Editorial | Happiness today for a Hong Kong that can enjoy a brighter tomorrow
- City will mark the 26th anniversary of its return to China with a wide range of events and bargains, and by rising to challenges ahead it can maintain its recovery, benefiting itself, the nation and world
Saturday’s celebrations marking the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China come at a critical time for the city as it seeks to bounce back from the pandemic. A wide range of events, discounts and freebies, are intended to ensure everyone enjoys the day, while giving the economy a much-needed boost.
Today, 1,500 restaurants will offer a 29 per cent reduction on selected food and drinks. The Happy Hong Kong Shopping Festival, involving 150 brands and 6,000 retail stores, will provide HK$150 million worth of price cuts and prizes.
There will be exhibitions, carnivals, and concerts. These activities, along with the distribution of government spending vouchers of up to HK$2,000 on July 16, are intended to fuel consumption and give the economy a lift.
The measures will put a smile on many faces. But any economic impact will be short-lived. Hong Kong needs sustainable, long-term policies to ensure a lasting recovery.
This will be the first anniversary since the opening of borders and lifting of social-distancing restrictions. Protests are not expected, unlike in the past, a reflection of the political and legal changes of recent years.
Now, after the civil unrest of 2019, the passing of a national security law and electoral changes to ensure only “patriots” govern, the city must look forward. The path ahead is clear.