China News Service, Hong Kong, February 25 (Reporter Dai Xiaolu) The public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law will end on February 28.
The SAR government held a number of consultation meetings earlier, including introducing the contents of the legislative consultation document to hundreds of foreign envoys and consuls general in Hong Kong, representatives of foreign chambers of commerce, etc. and listening to suggestions.
Several representatives of foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong recently said in an interview with a reporter from China News Service that the legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law will provide a safer and more stable development environment for foreign-funded enterprises operating in Hong Kong.
"A stable business environment is crucial for business operations, and the enactment of national security laws will provide necessary guarantees for the development of the industrial and commercial community." Zhang Niansheng, chairman of the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, believes that promoting the legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law will provide better support for businesses operating in Hong Kong. Provide a safer and more stable development environment for foreign-invested enterprises.
"I don't think the relevant legislation will bring changes to Hong Kong's business environment. If there are changes, it will be that Hong Kong's business environment will be improved and more stable." Zhang Niansheng said that as far as he knows, many people in Hong Kong will Foreign-invested enterprises doing business are continuing with their current business plans and will not make any changes.
“In a world full of geopolitical competition and uncertainty, almost every place has enacted relevant laws, and Hong Kong should also update and develop laws related to national security.” Huang Haochen, vice chairman of the Hong Kong-Singapore Chamber of Commerce, said that promoting Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law This legislation is needed in response to the development and changes of today's world situation. "This is a natural thing."
He said he believed that completing the legislation would better safeguard Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and special status under "one country, two systems" and hoped that the legislation would be implemented as soon as possible so that Hong Kong could better develop its economy and tap more business opportunities.
"I think most foreign chambers of commerce and envoys agree with the implementation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law." Chairman of the Hong Kong Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, Peter Ho, said that the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Lee Ka-chiu, has clearly explained the Hong Kong Basic Law to representatives of foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong. The implementation clause of Article 23 states, “Law enforcement agencies will only use Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law for those behaviors that have substantial intentions and motives to incite subversion of state power and seriously endanger local social security.”
"Our chamber of commerce and our members will not do anything that violates the National Security Law or Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. This legislation will not have an adverse impact on us." said He Youhan, chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
He Youhan mentioned that the SAR government has used various forms to explain the legislative content of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law to foreign businessmen in Hong Kong and answer questions.
The German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong expresses its appreciation and is actively participating in all relevant meetings.
He said that the German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong will also explain the key points of the law in detail to companies headquartered in Europe to assist them in doing business in Hong Kong.
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