'Law and order returned' Hong Kong's US-sanctioned leader tells bankers
Hong Kong's US-sanctioned leader said political stability and business confidence has been restored following the crushing of democracy protests as he opened a summit attended by global bankers including leading Wall Street executives.
The Asian business hub is hosting a week of high-profile events after years of political unrest and pandemic travel curbs tarnished the city's business-friendly reputation, sparked an exodus of talent and battered its economy.
The marquee event at the Four Seasons hotel was heralded by city leader John Lee as proof that the previously shuttered metropolis is back in business.
"We were, we are and we will remain one of the world's leading financial centres. And you can take that to the bank," Lee told delegates.
A former security chief who took office this year, Lee is among the Chinese officials sanctioned by Washington for cracking down on rights in Hong Kong after huge democracy protests. Blacklisted individuals are unable to hold accounts with the same banking giants attending the summit.
Most of the city's political opposition are either behind bars or have fled overseas since those protests.
"Social disturbance is clearly in the past and has given way to stability, to growing business and community confidence in Hong Kong's future," Lee said in his summit speech.
