Hong Kong businesses back John Lee’s economy-focused blueprint, but not everyone is happy

City leader’s policy address scores points for pledge to explore new economies and sectors, but comes under fire for subdivided housing rules

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Business leaders have expressed support for the government’s plans to pursue new industries. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 8:00am, 17 Oct 2024Updated: 5:41pm, 17 Oct 2024

Hong Kong business leaders have described Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s latest policy address as a much-needed holistic economic blueprint as the city seeks out fresh growth opportunities, but some stakeholders have criticised efforts to combat subdivided housing as not going far enough.

The blueprint covers near-term measures such as easing mortgage lending restrictions, supporting smaller enterprises and bringing in global capital, while the long-term policies focus on establishing the city as a global centre for the financial services, maritime and trade sectors.

But some concern groups responded to Lee’s speech on Wednesday with disappointment, arguing plans to enforce better living conditions for the city’s 110,000 subdivided households failed to go far enough.

“The much-awaited policy concerning subdivided flats has finally been released, but we are disappointed that there are no implementation details and it fails to address expectations from society and concerns from tenants,” the Concerning Subdivided Units Alliance said.

A spokesman for the non-profit organisation said the relocation of tenants was the most effective solution.

Under the blueprint, the government plans to introduce legislation that requires subdivided flats to have windows, toilets and a minimum size of 86 sq ft.