The Hong Kong government has announced 120 billion Hong Kong dollars ($15.4 billion) worth of measures to support an economy that's been dragged down by pro-democracy protests and the new coronavirus outbreak.
That planned spending would result in "a record high deficit" for the coming financial year, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in his budget speech on Wednesday.government has announced 120 billion Hong Kong dollars worth of measures to support its economy, which has been dragged down by pro-democracy protests and the new coronavirus outbreak.
That planned spending would result in "a record high deficit" for the coming financial year, Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in his budget speech on Wednesday. "Since January 2020, Hong Kong has come under the threat posed by the novel coronavirus outbreak, which further dealt a blow to the economy. We must take decisive measures to tackle the situation," he said.
Chan outlined measures to help businesses, workers and households weather additional economic challenges posed by the virus outbreak. They include:A reduction in profits tax by 100%, subject to a ceiling to $20,000The Hong Kong economyin a decade when it posted a 2.8% year-on-year decline in third-quarter gross domestic product. In the fourth quarter, the city's GDP fell by 2.9%.
For the whole of 2019, Hong Kong's economy contracted by 1.2% — the first annual GDP decline since 2009, said Chan.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Chinese court jails Hong Kong bookseller for 10 years, Sweden objectsA Chinese court sentenced Gui Minhai, a Hong Kong bookseller, to ten years in prison for illegally providing intelligence overseas
Read more »
Hong Kong Bookseller Sentenced By China To 10 Years For Passing 'Intelligence'A Hong Kong bookseller who published critical volumes about Chinese leaders was kidnapped by Chinese agents while vacationing in Thailand in 2015. Now, he's been sentenced to 10 years in prison for providing intelligence to people overseas.
Read more »
Hong Kong extends school closures in attempt to contain coronavirus outbreakHong Kong has announced that all classes in schools will be further suspended until at least April 19 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Read more »
Hong Kong banks face coronavirus toll on asset quality, loan growthHong Kong's banks face at least two quarters of worsening asset quality and...
Read more »