I arrived in Hong Kong from the United Kingdom in August 1994. Since then, I have worked for the same law firm in the city, starting as a junior lawyer and working my way through the ranks to become part of the management team. Like many other expats who have come to call this city home, I was drawn here by the abundance of opportunities, and by the spirit of enterprise for which it is known. And like many other global businesses, my firm has benefited greatly from the vibrancy and dynamism of Hong Kong and the world-class, market-driven business environment that, together with a robust legal system, has enabled international business to flourish. This is why, as Hong Kong struggles to bring the latest wave of Covid-19 infections under control, it is concerning to hear talk of departures or relocation from certain sections of the international business community. Granted, this has been a difficult time for everyone. But the more we work together, the faster the city and businesses that operate here can get back on their feet. We can, and should, all contribute to Hong Kong’s anti-pandemic efforts rather than flee for the hills in its hour of need. Vaccination is the key to boosting the city’s defence. However, while vaccination rates across the population have been rising faster of late, there is still some way to go before they reach a safe level, especially among the elderly and very young. As a result of the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, public hospitals are now finding themselves overwhelmed and unable to cope with the backlog of patients. It is vitally important that the Hong Kong business community pulls together to do what it can to help. Over the past weeks, it has been encouraging to see that local companies have converted hotel rooms into community quarantine facilities, offered to turn their premises into vaccination venues, sourced and distributed Covid-19 testing kits , and provided anti-pandemic supplies to care homes for the elderly and to low-income families. Such actions are to be applauded. Having reaped the benefits of Hong Kong’s dynamic business environment for generations, it is now incumbent on global businesses to in turn support efforts to protect the community and ensure Hong Kong can fight the latest wave of infections. I would also encourage all companies to consider organising corporate volunteer teams across the business sector to offer much needed support to those on the front lines of the pandemic at this critical time. Above all, it is vital for international firms to support the essential business functions of the city and keep it running during this difficult time. While the current phase may feel like a significant setback for Hong Kong and has led to anxiety and soul searching within its communities, Hong Kong has weathered many critical periods of stress in the past and has always bounced back stronger. Just think of the financial crises of 1997 and then 2008, as well as the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003; throughout each, Hong Kong demonstrated its characteristic resilience and vigour. Hong Kong finance chief asks big landlords to offer rent relief to tenants Hong Kong is uniquely positioned in the world. It will continue to thrive. International businesses are always going to be part of the fabric of Hong Kong and must support the city in its hour of need. Now the business sector, including the international sector, has an opportunity to dig deep into its collective resolve and help Hong Kong overcome its current challenges and look towards the future. Time and again, Hong Kong has shown an extraordinary ability to adapt and succeed. Let us all join hands and respond to adversity with faith, solidarity and focus. Duncan Abate is a partner of Mayer Brown. He is the chair of the firm’s Asia Board