is also having a positive impact in this area.

People are a little more cautious to move jobs and companies are creating fewer new positions at this moment in time. That said, people are still looking to Asia to source their products and Hong Kong remains a key logistical hub.”