Earlier this month, Hong Kong held the Fintech Week, the International Financial Leaders Investment Summit, and the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens to show the world "Hong Kong is back" (Hong Kong is back), especially the Financial Summit.
During an exclusive interview with Hong Kong 01, the former Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury and Chairman of FWD Group Ma Shiheng mentioned that the summit can be said to be Hong Kong's "timely rain", which proves that Hong Kong is still attractive to international financial giants, whether it is the specifications of the guests attending, Friends from the financial and financial circles around me are happy to visit Hong Kong again.
Ma Shiheng, who was infected with the new crown virus in Europe last month, admitted that many countries have lifted epidemic prevention restrictions, but it is difficult for Hong Kong to replicate this set in the short term. "Even if Japan completely cancels the sun protection policy, it will not really return to normal. did not return".
However, he agreed that the "0+3" arrangement has many areas that need to be optimized and improved, and suggested that eating out during the three-day "yellow code" period should be further allowed.
contracted the virus while working in Europe
Ma Shiheng went to work in Europe last month and contracted the new crown virus in Paris, France. He recovered after a few days of rest, and then returned to Hong Kong to attend the financial summit. He said with a smile: "After two weeks of recovery, I am in good spirits and I am in a state of 'invincible in the world' (press : It means that the chance of re-infection within three months after recovery is very low, commonly known as "invincible state"), I'm going to go to Thailand with my family for a holiday for Christmas, it's better now, I'm not afraid of getting infected at that time."
As a business celebrity who often goes out for business, Ma Shiheng bluntly said that many countries have withdrawn epidemic prevention restrictions: "What we call 'return to normal' now usually means like in Europe, do not wear masks, use 'travel with peace of mind', and use needle cards. , even if you are recruited, you don't need to be quarantined, you will be fine after a few days of sleep. From my point of view, of course I hope to reduce all restrictions as soon as possible, but (Chief Executive) Li Jiachao said that many factors must be balanced, such as daily infection numbers, there are still people I fully understand these thoughts, such as death from illness, and the government needs to consider more.”
Ma Shiheng believes that even if all anti-epidemic measures are lifted, Hong Kong will not truly "return to normal" because there are still mainland factors.
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It is difficult for Hong Kong to "return to normal in European style" in the short term, and it is recommended to allow eating out during the 0+3 period
"It is still quite difficult for Hong Kong to achieve these 'complete return to normal'." Ma Shiheng pointed out that Hong Kong is always different from European and American countries. When considering policies, it is necessary to take into account mainland factors. Therefore, "return to normal" in the context of Hong Kong must be done at the same time. Thinking about the Mainland: "I assume that tomorrow the Chief Executive immediately announces the lifting of all epidemic prevention regulations, and the 'European-style return to normal' will not return to normal completely. Open up, Hong Kong will not really return to normal, because mainland tourists have not come back.”
Ma Shiheng also believes that although the current "0+3" quarantine arrangement is not perfect, it is "not too bad, and 90% of the 'return to normal' that can be done has been done."
He personally suggested that the government could continue to optimize the arrangements for the 3-day "yellow code" medical observation period, "for example, let them eat out, but require them to eat in a private confined space, such as VIP rooms and private rooms. Diners should be separated to reduce the risk of transmission. Then restaurants will have more business, and business travelers with high spending power will have more choices. In fact, there is no problem with the definition of private confined space, because in fact (policy) The main purpose is to It is to prevent them from spreading the virus to the infirm, so the most important thing is to prevent them from entering high-risk places such as hospitals and nursing homes.”
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The summit has become a timely rain in Hong Kong. "Friends in the financial and financial circles are very happy"
Ma Shiheng said that during the summit, he met many old friends from the financial and financial circles again, and they were very happy: "Many people have not been to Hong Kong for several years. Friends and meeting new friends. We all know that Singapore has overtaken Hong Kong in some international financial rankings earlier, but seeing HSBC, Standard Chartered, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and UBS all send high-level representatives to attend, it is a "timely rain" ’, the time of November is really just right, and I hope it can give Hong Kong a boost. The status of an international financial center is too important for Hong Kong, and it will be very troublesome if it can’t be maintained. (Government officials) said, “Hong Kong is back”, At least take the first step."
Some bankers were politically questioned before coming to Hong Kong
On the eve of the financial summit, some U.S. senators accused Hong Kong’s political situation, human rights and freedoms, and demanded boycotting the summit. Ma Shiheng revealed that there were indeed friends in the financial and financial circles who were under pressure in this regard: “I know some U.S. banker friends, and they all say that the summit is managed by financial institutions. The sponsors of the HKMA are very smart and can avoid political controversy. Before they came to Hong Kong, they were asked "why come to Hong Kong", and they replied, "The HKMA sponsors, he is in charge of me, I want to do business in Hong Kong. Follow his rules, and of course go’.”
Fortunately, in the end, none of the international financial giants responded to the boycott's appeal. Ma Shiheng said with a smile, "In this world, doing business is of course about interests. These banks all have business in Hong Kong, and their business volume is huge. Of course, they have to sell the account of the HKMA. I know that some people will think that (the summit) is just a "noodle party", but Hong Kong itself must have "noodles". Can you imagine that other neighboring countries can achieve a summit of Hong Kong's size? I believe it is difficult , even Singapore may not be able to - not that they can't do it, but Hong Kong has this irreplaceable status."
Chen Maobo: The Financial Investment Summit shows that Hong Kong will resume its normal operation next year. The HKMA summarizes the results of the summit and reflects the international confidence in Hong Kong. The financial summit will be held next year.
