Opinion | Three steps for Hong Kong to reconnect with the world and regain its international lustre

Shouting slogans and patronising preaching will not fix what ails Hong Kong after years of international isolation and talent exodus

The city needs to reopen to the world, address concerns about the erosion of institutional and legal freedoms, and reclaim its place as Asia’s cultural capital

Reading Time:3 minutes

Published: 9:15am, 11 Jun 2022

Hong Kong was once among the world’s leading cities – glistening, dazzling and empowered as a creative confluence of East and West. The past two-plus years of travel restrictions and seismic shifts in the city’s international standing have dealt a severe blow to its competitiveness. Time is running out for the city – which is still by far China’s freest – to reconnect with the world.

When John Lee Ka-chiu’s administration takes over on July 1, he will have plenty to deal with, including tackling the long-standing housing shortages; revamping governance and dealing with political inefficiencies; reconciling with young people who have been shut out of the political system; and ensuring we regain our competitive edge after years of turmoil.

Yet, above all, he must reconnect Hong Kong with the world at large. After all, as a part of China, we should aspire to remain “Asia’s world city” instead of becoming “just another Chinese city”.

First, Hong Kong must reopen its borders to international travel. During the pandemic, we have witnessed massive upheaval in our aviation, travel and logistics industries, with the city’s status as an international travel hub now consigned to history.

Local and expatriate talent across all sectors have been leaving in droves. Let’s be clear here – without strong incentives, these people will not return given that migration decisions tend to be long term. Once we lose them, it will be a Herculean task to win them back.

Given the stringent approach to Covid-19 on the mainland, it is very unlikely that quarantine restrictions at the Hong Kong border will be lifted any time soon. Yet, this does not mean there is no room for manoeuvre.

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