China News Service, Hong Kong, February 27 (Reporter Wei Huadu) Hong Kong is promoting the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law.
A number of Hong Kong business people recently expressed their support for the legislation in interviews with reporters, believing that the Article 23 legislation is necessary and the time is ripe, and will be of great benefit to Hong Kong's economic development.
The legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law has been discussed for many years. Lu Jinrong, president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, said that now is the best time to legislate. All walks of life generally agree on the importance of national security, and with the increasingly complex geopolitics, legislation is urgent.
Choi Koon-sham, president of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong, also holds the same view.
He believes that passing the 23-article legislation as soon as possible to effectively respond to and prevent risks and threats that endanger national security will better safeguard the high degree of autonomy and special status enjoyed by Hong Kong under "one country, two systems" and help consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's overall business environment. and international standards, so that the SAR government, citizens and foreign investors can focus on economic development and development, and work together to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity, stability and citizens' well-being.
Lu Jinrong revealed that the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong recently held a meeting to listen to the opinions of members, and all participants unanimously agreed to enact legislation as soon as possible.
"No one desires a stable and safe social environment more than the business community. Only by closing national security loopholes through legislation, establishing written rules, and eliminating unstable factors and uncertainties can Hong Kong fully leverage its advantages without worries," said Lu Jinrong.
As of the end of 2023, there will be more than 9,000 foreign-funded companies in Hong Kong.
Li Xiuhang, president of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Chamber of Commerce, believes that in fact, most developed countries or regions have national security legislation, and the legislation of Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law is the best practice of "one country, two systems".
Cai Guanshen suggested that Hong Kong should proactively contact foreign consuls, multinational companies and foreign media to eliminate overseas misunderstandings, doubts and even prejudices about the new regulations, and compare Hong Kong with similar national security laws and regulations in other countries to actively strive for the greatest support from the international community. Agree.
Most business people believe that a stable and safe political environment and a good social atmosphere are important considerations for investors.
Hong Kong has made good progress in attracting investment for some time. We believe that closing the national security loopholes in Article 23 of the Basic Law will create a safer and more orderly business environment, enhance investor confidence, and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center.
Lu Jinrong said that the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong will actively explain to member companies, overseas chambers of commerce and organizations, and partners to let them understand Hong Kong's new advantages and new opportunities on the road of "reforming from governance to prosperity".
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