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Paul Chan
Hong KongHong Kong Economy

Hong Kong should brace itself for impact of Trump measures, says financial secretary Paul Chan

Finance leaders sound the alarm with policies promised if global economy turns turbulent

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Paul Chan Mo-po voiced concern that America is turning to protectionism. Photo: Kenneth Chan
Phila Siu
The city’s top two finance officials have issued warnings about possible trouble in the global economy, with countermeasures planned if Hong Kong is hit by the impact of US President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury ­Professor Chan Ka-keung both sounded the alarm on Sunday as the world watches every move made by Trump since the tycoon and former reality TV star was sworn in as America’s 45th ­president last month.

In a blog post, Paul Chan wrote that he was considering rolling out “balanced and suitable” policies – to be announced in his maiden budget later this month – to ensure the city remained stable even if the world economy ­became turbulent.

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“New US president Donald Trump and his team have been making controversial speeches and decisions almost every day after he was sworn in,” Chan wrote.

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“They have at times criticised some major economies for depreciating their currencies to strengthen their own trade edges, raising worries that Trump’s new policies will be inclined towards protectionism.”

Chan wrote that Hong Kong, as a small economy, could not “lower its guard”, and “must constantly watch out for changes” in the outside world.

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