Let's consider ways to boost local consumption: CE
Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said the SAR should brainstorm how to get Hongkongers spending more money in the city, rather than worry about people heading across the border in their free time. In an interview with RTHK, Lee said people heading north at the weekend shows there's increased integration between the city and the mainland and that fewer people are against the One Country, Two Systems principle. "It’s normal to have such a trend," Lee said, adding that 200,000 people crossing the border leaves more than seven million people still in Hong Kong. "It’s 97 percent versus 3 percent. Why can’t we improve consumption for the 97 percent of residents staying in the city?" Lee said while government initiatives such as "Night Vibes Hong Kong" can help boost consumption, the efforts of civil organisations are also important. On a separate note, the CE said the government's latest family-friendly policies, including tax rebates and a HK$20,000 subsidy for each newborn, are aimed at creating community harmony.  "I remember when I was living at a public estate when I grew up, all the neighbours knew one another and would offer help when there’s a need," Lee said, adding that as well as improving district governance, he hopes to promote such social harmony.