Wallis Wang
Chief executive John Lee says a series of night activities will be held from mid-autumn to New Year to help revive the night-time economy.
Finance Secretary Paul San Mo-bo and Deputy Finance Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun are working on promoting the night economy, Lee told the second public consultation forum at Sha Tin Government Secondary School yesterday.
About 120 people attended the consultation, including a businessman named Choi, who suggested that HK$1,000 district consumption vouchers be distributed in various districts to encourage people to consume.
„This can immediately increase the flow of people to various districts. The change in people’s consumption patterns can also boost Hong Kong’s economy,” he said.
Tseung Kwan O North area committee member Chan Chi-ho appealed to the government to set up night markets where people gather after dinner.
„Night markets should be integrated with the community and set up in places like East Coast Park Complex, Cheung Kuan Oh Waterfront Park and Sha Tin Shing Mun Riverside, where people like to walk after dinner. The government can allow traders to set up eight to 10 stalls,” he said.
Another participant, Ip, said staff shortages and shops having to pay more at night lead to higher prices, which turn off customers.
He insisted that the government should subsidize night-time shops so that discounts could be given.
Speaking to the media after the forum, Lee said the nightly activities will continue in various stages from mid-autumn to the New Year.
„My advice to them [Paul Chan and Michael Wong] We need to free our minds by listening to different people’s opinions. „We hope to host popular nighttime activities that will bring us economic benefits,” Lee said.
„Instead of a single event, nighttime activities should also be expanded in phases. Periodically review activities and add new elements to make them more interesting.”
Executive committee member Geoffrey Lam Kin-fung told a TV show that night markets include Chinese fortune-telling and „villain beating” to attract tourists.
Let’s say that night markets should not sell cheap products that are available everywhere. And the organizers should conduct programs to attract art lovers. He said the government should consult the commerce, catering and entertainment sectors on how to conduct the popular night markets.
„Oddany rozwiązywacz problemów. Przyjazny hipsterom praktykant bekonu. Miłośnik kawy. Nieuleczalny introwertyk. Student.