Transcript of remarks by SLW on anti-epidemic measures
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Reporter: There are some criticisms that the Anti-epidemic Fund, the relief package, overly focuses on the corporate and the businesses than helping the workers. How do you respond to that criticism?
Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Yes, it is definitely the concern for the Government to protect the employees, over three million employees, here in Hong Kong. The approach in this Anti-epidemic Fund is basically trying to help the employers to maintain their business as far as possible. If they can maintain their business, then the employment can continue, instead of closing down or firing their own staff. So, by the time when the epidemic is over, the enterprises can bounce back very quickly. That is the basic idea. We hope that we can help them.
On the other hand, to help the general population is a matter of a much macro perspective and I would guess the Financial Secretary would take care of that.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 11:22
Issued at HKT 11:22
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