Relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions tops Chinese-Malaysian and Vietnamese-Chinese business wish list, Hong Kong delegation to Asean nations says
- Relaxation of travel restrictions top of list for businesses, Hong Kong delegations to Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City say
- Hong Kong politicians warn continued tough Covid-19 rules ‘undermine’ city’s competitiveness against rivals
A further relaxation of Hong Kong travel restrictions topped a wish list from Malaysian-Chinese and Vietnamese-Chinese businessmen, representatives of the city’s biggest Beijing loyalist party on a visit to Asean countries have said.
Chan Yung, the vice-chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, who led a delegation to Kuala Lumpur, on Monday said the major business association representing Malaysian-Chinese companies hoped for the lifting of the “3+4” rule – three days of hotel quarantine followed by four days of restricted movement and medical surveillance.
Chan said after he met representatives from the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia that the present rules could hamper business development in Hong Kong.
“For those who are considering setting up regional headquarters in Hong Kong, it is not satisfactory to undergo a long isolation period,” he said. “This could undermine our competitiveness if they turn to neighbouring regions.”
Chan’s delegation was part of the party’s efforts under John Lee Ka-chiu’s administration to promote the city to the trade bloc of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner.
