Hong Kong panda cubs can help boost economy and residents’ national identity: lawmakers – Technologist

Lawmaker Lo Wai-kwok, of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong, on Saturday said the newborns could help bolster patriotism among residents.

“We should approach national education from a range of angles,” he told a radio programme.

“Different floral and fauna that carry Chinese characteristics can be excellent topics for national education, alongside our culture, history and the nation’s rapid technological advancement.”

Lo also said an around-the-clock live stream of panda cubs could prove popular, citing existing mainland websites, and could draw consistent traffic from enthusiasts.

“Why don’t we turn some of our planes into panda planes [on their exteriors],” Lam said.

“Can hotels come up with panda-themed packages? Can manufacturers produce more panda toys? If we mull it over a little, pandas can boost Hong Kong’s economy.”

Legislator Tony Tse Wai-chuen said that different sectors should work together to create a business synergy, suggesting more panda-themed street art could be produced as part of the effort.

Ying Ying and Le Le were gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing in 2001.

Ocean Park said both cubs were under 24-hour intensive watch by an animal care and veterinary team and mainland experts, adding it would take a few months before the twins could meet the public.