BEIJING, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- As the ongoing ferocious violence sinks Hong Kong into tremendous unrest, the economy that used to be among the most competitive in the world and its once superior business environment are being jeopardized.
Over the past two months, the radical protesters have been causing severe damage to Hong Kong. During the past week, all manner of blatant destructive activities were gaining in momentum across the region.
The protesters blocked railways and tunnels, attacked the police, rioted at the Hong Kong International Airport resulting in numerous canceled flights, and even brutally assaulted tourists and journalists there.
The rampant violence has caused worries and regret for the city that used to be loved by tourists and business people around the globe for its safe and friendly environment.
Statistics from Hong Kong's labor unions in the tourism sector show that in the past two months, tourism business operators had their average revenue drop by almost 80 percent year on year, with over 10 percent of them recording no income whatsoever.
The retail industry in the region also suffered a heavy blow, as the retail sales and rentals of the shops in downtown areas both plunged.
A sound business environment is the lifeline of Hong Kong's development, as the region had been proud of its favorable conditions such as the rule of law, convenient transportation, developed financial industry, efficient public services and international talent.
Hong Kong's consistent efforts in building a sound business environment is key to its attraction for investment and visitors from across the world.
The business environment is as essential to Hong Kong as air and water are to humans. The continual violent acts are poisoning this environment and eroding the international community's confidence in Hong Kong, which will cause fatal damage to the region's development if they are not stopped with strong measures.
Prosperous and fascinating Hong Kong, created through the efforts of generations of Hong Kong compatriots and built up and maintained with years of hard work, cannot be allowed to be devoured by violence.
To save it, ending the violence and the chaos is of the utmost urgency.