SCED meets with SME organisations on impact of "Occupy Central" on businesses (with photo)
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     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, today (October 4) held a meeting with eight small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) business organisations to listen to their views and to gain a better understanding of the impact of the "Occupy Central" movement on their businesses. The SME organisations cover sectors ranging from manufacturing, retail, catering to finance, services and trading.

     The SME organisations all expressed concern that the current impasse may dampen investors' confidence in Hong Kong's  business environment if the impasse is to continue. In particular, the organisations indicated that this is traditionally a crucial period of time for the retailers who are normally met with robust consumers' demand. The inconvenience brought by the road blockades and the current demonstrators' activities will invariably affect their business turnover, albeit in various degrees depending on the location of the retail outlets.

     Mr So said the government cares about the business environment in which SMEs operate and is concerned about the ripple effects caused by any possible loss of investors' confidence.

     "Hong Kong is a world-renowned business centre. We have been carefully building up that reputation over decades. Our reputation and competitiveness would be at risk if business operations are affected for a prolonged time," he said.

     "We will continue to monitor the situation and keep in close contact with the SMEs and business sector with a view to understanding their needs," Mr So added.

Ends/Saturday, October 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:42

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