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Coronavirus: Hong Kong’s tycoons are rushing to join the fight against Covid-19. Where were they earlier?
- The city’s tycoons had earlier been involved in the coronavirus fight but in a sporadic, even lukewarm manner, according to sources
- Xi Jinping’s call for action cleared one key bottleneck – the Hong Kong government itself and its red tape, claimed an insider in the pro-Beijing camp
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In two days, Hong Kong’s private sector and the patriotic camp took out advertisements pledging support, and then offered money, facilities, land and even popular idols under their charge to help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the city.
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The reason for their sudden resolve: President Xi Jinping.
The excuse for their previous reluctance: the local government.
The excuse for their previous reluctance: the local government.
These were among the arguments mounted by analysts, several players in the private sector and pro-Beijing pundits in explaining why it took a call from the top to force them into action.
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On Wednesday, pro-Beijing media in the city reported that the Chinese leader had called on the local government to mobilise “all forces and resources” and take all necessary measures to protect people’s lives and health, and ensure social stability.
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The city’s tycoons had earlier been involved in the fight but in a sporadic, even lukewarm manner, said sources including pro-Beijing pundits and some private developers.
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