Public asked for views on how to deal with Hong Kong's ageing population
Advisers urge the government to reach out to young people who will bear the burden of looming financial problems
The views of Hongkongers are to be sought on ways to tackle problems posed by the city's ageing population. The consultation may cover questions over imported labour and the role of mainland parents' babies.
Advisers on the Steering Committee on Population Policy have urged the government to follow the lead of Germany, which is reaching out through social media to the younger generation who will bear the burden.
A source close to the government said it hoped to form consensus on short-term, medium-term and long-term solutions.
"The consultation, which will start in September, hopes to derive clear directions for the future policies," the source said. "Should we rely on 'foreign players' to deal with job mismatches? Should we boost the birth rate or rely on the local-born babies of mainland parents?"
Should we rely on 'foreign players' to deal with job mismatches? Should we boost the birth rate or rely on the local-born babies of mainland parents?
The source said the latter would require further planning as demand for housing was likely to increase.