Catering Lawmaker Calls For Easing Of Restrictions

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2020-05-03 HKT 08:10

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  Liberal Party chairman Tommy Cheung says the catering industry accounts for 200,000 jobs. Photo: RTHK

Liberal Party chairman and catering sector lawmaker Tommy Cheung has called on the government to relax the anti-epidemic measures, so businesses can re-open at the earliest possible time to "stop the bleeding".

Speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong, he says Hong Kong needs to attract tourists and re-ignite its service industries.

"Our catering industry knows it is about to cook a perfect fish and time control is of the essence," he said. "While it is critical to contain the epidemic, we also need to strike the right balance to keep the economy going and to bring our pay cheques home."

Cheung said the catering industry accounts for 200,000 jobs. He said, while the government's anti-epidemic fund can provide short-term relief, a longer-term view needs to be taken in order to rebuild the industry.

Cheung, who is also an Exco member, says economies around the world will all be fiercely competing once the global lockdown ends and Hong Kong needs to plan ahead.