US Envoy Urges Hong Kong/Chinese Business To Clean Up Air - Reuters

[hatrack]

HONG KONG - The US envoy to Hong Kong pressed businesses on Tuesday to take urgent action against a worsening air pollution "crisis" in the territory and not wait for governments to come up with a solution.

Consul General James Cunningham joined a growing chorus of calls in the former British colony for better air, which has deteriorated markedly in the past decade or so as China's Pearl River Delta next door has evolved into a major manufacturing hub. On most days now, Hong Kong's picturesque and once reliably clear Victoria Harbour is shrouded in haze. Air pollution here is starting to hurt companies' ability to attract overseas talent, one of the reasons the economy has been so successful, recent surveys show.

In a speech before the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce, Cunningham said everyone had a responsibility to act and businesses should take the lead. "Hong Kong and neighbouring industrial centres can achieve progress if individuals, businesses and government resist finger-pointing and instead take responsibility for action," he said.

"The need for progress is urgent ... Don't wait for governments to solve the problem."

EDIT

http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/36669/story.htm

Is that last bit the wisdom you bring from DC, Mr. Cunningham?

[Benhurst]

1. Yeah, that's sure to work. The Chamber of Commerce can always

be depended upon to do what's right.

What Bushit!