Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Carrie Lam on Friday said the recent string of "violent protests" in Hong Kong will lead to long-term economic problems and called on the protesters to stop large-scale obstructions.
"Hong Kong cannot be continuously in chaos. We call on protesters to stop these large-scale obstructions in Hong Kong and we would like to hear opinions from all sectors of society in a humble manner," Lam said at a press conference.
Noting that Hong Kong is already facing huge downward pressure in its economy, Lam said it might take Hong Kong a long time to recover. She called for united forces to drive Hong Kong out of chaos, appealing for calm and rationality so as to put an end to the violence and restore Hong Kong's stability and development before causing more damages to Hong Kong's economy.
The Hong Kong SAR government will offer more help to local SMEs, which have been deeply affected by protests, Lam said, adding that she vowed to do a better job.
Hong Kong's Executive Council will cut short its summer break and reconvene next Tuesday, Lam told reporters.
