Govt's relief package evokes lukewarm response

Govt's relief package evokes lukewarm response

Thomas Yuen talks to RTHK's Janice Wong

Members of the public have been casting doubt on the government's HK$19 billion relief package, with some saying the sweeteners and waivers proposed are "useless" to boost the economy or improve people's livelihoods.



The measures unveiled on Thursday ranged from tax concessions, extra social security payments and housing allowances for local residents to waivers for government fees and relief for small and medium-sized businesses.



It comes at a time when Carrie Lam's administration is struggling to deal with the ongoing protests since June, although the government stressed that the proposals were not aimed to pacify the political situation.



But some people RTHK spoke to on Friday weren't too enthusiastic about the government plans.



Anthony, a businessman who is involved in import and export, said even if the government offers millions of dollars in relief, there's no use.



"Because this is [about] the confidence of my client overseas ... they have no confidence," he said.



"They asked me 'can you be a 100 percent sure that your goods will be shipped to our country? Can you?' I can't," said the businessman.



University student Sandy, who said she had joined the anti-extradition protests, said she feels the government is just trying to offer some benefits to "shut them up".



But she said that won't work for a majority of people because it's just "small bonuses" to them.



An economics expert also criticised the package, saying it can do little to prop up the economy.



Thomas Yuen, an associate professor of economics and finance at Shue Yan University, said officials should have focused more on the most-affected sectors like tourism and retail, rather than helping the small and medium-sized enterprises.



Yuen told RTHK's Janice Wong that what the administration needs to do is increase consumption to boost the local economy.