Mid-Autumn takeoff for night-economy revival

A series of night activities will be held from the Mid-Autumn Festival to the New Year to help revive the night economy, says Chief Executive John Lee.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po and Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun have been working on boosting the night economy, Lee said yesterday at the second public consultation forum at Sha Tin Government Secondary School.

Around 120 people attended the consultation, including a businessman named Choi who suggested that HK$1,000 district consumption vouchers be distributed to encourage people to drive consumption in different districts.

"This can immediately increase the people flow in various districts. The change in people's consumption patterns can also boost Hong Kong's economy," he said.

Tseung Kwan O North area committee member Chan Chi-ho appealed to the government to set up night markets at places where people usually gather after dinner.

"Night markets should integrate into the community and be set up at places such as East Coast Park Precinct, Tseung Kwan O Waterfront Park and Sha Tin Shing Mun Riverside, where people like to take a walk after dinner. The government could allow merchants to set up eight to 10 stalls," he said.

Another attendee, Ip, raised the issue of staff shortages and that shops have to pay higher salaries at night, leading to high prices, which might turn off customers.

He urged the government to offer subsidies to stores operating at night so that they can provide discounts.

Speaking to the media after the forum, Lee said a series of night activities will be hosted in different phases from Mid-Autumn Festival to the New Year.

"My advice to them [Paul Chan and Michael Wong] is that we have to listen to the opinions from different people and free our minds. We hope to host popular night-time activities which will bring us economic benefits," Lee said.

"The night activities should also be rolled out in phases constantly instead of a single event. We should review the activities from time to time and add new elements to make them more interesting."

Executive Council member Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung said on a television program that the night markets could include Chinese fortune-telling and "villain hitting" to attract tourists.

Lam said night markets should not sell cheap products that can be found everywhere. And organizers should host performances to attract art lovers. He said the government should consult business, catering and entertainment sectors on how to host popular night markets.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com