Chief Secretary Carrie Lam has urged pan-democrats to show goodwill towards the Central Government, saying their rejection of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee decision on constitutional development is hindering reform progress.
Speaking to the media in Guangzhou today, Mrs Lam said the pan-democrats' decision is regrettable and unnecessary, saying society wants to find a way forward in constitutional development within the NPCSC's chosen framework.
She said some pan-democrats showed their willingness to communicate with the Central Government during the consultation period and received positive responses, but the declaration has since destroyed the conducive atmosphere.
She added there is still three months until the legislature votes on the universal suffrage proposal, and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is willing to do all the work required to garner legislators’ support.
Speaking on the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference working meeting held in Guangzhou today, Mrs Lam said 90 major co-operation initiatives were outlined.
Hong Kong and Guangdong signed an agreement on service trade liberalisation last year, which can help Hong Kong enterprises and professionals to enter the Guangdong market.
Guangdong will also form a pilot free trade area, she said, which can bring more opportunities for Hong Kong businesses.
