Editorial | Hong Kong has role to play in better global health
Summit stresses international collaboration is the way forward and city’s unique business advantages may prove vital
Healthcare is a major concern around the world, yet the prognosis for improving the sector has worsened amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism that erode trust and international collaboration.
So, it was encouraging to see the city take a leading role in efforts to safeguard health worldwide by hosting last week’s Asia Summit on Global Health. The two-day summit was held alongside a major industry trade fair and healthcare week.
More than 2,800 delegates from around the world attended the summit organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Top officials from the city and the mainland outlined how the city could foster global exchange and cooperation, showcasing its potential in healthcare investment, trade and position as a medical technology hub.
In his opening speech at the conference, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said responding to global healthcare challenges must not be like “fighting a virus” with quarantines.
Lee said collaboration rather than isolation was the best solution to tackling healthcare, trade and other societal issues.