Hong Kong and Singapore are part of the "Four Asian Tigers", but for a long time, many commentators have believed that Hong Kong is slightly ahead, and many Hong Kong ranks higher than Singapore in international rankings. ".
However, in recent days, "Nurem Port" has become "Nurem Po", because Hong Kong still has stricter epidemic prevention restrictions than foreign countries, and other countries have taken action to "snatch business and talents."
However, Eden Weng, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, who has just taken office, believes that Hong Kong is still the first choice for an international financial center, but it is necessary to be vigilant in times of danger.
In recent years, "Nulum Port" has become "Nurum Po," because Hong Kong still has stricter epidemic prevention restrictions than foreign countries, and other countries have taken action to "snatch business and talents."
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Ying Deng officially became the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong in September this year. He gave an interview to the local Chinese media for the first time last Thursday (22nd), and bluntly stated that today's Hong Kong is not the same as in the past, but he believes that as long as "return to normal" as soon as possible, and Hong Kong is still the first choice for an international financial center by implementing one country, two systems and rebuilding the confidence of foreign businessmen.
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Difficult prospects still see business opportunities Weng Yi Deng urged the Hong Kong government to return to normal and focus on "two systems"
However, recently, Singapore has indeed made moves one after another. First, the Hong Kong government plans to hold the "Hong Kong Fintech Week" from the end of October to the beginning of November. However, Singapore is hosting the "Fintech Festival" at the same time, which seems to encourage participants to "choose one from the other." ”, there is a strong tendency to “grab business”.
Later, a new "Overseas Network and Professional Visa" program was launched to attract top talents; "Mil Mill", the only recycling organization for paper-packed beverage boxes in Hong Kong, was not allowed to renew the lease of its factory in Yuen Long Innovation Park, and Singapore also Solicit.
Weng Yideng: The Hong Kong Government must "do it" as soon as possible
Weng Yideng said bluntly that many people did transfer to Singapore under the epidemic prevention measures in Hong Kong. Closing customs", in the long run, "it's hard to say", "If you let this trend continue, people may start thinking about (moving the headquarters to Singapore), and it will be difficult for you to ask him to return, so it is best to do it as soon as possible. Hey, let this deployment and trend not continue.”
Based on his own experience in Thailand, he believes that as long as the epidemic prevention measures are lifted, many relevant personnel will return to Hong Kong. He also joked that he has a "prejudice" against Singapore and thinks that Sin Chew is "so beautiful, the city is so clean, and there are many food”, but the atmosphere “is not as lively as Hong Kong, so I think Hong Kong has an advantage in this regard.”
Therefore, he believes that Hong Kong is geographically located in the middle of Southeast Asia and Asia, and is also a part of China. Overall, it still has advantages over Singapore and will be the first choice for an international financial center. With the government's promotion of innovation and technology, it can also become a regional Innovation Center.
Weng Yideng said bluntly that many people did transfer to Singapore under the epidemic prevention measures in Hong Kong.
(Photo by Lu Yiming)
"Crossroads" by the Hong Kong Development Office
Weng Yideng said frankly that in addition to the new crown epidemic, the implementation of new laws such as the "Hong Kong National Security Law", and the deterioration of Sino-US relations, Hong Kong still has many challenges in the future. I think (the advantage) can be sustained, especially with so many challenges in front of us.”
The government has gradually relaxed anti-epidemic measures. The latest policy on entry quarantine has been changed from "3+4" to "0+3". It seems that it is heading for "return to normal". , The 3-year Discovery Exhibition is the most important to Hong Kong, "Home at the crossroads."
He said with a smile that he hoped that government policies could "look at the distance" instead of just thinking about whether it was "0+7" or "0+3", etc. Well, after 3 to 5 years, Hong Kong will develop in some ways.” He cited Singapore, Thailand, and Japan, etc., all have introduced new measures to attract talents, Hong Kong should also consider it, and should also have a clearer view of the development of the Greater Bay Area planning.
Prospect "It's not all smooth sailing, but definitely not pessimistic"
Although there are still uncertainties in the future, Weng Yideng believes that he feels that the company's view of the future is better than in the past two years, "Today is better than before, I think I can see it clearly, and I should know more certainty this year. .” But the world is turbulent, the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Taiwan Strait issue, and the deterioration of Sino-US relations, etc., “You do the best you can...Hong Kong’s prospects are very difficult, not easy, not smooth, but definitely Not pessimistic."
He mentioned that after China joined the WTO, many people were worried that foreign companies would directly enter the mainland market. He also experienced two financial crises, "SARS", "Occupy Central" in 2014, the turmoil against the amendments in 2019, and the new crown epidemic. Epidemic, etc., "The world will not be completely peaceful, you have to find ways to survive and develop at the same time."
"If you want to be an intermediary, you want to be an add value (add value) intermediary, not just left-handed and right-handed, why do you want me to pay 10% (intermediary fee) to you?"
Sin Chew frequently rushes for business at the crossroads of Hong Kong Weng Yideng is not pessimistic: the world will not be completely Taiping Hong Kong faces three major challenges. President of the Chamber of Commerce Formerly Deputy Dean of HKUST and President of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
