Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam signaled pessimism for a border reopening with mainland China, despite signs of resumption within the two territories.
In outgoing Hong Kong chief Carrie Lam’s final session at the city’s legislative council, she told lawmakers that there was «no chance of border with mainland China reopening in near future».
Reopening the mainland border remains a «major challenge», Lam said, acknowledging a difference in approach in various other countries.
«It’s very clear now that most foreign countries have a different set of theories and measures against the pandemic,» according to a report by local media «The Standard» citing Lam. «Hong Kong is caught in the middle.»
International Reopening First?
In contrast, there are increasingly positive signs that Hong Kong may reopen its international borders to travel and foreign visitors.
On this matter, Lam provided more specifics about the outlook ad underlined that the reopening of international borders was unlikely to occur before her five-year term ends on June 30, suggesting possibility from July 1 onwards under the new chief executive John Lee.
Separately, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is reportedly planning an event for global banking heads in November to reinvigorate the city’s position as a financial hub.
