On Wednesday’s Backchat, we’re talking about budget deficit in the 2024-25 financial year.

The government is expecting this financial year’s deficit to more than double to HK$100 billion, from the HK$48 billion forecasted back in February.


Citing poor asset market performance, low profit tax revenues, and slow property transactions as contributing factors, the Financial Secretary Paul Chan also suggested that the return of US President-elect Donald Trump could fuel uncertainties over the course of next year.


The minister added that the government would conduct transitional fiscal consolidation through cuts in expenditures, which would take priority over raising revenue.


How much of an impact has the housing market had on these numbers? Is the introduction of new taxes inevitable? We’ll find out.


After 9:45, we’re speaking to an e-gaming fan about the Pokémon GO City Safari which is coming to Hong Kong on December 7 and 8.


9:05am-9:45am: Hong Kong budget deficit
9:05am-9:30am: Kathy Lee, Senior Director and Head of Research, Colliers
9:05am-9:30am: Vera Yuen, Lecturer in Economics, HKU Business School
9:30am-9:45am: Wendy Hong, Lawmaker


9:45am-10:00am: Pokémon GO City Safari in Hong Kong

9:45am-10:00am: Prof Lai Chi Lung, Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor at The University of Hong Kong. He Pokémon fan and has sponsored a local player at an international tournament.