Make clear what ‘one country, two systems’ offers foreign businesses, AmCham urges next administration
Chamber’s new president Tara Joseph says government also needs to reassure international firms that rule of law remains strong in city
The American Chamber of Commerce has urged Hong Kong’s next government to reach out to international businesses still “unclear” about what opportunities the city can offer under the one country, two systems policy.
In an interview with the Post, Joseph said Amcham had enjoyed a good relationship with Lam, who as chief secretary had chaired the government’s international business committee, and agreed with her drive to spend more public money on education and health care.
While forthcoming on investment in social policies, Hong Kong’s leader in waiting has not promised to restart the city’s stalled political reform process for universal suffrage. On this topic, Joseph said the chamber was “not here to be political”.
“What we see as very important in Carrie Lam’s administration is ‘one country, two systems’. That is crucial for businesses operating in Hong Kong,” Joseph said, adding that it was important for Lam to “come out and say” what that meant.
“What are the opportunities Hong Kong has as a unique place to do business? It is something that really is still unclear to people.”
Joseph, who has lived in Hong Kong for 15 years and worked as a journalist covering Asian politics and the economy, said she had no problem in understanding the political model, but it was still hard for outsiders to grasp. There had also been “a lack of reaching out” by past administrations, she said.
She went on to suggest that officials should explain how Hong Kong could be developed as a “bay area” together with mainland cities in the Pearl River Delta – an ambitious plan announced by Premier Li Keqiang in his work report last month – while showing its strengths in professional services, banking knowledge and culture.
To foster understanding, in its annual visit to Washington in June, AmCham will reflect the business perspectives of Asia-based US firms to emphasise the importance of Hong Kong’s strategic position under the one country, two systems policy, and the US position on trade in Asia.
For Hong Kong, she added, the chamber had set up a technology and innovation committee under which Google and other technology giants were organising an outreach programme for start-ups.
Joseph also called for more assurances by the government that the rule of law would be upheld.
On concerns about Beijing’s lobbying for Lam during the campaign, Joseph said: “I think people will give Carrie Lam a chance.”