German diplomat confident about Hong Kong
Consul general says city's economy is 'pretty good' despite the Occupy protests
Germany's representative in Hong Kong has expressed optimism about the future of the city, saying the pro-democracy sit-ins have not had a significant impact on the economy.
Consul general Nikolaus Graf Lambsdorff also praised the city's young people as "impressive".
Lambsdorff made his remarks after a lunch hosted by the Legislative Council yesterday which was attended by diplomatic representatives of 30 countries.
"I am optimistic for the future of Hong Kong," he said. "I find Hong Kong still a very competitive, well-administered, liveable place."
While the government, Beijing loyalists and business chambers accuse the Occupy Central movement, now entering its eighth week, of damaging the economy, the German diplomat said the impact was insignificant as the economic statistics looked "pretty good" overall.
Lambsdorff also sought to clarify that he had not intended to back the protesters in an earlier speech that some interpreted as supporting the movement.