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Coronavirus: Hong Kong leader dismisses talk city’s financial and tech summit will flounder despite Singapore hosting fintech event at same time

  • Chief Executive John Lee says guests are keen to attend international events slated for the start of November
  • Hong Kong’s daily Covid caseload continues to drop, falling to 7,218 on Tuesday

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Hong Kong will host a banking conference in early November. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to host a “successful financial summit” for finance and tech experts in November amid stringent quarantine rules and despite the event coinciding with a mega fintech gathering in Singapore.

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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday said guests were keen to attend Hong Kong international events slated for the start of November, although he stressed the city would still have to strike a balance between its Covid-19 policy and the need to boost competitiveness.

“When the government deals with the pandemic, it has to mull its measures holistically,” Lee said at his weekly press briefing.

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“We fully understand that our normal operation, business activities and competitiveness are important. But from the government’s perspective, we also have to … protect our medical system … and safeguard our overall health and safety.”

Chief Executive John Lee. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Chief Executive John Lee. Photo: Jonathan Wong

His comments came as the city’s daily reported coronavirus infections continued to drop, reaching 7,218 on Tuesday, despite a three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday that officials had warned could cause a rebound in cases because of more social gatherings.

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