HONG KONG -- Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Friday played up the economic damage stemming from months of protests in the territory, and pledged "aggressive" steps to help struggling businesses.
Speaking at a news conference after meeting more than 30 business representatives, the embattled leader said the protests are hurting the economy more than the 2007-2008 global financial crisis and the devastating SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic of 2003.
