MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): President, the noval coronavirus is still rampant this year. Despite the availability of several vaccines for emergency use, there are still a large number of infections in many countries or regions around the world. Recently, under the influence of mutant strains, there is a resurgence of infections in certain countries where the epidemic has been stabilized earlier. Now, it seems that we can hardly be optimistic about whether the epidemic will be completely quelled this year, and perhaps humans may have to get used to coexist with this virus.
This year, Hong Kong has been more fortunate. There have been no new cases for more than 10 days recently, and I hope this trend will not be broken. As more people have received vaccination, the economy is starting to pick up and unemployment rate is going down gradually. Although the situation in Hong Kong has improved, cases of infection are still found in nearby regions, so the full resumption of cross-boundary travel is still remote. For certain industries, the endless delay in the reopening of boundary crossing has left them in a helpless predicament.
Today, the Legislative Council is debating a motion on “Providing support for hard-hit industries affected by the epidemic” proposed by Mr YIU Si-wing. Currently, a number of industries, such as the aviation industry, the exhibition industry and the cross-boundary passenger service sector, are still in deep waters.
Tourism is a pillar industry of Hong Kong, which is also the hardest hit industry this time. The tourism industry has pointed out that the industry is completely frozen this year. While inbound tourists cannot come to Hong Kong, Hong Kong people cannot visit other places either. The business of the industry has dropped by nearly 99%. At present, they can merely engage in local tourism and the income so generated is limited, but only better than nothing. Therefore, the only way to revive the industry is to hope for the early resumption of cross-boundary travel.
In fact, the Government has been working very hard to revive the economy of Hong Kong and help the tourism industry. A few days ago, officials from Hong Kong and Macao held a meeting to discuss measures for resuming cross-border travel between the two places. If Hong Kong can meet the target of 28 consecutive days of zero infection, cross-border commuting between the two places can be resumed. Yet, of course, Hong Kong people must first receive vaccination. Initially, there will be a cap on the number of travellers and a suspension mechanism, but the resumption of cross-border travel will after all bring hope. In addition, the Government will review the Air Travel Bubble arrangement with Singapore next month, and I hope this can be launched. Therefore, if we can gradually launch these programmes with our neighbouring countries, it will bring hope to the tourism industry. The Government has also provided temporary jobs for the industry to help them tide over the tough times, for instance, the vaccination centres have employed more than 1 700 people from the tourism sector.
I agree with Mr YIU Si-wing that the Government should increase its support for the tourism industry and related industries to prevent them from sinking. In fact, Mr YIU’s concern is justified. If travel companies close down one after another because they have not seen any ray of hope for a prolonged period, it will definitely take a long time for the tourism industry to restore its glory when the epidemic subsides in the future. Moreover, as many employees may have switched occupations by then, the industry will have to spend a lot of time on training new employees, which will have a great impact on the development of the industry.
As for the launching of another round of programme for safeguarding jobs for hard-hit industries, I support the general direction, but the authorities should learn from the experience of the previous rounds and make changes. The measures to safeguard jobs cover all trades and industries, yet certain industries which have actually experienced significant growth in business are still granted the subsidies, and this has led to complaints. Therefore, the Government’s measures must truly address the needs of the hard-hit industries, for only the formulation of customized measures will be meaningful.
Tourism is a pillar industry in Hong Kong, which has made important contribution to the economy of Hong Kong and supported the living of many employees. However, in recent years, there have been criticisms that the industry has focused too much on the business involving Mainland visitors, resulting in an imbalance in the development of the industry. As a matter of fact, the mode of travel is changing in recent years. The industry should make use of this time to examine ways to facilitate the upgrade of the industry and enhance its competitiveness, so that the tourism industry can develop in a sustainable way.
Thank you, President.