Senior Beijing official calls for ‘concrete action’ as he meets Hong Kong tycoons

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged real estate tycoons and business leaders to “recognise their responsibilities” and take “concrete actions” to support the city’s economic development, the Post has learned.

Even as he acknowledged them as a “major force” in the economy, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), appealed to the business leaders to “reform proactively” and have faith in the city and country’s development prospects, according to sources.

“As the major force in promoting Hong Kong’s economic development, Hong Kong businesspeople should recognise their important role and responsibilities in maintaining Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability,” Xia was quoted as saying at the Shenzhen meeting on Friday.

“[They] should illustrate their love for the country and Hong Kong with concrete actions, actively support the administration by the chief executive and the [city] government in accordance with the law and take the initiative to shoulder the responsibility in promoting high-quality economic development in Hong Kong.”

The closed-door exchange hosted by Xia’s office was also attended by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his principal officials.

Among the real estate magnates were Raymond Kwok Ping-luen, chairman and managing director of Sun Hung Kai Properties; Peter Lee Ka-kit, co-chairman and managing director of Henderson Land Development; Eric Ma Siu-cheung, CEO of New World Development; and Vincent Lo Hong-sui, the chairman of Shui On Land.