Former National People's Congress Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung on Tuesday called for stronger communication between the SAR government and the city’s business community, saying officials could do more to support local enterprises. Tam, who's now vice-president of the think tank Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said that a key message that Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong gave to local business leaders during a meeting last Friday, was for officials and businesses to work together to solve problems. On an RTHK programme, the veteran politician said the government could have done better in working hand-in-hand with businesspeople. "For example, when the government is granting permits, can the relevant government departments carry out approvals more proactively, and not delay them for an unnecessarily long time?" Tam queried. He added that the authorities should also understand that nowadays it is difficult to do business and the government should cooperate with the sector whenever it can to boost confidence. President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association Wingco Lo was among those attended the meeting with Xia. He said Xia noted that the logistics sector is one of Hong Kong's advantages. "Xia also mentioned that Hong Kong cannot go it alone. It has to work with the Greater Bay Area to form a port cluster, and cooperate with ports on the mainland to expand its transportation and logistics industry," Lo said. Agnes Chan, who chairs the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, said there had been a "productive discussion" in Shenzhen on how the business community can leverage its expertise to help with the city's economic growth. "We must enhance our status as a premier maritime and aviation hub, as well as a vital land gateway to the mainland," she said in a statement. The chamber said apart from offering suggestions to the government, it will also organise overseas events to promote the SAR.
