LettersWhat Hong Kong needs to solve seemingly intractable problems – from housing to tourism
Readers discuss the government’s approach to major issues facing the city, and the large number of buildings that do not comply with inspection noticesHong Kong economyLettersPublished: 11:30am, 24 Sep, 2023Why you can trust SCMP
Photographs, after heavy rainfall, of officials pointing at damaged areas suggest that they are highly engaged in doing something. Photographs of officials in dilapidated buildings suggest the same thing. And press conferences where a team of officials stands in front of a banner announcing “Happy Hong Kong” or some other campaign suggest that something very important and impactful is being announced.
Unfortunately, the Woody Allen saying, “80 per cent of success is showing up”, does not apply to public administration.
Hong Kong requires some profound improvements, from addressing the issue of unaffordable housing to expanding the economic base beyond financial services and real estate to new industries to regaining its edge as an exciting tourist destination after China’s changes to the tax on luxury goods detracted from Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a shopping centre for mainland tourists.