Local business chamber praises Carrie Lam

Carrie Lam [File photo/Agencies]

HONG KONG - One of the city’s most influential business chambers announced on Monday that it will support Chief Executive hopeful Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor for her blueprint on economic development, social care and her vision to promote Hong Kong’s role in the country’s Belt and Road Initiative.

President of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) Jonathan Choi Koon-shum said at a media luncheon that the chamber has reached a consensus to nominate and vote for Lam in the coming CE election in March.

According to an official document, the chamber has 18 members in the 1,200-strong Election Committee – Hong Kong’s electoral college to choose the city’s head of government.

The top priority for the next CE lies in boosting economic development and improving people’s livelihood, Choi said, adding the CGCC thought that Lam had showed her will and capability in answering both calls.

Lam outlined that housing, economic development and education are the priorities in her political vision last Friday. And the former chief secretary of administration was known for her dedication in enhancing social welfare, Choi said.

Meanwhile, to be an eligible candidate, a person has to earn the trust of both the central government and Hong Kong people, Choi said. "Lam fits into the standard well," Choi noted.

The chamber has maintained regular exchanges with the central government and reflected the social situation in Hong Kong to Beijing, according to Choi.

On the same day, Lam launched her Facebook page. The move was to facilitate direct communication with the city’s people, especially the youth, according to Lam. She hopes to earn more trust from Hong Kong people with her foray into social media.

In a separate development, legislator and Chairwoman of the New People’s Party Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who has also joined the race, attended a meeting with members of the city’s largest political party – the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) – to lobby for support.

DAB Chairwoman Starry Lee Wai-king expressed solidarity with the education policies outlined in Ip’s election platform. The party holds more than 100 votes in the Election Committee.

Another CE contender, former finance secretary John Tsang Chun-wah, has released his political platform pledging, if elected, to restore unity in society and create a favorable environment for people to develop, making Hong Kong a "quality city" with "quality life".

yinzeli@chinadailyhk.com