January 5, 2017, Li Ka-shing, Honorary President of YRIC, chairman of Cheung Kong Property Holdings Limited and Hutchinson Whampoa Limited, told the media that there is no truth that his group may be walking out on Bong Kong and the Chinese mainland. He reaffirmed his faith and confidence in the SAR and the country, saying investments by his two flagship companies will continue. Referring to Hong Kong’s economy in this year, he will hope for the best but plan for the worst, and he agrees with the term of the Chief Executive proposed by Wang Guanya, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office. I hoped there will be a new Chief Executive who is respected and loved by all.

Figure: Main point of view of Li Ka-shing, Hornorary President of YRIC

Mr Li reiterated in an interview that he will stay here in mainland and the fluctuation of RMB would not have a big impact on his choice, since the investment choice is based on the rate of return. There is no direct correlation between the currency fluctuation and rate of return. Where the return rate is fair enough to invest, we will go.

In Chung Kong’s annual dinner party, he said that based on his past experience, if there is a moment of romance it usually comes from thousands of miles away. I set up my foundation in 1980 and since then I have been helping to reform education and further medical research. To date, over HK$20 billion has been put to work to support all our initiatives, over 80% of which benefit projects in the Greater China region.  

Figure:  Honorary President of YRIC Li Ka-shing on a TV live interview

Regarding Hong Kong’s economic outlook, Li ka-shing indicated that he still has confidence in Hong Kong’s economy, despite of the global uncertainties and significant headwinds in currencies. CKH’s investments in Hong Kong will not be affected by the recent outlook downgrade as the city has sound public finances. Refer to the expectations of the property mark, he believes that property price will not go too high after the adjustment of stamp duty.

Asked about the international development, President Li Ka-shing said there are nearly 600 Group's retail stores in Hong Kong, and around 13,000 in the whole world. If the oversea expansion continuously boost its earnings, they will go back to Hong Kong to pay dividends.