The General Chamber of Commerce hopes that Hong Kong will clear customs as soon as possible, and the economy will continue to shrink in the first half of the year

The Chief Executive-designate, Li Jiachao, will take office on July 1 this year. The Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Wang Dongsheng, said after attending the Chamber of Commerce members meeting that he had submitted to Li Jiachao the issues of concern to the businessmen, such as customs clearance, talent, regulatory environment, and land shortages. Suggest.

He pointed out that as an international financial center, Hong Kong is very important to be well connected with the outside world. With the gradual opening up of the world and the increase in the vaccination rate in Hong Kong, quarantine measures should be relaxed as soon as possible to maintain the status of an international aviation and business hub. Inflicting significant harm, Hong Kong has to find ways to retain and attract talent.

He also pointed out that the government has to launch short-, medium- and long-term strategies to deal with the problem of land shortage.

Referring to the implementation of "dynamic clearing" in the mainland, Wang Dongsheng pointed out that the mainland has its own priorities, and Hong Kong should consider opening up to the rest of the world before re-clearing customs with the mainland.

Referring to a shareholder's suggestion that HSBC (0005) spin off its business in the Asia-Pacific region, Wang Dongsheng only reiterated that HSBC Chairman Du Jiaqi had said at the shareholders' meeting that international connections belong to the group's strategy, and I believe the strategy is correct.

(Photo by Luo Junhao)

Maintain forecast for full-year GDP growth of 1.2%

Regarding the Hong Kong government's downward revision of the annual GDP growth forecast to 1% to 2%, Leung Shau Kee, president of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that the reduction is appropriate, reflecting the 4% economic contraction in Hong Kong in the first quarter and the current economic conditions. The economy is expected to remain stable in the first half of this year. shrink.

He said that the General Chamber of Commerce had earlier lowered its forecast for Hong Kong's full-year GDP growth to 1.2%. The fiscal measures introduced by the Hong Kong government, such as consumer vouchers and employment protection, are necessary. Returned to growth, but still estimated that the annual economic growth recorded a low level, maintaining the annual GDP growth forecast of 1.2%.

Legislative Council member Lam Kin-fung said that the election of the Lee family with a high number of votes reflects the recognition of him from all walks of life. He hopes that the government can promote the "co-location" so that Hong Kong flights can land at some mainland airports without exit and entry checkpoints, helping Hong Kong Enter the domestic market.

For some overseas countries such as Japan, the list of approved vaccines does not include new crown vaccines such as Sinovac.

He believes that it will affect exchanges, and the Chamber of Commerce will try its best to help promote the inclusion of relevant countries.

As for whether he would like the current financial officials, including the Financial Secretary, Chen Maobo, to remain in office, Lin Jianfeng said that he still does not know the structure of the new government, and he can only comment after a restructuring plan is drawn.