HONG KONG - China asked foreign business chambers in Hong Kong how to revive the isolated financial hub's economy in unprecedented listening sessions weeks before new leader John Lee takes office, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
The people, who represent different chambers, said the meetings marked a major shift from previous exchanges in which officials spoke through translators, with the Chinese side appearing to show genuine interest in understanding the pain points of foreign businesses. The invites included five questions, including one asking for"suggestions" or"advice" on how the Hong Kong government could improve the local business environment and others that focused on operations in mainland China, according to an email seen by Bloomberg News.The listening campaign came weeks before Mr Lee takes office on July 1, and reflects China's increasing concern about poor economic data on both sides of the border.
China's strict zero-Covid policy employing mass testing drives and lockdowns has also punished the mainland's economy.
Simple, just give it back to the UK. 😆
straits_times It's not just quarantine but, sure, go with that...