Tens Of Thousands Of Jobs Will Be Lost, Warns DAB

The biggest pro-Beijing party in Hong Kong, DAB, has warned that the city may see tens of thousands losing their jobs if the current economic slide continues.

The party said its annual survey found that over 70 percent of people polled have a negative outlook about the Hong Kong economy in the coming year – the highest since the survey started in 2004.

The party polled 570 people in July, and found only around 13 percent have a positive view for Hong Kong's short-term economy. Consumer confidence also dropped to 65.4 points, compared to 72.4 in December.

The DAB said they think that in that survey, the public was expressing concern about trade frictions between the US and China, as well as ongoing protests.

The party's deputy spokesperson on commerce and industry, Spring Cheung, warned tens of thousands of people may get fired if the downslide continues.

"If we don't stop the violence, many shops will close and many people will lose their jobs. Maybe of tens of thousands of jobs will collapse in retail and tourism sectors," warned Cheung.

"I think all people agree with this," she said.