Support for businesses hailed, but critics say help not targeted
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People queueing for a copy of the government's annual budget booklet in Hong Kong yesterday. The pan-democracy camp was unhappy over the additional $897 million funding earmarked for the police.
PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
HONG KONG • Some criticised Financial Secretary Paul Chan for lacking a targeted approach, and for the boost given to Hong Kong's police force. Others praised his spending for easing pressure on some businesses.
Hong Kong's biggest pro-Beijing party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the budget reflects ground sentiments, while the pro-Beijing Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong described the budget as one that has given a "life-saving straw" to struggling businesses.