Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam seeks support of business bosses at Government House gathering
- Chief Executive pledges to spare no efforts in dealing with divisions in society
- But business leader said Lam did not elaborate on how she planned to do that
Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has urged foreign and local business leaders to join her in upholding the rule of law and have confidence in the city, as she seeks to galvanise support amid the ongoing protests triggered by her controversial extradition bill.
During a lunch at Government House with senior officials and more than 40 businessmen, Lam also pledged to spare no efforts in dealing with disputes in society, and to introduce measures to help companies cope with the risks of an economic downturn.
But a business leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the chief executive did not elaborate on how she would solve the current political crisis gripping the city.
The lunch came a day after the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham) urged Lam to immediately deal with the causes of recent violence and political deadlock, which its members said had taken a toll on business confidence and Hong Kong’s image as a safe place.
The Chief Executive’s Office revealed the details of the lunch on Tuesday night, and said the purpose of the meeting was to exchange views on the city’s challenges and opportunities to formulate measures in the upcoming Policy Address, which is expected to be announced in October.