Hong Kong business leaders applaud John Lee's victory

Hong Kong's business sector congratulated on Sunday John Lee Ka-chiu after he won the election for chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Different business groups said Lee can unite the city's various sectors in strengthening Hong Kong's overall competitiveness and bringing long-term prosperity to the SAR.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce -- the SAR's oldest and largest business chamber representing multinational companies – said it is confident that Lee will lead Hong Kong through these challenging times and create a prosperous and secure future.

"The chamber looks forward to working with the new administration to help Hong Kong rebound from the pandemic and reinforce its position as Asia's leading business hub," HKGCC Chairman Peter Wong Tung-shun said.

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries, which represents the industrial sector, welcomed Lee's forward-looking policy directions, as clearly stated in his commitment to develop Hong Kong into an international information and technology center.

This will facilitate Hong Kong's re-industrialization by enhancing an ecosystem of research, innovation-led manufacturing and finance; attracting talent; propelling the Northern Metropolis plan and seizing the opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"We're confident that Lee, in adopting a results-oriented approach, will be able to invite capable individuals to join his administration in executing policies and fulfilling his election promises, especially in propelling information and technology development, reindustrialization, the Northern Metropolis plan and Greater Bay Area integration," said FHKI Chairman Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu.

"We hope that Lee will further consider restoring normal travel between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, as well as overseas destinations, at an opportune time so that Hong Kong will continue to grow and prosper as an international financial center and a key travel hub," he said.

Hong Kong Association of Chinese Business Chairman Wong Ping-fung praised Lee's pragmatic and results-oriented approach, saying he believes Lee can cultivate his blueprint to take Hong Kong forward.

The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association said it believes Lee is capable of leading the SAR in improving the people's livelihood, addressing deep-rooted social problems, and building a vibrant, open, united, stable and exuberant Hong Kong.