Kowloon Chamber: Govt should uphold people-centered spirit

Editor's Note: Officials from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR recently visited various sectors of Hong Kong to listen to their concerns. These outreach activities triggered wide-ranging discussions in society.

Ernest Yuen Ka-lok, vice-chairman of the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce, told China Daily that the government should build mutual trust with residents through outreach activities and face-to-face talks.

In the past few days, officials from the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have paid a series of visits to residents of various sectors, including grassroots families, fishermen, young entrepreneurs and vendors. What is your take on these visits? What do you think of the significance of these activities?

I believe these outreach activities offered valuable opportunities for individuals to voice their struggles, not only representing themselves, but their industries or social classes. Without such channels, they may not have the time or means to express their problems and concerns. Face-to-face communication can strengthen mutual understanding and ensure time and resources spent on assisting some groups of society can be used efficiently. Residents also need to feel that they are being heard. Building such connections, trust and understanding are the building blocks of establishing a strong relationship between the government and residents.

What do you think the impacts that such kind of outreach activities will bring to the area or industry you are in or you are attentive to?

Members of our chamber come from different walks of life, including white collar and blue collar. As discussed, outreach activities will enhance our abilities to address the needs and concerns of our members and collect much firsthand information on them. We will continue to work closely with our members and ensure their voices can be heard and attended to.

During his visit, Liaison Office Director Luo Huining said that Hong Kong's social problems can be solved gradually by upholding the people-centered development philosophy. What is your view on that?

By upholding the people-centered development philosophy, we can unite and provide a better life for people in Hong Kong across all classes. When the government puts its people's interests first, policies will be implemented well, and time and resources will be used effectively.