Hong Kong's next leader John Lee vows to restore business hub
The Hindu
John Lee, a former top police officer and security chief, is expected to be appointed Hong Kong's new chief executive by a committee of some 1,500 Beijing loyalists on May 8
Hong Kong's next leader unveiled a manifesto on April 29 vowing to restore the business hub to its former glory but would not be drawn on when the city might discard zero-COVID controls that have left it internationally cut off.
John Lee, a former top police officer and security chief, is expected to be appointed Hong Kong's new chief executive by a committee of some 1,500 Beijing loyalists on May 8.
He faces no competition but inherits a city that was convulsed by huge democracy protests followed by a crackdown on political freedoms and more than two years of pandemic curbs that have left residents and businesses isolated from the rest of the world.
"COVID is not going to live with us forever. At some stage it will be under control," Mr. Lee told reporters when asked when Hong Kong would reopen. "It is important we do a good balancing act," he added.
China is the only major economy still sticking to a zero-tolerance strategy, even as the highly transmissible Omicron variant breaks through those defences and forces painful restrictions in both Hong Kong and on the mainland.
Hong Kong is at the tail end of a deadly Omicron wave that has killed some 9,000 residents and sparked an exodus among the city's business community. Kristian Odebjer, chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said businesses were crying out for clarity.
"The next few months are actually critical for Hong Kong, as decisive steps will be required in order to address the damage that has been inflicted during the fifth wave," he told AFP. "It would be very helpful to hear an unambiguous statement from the top setting out a clear goal and timeline for how our city can be fully opened up for business again."
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