Businesses ‘are not bystanders’ in Hong Kong: John Lee’s call to action after Beijing meeting
Comments come after HKMAO director Xia Baolong urged executives and entrepreneurs to remain united behind city leader to boost economy
Businesspeople and entrepreneurs “are not bystanders” in Hong Kong, the city’s leader has said, vowing to lead different sectors to help boost the economy and improve livelihoods following his meeting with a senior Beijing official last week.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledge on Tuesday, days after hearing from Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), about the need for businesses to remain united to grow the economy and turn their patriotism into concrete works.
Lee said he understood that Xia wanted his administration to take the lead among stakeholders, especially businesses, to further the city’s development.
The city leader acknowledged such efforts were the “collective responsibilities” of both the government and society.
“The business community, including entrepreneurs, are not bystanders, but also participants, contributors, and beneficiaries [to Hong Kong’s development],” Lee said.
“The administration will continue to seek changes and progress, develop the economy, improve people’s livelihoods and strive to unite all sectors of society to jointly promote Hong Kong’s governance and prosperity.”
Xia met Lee in Beijing last Friday after the city’s leader attended the 27th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium, which brought together mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials to discuss technology and finance opportunities.