Extradition bill’s withdrawal ‘is first step’ in getting Hong Kong back to business
- From real estate to manufacturing, city’s battered commerce sector welcomes Carrie Lam’s announcement after three months of crisis
Hong Kong’s business community welcomed Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s decision on Wednesday to withdraw her administration’s proposed extradition bill, with industry groups calling it the first step to restoring confidence and the city’s international reputation.
After three months of protests against the bill, Lam said the proposed legislation would be dropped completely as one of four measures to ease public concern and allow the city to move forward.
Business chambers said the decision was a breakthrough in a political crisis that dealt fresh blows to an economy already weakened by the US-China trade war.
In addition to withdrawing the bill, Lam said two more people would be appointed to the police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Council, senior government officials would hold direct talks with a cross-section of the community, and society’s stakeholders would be encouraged to advise the government on solutions to deep-seated problems.
“I recognise that our response may not address all the grievances of people in society,” Lam said.
“However, should we all think deeply whether escalating violence and disturbances is the answer? Or whether it is better to sit down to find a way out through dialogue?”