Business leaders must unite HK, vice-president tells forum
Vice-President Zeng Qinghong yesterday called on Hong Kong business leaders to help unite the community and support the government.
The remarks came as more tycoons pledged their support for a second term for Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.
Speaking on the opening day of the Boao Forum on Hainan island , Mr Zeng said a harmonious society and a stable environment were the guarantees and prerequisites for progress.
'Otherwise, we can't talk about other matters,' he said.
Mr Zeng, the state leader in charge of Hong Kong affairs, urged the business community to bridge the divides in Hong Kong society and foster harmony. He is due to deliver a keynote address at the forum today.
Political analyst Sung Lap-kung said Mr Zeng was pointing to concerns about the marginalisation of some segments of Hong Kong society.
Speaking after a 40-minute meeting with Mr Zeng, Mr Tsang said the state leader hoped Hong Kong people could overcome their differences and focus on strengthening the economy.
He added that Mr Zeng had expressed satisfaction with the work of the government, and was fully confident in the city's future. It was their second meeting in just over a month.
Asked whether Mr Zeng supported his bid for a second term, Mr Tsang said they had not had a 'detailed discussion' on the matter.
'It's too early to talk about the chief executive election, particularly my participation,' he said.
Asked about the election, Wharf Holdings chairman Peter Woo Kwong-ching, who ran for the top job in 1996, said he had pledged his support last year for Mr Tsang.
Airport Authority chairman Victor Fung Kwok-king said Mr Tsang should have a second term, pointing to Hong Kong's improved economy.
Chan Wing-kee, the former president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said Mr Tsang would be re-elected by a landslide even if other candidates entered the race.
Additional reporting by Denise Hung
