Effort needed to tackle labour shortage in artisanal, technical and trades-related professions, says Towngas director
The South China Morning Post posted five key questions to interviewees in the Moving Forward series, seeking their insight on the city’s future. Here are the views of Hong Kong and China Gas (Towngas) Managing Director Alfred Chan Wing-kin
Do you think Hong Kong is still an ideal place to do business?
Hong Kong is still a blessed city for business. Despite a slowdown, the mainland’s economic growth is still at 6.5 per cent, which cannot be found in many places. China will still be a relatively dynamic place economically in the next decade. Hong Kong people need to adjust their mentality to the “new normal” when tapping into the mainland’s resources and opportunities. Although political infighting has increased, I don’t think it has damaged the fundamentals of the business environment. Hong Kong is still a safe place with low crime and low unemployment. Hong Kong still has rule of law, low corruption, good corporate governance and sound protection of intellectual property. Hong Kong is still a great stepping stone for mainland investors to purchase properties, assets and businesses.
How is your company coping with the economic downturn in Hong Kong and the mainland?