Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.9 percent in the November - January period to 3.8 percent in the December - February period, according to official data released on Wednesday.

The city’s underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7 percent while its labor force and total employment decreased slightly, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed.

The unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases recorded in the retail, accommodation services, and foundation and superstructure sectors.

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"The sustained growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy should continue to support the overall labor market, though employment situations in some local sectors may still face challenges due to their business performances,” said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 3,700 from 138,400 in the November - January period to 134,700 in the December - February period, while the number of underemployed persons also dropped by around 1,700 to 63,400.

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Total employment decreased by around 2,900 to 3,663,000 in the December - February period while the city's labor force also decreased by around 6,600 to 3,797,700.

Sun said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government will stay vigilant and monitor “various external uncertainties” for any implication on corporate hiring sentiment in relevant sectors.