'Life goes on:' Lam says Hong Kong still good for businesses

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has defended the territory as an attractive place for businesses, after a recent survey found foreigners were considering leaving

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday defended Hong Kong as an attractive place for businesses, after a recent survey found foreigners were considering leaving the longtime Asian business hub. Hong Kong has long been seen as one of the best places to do business globally, highly regarded for its skilled workforce, business-friendly legal system and ease of movement. However, a survey by The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong earlier this month found that 42% of expatriates polled were planning or considering leaving the city. More than half saying they were uncomfortable with the city’s national security law, which took effect last year and is widely seen as a tool for Beijing and local authorities to suppress dissent in the city after months of anti-government protests in 2019. Other factors cited by those looking to leave included Hong Kong’s strict quarantine measures for COVID-19 and concerns about Hong Kong’s competitiveness and the quality of education for their children under the new security situation.