National security law brings stability, boosts investor confidence in Hong Kong: investment chief

China

National security law brings stability, boosts investor confidence in Hong Kong: investment chief

2025-07-01 21:21 Last Updated At：21:57

The national security law in Hong Kong has fostered stability since its implementation on June 30, 2020, restoring investor confidence and enhancing the city's long-term appeal as a global business hub, according to a senior investment official.

Marking the fifth anniversary of the legislation and the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, Alpha Lau, director-general of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, highlighted in an interview how the National Security Law has resolved uncertainties that previously concerened international investors.

"I think after the 2019 unrest, we did have a shift in the sentiment from foreign investors, not counting Hong Kong and Chinese (mainland) ones. At that time, it was mostly inquiries or the concern that the unrest might cost the business. The actual figures did not really slow down a lot per se. We need certainty, we need stability to do business, that's what they all say. And there's enough instability in the financial world already without these added insecurities. Whilst the sentiment was indeed quite skeptical at that time, the introduction of the National Security Law actually brought stability to the region, for sure. For Hong Kong and for a lot of companies, that actually gave them the stability they needed to then further expand or to confirm their investments," said Lau.

She added that recent survey results point to renewed confidence among foreign firms operating in the HKSAR.

"Earlier this year, for example, the American Chamber of Commerce did a survey in Hong Kong and over 70 percent of the American companies surveyed said that the National Security Law did not really affect them negatively. If anything, it brought stability to their investment decisions, which are frequently longer-term. And over 60 percent of them said they would actually increase their investments in the region, in Hong Kong, and into Greater China. So, I actually feel that the National Security Law has brought stability, in fact, to Hong Kong, and made the environment far more investable for a lot of companies," said Lau.

The law, which came into effect in June 2020, aims to safeguard national security while maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and social order.

East China county sees arrivals of over 10,000 swans for wintering

As temperatures drop in the north hemisphere, large flocks of swans have migrated from the colder north to Jinxian County of Nanchang City in warmer east China's Jiangxi Province to tide over the winter.

This year, thanks to the improved environment, over 10,000 swans have arrived in the vast stretches of wetlands in the county, according to staff of the local forestry bureau.

These beautiful creatures have attracted many birdwatchers, residents, and visitors eager to capture the scene.

"I have been coming here to photograph birds for 12 consecutive years. Each year, I have different experiences in bird photography. Over recent years, I've felt that the ecological system in Jinxian has improved significantly, and the varieties of migratory birds have also increased. This change is a result of everyone's efforts to protect and love birds. Every time I see a stunning scene, my mood is different," said Fan Zheping, a birdwatcher.

Not far from the site, Nanchang City has built a natural education and science popularization base featuring specimen displays, immersive VR experiences, and 3D video presentations.

"Such an immersive experience is not only particularly novel and interesting, but also deepens our understanding of the importance of protecting migratory bird habitats and safeguarding nature," said Luo Canqi, a local pupil.