economic priority to be on quantity first, then quality

Staff reporter

Hong Kong should develop its economy at full speed with the priority for now being on quantity in the belief that quality will inevitably follow.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said restoring Hong Kong's economic vitality was his priority now that he has completed its constitutional responsibility of enacting an anti-subversion law in line with Article 23 of the Basic Law.

Lee said his administration would also try to attract internationally renowned performers and events to the new Kai Tak sports park to boost the economy.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily - The Standard's sister publication, Lee said getting the Article 23 law passed gave him "the deepest impression and most satisfaction" since he took office on July 1, 2022.

"It is a milestone. We can now focus on improving people's livelihoods and Hong Kong will definitely be better," he said.

Lee said the national security risks that Hong Kong is facing now mostly come from overseas as some countries may target China due to geopolitics, affecting us.

Those countries will also send spies to Hong Kong, he added, reminding the public to remain cautious and pledging to raise awareness of national security risks through patriotic education.

Asked how the administration will handle relations with Western countries, Lee said officials here are not interested in bringing up political controversies all the time and willing to visit different regions to promote Hong Kong.

"We only inform people of the actual situation here when we come under attack. At other times, we just hope more people will visit Hong Kong for investment, business or tourism," he said.

Hong Kong is a place with a high degree of freedom and the government welcomes international economic or academic exchanges, Lee said, adding the administration would also invite foreign officials or elites to visit apart from hosting international conventions and events.

He noted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is an important partner and supports Hong Kong's bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free trade agreement among Asia-Pacific countries.

Hong Kong applied to join in January 2022, right after RCEP was set up, and Lee said it is still discussing procedures.

"We hope the discussions can be finished as soon as possible so we can talk about our application to join immediately," Lee said.

"Objectively speaking, we should be the first economy to be allowed to join," he said, hoping countries can avoid politics when considering business cooperation.

Hong Kong, he pointed out, can contribute significantly to RCEP with its good business environment, attractive taxation system and strong connections with both the mainland and overseas.

In line with his quantitative economic approach, Lee said Hong Kong is hosting up to 210 events this year and should prioritize increasing event numbers before focusing on improving their quality.

"It's similar to running a restaurant. We should attract customers to fill it first, or we won't be able to pick the right customers. After it is full and people start to queue up, we can then consider which dishes are high value-added and if we should raise the minimal charges for the VIP rooms," Lee said.

"Quantity coming first before quality is inevitable. We should not 'exclude' some business opportunities at first."

Lee also said the number of tourist arrivals surged by 78 percent in the first five months this year and believes consumption will continue to grow as the aviation, hotel and catering sectors up their game.

The government has tried to attract world-renowned performers to be held at the sports park and will continue to invite stars, Lee said, although details cannot be disclosed yet due to commercial reasons.

The sports park, with 50,000 seats and adequate supporting facilities, will become a new brand of the SAR to attract more major events in the future, he said.

Page 2: 'Celebrate handover but be on guard'