Northern Metropolis will power up HK economy: CE

Chief Executive John Lee says the Northern Metropolis is the breakthrough Hong Kong needs to power up its economy. In an interview with TVB, he said the project combines four elements in one – land and housing, a university town, industry, and technology. "When you add these elements together, what happens? Talent gathers, and capital follows. Because both talent and money go where the opportunities are," he said. "If you want to build a career and you see opportunity, of course you go. Capital is even smarter. Money is the smartest thing there is." On the slight rise in unemployment, he said the government is working to help businesses. "If you want jobs, you need businesses first. Our manufacturing is advanced manufacturing – high value‑added. Once you have industry, you have employment," he said. Asked about a possible second term, he said a chief executive must stay focused and simply do the job at hand well. Edited by Aaron Tam