Xia Baolong’s 4 ‘hopes’ viewed as ‘wake-up call’ for Hong Kong, Macau firms

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong and Macau affairs has urged business leaders from both cities to defend the national interests, a move an analyst has said is a “wake-up call” for local firms such as Li Ka-shing’s Hutchison group, currently embroiled in the Panama ports saga, to take a side.

Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), had spelled out four “hopes” for entrepreneurs and business sectors during a closed-door meeting with Macau business representatives on Monday, the second last day of his six-day inspection visit to the city.

The meeting was held the same day that China and the US issued a joint statement pledging to slash the duties both countries imposed on each other.

Xia said he hoped business communities from both cities would carry forward the “fighting spirit” and unite all forces to stand firm in defending the national interests.

“When faced with sanctions and pressure, everyone should unite and demonstrate proper integrity and moral character,” Xia was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office on Monday night.

He also called on business communities to take advantage of both cities’ strengths while adapting to the changing circumstances.