Mandatory Tests Crucial To Lift Economy: Paul Chan

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Sunday that mandatory testing is an "indispensable tool" to put the local Covid-19 epidemic under control and create the conditions for a new "dawn to emerge" for the battered Hong Kong economy.

Writing on his blog, Chan said the he expects the upcoming GDP figure to show that the city's economy went on to a fifth straight quarter of contraction.

But he forecast the year-on-year GDP decline for the July to September period to narrow from the first two quarters, because of a low base of comparison.

According to Chan, the SAR should see significant improvement in its September export performance.

He explained that his assessment was based on the mainland's recent GDP and export figures showing expansion, as well the drop in Hong Kong's export narrowing from 7.4 percent in May to 2.3 percent in August.

But the finance chief pointed out that there is more than figures to the complex issue of economic revival.

Chan said the city must eliminate local infections through the "tool" of targeted, or even mass mandatory testing for Covid-19.

He said this will create the conditions for economic activities to return and ease the pressure on workers and businesses.

He noted that the mainland's economy is already recovering and if cross-border travel can return, Hong Kong's economy can become "lively" again despite disruptions from the pandemic situation overseas.