HKGCC backs call for more consumption vouchers
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce on Thursday added its voice to calls for more consumption vouchers for the public, saying it would like to see people get another HK$5,000 at least. Ahead of the financial secretary's next budget address, the organisation also suggested various short-term measures the government should consider, including energy subsidies, rent rebates, as well as profit and salary tax cuts. Agnes Chan, the chamber’s deputy chairwoman, said financial breaks are needed to help people from all walks of life as Hong Kong recovers from the pandemic. "It is crucial... because the economy is just picking up. It's still very weak. We need the boost," Chan said. "It's like someone who's been sick for a long time and just recently recovered. You need to continue the medicine to help the person recover fully."  The chamber's CEO, George Leung, urged the government to tackle Hong Kong's brain drain by expanding its talent scheme to cover all levels of workers, instead of focusing solely on high-level talent. "Quite a lot of our members pointed out that the measure to attract talent is not sufficient. So we hope the government can expand the scheme, to include those middle level of talent to join the Hong Kong workforce, and reconsider the import of labour for sectors like healthcare," he said. The chamber also suggested phasing out the special and double stamp duties given the property market is no longer overheated.