Chief Executive CY Leung says an anti-parallel trading protest in Sheung Shui over the weekend was not beneficial to Hong Kong's image as a hospitable city.
Speaking to reporters ahead of an Executive Council meeting today, Mr Leung noted that the new "one trip per week" Individual Visit Endorsements for Shenzhen residents policy has helped significantly reduce parallel trading activities in certain districts.
Mr Leung also said it is not the right time to lift or ease export restrictions on infant milk powder, adding that the Government had hired consultants to closely monitor the market situation.
The Chief Executive noted that the Government has kept in close contact with the relevant Mainland bureaus on Hong Kong's capacity to receive visitors, adding that for the long-term, Hong Kong will continue to expand its tourist facilities and scenic spots.
Mr Leung also highlighted the need for Hong Kong to create a hospitable atmosphere so that tourists - either from the Mainland or abroad - will feel at home here, but he added that this would rely on a collective effort by the community, including the small number who take part in protests targeting visitors.
When asked about the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the Chief Executive said both are beneficial to Hong Kong's stock and capital markets, as well as to the Mainland and SAR economies.
