Is Hong Kong Back in Business?

Chan gave a pre-recorded message from Saudi Arabia

Hong Kong's back baby! FinTech Week has kicked off in the city, but its host, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po contracted Covid-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and can't come back until he tests negative. 

It's quite embarrassing to not be able to be there to host your own party, isn't it?

He started his speech apologising for not being at the opening ceremony in person. "Obviously the Arabian hospitality is keeping me away," he joked.

Har-har.

The event is held at the convention centre

Chan told the audience in a pre-recorded message that the event was a "memorable moment for Hong Kong in a great many ways... In a great many ways, we're telling the world that we're back. Back in business, back in the business, and pleasure, of welcoming you to Hong Kong."

Quite repetitive. Does he have anything else to say?

On Wednesday the Global Financial Leaders' Summit kicks off, followed by the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament two days later. Oh good news! People can eat in their seats while watching the games now!

There is also the fact that some heads of American banking institutions are attending the event when the US government has warned them of "whitewashing human rights violations" with their presence and enabling Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu's strategy of opening up when he is one of several government officials sanctioned by the US for cracking down on human rights in the city.

As a result, Lee cannot open a bank account with these financial institutions whose top executives are sharing the stage with him later this week.

Stand News' Lam was arrested last December

While this hoopla about luring top bankers to come to Hong Kong as proof that it's back in business is taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, some 300 metres away in a courtroom are two former editors of the defunct Stand News are on trial for conspiracy to publish seditious publications, a sedition law from the colonial era.

Stand News editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen and acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam were arrested last December and if convicted, they could face a maximum jail term of two years and a fine of HK$5,000 (US$640) for a first offense, and three years for a subsequent offense. 

Their trial is expected to last 20 days.

Is this what Chan means by Hong Kong's back?