John Tsang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said on Friday the 2009- 2010 Budget will focus on creating jobs, and enhancing the city's competitiveness and sustainability.

Tsang on Friday visited Immanuel Lutheran College in Tai Po to chat with students, to learn about their views of the future and distribute comic books about the budget consultation.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, he said this year will be difficult for Hong Kong, adding the government will do its best to help people weather the fiscal turmoil.

He urged people to give their views during the budget-consultation process. Noting the economy is the most important issue for the city, he said the government needs to focus its effort on this aspect.

He said, as the global fiscal turmoil will not end in the near future and Hong Kong's economy may deteriorate, the government must closely watch developments in the United States and Europe.

(Xinhua News Agency January 17, 2009)